8 Best Hotels in London for Families (By Neighborhood)

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Let me just say this up front: I love London. I’ve lived there, wandered every neighborhood, and know my way around the Tube without needing to check the map. But doing London with kids? That’s a whole different beast.

Because suddenly it’s not just about “cute cafés” and “oh look, that building’s from the 1700s.” It’s Where’s the nearest snack? Is that a tantrum coming? How far are we from the hotel and do they have a bathtub or am I negotiating bath time with a shower and a sad little hand towel again?

If that’s even remotely relatable… hi, this post is for you.

Now, I don’t have kids myself, but I’ve hosted enough family visits, helped plan enough friend trips, and witnessed enough stroller-wrangling chaos on narrow cobblestone streets to know: where you stay in London can make or break the trip.

These are the spots I’d recommend to any friend bringing their family to London.

And because I like keeping things simple, I’ve also made it super easy to book. Just click the Expedia links throughout the post. That way you can lock in your spot, stack your cashback with Rakuten (you can seriously save hundreds), and focus on the fun parts of your trip (like convincing your kids that Big Ben is not a person).

So if you’re planning a family trip and searching for the best hotels in London for families, this guide’s got you covered.

Let’s find a hotel that works with you, not against you.

What Actually Makes a Hotel Family-Friendly in London?

Spoiler: It’s not just slapping a “kids stay free” banner on the homepage.

If you’ve ever tried navigating a historic London building with a stroller, you already know: family-friendly has to go beyond buzzwords. Especially in a city with five-floor walk-ups, teeny-tiny hotel rooms, and elevators that seem to be on break more often than not.

So what actually matters when you’re booking a hotel for your crew?

1. Space

Let’s be honest: squeezing a family of four into a room the size of a shoebox is nobody’s idea of fun. Look for hotels with family rooms, adjoining rooms, or suites that give everyone a little breathing room. Bonus points for a separate sitting area or a pull-out couch so you’re not all whispering once the kids fall asleep.

2. Location, location, location

Staying near major sights sounds good until you realize they’re packed, noisy, and not exactly ideal for tired little legs. Look for hotels in neighborhoods like South Kensington (hello, museums and green space) or Bloomsbury (calm, central, and actually walkable). Being close to a park or a Tube station with elevators? Game changer.

3. On-site food options

Let’s not pretend a hangry child (or adult) is fun to deal with. Hotels with breakfast included or a casual restaurant downstairs make mornings so much easier. You’re not trying to find an open café at 7 a.m.. You’re grabbing toast in your socks and getting on with your day.

4. Kitchens and kid-friendly amenities

Kitchenettes, microwaves, and fridges aren’t glamorous, but they’re gold when you need snacks on standby or want to heat up a bottle. And if a hotel offers cribs, high chairs, or babysitting services? That’s a big yes.

5. Something fun for the kids (and calm for the grownups)

You don’t need a waterpark. But a hotel with a little courtyard, a pool, or even a library corner can be a lifesaver on a rainy day. ‘Basically: you want a place that feels like a mini reset, not just a crash pad.

Best Neighborhoods in London for Families

Here’s the thing about London: it’s massive. You’re not going to “do it all,” and honestly, you shouldn’t try. The best way to make your family trip feel like a trip is to pick a neighborhood that actually fits your pace.

And yes, where you stay matters more than you think. Not just for proximity to sights, but for vibe. You want streets that feel safe, restaurants that welcome wiggly kids, and easy access to parks, snacks, and solid coffee.

Here are four neighborhoods I always recommend for families:

South Kensington (Museums, parks, and everything walkable)

This is one of the best areas for families. You’ve got the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A all within a few blocks, and most of them are free. Hyde Park is right there for running around or having an impromptu picnic, and the streets are clean, wide(ish), and stroller-friendly. It’s a bit posh, but in a good way. Like “let’s get gelato after the museum” posh.

Bloomsbury (Quiet, central, and full of literary charm)

If you want to stay central without being in the chaos, Bloomsbury is a gem. It’s home to the British Museum, leafy garden squares, and that rare combo of calm streets and easy transit. You can walk to Soho, Covent Garden, or hop on the Tube to anywhere else in minutes. Also great for bookshops, cafés, and low-key family meals.

Notting Hill (Whimsical, photogenic, and full of personality)

Yes, it’s just as charming as the movie made it look. Bright houses, cute cafés, and Portobello Road Market for a little afternoon exploring. It’s residential enough to feel peaceful, but still close to parks and attractions. If your idea of a good travel day includes pastries, pretty streets, and a colorful backdrop for the family photo album, this is your spot.

Greenwich (Space to breathe, riverside walks, and slower pace)

A bit outside central London, but worth it if you want space, fresh air, and a local feel. You’ve got Greenwich Park, the Cutty Sark, and the Royal Observatory. Plus, the DLR is fun for kids (it feels like a mini rollercoaster), and the area has a slower, gentler energy that’s perfect for families who don’t need to be right in the thick of it.

Best Hotels in South Kensington for Families

South Kensington is basically a family trip jackpot. You’ve got world-class museums, a walkable layout, and Hyde Park right around the corner for when the kids need to run off museum energy. It’s safe, beautiful, and full of cafés that won’t blink twice if your kid drops a croissant on the floor.

