Last updated: September 2026.
Choosing where to stay in London with kids can make a huge difference to the trip. A hotel that looks central on a map can still mean a lot of time on the Tube, while finding a proper family room for five or six, a kitchenette for toddler meals or even a swimming pool narrows the options surprisingly quickly.
As a London local, I’ve picked 16 family-friendly hotels that solve different problems, from affordable rooms right by the London Eye to apartments with kitchens and larger family suites. I’ve included how many each option sleeps, what’s within walking distance and the nearest Tube station, because with little ones those details matter far more than a long list of hotel facilities.
If you just want the quick answer, start with the picks below. I’ve then reviewed all 16 by budget further down.
In this guide:
At a glance | Which area is best | Budget hotels | Mid-range hotels | Luxury hotels | Our verdict
Best family hotels in London at a glance
| Best for | Our pick | Why we’d choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Park Plaza Westminster Bridge | Central South Bank location, family-friendly suites and a pool. |
| Best budget location | Premier Inn London County Hall | Hard to beat for sightseeing, with the London Eye and South Bank on the doorstep. |
| Families of 5 or 6 | Citadines Trafalgar Square | Two-bedroom apartments give larger families proper space in a very central location. |
| Best with a kitchen | Residence Inn Tower Bridge | Apartment-style rooms, kitchenettes and breakfast included. |
| Best aparthotel value | Hyatt House Stratford | More space and a kitchenette for the money, with excellent transport into central London. |
| Best with a pool | Park Plaza Westminster Bridge | A rare combination of pool, family accommodation and a genuinely useful sightseeing location. |
| Best luxury family stay | The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences | Residences give families more space while keeping the service and location of a luxury Mayfair hotel. |
| Best for South Bank sightseeing | Sea Containers | Right on the Thames Path and easy for Tate Modern, the South Bank and river walks. |
Which area of London is best for families?
If it’s your first family trip to London, we’d prioritise South Bank/Westminster for the easiest sightseeing: the London Eye, Big Ben and riverside walks are all close together and you can do a surprising amount without getting on the Tube. Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square are similarly central for the West End and major sights, but hotels can be expensive.
London Bridge and Bankside work particularly well if food, the river and attractions such as Tower Bridge are high on your list. Stratford is much further out, but the Elizabeth and Jubilee lines make it a strong value option if you’d rather have more space for your money. For families who know London already, the Docklands can also work well, particularly if you plan to use the Thames boats.
Budget family-friendly hotels in London
Affordable family-friendly hotels in London can offer great value and be near the action, but may compromise on amenities or that luxury finish as a way to keep costs down.
1. Premier Inn, London County Hall, South Bank
Premier Inn is a budget (but nice enough) chain with hotels all around the UK. They are great for families because they offer family rooms with king sized beds and sofa beds for kids, cots for babies, and free breakfast for under 16s when an adult orders breakfast.
- Best for: Unbeatable South Bank location on a budget, with family rooms across many London locations if this one’s full.
- Sleeps: Up to 4 or 5 with a sofa bed or cot.
- Family set-up: Family room with king bed and sofa bed; cots available for babies.
- Walk to: London Eye, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure, South Bank walks.
- Nearest station: Waterloo (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, Waterloo & City lines).
- Verdict: If budget and location matter more than facilities, this is hard to beat for families who want to walk straight into the action.
2. Zedwell, Piccadilly
Zedwell is like something you might see in Japan, essentially a room of beds. But in a city with as much to offer as London, you won’t be spending too much time back at your hotel, so this could be a great option to keep costs down. The larger cocoons have separate living areas and some even have decent views of the bustling city outside.
- Best for: Quiet, soundproof ‘cocoon’ rooms right in the middle of Piccadilly Circus.
- Sleeps: Largest cocoons sleep up to 6, with a separate living area.
- Family set-up: Cocoon rooms with multiple double beds; some rooms have no windows or TV, with extras like hairdryers available to rent.
- Walk to: Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Regent Street, Oxford Street.
- Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly, Bakerloo lines).
- Verdict: A clever way to keep costs down in the most central part of London, as long as you don’t mind a stripped-back room.
