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Where to stay in London at Christmas: Best Areas and Hotels

London , one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, becomes an even more special destination during Christmas.

From the end of November, the streets of the British capital are illuminated with thousands of lights, and the air is filled with music and the aroma of roasted chestnuts.

Christmas markets , ice skating rinks and festive events create a magical atmosphere.

If you’re thinking of spending Christmas in London, choosing the right area to stay is key to making the most of your experience.

Here are the best areas to stay and some hotel recommendations for an unforgettable stay, all available on Booking.com.

Where to stay in London at Christmas: Best Areas and Hotels

1. Covent Garden: The Essence of London Christmas

Covent Garden is undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in London during Christmas.

The area is filled with festive decorations, and the large market square is transformed with lights and a huge Christmas tree.

Plus, you’ll be surrounded by shops, restaurants, and the iconic Covent Garden Market, where there’s always something to see and do.

Recommended hotels in Covent Garden :

  1. The Henrietta Hotel – Just a short walk from Covent Garden Market, this boutique hotel offers a warm, modern atmosphere for enjoying Christmas in the heart of the city.
  2. One Aldwych – A luxury hotel with a contemporary twist, located close to London’s opera house and major theatres.
  3. The Z Hotel Covent Garden – A modern and affordable option with compact, comfortable rooms, ideal for those who want to be in the centre of the action.
  4. Strand Palace Hotel – This classic hotel is located on The Strand, just a few minutes walk from Covent Garden, ideal for those seeking convenience and a good location.
  5. The Resident Covent Garden – A boutique hotel offering well-appointed rooms and excellent service.

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2. South Bank: Markets and Thames Views

The South Bank area lights up at Christmas time with its popular Christmas market along the River Thames.

Here you can enjoy incredible views of Tower Bridge and the London Eye, as well as stroll through the market with a glass of mulled wine in hand.

The location is perfect for those who want to be close to the main attractions and at the same time enjoy a special Christmas atmosphere.

Recommended hotels in South Bank :

  1. Sea Containers London – A modern designer hotel offering rooms with river views, perfect for soaking up the South Bank’s Christmas atmosphere.
  2. The Savoy – One of London’s most iconic hotels, ideal for those seeking luxury and an unbeatable location.
  3. Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo – Offering comfort and service just steps from the river, ideal for exploring South Bank attractions.
  4. Bankside Hotel, Autograph Collection – A modern and welcoming hotel with easy access to major attractions and the Christmas market.
  5. Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London – With a great location next to the London Eye, this hotel is perfect for enjoying the views and Christmas atmosphere of the area.

3. Kensington: Christmas Charm and Tranquility

Kensington is a perfect area for those looking for a quieter but equally charming Christmas atmosphere.

The streets of Kensington are decorated with Christmas lights and filled with elegant shops and cozy restaurants.

Plus, you’ll be close to the Natural History Museum, which every year sets up one of London’s most beautiful ice skating rinks.

Recommended hotels in Kensington :

  1. The Kensington Hotel – A stylish hotel with luxurious rooms and a perfect location to enjoy Christmas in Kensington.
  2. Royal Garden Hotel – Overlooking Kensington Gardens, this hotel offers a tranquil and luxurious atmosphere, ideal for a relaxing stay.
  3. The Bailey’s Hotel London – A hotel with historic charm, cosy rooms and a great location near Gloucester Road.
  4. Holiday Inn London Kensington High Street – A comfortable and affordable option, ideal for those looking to be close to Kensington attractions.
  5. Hotel Indigo London Kensington – A modern boutique hotel with themed rooms and excellent service.

4. Mayfair: Christmas Luxury and Exclusive Shopping

Mayfair is the ideal place for those seeking luxury and exclusivity during Christmas.

Shops on Bond Street and Oxford Street are decorated with stunning lights, and the area is filled with fine dining restaurants and luxury hotels. Plus, you’ll be close to Hyde Park , home to Winter Wonderland, one of London’s biggest and most popular Christmas events.

Recommended hotels in Mayfair :

  1. Claridge’s – An iconic hotel offering an unparalleled luxury experience, with stunning holiday decorations and impeccable service.
  2. The Connaught – Elegant and sophisticated, this hotel is perfect for those looking to enjoy Christmas in style.
  3. The May Fair, A Radisson Collection Hotel – A modern, luxurious hotel with spacious rooms and a perfect location for exploring Mayfair.
  4. Flemings Mayfair – One of London’s oldest boutique hotels, with a charming atmosphere and excellent service.
  5. Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill – Offers luxury and comfort, overlooking Portman Square and with easy access to top Christmas attractions.

