Last updated: May 2026.
Visiting London with kids is magical, but as a local I can tell you that with so much ground to cover, it can be exhausting if you don’t have the right base. When you already need to navigate which tube stops are stroller-friendly, work your itinerary around nap times, find meal stops that excite parents but also work for kids, and actually pack in the many sights, choosing the right family-friendly hotel in London really matters.
The good news is that London has fantastic hotels with family suites, guaranteed connecting rooms, and even options for larger families of 5 or 6. Whether you want the simplicity of an apartment with a kitchenette, a central hotel with a pool, or a two-bathroom suite so everyone gets space, there’s something here for every family (and every budget).
I’ve split this guide of 16 hotels into low, mid and top-end budget sections to make it easier to find your fit. Each hotel review includes:
- Why it works well for families
- What size families it suits (including London hotels for families of 5 and 6)
- What’s on your doorstep (i.e. the sights you can walk to)
- The closest Tube station (because a 5-minute stroller push is very different from a 15-minute one!)
If you’ve already picked your base, check out my full London itinerary (including my favourite places to eat in London with kids).
Budget family-friendly hotels in London
Affordable family-friendly hotels in London can offer great value, be near the action but may compromise some 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.
- Why it works for families: Large family rooms in unbeatable locations – if this South Bank one isn’t quite right, there’s almost certainly another that will be.
- Sleeps: Great for families of up to 4 or 5 (ask for a sofabed or cot).
- On your doorstep: London Eye, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure, and walks along the South Bank.
- Closest tube stops: Waterloo (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, and Waterloo and City lines).
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.
- Why it works for families: Soundproof ‘cocoon’ rooms mean quieter nights in the middle of Piccadilly Circus. This budget-friendly hotel is about beds, with some rooms ditching things you may expect like TVs and windows, and the hotel keeps costs extra low by allowing you to rent hairdryers and other amenities at an extra cost.
- Sleeps: Options for families of all sizes, with largest ‘cocoons’ offering 6 double beds, with a separate living area.
- On your doorstep: Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Regent Street and Oxford Street.
- Closest tube stops: Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly, Bakerloo lines).
3. Citadines Trafalgar Square Aparthotel
- Why it works for families: Studios, 1 beds and 2 bedroom apartments are available with kitchenettes and living areas, so it’s an excellent choice for families looking for hotels with space.
- Sleeps: The two-bedroom duplexes can sleep families of 5 or 6 comfortably.
- On your doorstep: Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, and the National Gallery.
- Closest tube stops: Embankment (Northern, Circle, District, and Bakerloo lines).
4. Marlin Apartments, near St Paul’s
- Why it works for families: Apartments with full kitchens and the all important washer/dryer – perfect for longer stays.
- Sleeps: Many layouts suit families of 5 or 6, check out 2-bed options that come with an extra sofa bed.
- On your doorstep: St Paul’s Cathedral, Millennium Bridge, or the Museum of London.
- Closest tube stops: St. Paul’s (Central line), and Mansion House (District and Circle line).
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 walk), it’s a serious contender.
- Why it works for families: With apartment-style rooms that include fully equipped kitchenettes and a buffet breakfast included, you’re getting a lot for
- your money. Plus the proximity to open space and playgrounds at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a plus.
- Sleeps: Ideal for families of up to 4.
- On your doorstep: Westfield Stratford City and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
- Closest tube stop: Stratford (Central, Jubilee, Elizabeth Line, DLR, and Overground lines, and national rail trains).
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.
- Why it works for families: Spacious apartments with kitchenettes and breakfast included, right in the heart of London Bridge.
- Sleeps: Multiple options available, up to 5 in a 2-bed apartment with a sofa bed.
- On your doorstep: Tower Bridge, Bermondsey Street cafés, Tower of London, Borough Market.
- Closest tube stations: Borough (Northern line) or London Bridge (Northern, Jubilee lines).
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.
- Why it works for families: Novotel is reliably family-friendly: kids stay free, connecting rooms are available and family rooms include sofabeds.
- Sleeps: Best for families of 4, but for larger families you can book connecting rooms.
- On your doorstep: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, River Thames walks.
- Closest tube station: Tower Hill (Circle, District lines).
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.
- Why it works for families: Suites with living areas, terraces, and a pool. Great location opposite Big Ben and the London Eye.
- Sleeps: Suites work well for families of 4.
- On your doorstep: Big Ben, London Eye, and South Bank strolls.
