Fancy staying in a swanky hotel in London with a view to remember? Then we’ve got you covered. Here are the ten best hotels with a view in London.
London is a bustling city, which makes for a fantastic destination whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or if you have a few more days to spare.
With an abundance of hotels, many of which offer superb locations, panoramic views and excellent facilities, London is no wonder a prime location for all kinds of travellers.
In addition, London is a city that is quite eye-catching, with its many iconic landmarks, so it would be a crying shame not to stay in a hotel that encapsulates this city’s personality and with that in mind, here is our list of the ten best hotels with a view in London.
The rundown − our top picks for the best hotels in London
- Best Five-Star Hotel: The Shangri La, The Shard
- Best Located Hotel: London Mariott Hotel County Hall
- Best Apartment Style Hotel: Cheval Three Quays
- Best Traditional Hotel: The Savoy Hotel
- Best Hotel near Hyde Park: London Hilton
- Best Family-Friendly Hotel: Park Plaza County Hall
- Best Four-Star Hotel: Citizen M
- Best Hotel for Couples: Royal Garden Hotel
- Best Elegant Hotel: 45 Park Lane
- Best Budget-Friendly Hotel: Novotel London Canary Wharf
The best hotels in London with a view − tips and advice
Booking.com: When it comes to booking hotels around the world, and for these hotels with a view of London, we recommend using Booking.com.
When to book: Always book as far in advance as possible, especially if you want to stay on the weekend, during an event or in the peak season. Many of these hotels are in high demand, so it is always advisable never to wait until the last moment.
Where to stay in London – the best areas in London
Notting Hill: This cosmopolitan neighbourhood of London is located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, an area well known for its lavish shops, fancy houses, and celebrity spotting.
Shoreditch: Located in the East End of London, Shoreditch is a great place to stay for its great nightlife, an abundance of eateries, colourful street art and alternative vibes.
Camden: Camden Town in northwest London is an iconic place to stay regarding music, history, the local markets, the vibes, and quirky shops.
South Kensington: Since this area of London is commonly known as Little Paris, this has to be one of the best areas to stay in London for a luxurious experience and a memorable trip.
Mayfair: This is a very affluent area in the West End of London and is one of the most popular places to stay, with easy access to Hyde Park and the shopping area of Oxford Street.
1. Shangri La The Shard − for an incredible experience in an iconic hotel
Overview: For an incredibly unique stay in London, you must book a few nights at the Shangri La, located in the iconic building known as The Shard. Not only will you have a range of excellent facilities, but you will be blown away by the city views, excellent location and top-class service.
The hotel is close to…Tower Bridge and The Tower of London!
The hotel is perfect for…an ultra-luxurious stay!
IN HIGH DEMAND: This hotel offers so many unique features and top-class luxury, so book in advance to avoid disappointment, especially when looking for specific dates.
Key features here include:
- The highest bar in London
- Breathtaking views from everywhere in the hotel
- The sky pool
- The hotel is pet friendly
- Three dining and drinking venues on site
Address: 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU, United Kingdom
2. London Mariott Hotel County Hall − directly overlooking the iconic London Eye
Overview: There are many reasons to choose to stay at the London Mariott Hotel County Hall, but one of the top reasons why it is one of the best hotels with a view in London is that it provides 24-hour viewing of the famous London Eye, as well as Big Ben and the Parliament buildings right across the river.
The hotel is close to…the London Eye and Big Ben!
The hotel is perfect for…a view of London’s most stunning attractions!
IN HIGH DEMAND: This is one of the very few hotels which has a balcony and looks out over the London Eye, so book well in advance if you want to plan a stay here.
