Where to Stay in Westminster, London: Best Hotels for Every Budget

Westminster is London’s most iconic neighbourhood with many famous attractions — but staying here isn’t for everyone. Here’s how to decide if it’s the right base for your trip.

Westminster is London’s royal and political heartland — home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world.

Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square are all within easy walking distance of each other, making this one of the most rewarding parts of the city to base yourself.

There are plenty of green spaces too. St James’s Park, Green Park and the grounds around Buckingham Palace give the area a surprisingly open, unhurried feel for somewhere so central.

It’s not a neighbourhood in the traditional sense — you won’t find a village high street or a buzzy local café scene — but what it lacks in local charm it more than makes up for in location.

Sitting close to the centre of the city, it’s a 30-minute walk to Soho, Covent Garden, and Leicester Square, and the Southbank is just across the river.

If you want to save your legs or venture further afield, it also has excellent transport links, with 4 tube stations and mainline train and coach stations.

Paul and I have lived in London for over 30 years; here are our views on the pros and cons of staying in Westminster, and our pick of the best hotels for every budget.

Is Westminster Right for You?

Westminster is an excellent base in London, but it’s not the right fit for everyone. Here’s a quick breakdown of what makes it a good and a not-so-good place to stay.

You should stay in Westminster if…

• You’re visiting London for the first time and want to be close to the major landmarks
• You want to be able to walk to the main sights without relying on the tube
• You prefer a calmer, quieter base — Westminster is noticeably less hectic at night than areas like Soho or Covent Garden
• You’re travelling for work and need easy access to transport links, including Victoria for Gatwick and Waterloo for Eurostar connections

You should not stay in Westminster if…

• You want a lively neighbourhood with a good selection of local restaurants, bars and cafés on your doorstep
• You’re looking for boutique independent shops or a market
• You’re on a tight budget
• You’re a returning visitor who has already seen the main sights

Westminster Vs Other Areas of London

Many visitors to London choose to stay in Soho, South Bank, Covent Garden or Notting Hill instead of Westminster. Here’s a quick comparison of each to help you choose.

Westminster vs Soho – Soho is livelier, grittier and better for restaurants, bars and nightlife. If you want to be in the thick of London’s social scene, Soho wins. Westminster is better if you want a quieter base that’s still central — you can always walk or tube to Soho in the evening.

Westminster vs South Bank – South Bank has a fantastic riverside setting, great cultural venues and a more relaxed, creative atmosphere. Westminster is better if the historic landmarks are your priority. That said, the two areas are just a short walk across Westminster Bridge from each other, so either works well for covering both sides of the river.

Westminster vs Covent Garden – Covent Garden puts you right in the middle of the West End’s theatre district and is surrounded by great eating and shopping. Westminster is a better choice if you want more space, greener surroundings and slightly better value for money on accommodation.

Westminster vs Notting Hill – Notting Hill has genuine neighbourhood character — independent cafés, the Portobello Road market and a village-like feel. Westminster has none of that, but offers far better access to the central sights. If charm and local atmosphere matter more than convenience or you are on a tighter budget, Notting Hill is worth considering.

The overall verdict: Westminster is hard to beat for a first visit or a sightseeing-focused trip. If you’re a returning visitor looking for more character or a specific vibe, one of the other neighbourhoods might suit you better.

Main Attractions in Westminster

The main reason for staying in Westminster is its close proximity to many of London’s main attractions. Here’s a quick list of just some of the sights in the neighbourhood.

• Buckingham Palace: The slightly unattractive primary residence of the British monarch.
• Westminster Abbey: Possibly the best historical sight in London, with the tombs of Kings and Queens and notable public figures.
• Westminster Palace & Big Ben: A magnificent Gothic building and home to the British government.
• St James’s Park: One of the prettiest royal parks in London with views of Buckingham Palace.
• Churchill War Rooms: A fascinating museum preserving Britain’s wartime history.
• Downing Street: The official residence and office of the Prime Minister.
• Horseguards Parade: Photo opportunity with Household Cavalry sat on horses.
• Tate Britain: Art museum dedicated to British Art including a large Turner Collection.