Here are two family-friendly gems worth booking:

The Ampersand Hotel

Across the street from the Natural History Museum. Cool science theme. Surprisingly chill for a boutique hotel.

If you want something with a bit of style but still totally works for a family stay, this is it. The rooms aren’t enormous, but they’re cleverly designed, and some even have bunk beds (yes, actual bunk beds in a London hotel that isn’t a hostel). The science-themed decor ties in perfectly with the museums across the street, and there’s an afternoon tea that’s geared toward kids, with dinosaur cookies. I mean, come on.

Check availability on Expedia

The Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington

Elegant, historic, and somehow still practical.

This one feels like the kind of place you’d expect to be too fancy for kids, but it’s not. The staff are friendly, the location is unbeatable (steps from Gloucester Road station), and the rooms are genuinely spacious by London standards. It’s a great choice if you want something a little more classic without sacrificing convenience. Some rooms even come with two double beds, which is basically hotel gold.

Book via Expedia here

Best Hotels in Bloomsbury for Families

Bloomsbury is one of those underrated spots right in the middle of London. It’s literary, leafy, and low-key elegant. You’re walking distance to the British Museum, a quick Tube ride from everywhere else, and surrounded by cozy cafés that don’t mind a bit of stroller traffic.

Here are two standout hotels that hit the sweet spot between comfort, location, and actual livability with kids in tow.

Kimpton Fitzroy London

Big wow factor from the outside. Even better once you’re in.

If you want something that feels a little grand but still gets the family travel memo, the Kimpton Fitzroy is your spot. The building is gorgeous (seriously, Google it), but it’s not stiff or overly formal inside. The rooms are modern and spacious, they offer adjoining rooms for families, and it’s right on Russell Square, so you’ve got green space on your doorstep for mid-afternoon snack breaks or full-blown toddler negotiations.

See rooms on Expedia

The Montague on the Gardens

Cozy, friendly, and one of London’s best-kept family-friendly hotel secrets.

This hotel feels like staying with a well-traveled aunt who always has biscuits and a good blanket ready. It’s warm, welcoming, and right behind the British Museum. Staff go out of their way to help (think: cribs, high chairs, snacks), and the garden terrace is perfect for a quiet moment in the middle of the city. It’s also got that low-key luxury vibe that makes the whole trip feel a bit more special without being over-the-top.

Book your stay on Expedia

Best Hotels in Notting Hill for Families

If you’re after that storybook-London vibe (pastel houses, leafy streets, and weekend markets), Notting Hill is your place. It’s relaxed, charming, and full of spots where you can slow down and just enjoy being there.

It’s also a surprisingly great area for families. You’re close to Kensington Gardens (aka: Peter Pan playground and picnic central), and the cafés here are very stroller-friendly without feeling like a daycare.

Here are two hotels that totally work for a family stay, without sacrificing that charming Notting Hill aesthetic.

The Laslett

Feels like staying in the townhouse of your chic friend who has great taste and lets your kids eat toast on the couch.

This boutique hotel is made up of five classic townhouses, and the interiors are just… cool. The rooms are stylish but comfortable, and many are roomy enough for a travel crib or an extra bed. There’s a lounge downstairs that serves drinks and snacks all day (read: coffee and juice within reach), and you’re literally steps from the Tube and all the prettiest streets.

Check prices on Expedia

Portobello Hotel

Whimsical, photogenic, and a little eccentric in the best way.

If you’re the kind of family that loves a hotel with character, Portobello is a great fit. It’s smaller and quirkier than most chain options, with vintage touches and a personality that makes it feel like a stay, not just a sleep. It’s near Portobello Market and lots of weekend-friendly strolling streets. Older kids and teens will love the vibe.

See rooms on Expedia

Best Hotels in Greenwich for Families

Greenwich is one of those areas that feels more like a local neighborhood than a tourist hub, but still gives you easy access to the city. There’s a giant park, a maritime museum, and plenty of room to breathe (which, let’s be honest, is not always a given in London).

It’s ideal for families who want a bit more space, a slower pace, and a riverside view or two.

InterContinental London – The O2

Feels like a mini resort, minus the all-inclusive wristbands.

This place is huge. Spacious rooms, soundproofed windows (thank you), and amenities that genuinely make travel easier, like room service and an indoor pool. It’s connected to the O2 arena, which sounds chaotic but actually means you’ve got restaurants, shops, and even a cinema right next door. You’re also steps from the Jubilee line and the Thames Clipper, which is the most scenic way to get back into central London.

Book your stay on Expedia

DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich

Reliable, comfortable, and refreshingly unpretentious.

This one is a great pick if you want clean, modern rooms and solid service. It’s in a quieter part of Greenwich, but still close to the DLR and the sights. The rooms are cozy (some with sofa beds), and there’s an on-site restaurant for those nights when you just cannot go back out. And yes, they hand out the signature warm cookies at check-in, which pretty much guarantees kid approval.

See availability on Expedia

FAQs About Planning a Family Stay in London