Key features here include:
- Walking distance to Big Ben, London Eye and Parliament Buildings
- One of the few hotels with a balcony in the city
- Directly overlooking the famous London Eye
- An onsite steakhouse overlooking the River Thames
- A well-equipped gym with regular fitness classes and a 25m pool
Address: County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
3. Cheval Three Quays − for a home away from home
Overview: This elegant five-star hotel is situated alongside the Thames River, which of course, offers beautiful river views all day long, from your morning coffee to your evening dinner, plus the bustling river traffic will ensure you have plenty of opportunities to see what daily London life is like.
The hotel is close to…the Tower of London and Brick Lane!
The hotel is perfect for…a delightful riverside stay!
Key features here include:
- Apartment-style hotel, with open plan kitchen and living room in each room
- A state-of-the-art fitness rooms
- Spacious Balcony
- Pets are allowed
- Views of the Shard, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge and City Hall
Address: 40 Lower Thames St, London EC3R 6AG, United Kingdom
4. The Savoy Hotel – a real taste of London
Overview: If you want a real taste of British culture and history, then a stay at The Savoy is a must, plus it has the bonus of having unparalleled views of London City. This luxury hotel is one of the best hotels with a view in London, and it is where many famous people have stayed over the years, which gives it lots of character.
The hotel is close to…The British Museum & The Royal Opera House!
The hotel is perfect for…a traditional stay in a historic building!
IN HIGH DEMAND: This is a historic and iconic London hotel with a view in high demand throughout the year, so it is best to book well in advance, especially at peak times.
Key features here include:
- A five-minute walk from Covent Garden
- Home to some of the city’s best-known restaurants, including one of the world’s best hotel bars
- Private balconies with a city view
- Edwardian/Art Deco interior with marble bathrooms
- Located in the heart of London, close to shopping and sightseeing areas
Address: Strand, London WC2R 0EZ, United Kingdom
5. London Hilton on Park Lane – a focal point of the city
Overview: One of the major focal points of London City, apart from its range of attractions, famous river and historic buildings, is, of course, Hyde Park, which is the location of the London Hilton. Situated on the prestigious Park Lane in Mayfair, this is one of the best hotels with a view in London, looking out on the park as well as Knightsbridge and Westminster.
The hotel is close to…Hyde Park!
The hotel is perfect for…excellent onsite dining options and a view from every room!
Key features here include:
- Executive lounge access and all-day continental breakfast for executive suites and rooms
- Trader Vics, which is London’s first Polynesian restaurant
- An onsite Michelin-star restaurant with French cuisine
- One of the most prestigious locations in the city
- Ideally located for attending West End shows
Address: 22 Park Ln, London W1K 1BE, United Kingdom
6. Park Plaza County Hall − for some great family perks and packages
Overview: This chic family-friendly hotel is one of the best hotels with a view in London; in fact, the hotel overlooks the iconic London Eye, but if you are lucky enough to avail of a room on the top floor, you will reap views of even more of the London attractions in the distance.
The hotel is close to…The London Eye, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament!
The hotel is perfect for…a family getaway!
Key features here include:
- A spa and wellness centre with treatments, a steam room and a sauna
- The option to book The Family Getaway Package for lots of perks, including complimentary breakfast for all
- Family-specific rooms, as well as children’s menus when dining
- Plenty of family-friendly activities are on offer at the hotel
- Kids receive goodie bags at check-in
Address: 1 Addington St, London SE1 7RY, United Kingdom
7. Citizen M Tower of London − a modern hotel with an attractive price
Overview: You may think that all of the best hotels with a view in London come with a hefty price tag, but let us introduce you to Citizen M, which boasts some exceptional views, an ultra-modern feel as well as an affordable price tag. There are plenty of things to love about this popular London hotel, so let us show you.
The hotel is close to…Tower Bridge & The Tower of London!
The hotel is perfect for…an affordable hotel with great views!