Getting Around Westminster

Many of London’s best attractions are in Westminster, and it is an easy, short walk over the Thames to the restaurants and cafes on the South Bank.

But if you want to travel further, Westminster is one of the best-connected areas of London, with four tube stations and one of the city’s major rail terminals all within easy reach.

Westminster Station is on the Circle, District and Jubilee lines, giving you fast, direct connections to the South Bank, Canary Wharf, and across to Paddington for Heathrow.

St James’s Park Station is on the Circle and District lines and is the closest stop to Buckingham Palace and St James’s Park itself.

Victoria Station is the area’s main transport hub, serving the Circle, District and Victoria lines on the tube, as well as National Rail connections to Gatwick Airport and the south of England.

Pimlico Station is on the Victoria line only and is the quietest of the four — most useful if you’re staying in the southern part of Westminster near Tate Britain.

Where to Stay in Westminster

Here are our recommendations for where to stay in Westminster. We have chosen a mix of hotels at different price points.

• Budget (£) – Under £250
• Mid-Market (££) – £250 to £400
• Top-End (£££) – Over £400

Below is a map showing the locations of each hotel, the major attractions, and the main transport hubs.

Budget hotels tend to cluster around Victoria Train Station, whereas mid-market and top-end hotels are set on grander, more central streets.

Click on the top right corner to open our map in your Google Maps app. Click the star next to the title to save it to your Google account.  

Best Hotels in Westminster

Budget Hotels in Westminster (£)

Luna Simone Hotel – This family-run boutique hotel is clean and comfortable with plenty of light and a clean fresh feel. Free Wi-Fi and a full English Breakfast are available. It’s located in Pimlico on the western edge of Westminster, about a 20-minute walk from the main attractions.

The Eaton Town House – Great location right next to Victoria Train Station. Rooms are modern and clean, but some have narrow steps to gain access that can be awkward with large luggage.

Belgravia Apartments – Comfortable, well-appointed, small-but-cute apartments in a great location. Tucked away on a side street, just 200m from Victoria Train Station, they are surprisingly quiet.

Mid-Market Hotels in Westminster (££)

Rubens at the Palace – If location is everything, the Rubens at the Palace is hard to argue with. Sitting directly opposite Buckingham Palace’s Royal Mews, it’s as close to royalty as most of us will ever get. Inside, the hotel leans into its setting with warm, traditionally styled rooms and a proudly British atmosphere that international visitors tend to love.

The Resident Victoria – A sleek, modern aparthotel a short walk from Victoria Station, The Resident offers stylish rooms with kitchenettes at a price point that’s hard to match in this part of London. A practical, no-fuss choice that delivers more than you’d expect for the money.

The Guardsman Hotel & Residence – Part boutique hotel, part sophisticated hideaway, The Guardsman punches well above its size. The rooms are on the smaller side but thoughtfully kitted out, and the location — tucked between St James’s Park and Buckingham Palace — is as good as Westminster gets.

Top End Hotels in Westminster (£££)

Conrad London St.James – If you’re looking for a five-star stay in Westminster without the stuffiness of a traditional grand hotel, the Conrad is hard to beat. The rooms are generous by London standards, the service is quietly excellent and the location puts you within easy walking distance of almost everything.

St. Ermin’s Hotel Autograph Collection – Few hotels in Westminster have as much character as St. Ermin’s. The grand Edwardian architecture and sweeping staircase make an immediate impression, but it never feels like a museum piece — the rooms are warm and well-appointed, and the courtyard bar is one of the most charming spots in the area for an evening drink.

The Goring – The Goring is one of London’s great historic hotels — the only five-star property in the city still owned by the family that built it. Expect a large private garden, a Michelin-starred restaurant and the kind of old-school English service that never feels stuffy.

More London Guides

• For an overview of staying in the city, read our guide about the best neighbourhoods in London.
• Stay in the heart of Royal London with our guide to staying in Westminster and St James’s.
• All our favourite things are covered in our guide, the best things to do in London.
• Get to know one of London’s most vibrant areas with our Notting Hill guide.
• Our guide to staying in Soho includes the best things to do in the area, along with hotel recommendations.
• See more of the city on one of our self-guided London walks.