5. Soho: Nightlife and Festive Fun

Soho is a great choice for those looking to enjoy London’s vibrant nightlife during Christmas.

The streets of Soho are filled with Christmas lights and decorations, and the area is packed with bars, restaurants, and theaters offering entertainment throughout the festive season.

Soho’s central location also gives you easy access to other iconic areas of London.

Recommended hotels in Soho :

  1. The Soho Hotel, Firmdale Hotels – A luxury boutique hotel with spacious, modern rooms, perfect for those looking to be in the heart of the action.
  2. Z Hotel Soho – An affordable option with compact, comfortable rooms, ideal for enjoying Soho on a budget.
  3. Hazlitt’s – A charming historic hotel offering a unique and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for a special Christmas stay.
  4. Mimi’s Hotel Soho – A boutique hotel with a modern design and an excellent location to enjoy the nightlife and Christmas atmosphere.
  5. Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel – A modern and stylish hotel with a rooftop bar, perfect for enjoying a drink with views of London’s Christmas lights.

Tips for enjoying Christmas in London

  • Visit the Christmas markets : Don’t miss the Southbank Centre market and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, where you’ll find food stalls, crafts and attractions for all the family.
  • Ice Skating : Enjoy one of the many outdoor ice skating rinks at iconic locations such as the Natural History Museum, Somerset House, and Canary Wharf.
  • Christmas Shopping : Oxford Street, Regent Street and Covent Garden are ideal for Christmas shopping. The Christmas lights on these streets are renowned for being spectacular.
  • Attend a show : London is known for its theatres. During Christmas, many offer special shows, including ballets like The Nutcracker and traditional pantomimes.
  • Enjoy the Christmas lights : Stroll along London’s main streets, such as Oxford Street and Regent Street, to admire the Christmas lights. You can also visit Kew Gardens to see its spectacular light display.
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Hotels

Central London Hotels: 5 Tips on Where to Stay

Are you organizing your trip to England and planning your stay in London ? Are you looking for a hotel in the center of London  to be able to comfortably tour the city? Where to sleep in London , where to stay in London , hotels in the center of London ,… in this article we will talk about just this.

We will show you the 5 best hotels in central London personally chosen by us, The Italian Community.

Before going to the list watch this video. Choosing a hotel in central London is essential for various reasons, discover the 4 main ones in the video!

Given the size of London , it is important to decide where you prefer to stay considering your budget and the places to visit. Finding accommodation in such a large metropolis is often a difficult task. Fortunately, the city offers many solutions and the center, divided into different and characteristic neighborhoods, offers tourists hotels of all kinds, whether it is a luxury hotel, in the most elegant districts such as Mayfair, St James and Strand, or a less sumptuous hotel, but welcoming and well-serviced in an area such as South Bank or the City of London.

Central London Hotels: 5 Tips on Where to Stay

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Sleeping in a   hotel in the center of London  allows you to quickly reach the main tourist attractions and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the city, rich in history, museums, clubs, theaters, shops and much more. Staying in the heart of Piccadilly, or a stone’s throw from Big Ben, walking through the lively streets of the Soho and Coven Garden neighborhoods, attending the numerous shows of the different theaters in the center of London and returning to the hotel without having to make long journeys on the tube or public transport will surely leave a unique memory.

Central London Hotels: Search and Find Your Hotel

Below is our list of hotels, located in   central London areas , from which  you can choose the one that best suits your needs. We have selected 5, with different price types and taking into account guest ratings.

(1) Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London

This hotel in central London is located in the South Bank area, directly opposite the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Waterloo and Westminster tube stations are just a few minutes’ walk from the building. It is a modern structure, with large and comfortable rooms, a well-equipped gym, a sauna, a Turkish bath and a spa. In addition, the hotel features a brasserie, a lounge bar and Ichi Sushi & Sashimi. Every evening the bar entertains hotel guests with live music.

(2) Every hotel Piccadilly

Among the hotels in central London , Every hotel Piccadilly enjoys a fantastic location, very close to many tourist attractions such as Piccadilly Circus, Chinatown, Trafalgar Square and Oxford Street, a few steps from 3 tube stations: Piccadilly Circus, Leicster Square and Charing Cross. The hotel rooms are all air conditioned, equipped with free WiFi, flat-screen TV, Nespresso® machine and minibar. In the structure it is possible to use a gym with Technogym machines and stop in the “eat&drink” restaurant for an English breakfast or for a drink with snacks during the day.