Key features here include:
- Located right over the Tower Hill underground station for great accessibility
- All room mod cons can be controlled via the room IPAD and app
- There is a rooftop meeting space for all your business needs
- Many of the city’s famous sights can be seen from the hotel
- 7th-floor Cloud M bar for incredible cocktails and Tower of London views
Address: 40 Trinity Square, London EC3N 4DJ, United Kingdom
8. Royal Garden Hotel – an escape to nature
Overview: For a true escape to nature within London city, you should opt for a few nights away at the Royal Garden Hotel, which overlooks the peaceful Kensington Gardens and is just a stone’s throw from one of the biggest city attractions which are Kensington Palace as well as Hyde Park.
The hotel is close to…Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park!
The hotel is perfect for…a couple’s getaway!
Key features here include:
- A 3 AA Rosette Chinese Restaurant
- A 24-hour health club
- Three restaurants and two bars to enjoy with Mia Jiang on the 10th floor boasting panoramic views
- Fantastic views over Kensington Gardens
- A central yet quiet location, ideal for couples on a romantic getaway
Address: 2-24 Kensington High St, London W8 4PT, United Kingdom
9. 45 Park Lane − with a prime park-side location
Overview: This stunning hotel overlooks Hyde Park and is one of the best hotels with a view in London. Each room guarantees nature views over Hyde Park, but the location ensures you get the best of both worlds with the main city attractions close by and nature spots to enjoy, but there’s more.
The hotel is close to…Hyde Park & Oxford Street!
The hotel is perfect for…a combination of city and nature!
Key features here include:
- All rooms come with Aromatherapy toiletries
- Oxford Street is just a fifteen-minute walk from the hotel for excellent shopping
- A city view or park view can be requested when booking
- A modern American steak restaurant specialising in prime dry and wet aged beef, wine and lobster
- A swimming pool, bar, library and private media room are also featured here
Address: 45 Park Ln, London W1K 1PN, United Kingdom
10. Novotel London Canary Wharf − for the best views of the London skyline
Overview: Canary Wharf is a vibrant area to be in any time of day, so if you have the chance to stay here, Novotel is one of the best hotels with a view in London, especially if you are budget conscious. This easygoing hotel offers a range of facilities and a great location to explore London.
The hotel is close to…Canary Wharf!
The hotel is perfect for…great views and a great location on a budget!
Key features here include:
- A stunning rooftop terrace with panoramic views over London
- Triple-story rooftop dining options with European-inspired cuisines
- Pets are welcomed
- An out-of-city location, which allows for the best London skyline views
- Fitness centre and swimming pool on site
Address: 40 Marsh Wall, London E14 9TP, United Kingdom
Notable mentions
- Best Five Star Hotels: Royal Lancaster London, The Picadilly London Westend, One Hundred Shoreditch
- Best Located Hotels: The Other House Residents Club, Park Grand London Kensington, Sun Street Hotel
- Best Apartment Style Hotels: ROOF TOP TERRACE, No.2 Queensberry Place, Nice 3
- Best Traditional Hotels: The Rubens at The Palace, The Bloomsbury Hotel, Radisson Blu Edwardian
- Best Hotels near Hyde Park: Nobu Hotel London, Park Lane Apartments, The Montcalm Marble Arch
- Best Family Friendly Hotels: Hilton London Bankside, Sofitel London St, Chessington Safari Hotel
- Best Four-Star Hotels: The Tower Hotel, Leonardo Royal London, Radisson Blu Edwardian
- Best Hotels for Couples: Corinthia London, Four Seasons Hotel, The Landmark Hotel
- Best Elegant Hotels: The Ned, Kimpton Fitzroy, Hotel Café Royal
- Best Budget-Friendly Hotels: ibis Styles London, The Judd Hotel, The Tower Hotel
FAQs about the best hotels with a view in London
What is the best hotel with a view in London?
The Shangri La at The Shard offers some of the best views since it is the tallest building in the city.
Can you get a hotel with a view on a budget?
Yes, both the Novotel Canary Wharf and Citizen M are affordable options with a view.
What can you see from The Tower Hotel?
You can see Tower Bridge and The Shard skyscraper.