Where We Stayed in London (And Where You Should Too)

One thing we realised quickly about London—where you stay matters more than you think.

This city is huge, and every neighbourhood has a completely different vibe. You can be in a polished, quiet street one minute, and five stops later you’re in the middle of buzzing nightlife.

So instead of just picking a random hotel, we explored a few areas and paid attention to how each one felt. Here are the spots we think are actually worth staying in—depending on the kind of trip you want.

Covent Garden — If You Want to Be in the Middle of Everything

This is where London feels alive.

Street performers, restaurants, theatres, little shops—it’s always buzzing. We found ourselves coming back here almost every evening without even planning to.

If it’s your first time in London, this area just makes things easy. You can walk to a lot of major attractions, and there’s always something happening.

Where we’d stay: The Resident Covent Garden
It’s tucked away just enough to be quiet, but you step outside and you’re right in the action. Perfect balance.

Soho — For Food, Nightlife, and Energy

Soho has a completely different personality.

It’s louder, a bit chaotic, but in a fun way. If your ideal trip involves late dinners, bars, and not worrying about getting back early, this is your place.

We stayed nearby one night and loved how everything was just… right there.

Where we’d stay: Hazlitt’s Hotel
Feels more like staying in a historic townhouse than a hotel. Cozy, a little quirky, and full of character.

Kensington — Calm, Pretty, and Well-Connected

After a couple of busy days, Kensington felt like a reset.

Wide streets, beautiful buildings, parks nearby—it’s quieter without feeling disconnected. Perfect if you want somewhere more relaxed but still central enough.

We ended up spending slow mornings here, which we didn’t expect but really appreciated.

Where we’d stay: The Kensington Hotel
Elegant without being over-the-top. Also a great spot if you like that classic London feel.

Shoreditch — For a More “Local” London Vibe

This is where London feels a bit edgier and more creative.

Street art, independent cafés, cool little shops—it’s less polished, but that’s exactly the charm. It felt younger, more experimental.

If you’ve been to London before (or just want something different), this area stands out.

Where we’d stay: The Hoxton, Shoreditch
Stylish but relaxed. It’s one of those places where even the lobby feels like a social space.

Notting Hill — Slower, Charming, and Photogenic

This area feels like a movie set.

Colourful houses, quiet streets, little cafés—it’s the kind of place where you don’t rush. We spent more time just walking around here than we expected.

It’s not as central as other areas, but if you want a more peaceful stay, it’s worth it.

Where we’d stay: The Laslett
Boutique, cozy, and fits perfectly with the neighbourhood vibe.

The City of London — Best for Short, Efficient Trips

This one surprised us.

During the day, it’s all business—literally. But in the evenings, it becomes quiet and almost empty, which can actually be nice after a busy day.

If you’re on a short trip and want to stay close to landmarks like Tower Bridge, this area works well.

Where we’d stay: Apex City of London Hotel
Modern, comfortable, and super convenient if you’re planning to explore nearby attractions.

Final Thoughts from Travey Club

If we had to give one piece of advice—it’s this:

Don’t just pick a hotel. Pick a neighbourhood that matches your trip.

London isn’t a one-vibe city. It changes depending on where you are, and that can completely shape your experience.

For us, the best part was getting a mix—busy days in central areas, slower mornings in quieter neighbourhoods.

And honestly, that balance made the trip.

Travey Club specializes in creating custom travel plans tailored to individual interests, travel styles, and schedules. From curated itineraries to detailed logistics, our team helps travelers navigate destinations with confidence and ease. For a fully bespoke experience, contact us or become a Travey Club member and allow us to design a personalized journey based on your preferences. The itinerary below highlights key activities, while our custom planning ensures every detail is thoughtfully arranged to suit you.

Look at our three days London Itinerary : Travey Club