London Family Hotels
Where to stay in London with kids
If you're searching for London Family Hotels, and tensely mapping out the nearest playground and child-friendly restaurant, step away from your device. Finding a hotel that's affordable and also offers top-notch amenities is not only possible, it's highly probable...even without Mary Poppins' help. First, choose the sights or attractions that matter most to you, hone in on that neighborhood, and then peruse our list below. Whether you've got toddlers or teens, optimizing locale with a hotel that's just right will make your holiday seem like...well, a holiday! And if you're not sure which attractions you'd like to see (or simply got overwhelmed from all the choices), let us help guide you. Our list below offers not only our favorite neighborhoods, but some of the best family attractions, coupled with the best family friendly London hotels we could find. Happy travels!
The challenge is on...find a London hotel that offers more and is better suited for children than this hotel! First up are the free scooters for children as you head off to Hyde Park just minutes away. Next, there's a dedicated entertainment duo known as Sharky and George who organise everything from outdoor treasure hunts to Mary Poppins tours. The hotel has a special focus on food-themed fun for children: choose a 'make your own' ice cream sundae menu (from £6), a children's afternoon tea that features peanut butter jelly sandwiches and chocolate scones (£13), and milkshakes are free every day. Royal Garden Hotel recently introduced a ‘flicks and food' option for rainy days too: unlimited films for 24 hours and pizza, coke floats and popcorn to accompany (£40 for one adult and one child). The rooms are nothing to scoff at, they are spacious and interconnecting rooms can be reserved, not to mention wigwam play tents for the kids. Truly, this is an experience your kids will never ever forget!
This boutique London hotel, which is perfectly placed for exploring London's Museum Mile, is quiet and intimate but also laid back and unintimidating — which makes it an ideal choice for families. Within walking distance you'll find the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Princess Diana Memorial Playground - which is really as good as you may have heard. Inside the hotel you'll find a game room filled with children's books, curios and board games, from chess and backgammon to Rubik's Cube and a full-sized ping pong table. The space is particularly popular for birthday hires, especially as the hotel's talented head pastry chef Sezwin Mascarenhas always makes the cake. Families are best off booking one of the deluxe studios or suites, which can accommodate a fold-out bed and include small kitchenettes. Interconnecting rooms are also available.
Pairing the amenities of an apartment with the quality and services of a 5-star London hotel, Grosvenor House Suites is a perfect place for families with children of all ages. Overlooking Hyde Park, the location is wonderfully central with extensive attractions, activities, and public transportation options right outside the front door. One to three-bedroom residences have full kitchens, plenty of living space, daily housekeeping, 24-hour room service, and in-room spa services. The service, decor and experience is impeccable. Children receive welcome packs and a kids’ menu is available at Atrium, the onsite restaurant. Grosvenor House Suites is truly a luxurious home-away-from-home in London.
Finally a hotel that has a meaningful way to keep kids happy, occupied and appropriately spoiled so you can relax and enjoy your vacation as well. Each room has an in-room DVD player with a selection of kids movies, a make-your-own popcorn kit, SpongeBob tooth brush and holder to take home, plus enough bubble bath soap to keep them entertained (and clean) for at the very least 30 minutes. Foodies are in luck at this hotel, as the hotel is home to no less than ten restaurants. And...wait for it...these are not hotel restaurants, but restaurants that simply live within the hotel, be still our beating bellies. From modern European fare to seasonal British with a French flair, South Asian street food, or simply afternoon tea with a twist, you'll be sufficiently satisfied and satiated. Enjoy...we did!