3. Citadines Trafalgar Square Aparthotel
- Best for: Larger families needing real space in a very central location.
- Sleeps: Two-bedroom duplexes comfortably sleep 5 or 6.
- Family set-up: Studios, 1-bed and 2-bed apartments with kitchenettes and living areas.
- Walk to: Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, the National Gallery.
- Nearest station: Embankment (Northern, Circle, District, Bakerloo lines).
- Verdict: Our top pick for families of 5 or 6 who want a proper apartment rather than a squeeze into a standard hotel room.
4. Marlin Apartments, near St Paul’s
- Best for: Families on longer stays who want a full kitchen and their own washer/dryer.
- Sleeps: Many layouts suit 5 or 6, including 2-bed options with an extra sofa bed.
- Family set-up: Full kitchen apartments with laundry facilities.
- Walk to: St Paul’s Cathedral, Millennium Bridge, Museum of London.
- Nearest station: St Paul’s (Central line), Mansion House (District, Circle lines).
- Verdict: A practical choice if you’re staying more than a few nights and want to do some of your own cooking and washing.
5. Hyatt House Aparthotel, Stratford
This is my favourite budget recommendation for travelling with kids, as you’re not compromising much on hotel quality or space, but instead saving money by being further out of the city. Stratford (home of the Olympics) is a nice area, with lots of new build apartment blocks and the large Westfield shopping centre. With easy transport links into the city (the tube is only 200m away), it’s a serious contender.
- Best for: The best value apartment-style stay, if you don’t mind being a short ride from central London.
- Sleeps: Up to 4.
- Family set-up: Apartment-style rooms with fully equipped kitchenettes; buffet breakfast included.
- Walk to: Westfield Stratford City, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
- Nearest station: Stratford (Central, Jubilee, Elizabeth line, DLR, Overground and national rail).
- Verdict: You’re not compromising much on quality or space here, just trading a few minutes of extra travel time for a lower price.
Mid-range family-friendly hotels in London
These hotels offer more amenities and higher star ratings, but higher costs to match.
1. Residence Inn by Marriott, Tower Bridge
These stylish apartments are more modern than the lower budget range, and offer a more comfortable standard that you would expect from a chain like Marriott.
- Best for: A kitchenette and more space without giving up a central base.
- Sleeps: Up to 5 in a 2-bed apartment with a sofa bed.
- Family set-up: Apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes; breakfast included.
- Walk to: Tower Bridge, Bermondsey Street cafés, Tower of London, Borough Market.
- Nearest station: Borough (Northern line) or London Bridge (Northern, Jubilee lines).
- Verdict: Our pick if a kitchenette matters more to you than being right beside Westminster.
2. Novotel, Tower Bridge
Not too far away from the Residence Inn and north of the river is the Novotel, a trusty hotel for stays with young children. This four star hotel is modern and in one of the more ‘working’ parts of London.
- Best for: A reliable, no-surprises family stay near the Tower of London.
- Sleeps: Best for 4, with connecting rooms available for larger families.
- Family set-up: Family rooms with sofa beds; connecting rooms on request; kids stay free.
- Walk to: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, River Thames walks.
- Nearest station: Tower Hill (Circle, District lines).
- Verdict: Not the most exciting hotel on this list, but a dependable choice in a well-connected part of London.
3. Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge
Get a bit more for your money at the Park Plaza and enjoy a pool and spa to unwind in at the end of a day walking the city. Close to Waterloo and within walking distance to many of the popular sights, you’ll struggle to find a better connected hotel.
- Best for: A central family hotel with a pool.
- Sleeps: Suites work well for 4.
- Family set-up: Suites with living areas and terraces; pool and spa on site.
- Walk to: Big Ben, London Eye, South Bank strolls.
- Nearest station: Waterloo (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo lines).
- Verdict: If I were choosing one hotel for a first family trip to London, this would be it: you’re close to everything, and the pool is a genuine bonus after a day of sightseeing.
