Finding somewhere to stay isn’t always an easy experience – especially in some of the biggest cities in the world.
London may use the same language as us, and it's just a short hop across the Irish Sea to get there, but that doesn't necessarily help matters.
In years gone by, you were often left with blindly taking a stab at one of the listings in the Golden Pages.
Thankfully it’s a lot easier than it used to be though, thanks to consumer review sites – Tripadvisor list no less than 1117 hotels in London, each one rated and reviewed by users.
We thought we’d make it even easier and bring you the three best-reviewed hotels in each star rating category – from 5-star luxury down to 2-star value, because there really is somewhere worth staying for every budget.
Oh, and we threw in a couple of stinkers to avoid... Skip to the end for those.
FIVE STARS
1. Hotel 41
41 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0PS
Where is it?
Is that address enough of a clue? Yep, you’re close enough to Buck House to be able to pop over to the Queen and borrow a pint of milk.
Westminster Cathedral is a stone’s throw away, as is Victoria station – so it’s ultra easy to get there.
Why’s it so good?
You’re in the lap of luxury here – this is a boutique hotel with the personal touch, such as champagne on arrival, plenty of complimentary snacks and staff that are attentive but never intrusive.
2. The Egerton House Hotel
17-19 Egerton Terrace, London SW3 2BX
Where is it?
Right in the heart of upper-crust Knightsbridge, a five-minute walk from Harrod’s and round the corner from the Victoria & Albert Museum, Natural History Museum and Science Museum.
Why’s it so good?
A high-end boutique hotel in one of the most exclusive postcodes in the world, this place is said to be spotlessly clean and – crucially for some – pet friendly. Dogs are even welcome at afternoon tea.
3. The Milestone Hotel and Residences
1 Kensington Court, London W8 5DL
Where is it?
Beautiful Kensington, right beside Hyde Park and nestled among the embassies.
Why’s it so good?
The location has to be a plus point – you’re seconds from London’s most famous park. There’s real history here too – the hotel is a restored mansion house dating back to 1883.
FOUR STARS
1. The Nadler Covent Garden
51 Bedford Street, London WC2R 0PZ
Where is it?
You’re in the heart of tourist London here – a couple of minutes from bustling Covent Garden in one direction and Trafalgar Square in the other.
Why’s it so good?
Location, location, location. The service is very highly rated and the rooms are said to be perfectly quiet too – quite an achievement in this area.
2. The Chesterfield Mayfair
35 Charles Street, Mayfair, London W1J 5EB
Where is it?
Another west-end spot, this one is in exclusive Mayfair – truly a millionaire’s playground and close to Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace – and The Ritz!
Why’s it so good?
Old-world opulence is the name of the game here – plenty of wood panelling, leather and luxurious fabrics. Minimalism is so 20th century...
3. The Montague on The Gardens
15 Montague Street, London WC1B 5BJ
Where is it?
History buff? You’re in luck – this one is right opposite the British Museum in Bloomsbury.
Why’s it so good?
The Montague is described as feeling like a country house in central London – a home-from-home. Visitors rave about the welcome, the decor and the fact that it’s both child- and dog-friendly.
THREE STARS
1. hub by Premier Inn London King's Cross
50 Wharfdale Road, London N1 9FA
Where is it?
Right beside two of London’s busiest railway stations – King’s Cross and St Pancras – with great access to central and north London.
Why’s it so good?
Clean, quiet and secure – with modern touches like self-service check-in, underbed storage and lots of charging points.
2. Arosfa Hotel
83 Gower Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 6HJ
Where is it?
Leafy Bloomsbury, home to Georgian squares and the British Museum. Handy for main line stations Euston, King’s Cross and St Pancras.
Why’s it so good?
Small but perfectly formed, and in a great location for tourists. Good breakfasts too, by the sound of things!
3. Premier Inn London Tottenham Hale
1 Station Road, Tottenham Hale, London N17 9LR
Where is it?
North London, not far from Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal football clubs and beside main line and London Undergound stations.
Why’s it so good?
Handy location, clean and tidy, and with very attentive staff according to the recent reviews.
TWO STARS
1. hub by Premier Inn London Westminster, St James's Park
15 Dacre Street, Westminster, London SW1H 0DJ
Where is it?
Slap-bang in the middle of tourist London – a short stroll away from Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.
Why’s it so good?
The location – it’s exactly where tourists want to be, because you can walk to so many attractions. As well as that, it’s clean, modern and the welcome is good.
2. hub by Premier Inn London Spitalfields
86 Brick Lane, London E1 6RL
Where is it?
Brick Lane in east London, the number one destination for fans of Indian food in London, and home to lots of trendy markets. Also close to Shoreditch and not far from central London.
Why’s it so good?
It’s in a very hip area and the hotel is clean, modern and well-maintained in this very busy part of London.
3. Star Hotel B&B
97-99 Shepherds Bush Road, London W6 7LP
Where is it?
Green and leafy Shepherd’s Bush, west London – a very desirable area and not far from the even more upscale Kensington and Knightsbridge
Why’s it so good?
Unlike most of the other high-scorers at this end of the market, it’s not part of a chain – so that will be a big attraction for many travellers. Spotlessly clean, accommodating staff and decent breakfast.
And two to avoid!
1. Budget Guest House
23 Swinton Street, King’s Cross, London WC1X 9NL
Where is it?
Just round the corner from King’s Cross station – not a bad location for central and north London.
Why’s it so bad?
Dirty, noisy, in a poor state of repair... How long have you got?
2. ETL Residence
8 Puma Court, London E1 6QG
Where is it?
Trendy Spitalfields, in the heart of East London, with great access to the famous market, shops, bars and restaurants.
Why’s it so bad?
Every single review gives it one out of five – dirty, grimy with non-existent customer service. Altogether unpleasant.