Children will love the explosion of colour and fabric at this punchy 5-star boutique London hotel. It is particularly big on complimentary children's amenities: little guests receive a welcome gift, mini bathrobes, milk and cookies at bedtime, a London-themed activities book, board games and their own special bathroom toiletries. The funky magenta-lit swimming pool is child-friendly, with free inflatable toys upon request. The children's menu in the Brumus restaurant is expansive: minute steak, cod goujons, penne pasta, as well as banana splits. Deluxe rooms can accommodate a cot, and suites have sitting areas that can be converted to accommodate up to two extra beds. Two-bedroom suites and a townhouse with five double bedrooms are also available. Step outside this London family hotel (if you can pull yourself away) and you'll discover The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, St Jame's Park and Southbank.
London family hotels can be plush, but this hotel has its own dedicated kids concierge, Tony O'Connell, who will recommend activities based on the child's age and interests — beyond the obvious! Think left-field suggestions such as ceramic classes in Greenwich, raceway karting in the Docklands and life onboard a Tudor ship. Deluxe suites can accommodate two adults and extra beds for up to two children, and interconnecting rooms are also available. The restaurant offers afternoon tea inspired by the famous Snakes and Ladders board game fashioned with chocolate mousse and cherries, and a Monopoly top hat made of orange jelly and chocolate sponge.
Location location location! This central London hotel allows you to explore some of the best that London has to offer: the Harry Potter Shop at King's Cross, the British LIbfrary, The Postal Museum (*with unique postal train rides!) as well as the British Museum. A full breakfast is included in the room rate; rooms with two twin beds (sleeps two), triples (sleeps three), quad rooms (sleeps four). The hotel has recently been refurbished and comprises three white-fronted classic Georgian buildings built in 1807 that overlook the private tennis courts and lawns of Cartwright Gardens. All guests have access to the gardens and tennis courts, simply book at reception.
This little gem of a hotel is spread across three white town houses in the heart of Notting Hill, a short walk away from the ever-popular Portobello Road Market. Free WiFi, large flatscreen TV's plus continental breakfasts outside on the communal terrace will make life easy. The family room is split level, allowing the children to enjoy two twin beds and a corner sofa while you and your mate enjoy a double room with double bed downstairs. Privacy while still close enough to keep an eye on the young ones.
If your family is keen on theatre, this hotel and neighborhood will bring a round of applause. Within a few minutes walk, you'll find yourself at the Apollo Victoria Theatre and Victoria Palace Theatre. Back at the hotel, a complimentary English breakfast will set you in good stead as you prepare to walk to Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace or Big Ben, all of which are a 20-minute walk. Please note, the Luna-Simone Hotel is a 3-star property; while the rooms are spacious and can sleep a family of 4, the experience is basic - you'll be saving your quid for other endeavors!
If you've stayed at a hotel with your little ones only to discover upon check-out that there are extra charges for the "amenities", you'll have the opposite experience at this 4-star hotel with 1059 smoke-free hotel rooms. Cots/cribs are free, rollaway beds for older kids have a slight surcharge, the WiFi is free (in the lobby), but best of all, there's an indoor pool, which for most parents is the equivalent of a gold mine. This hotel is a stone's throw from Hyde Park, close to the popular and swanky Oxford Street, as well as 2-minutes from the nearest Tube station. Your stay here will make you feel like you've got a finger on the pulse of London.
If you fly in or out of Heathrow you'll especially love this hotel's location near Paddington Station. Take the Paddington Express to or from Heathrow, a 15 minute train ride.
Old Street Tube Station and this trendy area of London called Shoreditch is where all the cool kids are hanging out. A smaller hotel with 224 rooms, Holiday Inn Express City of London caters to families offering perks like oversized rooms, free WiFi, free daily breakfast, complimentary coffee/tea supplies and a sofa bed/sleeper couch. Previous guests have complained that the sofa bed isn't so comfy. While that might not impact younger kids, teens may add this to the list of things to complain about. They'll cease their complaints though when they walk outside and explore this hip area of the city, and a mere 15-minute walk to Spitalfields Market as well as the modern Barbican Centre. Not to worry, attention has been placed on soundproofing windows which cuts out most exterior noise.