(3) The Cavendish London

The Cavendish London is one of the hotels in central London that stands out for its elegance and refinement. The hotel is located in Piccadilly and offers rooms equipped with every comfort, designer bathrooms, courtesy set with quality products, TV, free Wi-Fi and a safe. The hotel houses a famous award-winning restaurant, the Petrichor Restaurant, which offers British dishes with a modern twist. The location is excellent for reaching all of London’s attractions, via the Piccadilly Circus tube station, which is just a few meters from the property.

(4) Strand Palace Hotel

A truly pleasant accommodation is offered by the Strandpalace hotel, a hotel in the centre of London , opened in 1909, which, in addition to having comfortable and well-serviced rooms, houses two excellent and renowned restaurants, one serving traditional English cuisine (Strand Carvery) and the other serving Indian cuisine (Daawat at Johnstons). The hotel is located a few minutes from Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, and several theatres, including the Royal Opera House. The property is just a 5-minute walk from Charing Cross tube station, from which it is easy to reach the main attractions of London.

(5) Thistle Trafalgar Square, The Royal Trafalgar

The Royal Trafalgar by Thistle, part of the Thistle hotel chain, is a hotel in central London , located on a quiet street, close to Leicester Square and the National Portrait Gallery. The excellent location allows you to quickly reach the Charing Cross, Leicester Square and Piccadilly underground stations, which connect the area with all the areas of major tourist interest. The hotel rooms have all been refurbished and are equipped with air conditioning, WiFi, TV with Freeview channels and a safe. The beautiful terrace allows, during the summer season, to eat outside the specialties of British and European cuisine, revisited in a modern key, prepared by the Squares restaurant, located inside the structure.

Let us know what you think, what information was most useful to you and what you would have added. If you have topics that you would like us to cover in future articles, post them in the comments or on the Facebook page , we are always happy to receive suggestions from our readers.

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Destinations

3 days in London with family: what to see? what to do?

For the first time, we went to London for 3 days as a family . For this getaway, we organized our program around the must-see and must-do things and free visits. Follow our itinerary and our good addresses to discover London for a long weekend with the family!

Itinerary idea for 3 days in London with the family 

Here is our rather sporty itinerary to visit the must-see places in London in 3 days . Of course, if you like to take your time and stroll, this itinerary will surely be too busy. On the other hand, it will allow you to see as much as possible by combining walking and the metro! Otherwise, you could take inspiration from it or adapt it for your 3 days in London with your family.

DAY 1: THE CITY & SOUTH BANK

We began our discovery of London in the City district where our hotel was located, which we talk about at the end of the article.

THE GARDEN AT 120

3 days in London with family

Located in the City district, this garden on the roof of an office building is still not very touristy and above all free ! It is accessed by 2 elevators after passing a security check. Once on the 15th floor, this green rooftop offers a superb view of the city’s skyscrapers. You can admire for example the Sy Garden or the Gherkin.

Open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 9pm and weekends from 10am to 5pm (in summer). The venue is sometimes privatized so check the times on The Garden at 120 website. 

LEADENHALL MARKET

In the City district, very close to the buildings, is the Leadenhall Market, one of the oldest markets in London. This covered market houses cafes, restaurants and shops. But beyond that, what charmed us the most was its architecture! As you walk through its gallery, you can admire magnificent facades with arcades and glass roofs.

THE SKY GARDEN

Much better known than The Garden at 120, the Sky Garden has become a must-see place! It has a superb rooftop located at 20 Fenchurch Street in the heart of the City. Besides its garden (not as lush as you might imagine), people mainly come for its panoramic view . And we can say that from the 37th floor of this building, the panorama is truly exceptional. You can see the emblematic places of London such as the Tower Bridge, the Shard, the London Eye and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

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ST DUSTAN IN THE EAST CHURCH

Continuing our discovery of the City, we stop at St Dustan in the East. Located in the heart of the ruins of an old 12th century church, this garden is a haven of peace. This green corner allows you to take a little break not far from the hustle and bustle of London.

TATE MODERN

The rain having invited itself during our first day in London, we went to shelter at the Tate Modern. This contemporary art museum is located in Bankside on the right bank of the Thames. We recommend it if you are a fan of modern art. It is not necessarily the art form that we prefer, so we did not linger there!

