Planning on a visit to London with kids? This guide will help! When we want to visit London we always look for a family friendly hotel which suits our needs; including a great location, room to move inside the room and outside, with onsite facilities like an indoor swimming pool a bonus.
We haven’t stayed at all these hotels on London, but we did ask our Family Travel Tips Forum Facebook group what other families also recommended for the ones we haven’t visited yet. We hope these recommendations by parents for parents of the best family hotels in London help you plan your next trip, whatever your budget!
Central London is very manageable by local transport, particularly by Tube – the underground train. However, not all stations have step free access, so a lightweight travel stroller is useful to have that you can quickly pack away. I have also taken a larger Bugaboo travel system and found that so many people offered to help me when travelling by myself.
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Family Friendly Hotels In London
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Many ‘family rooms’ only sleep 3 with a double bed plus a single pull-out or sofa bed. The majority of these options we have included sleep four or more with some sleeping 6 people +. So if you are searching for London hotels for families of 5 options, you are in luck!
Here, we cover all budgets – money-saving 2* hotels, 3* average hotels, 4* hotels that offer that little bit extra, right up to luxurious 5* hotels that really go all out to make your stay a truly special experience rather than just being somewhere to sleep at night; offering things like kids welcome pack, cookies/gift on arrival, kids toiletries and more.
After a long day exploring, family friendly hotels in London with a swimming pool may be more appealing. We have included some here but for more see the highlighted link above!
If we have missed your favourite, best London hotel for families do let us know in the comments as we would love to hear from you!
Family Friendly Location
The perfect location is central to where you are planning to be, so you never have too far to travel. Some aspects that you may wish to consider are:
- Is your hotel close to bucket list attractions? Is it close to local transport and all the bucket list things you want to see in London. or even some of the not so well known, non touristy attractions.
- Are there good transport links to the hotel, tube, national rail, airport etc.
- Bonus: Is there some green space, playground or parks nearby or place to pick up snacks for a day trip etc?
Family Friendly Facilities
Having a kitchenette in your room with a mini fridge, kettle and sometimes even a microwave is so helpful when travelling with children – it means parents can make the essential first cup of tea or mug of coffee for the day, you can keep things like milk, yoghurts and fruit cool for breakfast and snacks and you can carefully warm up baby food knowing that it’s been done safely and to your baby’s taste.
Makes such a difference being able to stick to a routine or have a slow morning rather than having to conform to hotel breakfast dining times and if you’re on a careful budget you can always save money and self cater a bit more easily by making packed lunches and heating up microwavable ready meals in the evenings.
Family Friendly Hotels List (From Budget to Luxury)
Best 2* Family Hotels In London
2* family hotels can sometimes be quite basic / simple in terms of amenities and rooms can be on the small side but occasionally you can find some gems that cater really well for families and their needs and are in a convenient location for sightseeing!
1. The Marylebone Inn Hotel, Marylebone, London
The tastefully decorated Marylebone Inn Hotel is a traditional London townhouse set over four floors. It offers easy access to the best attractions in London – Baker Street, Madame Tussauds, beautiful Regents Park and excellent shopping & food on Oxford Street are all within a five to ten minute walk.
Family Rooms sleep 4-6 people and include:
- Two double beds (with extra beds available on request for up to two more children)
- Kitchenette (kettle, mini-fridge, sink and microwave)
- Luxury en-suite bathroom with bath and shower
- Plasma TV
- Free high speed internet
Nearby Attractions: Baker Street, Madame Tussauds, beautiful Regents Park and excellent shopping & food on Oxford Street are all within a five to ten minute walk.
Best 3* Family Hotels In London
There are plenty of 3* family hotels to choose from in London. All offer the usual facilities. These ones have great designs that will appeal to kids, more space than average and/or are in the perfect location for all the fun family activities you’ll be doing together as you explore London.
2. The California, Kings Cross, London
The California is located just across from the convenient St. Pancras train station – perfect if coming from the EuroStar train or into Kings Cross.
The Family room can sleep up to 5 (double bed plus 2 singles, cot available on request) is in a crisp and clean funky design. A buffet breakfast (hot and cold) is included, plus tv, toiletries, en suite bathroom.
- Double bed and two single beds
- Travel cot available on request
- toiletries
- safe
- TV
- Tea and coffee
Nearby Attractions: London Zoo and British Museum
3. London House Hotel, Bayswater, London
London House Hotel boasts small family rooms (1x double 1x single) plus a regular family room (1x double and 2x singles or 2x doubles). It is spacious and clean, with beautiful décor. ensuite bathroom, TV, tea/coffee, small fridge. From £145 p/night.
Family Rooms sleep 4 and include:
- Either two double beds or one double bed and two single beds
- En-suite bathroom
- TV
- Tea and coffee making facilities plus mini fridge
Nearby Attractions: Kensington Palace, Oxford Street and Buckingham Palace.