Raise your hand if you've been to the family hotel that promises a free breakfast only to find that your options are a) heart disease bread b) bruised fruit or c) sugar sweet yogurt that has you crashing an hour later. Holiday Inn Express City of London introduces you to a real English breakfast, including hot sausages, scrambled eggs, baked beans and much more, all in a breakfast buffet style setting. If you're still recovering from a pub jaunt, you have the option to grab your breakfast and enjoy it when you're feeling right as rain.
Each room includes complimentary use of a smartphone with 4G data, free local calls and select free international calls. Now's the time to call your siblings and brag about your posh holiday.
If history is what your family is looking for, look no further than this historic and beautiful, 4-star, 331-room family hotel in London. Near to this hotel you'll find the sprawling 57-acre (23-hectare) St. James's Park, Buckingham Palace and Houses of Parliament. With no less than 4 tube stops nearby, you'll find that you can easily access any destination your family desires. The Junior Suite and Suite category rooms (355-sq-foot/33-sq-meter) consist of 1 king size bed and a sofa bed, accommodating up to 5 people. If you're in London during December you'll enjoy beautiful Christmas decorations and open fires.
If your large family often breaks your bank, at this hotel you'll experience larger than average room sizes, video game consoles, in-room-refrigerator, free WiFi or wired Internet access, free in-room tea or coffee, free nightly chocolates; not to mention the complimentary wine in the lobby on Monday-Thursday evenings. Cribs/cots are free too.. What's not to love?
If you have teenagers that eat you out of house and home, this 316-room hotel will be an utter relief. Children ages 17 and under stay for free when sharing their parents' rooms, while kids ages 12 and under eat for free any time of the day in the on-site restaurant, no restrictions. That might very well convince you, but also keep in mind that this hotel is set on a quiet residential road, is a minute's walk from Russell Square tube station, an 11-minute walk from the British Musuem and only 15-minutes walking from Oxford Street. Centrally located, easy to enjoy and light on the wallet, this hotel may be the key to an easy and enjoyable vacation.
This four-star hotel has features that several hotels offer in London, including children under 16 stay for free when sharing their parent's room, and children under 12 eat breakfast and dinner free (when a parent pays for a full-priced meal). What really sets this hotel apart is their walking proximity to some top-destinations in London. The Regents Park Zoo, Hamleys Toy Store and the London Aquarium are all nearby. What's more, the little-known Kidzania at Westfield offers your child over 60 role-playing scenarios in which they can pretend to do grown-up jobs from police officer, famous singer, or pilot navigating a real plane at the aviation academy. For the right age, this child-size city will induce your child to label London the "best trip ever"...and you of course, "best parent".
This 4-star hotel is located within Paddington Station meaning transporation options abound. Whether you're coming in from Heathrow (be sure to use Heathrow Express), travelling by train to Oxford or making your way around London by tube, Paddington station is a great base, especially for families. At check-in, children are welcomed to the hotel with coloring books and crayons.
Outside of the excellent location, this hotel offers two great room choices for those travelling with kids: Family Superior Room, also called the Hilton Family Room is a suite offering 2 double beds and on king or queen bed. At about 300 square feet there's just enough room for comfort. Alternatively a suite with 1 queen and a sofa bed (614-sq-foot) sleeps up to 4 people, up to 3 children and offers quite a bit of extra space.
We love the Paddington Bear Walking Tour where you and your children can explore the streets of London with Paddington Bear, the lovable fictional character from the children's books by Michael Bond first published in 1958. The Paddington Bear Walking Tour starts at Paddington Railway Station. Children under 3 are free.
The downside...wifi is available for a minimal charge and a cursory read through hotel reviews reveals the wifi speed is poor at best. However, childcare and babysitting are available (for a fee) by contacting the hotel concierege.
Kids 5 years and under eat free when accompanied by an adult, and older children can eat from the special children's menu for $12.50. Tie-ins to Paddington Bear are prevalent — a Paddington coloring book at check-in and the concierge-recommended Paddington Bear Walking tour that starts daily at 10:30am from inside the station. The convenience store Sainsbury's Local is a short walk from the hotel.