4. DoubleTree by Hilton, London Docklands Riverside
Located near my old stomping ground, the London docklands is not in the most touristy area but a great choice to see somewhere more ‘real’ east London. Located in a former 17th century wharf building, you’re right on the river and opposite the stunning skyline of Canary Wharf (with the hotel offering a complimentary ferry across).
- Best for: A quieter, more residential base with river access into central London.
- Sleeps: Two-bedroom family suites sleep up to 5; other options for smaller families.
- Family set-up: Two-bedroom family suites; standard rooms also available.
- Walk to: River Thames ferry pier, Canary Wharf (via boat), wider east London including Greenwich.
- Nearest station: Canary Wharf (Jubilee, Elizabeth lines), plus the Thames Clipper boat dock.
- Verdict: A good option if you’d rather trade some central-London bustle for a quieter riverside setting and a scenic boat commute.
5. Hilton, London Bankside
- Best for: An indoor pool close to Borough Market and the South Bank.
- Sleeps: Best suited to 4 via connecting rooms.
- Family set-up: Guaranteed connecting rooms when booked online; indoor pool.
- Walk to: Borough Market, Tate Modern, Globe Theatre.
- Nearest station: Southwark (Jubilee line).
- Verdict: A solid South Bank base if a pool and guaranteed connecting rooms matter more to you than the lowest possible price.
Luxury family-friendly hotels in London
Splurge-worthy hotels that offer family perks.
1. St. Ermin’s Hotel (Autograph Collection), Westminster
Located in the heart of Westminster, and despite being the only four star hotel in my luxury list, this hotel consistently gets rave reviews for family stays, and it’s easy to see why. It’s near London’s renowned parks and key sights, with a family suite to fit up to 5. While it ticks many boxes, for the price a pool would be nice, so do a comparison for similarly priced stays before you hit book.
- Best for: A rare two-bathroom family suite in Westminster.
- Sleeps: Family suite with two queen beds and a sofa bed, up to 5.
- Family set-up: Family suite with two bathrooms, rare in central London.
- Walk to: Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, Westminster Abbey.
- Nearest station: St James’s Park (Circle, District lines).
- Verdict: A four-star hotel with a five-star reputation for family stays, though it’s worth comparing similarly priced options since it’s missing a pool.
2. Sea Containers, South Bank
Another gorgeous hotel, and in one of my favourite parts of ‘tourist’ London, Sea Containers is a five star hotel right on the South Bank which offers a lovely, pram-friendly walk all year round.
- Best for: South Bank sightseeing with a pram-friendly riverside walk on your doorstep.
- Sleeps: Largest family rooms sleep up to 6.
- Family set-up: Family rooms of varying sizes, up to 6.
- Walk to: Tate Modern, Globe Theatre, Southbank Centre.
- Nearest station: Blackfriars (District, Circle lines).
- Verdict: Our pick if South Bank sightseeing and pram-friendly walks along the Thames Path are the priority.
3. Andaz Liverpool Street, by Hyatt
After working in this area for many years, I can vouch for it being a decent part of central London to stay in, albeit not as overtly touristy as some of the other locations on the list. With Spitalfields and trendy Shoreditch around the corner, and the hotel practically on top of Liverpool Street station, you’ll find you can get to all corners of London very easily.
- Best for: Easy access to every corner of London from one of the best-connected stations.
- Sleeps: Adjoining rooms available, with family rates offering 50% off a second room.
- Family set-up: Adjoining rooms.
- Walk to: Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane, Shoreditch, and a walk to London Bridge and the City.
- Nearest station: Liverpool Street (Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Elizabeth lines).
- Verdict: A strong choice if minimising travel time matters more than being among the classic tourist sights.
4. The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences, Mayfair
If you want to be within touching distance of Hyde Park and all that Mayfair has to offer (I can recommend this nearby afternoon tea!), then this hotel is a strong yes. With plenty of extra touches for families, if it was my money, this is where I’d be staying.
- Best for: A luxury stay that still gives families proper space.
- Sleeps: Townhouse residences and connecting hotel rooms suit up to 4.
- Family set-up: One-bedroom apartments with kitchen, living area and bunk beds for kids; connecting rooms also available. The hotel also offers a baby bath, books and toys, children’s robes, and bikes or a kite to borrow for the park.