Free entry without reservation, open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

BOROUGH MARKET

After our visit to the Tate Modern, we went to see the largest and oldest food market in the city. This is good because visiting London makes you hungry, so what could be better than trying street food ?! In this colorful market with a thousand flavors, there are stands offering cuisine from all over the world. It’s a really nice place to eat on the go and the kids love it!

Open Monday to Thursday from 10am to 5pm. Friday from 10am to 6pm and Saturday from 8am to 5pm.

TOWER BRIDGE

It is impossible to come to London without crossing its most famous bridge : the Tower Bridge. You will not be alone on this emblematic bridge but I find it much more beautiful from afar! So whether on the south bank or the north bank of the Thames, you will find many places where you can admire it day or night.

DAY 2: WESTMINSTER, SOHO & COVENT GARDEN

On the program for our second day in London: visit to the historic district and shopping session!

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, SAINT JAMES’S PARK & TRAFALGAR SQUARE

We arrived at Buckingham Palace around 10:30 am, which is the official residence of the King of England. We absolutely wanted the children to attend the famous and traditional changing of the guard . It is an event that attracts a lot of tourists and the gates of the Palace are very quickly black with people. Unfortunately, that day, the changing of the guard was cancelled probably because when we arrived, London was preparing for the coronation of the king which was taking place a week later. So, we took advantage of this time saved to take a little walk in Saint James’s Park , the oldest royal park. Then we went back up The Mall to reach Trafalgar Square, both closed due to upcoming festivities.

LEICESTER SQUARE & PICCADILLY CIRCUS

We continue our morning stroll by going to Leicester Square . In this London district of the West End there are two stores to discover with the family: the  M&M’S World London  and the  Lego Store . Needless to say, it’s a hit with both young and old!

Then it is impossible to come to London without taking a trip to Piccadilly Circus . With its illuminated screens , this very lively square has a little air of Times Square . Around its square and its fountain, there are many cinemas, theaters, restaurants and shops.

REGENT STREET & SOHO 

In London, there is a great place to go shopping, it’s Regent Street, one of the most famous shopping streets in London. And to please the children, there was no way we were going to miss Hamley’s , the oldest and largest toy store in the world with no less than 7 floors. Of course, we left with a royal guard bear plush toy stamped Hamley’s and named Charles by Miss E. 8 years old!

Close to Regent Street, we discover Soho and particularly the famous Carnaby Street . There are as many small boutiques as there are big fashion brands. At Christmas, this street is richly decorated!

Then a little further back from the street, is Kingly Court where we stopped to eat a bite. Around this inner courtyard, there are small restaurants with different flavors (pizza, Mexican, Japanese, Indian, etc.). There is something for everyone. It is a very pleasant place for a little taste break!

BRITISH MUSEUM

This museum of history and human culture, which is the oldest in the world, was on the program of our 3 days in London with the family. Located in the center of London in the Bloomsbury district, it has more than 7 million objects (Egypt, Greece, etc.). The British Museum attracts many visitors every year. It would seem to be very interesting to visit (and very large too). But unfortunately, due to a strike, the museum was forced to close its doors on the day of our visit.

Finally, this “non-visit” allowed us to take the time to stroll through the streets of London!

DAY 3: FROM CAMDEN TOWN TO KENSINGTON

Heading north of London for this last day in the English capital!

CAMDEN TOWN

Located in the north of London, Camden Town is a surprising and unusual district that attracts many tourists. Famous for its markets and extravagant shop fronts, it has long been considered the punk, rock and alternative district of the city. This is where the singer Amy Winehouse lived!

As soon as you get off the metro, you arrive on  Camden High Street , the main street, with the impression of being somewhere other than London! This area is definitely worth a visit and deserves a few hours of time when you spend 3 days in London with your family.

Then we got away from the crowds to take a nice walk along the Regent’s Canal. By the way, you can even take a  boat trip on the Camden Lock .

PRIMROSE HILL & REGENT’S PARK

We radically change the setting by going to Primrose Hill, a chic district of London yet so close to Camden. The pastel facades of the houses and the calm that reigns there make Primrose Hill a truly charming place.

On  Primrose Hill  (78 metres high), you will have a nice view of the whole city. It is also a nice park where it is good to sit down when the weather is nice to take the time to have a picnic!

Next to Primrose Hill, there is a very nice walk to do in  Regent’s Park , one of the royal parks, where  London Zoo is located . Note that the park has an outer circular path (Outer Line) and an inner path (Inner Circle). GPS error or misunderstanding, but we ended up going along Regent’s Park by the outer path which is much longer. The walk along the canal is nice but we recommend the inner path which surrounds the Queen Mary gardens .