If your children sometimes act like sea creatures, both you and they will appreciate the indoor pool at this London family hotel; not to mention the sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. If one of the grown-ups is in need of some extra care, the in-house spa offers massages, manicures, pedicures and facials. And while this hotel does not offer babysitting services or nannies, WiFi is included with your stay...which should keep youngsters (and adults?!) occupied.
This hotel also serves as a great travel hub, with a one-hour direct ride to Heathrow on the Piccadilly Line. A short walk away is St Pancras train station where Eurostar trains leave for Europe. An easy 15-20 minute walk you have you at the British Museum, Covent Garden or the West End theatre district.
Southbank is an easy no-brainer for families with kids. This area is known for a long stretch of walkway on the south side of the Thames, with shops, attractions and brilliant vistas every inch of the way. You have access to the London Dungeon, the London Aquarium, London Eye and Big Ben, Covent Garden and West End right across the bridge. The closest train station is Waterloo, while the closest underground station is on the Jubilee line which stops at Bond Street for the best shopping.
If you're ready for night-out kids-free, use the hotel's babysitting services, even if it's only to visit the hotel bar which boasts more than 100 different types of gin. If you're ready to have a real English experience, book afternoon tea in the hotel restaurant and then let the kids loose in the largest indoor swimming pool in London. (You heard that waiting an hour post eating before swimming is now null and void, correct?). Cheers!
If you're truly ready to impress your kids, choosing the Marriott at County Hall is a step in the right direction. This hotel has goody bags for the kids upon check-in, complete with activity books and a Park Plaza passport. Forget the standard brown colored bland comforter, at this hotel, kids sleep with duvets decorated with popular cartoon characters and are treated to kid-size bathrobes, not to mention pizza-making classes. If you're environmentally conscious, you'll love the option to trade a cleaning service for a bottle of wine during your visit.
Whether you're in London for a long-stay or you simply need a few more amenities here are some of the better apartments and flats for families with kids in London.
This may very well be our favorite London apartments rentals listing. The British Museum Apartment has modern appliances, modern design, comfortable and clean accommodations, and the 1,188 square feet apartment is spread out over three floors, making this truly feel as though you temporarily live in London. The apartment really is that close to the famous British Musuem, a mere four minute walk away, and Cambridge and Dominion Theatres are both within a five-minute walk for the theatre-loving family members in your midst. For the location, accommodations and size, this has to be one of the best deals in all of London.
This is one of the better London apartments we could find in London catering to families with up to six children. Located in the very hip neighborhood of Fitzrovia, you'll feel as though this is your home away from home while in London. A full kitchen with oven, stove, microwave, fridge and kitchen table will enable you to make dinners in or snacks when you have hungry tummies. The beds available include a King bed, 1 twin and 2 large twin sofa beds. Cribs and rollaway beds are also available upon request. Within fifteen minutes walk you'll discover Madame Tussaud's, Regent Street, Russell Square and a bit further on the British Museum.
If you are on the higher end of family size, then this three bedroom apartment option will meet your needs. This 1,323 square foot with three bedrooms offers everyone in your family plenty of space. The living/dining area has a flat-screen TV and a big perk in the kitchen is the dishwasher and washer/dryer. Bedrooms include King-size beds that can be separated into twins, with one en-suite bathroom and two additional bathrooms. And while this is definitely not in the budget category, you'll find enough to enjoy that you likely won't recall how expensive it was...or not! Conveniently located in Paddington, you'll be within striking distance of Hyde Park, the Princess Diana Memorial Playground (really as good as you may have heard) and the little-known Alexander Fleming Museum who discovered penicillin; his laboratory is reconstructed to resemble how it looked circa 1928.