- Walk to: Green Park, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace.
- Nearest station: Green Park (Piccadilly, Victoria, Jubilee lines).
- Verdict: The family touches here, milk and biscuits at bedtime included, make this our top luxury pick.
5. Ham Yard Hotel, Soho
The Ham Yard is a very visually stunning hotel, and the location is superb. If you can afford it, you’ll no doubt have a blast in one of the beautifully designed suites or apartments. Afternoon tea in the Orangery is a must, and the many colourful drinks areas will have you struggling to leave the hotel.
- Best for: A design-led hotel with its own private bowling alley.
- Sleeps: Extra beds, interconnecting rooms, suites and multi-bedroom apartments cover most family sizes.
- Family set-up: Interconnecting rooms, suites and apartments; milk and cookies at turn down.
- Walk to: Soho, Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street shopping.
- Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly, Bakerloo lines).
- Verdict: Worth it for the design alone, and the bowling alley is a real novelty for kids.
6. The Ned, Bank
My final and bonus recommendation is a hotel I absolutely adore, but it’s definitely a splurge: The Ned.
Centrally located in the city square mile near Bank station, The Ned is set in an old bank building and is well known for its open plan downstairs with 10 different restaurants and bars to enjoy, or its private members club. As a hotel guest you can enjoy the hotel’s amazing pool and spa, breakfast on the former bank floor, and the plush amenities, and feel like you’re staying somewhere unique. Finish your stay with an unlimited Sunday feast at Millie’s, it’s a real treat.
- Best for: An indulgent one-off treat rather than a practical everyday family base.
- Sleeps: Family suites sleeping up to 4.
- Family set-up: Family suites, set in a former bank building with 10 restaurants and bars downstairs.
- Walk to: The City and Bank station’s surrounding sights.
- Nearest station: Bank (Central, Northern, Waterloo & City, DLR).
- Verdict: My favourite hotel in London for a special stay, though it’s a splurge rather than the practical pick for most family trips. Park Plaza or Citadines will serve most families better day to day.
Our verdict:
If I were choosing for a first London trip with young children, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge would be my strongest all-round pick. You can walk to a huge amount, the suites give you more space than a standard hotel room and the pool is a useful bonus after a day sightseeing.
For a larger family, I’d look first at Citadines Trafalgar Square, while Residence Inn Tower Bridge is a strong option if having a kitchenette matters more than being right beside Westminster. If budget is the priority, Premier Inn County Hall is difficult to beat for location.
The best choice ultimately depends on what will make London easier for your family. I’d choose location over a long facilities list for a short sightseeing trip, but for longer stays with babies or toddlers, extra living space and somewhere to prepare food can be worth moving slightly further out.
Once you’ve picked the perfect family hotel, don’t miss my full London with kids itinerary for ideas on what to see and do nearby, including plenty of pram-friendly walks, baby-changing stops, and family food breaks.
And if you want to explore some sights outside of London, I’ve got plenty of other recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
For larger families, start with Citadines Trafalgar Square, Sea Containers and the hotels offering proper two-bedroom suites or guaranteed connecting rooms. Always check the exact occupancy of the room type before booking, as London ‘family rooms’ often still cap occupancy at four.
Citadines Trafalgar Square, Residence Inn Tower Bridge, Marlin Apartments and Hyatt House Stratford are the strongest options in this list if you want self-catering facilities or a kitchenette.
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge and Hilton Bankside are two of the strongest central options in this guide if a pool is a priority.
For a first sightseeing trip, South Bank and Westminster are hard to beat because so many major attractions are walkable. Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden are also very central, while London Bridge/Bankside gives you excellent river access and food options.
Premier Inn London County Hall gives you the best budget location, right by the London Eye. Zedwell in Piccadilly is a clever way to keep costs down in the most central part of town if you don’t mind a stripped-back room, and Hyatt House Stratford offers more space and a kitchenette for the money if you’re happy to be a short ride from the centre.
Keep exploring, and let me know if you stay somewhere with your little ones that you really recommend!
Allie, Jack & R x
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