- Closest tube stop: Waterloo (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo lines).
4. DoubleTree by Hilton, London Docklands Riverside
Located near by 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).
- Why it works for families: The quieter riverside setting will guarantee peaceful nights, and the Thames Clipper boats offers a unique ride into central London – fun for all ages.
- Sleeps: Two-bedroom family suites offer space for up to 5, with other options available for smaller families.
- On your doorstep: River Thames ferry pier, Canary Wharf (via boat), as well as the rest of east London (e.g. Greenwich).
- Closest tube stops: Canary Wharf (Jubilee, Elizabeth lines) plus the Thames Clipper boat dock.
5. Hilton, London Bankside
Why it works for families: An indoor pool makes a big difference when travelling with little ones, and the Hilton offers guaranteed connecting rooms when booked online. The South Bank location is great and right next to my favourite foodie spot, Borough Market.
Sleeps: Best suited to families of 4 via connecting rooms.
On your doorstep: Borough Market, Tate Modern, Globe Theatre.
Closest tube stop: Southwark (Jubilee line).
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 review for family stays – and it’s easy to see why. With a location near London’s renowned parks and key sights, and a family suite to fit up to 5. While it ticks many boxes, for the price a pool would be nice, and there must be some other amenities missing to only be a 4 star, so do a comparison for similarly priced stays before you hit book.
- Why it works for families: With a splash of luxury and a fab location, it’s no wonder this is regarded as one of the best family-friendly hotels in London.
- Sleeps: The family suite has two queen beds, a sofa bed and two bathrooms which is rare in central London.
- On your doorstep: Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, Westminster Abbey.
- Closest tube stop: St. James’s Park (Circle, District lines).
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.
- Why it works for families: Close to top attractions and right on the Thames Path (perfect for family strolls).
- Sleeps: The largest family rooms sleep up to 6, with plenty of other options available.
- On your doorstep: Tate Modern, Globe Theatre, Southbank Centre.
- Closest tube stops: Blackfriars (District, Circle lines).
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.
- Why it works for families: With 5 restaurants and many options for takeout or dine-in nearby, you’ll find it very easy to feed yourself well around your kids. The proximity to the tube means you’ll be able to cut down on travel time, and maximise sightseeing.
- Sleeps: Adjoining rooms on offer, and family rates that offer 50% off second room.
- On your doorstep: Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane, Shoreditch, as well as a leisurely walk to London Bridge, and the city’s square mile (around Bank).
- Closest tube stop: Liverpool Street (Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, and Elizabeth lines).
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!
Why it works for families: The one bedroom apartments really are luxurious, with a kitchen, living area, and bunk beds for the kids. Connecting rooms are also available, as are sofa beds in their hotel rooms. The hotel offers some lovely extras for families including a baby bath, books and toys, and children’s robes – in addition to high chairs and cribs/cots etc. And you can borrow bikes or a kite to take over to the park, or ask for milk and biscuits at bedtime!
Sleeps: The townhouse residences are best suited up to families of 4, as are the connecting hotel rooms.
On your doorstep: Green Park, Hyde Park, and Buckingham Palace.
Closest tube stop: Green Park (Piccadilly, Victoria, and Jubilee lies)
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.
- Why it works for families: A design-led hotel with apartments, suites and interconnecting rooms. And a surprising bonus – it’s got it’s own private bowling alley! Milk and cookies are also available at turn down, as are a few other family hotel benefits.
- Sleeps: Plenty of options, from extra beds, interconnecting hotel rooms to suites and apartments with multiple bedrooms.
- On your doorstep: Soho, Piccadilly Circus, and Regent Street shopping.
- Closest tube stop: Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lies).
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 genuinely feel like you’re staying somewhere unique. Finish your stay with an unlimited Sunday feast at Millie’s – they are next level and a real treat.
With family suites sleeping up to 4, The Ned is my first choice for special stays in London, and will be on our list for a staycation with R at some point in the future as it’s really quite something!
Our verdict:
You can tell I love The Ned, but I would also be toying it up with The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences due to the finishing touches that ensure the stay is an unforgettable experience for your children.
But when it comes to priorities, getting a good deal is important to me – and actually my criteria these days is about space. I like to give R room to roll around and play, so one of the apartments or suites with a living area from my mid-price-range options is what I usually go for. A swimming pool is a big plus, but I know how much there is to do in London, so days are likely to be jam packed.
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.
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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