When most people think of London, they think of Trafalgar Square, they think of Charing Cross and Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, The National Gallery and how exactly one is meant to pronounce "Leicester Square". This is the London location you've dreamed of, with the cozy comfortable accommodation you wished for. The building is beautiful, the inside is contemporary and comfortable, with big easy couches, a full kitchen and a washing machine to boot. And while one of the bedrooms is also home to the "kitchen table" with only four place settings, it's easy to overlook this with the location you have. The key is to enjoy meals outside of the apartment after all!
Located in comfortable and beautiful Marylebone, you'll find some of the best eating and activities just outside the hotel's front door. Choices abound from Madame Tussauds, The Sherlock Holmes Museum or Regent's Park which houses Queen Mary's Rose Gardens as well as the London Zoo. The interior of the hotel is spellbinding and family rooms incredibly spacious at 592 square feet. These rooms sleep two adults and two children; extra beds can be added for £60. Expect an in-room children's pack that features bathrobes and slippers for little ones, and bottle warmers, baby bath tubs and highchairs for the very littlest ones. Children will love the Winter Garden restaurant's chocolate afternoon tea, which includes coconut and chocolate macaroons as well as banana, pecan nut and milk chocolate cake. If you want to ensure an experience they'll never forget, try the hotel's 'Family Escape' package which includes an indoor tent and headlamp, making for a camping experience in one of the biggest cities in the world.
If your intention while traveling in London is to enjoy as many sites as possible, this hotel may be your golden ticket. Centrally located with a number of tube stations and train stations steps away from the hotel. Family rooms sleep 4 with crib/cot beds and roll-away beds available upon request. The on-site restaurant has a standard childrens menu with steak frites, penne, burger and fish and chips. Free and unlimited WiFi is available and kids enjoy a free breakfast with paying adult.
While you may spend more at this London family hotel, you'll be rewarded with one of the best experiences for both grown-ups and children. This is a suites-only hotel; all units have fully-equipped spacious kitchens and separate living rooms. The complimentary 'Kids at Taj' program includes free goodie bags on arrival complete with sketchbook, crayons and a Taj 'passport' stamped by the concierge. In the room you'll find special child amenities such as miniature slippers and robes. Your young ones can also expect cookies with marshmallows and hot chocolate at bedtime, not to mention a fuller menu in the restaurant. Rather than the regular offer of burgers, french fries (chips) and grilled cheese, here you can expect canela waffles and cheesy flatbreads. Bonus is the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party with mango tarts, strawberry potion and white chocolate mousse teacups.
Brown's Mayfair is part of the Rocco Forte brand of luxury hotels. Luxury London hotels are known for how they cater to adults, but here at Brown's, they go out of their way to care for children. For the littlest ones, you'll find upon request baby meals, high chairs, bibs, bottle warmers and sterilisers. Rooms can be set up with baby cots, baby mobiles, night lamps and play mats. Bathrooms are set up with hooded towels, rubber ducks, baby bathtubs and nappies, as well as changing mats.
From the moment you arrive, your toddlers or pre-teens will be showered with attention. Starting wtih a personalised gingerbread man upon arrival, followed by a plethora of books, magazines, movies, games, games consoles and content protected Wi-Fi are available. Your child will receive access to the VIP kids' library with a special library card, their own "Alby the monkey" toy, milk and cookies at turndown not to mention kid's linens and hangers just for them. Bathrooms are set up with rubber ducks, anti-slip mats, potties as well as step stools. In the main restaurant, they'll receive 50% off all kids meals, and a special breakfast corner as well as high chairs, kids crockery and bibs.
Your teenagers receive extra-special attention, such as spa treatments designed for them, city activities factsheet, bespoke city activities and programmes. For the entire family, no matter the size, extra beds and interconnecting rooms are available upon request. This section of the city has an incredible amount to offer, from art galleries, to shopping, Buckingham Palace just a stone's throw away, as well as Shepherd Market. Brown's has the distinction of being the oldest hotel in London, but by today's standards, this 115 room, 33 suite hotel shines with a designer's touch and is the ultimate in comfort and luxury.