4. Stylotel, Paddington, London
Situated just two minutes walking distance from Paddington Station, the Stylotel is stylish with funky and futuristic décor. Quatro rooms comewith a double bed plus bunk beds ensuite shower/toilet, complimentary toiletries, TV and soundproofing. Suites come with a kitchenette; fridge, microwave, cooker, tea & coffee facilities, TV, double bed plus sofa bed. A hot and cold breakfast is also included (full English plus continental and pastries).
Quattro Rooms sleep 4 people and include:
- Double bed plus bunk beds
- En-suite shower room/toilet
- Complimentary toiletries
- TV
- Free breakfast
Family Suites also sleep 4 people and include:
- Double bed plus sofa bed
- Kitchenette with kettle, small fridge, microwave and cooker
- TV
- Breakfast
Nearby Attractions: Hyde Park is 5 minutes away.
5. Holiday Inn Express London – Earl’s Court, an IHG Hotel
The Holiday Inn Express Earl’s Court is less than a 5 minute walk to West Kensington Station and across the road there are several places to grab water and snacks. For families with kids, all double rooms come with sofa beds. (To sleep one child, so this hotel is best suited for families of three.)
Nearest Tube: West Kensington
Nearby Attractions: Five-minute walk from West Kensington and West Brompton Tube stations, where trains whisk you into central London
Best 4* Family Hotels In London
4* family hotels often offer that little bit extra whilst still providing good value for money. Some hotels in London even offer indoor swimming pools.
6. Signature Townhouse
The Signature Townhouse is great for central London, with a beautiful backdrop of Hyde Park. Stylish and elegant rooms include executive family rooms with 1x double and 1x double sofa bed for kids that don’t mind sharing (!), bathrobes and slippers. Coffee machine and tea making in room.
An Executive Family Room sleeps four and includes:
- A double bed and a double sofa bed
- Designer en-suite bathroom
- Coffee machine and kettle to make tea
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Free wi-fi
- TV
Nearby Attractions: Close to Hyde Park
7. Novotel London Blackfriars
Location: 46 Blackfriars Road, Southwark, London, SE1 8NZ
We found our stay here very convenient with restaurants close by and public transport a breeze. Novotel London Blackfriars Hotel is located near Waterloo Station and Southwark Underground.
The hotel has a great restaurant inside with a sumptuous breakfast buffet available. Family rooms can sleep up to 4 and are available which come equipped with wifi, tea and coffee making facilities.
Our room was a premium queen room with two single sofa beds (pictured above) – perfect for kids that kick and fuss and will not share a bed! However, a queen and double sofa bed are available as well as connecting rooms. TV’s have children’s channels available.
Indoor Pool Details: Located in the basement.
Nearby Family Attractions: The London Eye, London Aquarium and Tate Modern and London Film Museum are less than a mile from the hotel. Westminster Bridge is a further 20-minute walk away.
Nearest Tube: Southwark Underground.
4* Family Hotel in Kings Cross, London
8. The Megaro
The cool, funky Megaro is the sister hotel to the California and close to Kings Cross/Euston. Apartments with a kitchen sleep 4 +1, junior suites 1x double 2x single. All proper beds and not pull outs. Free jelly beans are a hit with kids.
No breakfast included but the Megaro eatery is on site. There’s a little French bakery, Aux Pains de Papy a minutes walk away on Grays Inn Road that sells delicious croissants and excellent coffee.
Nearby Attractions: Close to KIngs Cross and short hop by tube to main attractions.
4* Family Hotel in Westminster, London
9. Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London (Radisson Hotels)
The Park Plaza is a short walk from Westminster Bridge, South bank and opposite the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. There are lots of options for families including family suites with double bed plus sofa bed, and a 2 bedroom suite with double bed plus 2 single beds. The 2 bed suite accommodates up to 5 adults or 4 adults and 2 children aged 12 or under. Children under the age of 12 stay free of charge.
Onsite is an indoor swimming pool.
At check in, kids receive a goody bag which includes a colouring in book, colouring pencils and kids’ vouchers to spend on food and drink at the hotel.
To kick start each morning, when accompanying parents breakfast, a complimentary breakfast for under 12’s is available throughout your stay.
Nearby Attractions: Close to London Dungeons, London Eye, Sealife centre, Houses of Parliament, Shreks Adventure, South Bank
10. St Ermin’s Hotel, London
An historic hotel with a history steeped with espionage during World War 2 and a fun bee themed afternoon tea for little ones.
This hotel oozes glamour and charm with a wow staircase as you enter, but kids are warmly welcomed. Kids receive a Secret Agent package upon check-in and can solve a fun mission during their stay.