One of the most famous (and oldest) food markets in London, the Borough Market, is steps away from this gorgeous landmark building. You'll also be within striking distance of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, the Tower of London and picturesque Tower Bridge. Inside the hotel, you'll be pleased to find a one Michelin star restaurant, spa and wellness center, salon as well as a fitness center. For your little ones, you'll receive complimentary meals as well as free English breakfast for up to two adults and two children in the Rotunda. Room choices include a Deluxe Room or Premier Room for two adults and one child. If you're a larger family, choose the Executive Room which accommodates two adults and two children (check out our article on London Hotels for families of 5 or more). Children under 18 stay for free. Additionally, if you stay beyond three nights, the fourth night is free.
For many families, planning a vacation is half the fun. For many families, they feel let down when the experience a hotel that's second-rate, nearby attractions that seem lackluster and food that harkens back to the Black Plague rather than 'Best Meal Ever'. Welcome to St. James' Court Taj Hotel. This 5-star hotel is housed in a Victorian-era building, consists of 326 smoke-free guestrooms, each with a blend of old-world luxury charm and contemporary appointemnts such as free, hotel-wide Wifi access and Michelin-star restaurants such as Quilon.
Families seeking comfort and convenience will find this Taj hotel a great London option. Kids under 19 stay free and for younger children the hotel offers babysitting or childcare at a surcharge. Those with larger families or those needing a bit more space may request connecting rooms. Of course, daily housekeeping will ensure your room is fresh after a day of sightseeing. St. James' Court, A Taj Hotel is an easy short walk to Southbank Centre featuring the ever-popular London Eye and Waterloo train station.
An ideal budget option for families visiting the West End and Theatreland. While most rooms are compact, they are well designed and feature kitchenettes, perfect for rustling up some breakfast or warming up some take-away in the microwave. The superior room sleeps two adults and one child; televisions and free access to Love Film are handy to keep young ones amused when its time to relax. The hotel does not offer breakfast (the lack of on-site food facilities is what keeps room rates low), but it is possible to order breakfast from Gail's Artisan Bakery next door for £7. One delightful feature to this hotel is that within walking distance you can find "The Making of Harry Potter", where you'll see the iconic sets, the costumes as props and the magical locations featured in the movie.
This 5-star boutique London hotel is big on free kids' amenities such as a welcome gift, mini bathrobes, milk and cookies at bedtime, a London-themed activities book, board games and their own special bathroom toiletries. Best of all, Haymarket Hotel has a funky magenta-lit swimming pool is child-friendly, with free inflatable toys upon request. Step outside this London family hotel (if you can pull yourself away) and you'll discover The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, St Jame's Park and Southbank.
Besides all the free amenities offered at Hilton London Metropole, this 4-star London family hotel has an indoor swimming pool that is open year round, which for most parents is the equivalent of a gold mine. This hotel is a stone's throw from Hyde Park, close to the popular and swanky Oxford Street, as well as 2-minutes from the nearest Tube station.
If your children sometimes act like sea creatures, both you and they will appreciate the indoor pool at Crowne Plaza King's Cross; not to mention the sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.
Located in the ever popular Southbank area, London Marriott Hotel County Hall is not only close to shops, attractions, London Eye and Big Ben, but also offers babysitting services and the largest indoor swimming pool in London! (You heard that waiting an hour post eating before swimming is now null and void, correct?). Cheers!
Hello. We're thinking about staying the Holiday Inn Express City of London in July 2019. Do you have any ideas of what's good to do nearby for a family of 3? Thanks, Rosia
Holiday Inn Express City of London is a good choice. I love the cell phone on loan program! A few things to do nearby are:
Just hope on the tube at Old Street Station, which is on the Northern Line, and you find a ton of great London attractions within a few minutes.