Rooms can sleep a family of five easily with two queen beds and a day bed suitable for a small child and two bathrooms, whereas family suites can fit 6 people. Family suites are ideal for a young family of two adults and up to four children. These have 2 queen beds and a double sofa bed with two bathrooms! A teepee can also be added to the room for those little ones that prefer their own personal space to chill out. Expect tea and coffee facilities in all rooms.
Visit the 3rd floor wildflower terrace to see the bees at work and their very own ‘bee hotel’ – where they collect pollen and nectar from the nearby London parks and green spaces. It is easy to see why the hotels mantra has always been; “A home to you, but a hotel to us” They really do mean this -whether adult, child or insect!
Attractions Nearby: Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, The Southbank, London Eye, Trafalgar Square are all within walking distance.
Nearest Tube: St James’s Park tube
11. Park Plaza County Hall
Location: Park Plaza County Hall, 1 Addington St, London, SE1 7RY
This is another hotel in the Westminster area which offers plenty for families. From an onsite swimming pool to suites equipped with a microwave, sink and kettle, plus close proximity to many London attractions for families, including the London Eye, Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure, London Dungeons and Westminster Abbey, House of Parliament.
The onsite swimming pool is located on the lower level. Breakfast is a sumptuous affair with a full English breakfast, fresh juices and pastries and many dietary options available too. Plastic cutlery is provided for younger children and the milkshakes are sure to be a hit.
Nearby Attractions: London Eye, Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure, London Dungeons and Westminster Abbey, House of Parliament.
12. London Marriott Hotel County Hall
Location: London County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, London, SE1 7PB
You know a hotel is family friendly when they occasionally offer Very Important Kids Packages. Packages are inclusive of kids’ pampering amenities and toiletries, a County Hall Teddy Bear, free Wi-Fi and a yummy family breakfast.
Location wise, you are in prime position to explore London with kids. The hotel is within easy walking distance to Big Ben, the London Dungeon, the London Eye and the Sea Life London Aquarium. It’s a also a good base to explore the lesser touristy places too, like the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Larger rooms can sleep up to four Deluxe Rooms at the hotel provide accommodations for up to four guests.
There are plenty of options for families; connecting rooms, rooms with two double beds and sofa, and two bedroom suites sleeping 5. Fridges are provided in all rooms too and of course, the indoor swimming pool is available for guests.
Indoor Pool Details:
This London hotel indoor pool is located inside the Fitness Center of the hotel and is bathed in natural daylight and offers a great place to swim quietly in warm water.
Key family-friendly features:
- Babysitting service
- In-room Crib/Play Yard
- Family Swimming Times
- Complimentary Wifi in guest rooms, lobby and public areas
- Fitness centre on-site
Nearby Attractions: London Eye, Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure, London Dungeons and Westminster Abbey, House of Parliament. Southbank
For more photos and information on the London Marriott Hotel County Hall see here
Best 5* Family Hotels In London
5* Luxury Family Hotel in Marylebone, London
13. The Landmark
London, Marylebone from £296 per night Guests seeking some of the biggest entry-level rooms in London need look no further. The cheapest sleeping quarters are a whopping 592 sq ft.
Family rooms sleep two adults and two children; extra beds can be put in for £60. Expect an in-room children’s pack that features bathrobes and slippers for young ones, and bottle warmers, baby bath tubs and highchairs as required.
Children will also love the Winter Garden restaurant’s chocolate afternoon tea, which includes coconut and chocolate macaroons and banana, pecan nut and milk chocolate cake. The hotel’s ‘Family Escape’ packages also include an indoor tent and headlamp so that children can play at camping.
Nearby Attractions: Regents Park, London Zoo, Sherlock Holmes Museum, Madam Tussaurds, Sea Life London Aquarium, London Eye, London Transport Museum, Hamleys, Cutty Sark, London Dungeon, Science Museum.
5* Luxury Family Hotel in Mayfair, London
14. Brown’s Hotel
Situated in luxury Mayfair from £475 per night The grand interconnecting suites are ideal for families looking for luxury; rooms are vast and service — especially for children — is charmingly personalised. and is one of the top London hotels with family rooms for 4 people +
Expect sheets embroidered with princesses or pirates, and a play tent, toys and biscuits bearing the name of your child waiting in the room on arrival.
All Rocco Forte hotels feature high-quality picture books, specially commissioned for each property, based on fictional characters who live in the hotel — Brown’s has Albemarle, the monkey (a shout-out to Rudyard Kipling, who wrote The Jungle Book in the hotel). The concierges across the group have been briefed to focus on a repertoire of child-friendly activities.
Nearby Attractions: London Zoo, Kidzania, Hyde Park
5* Luxury Family Hotel in Pimlico, London
15. The Georgian House Hotel – Pimlico area
We loved The Georgian House Hotel, – 5* boutique hotel with kids’ toiletries, games, ‘wizard chambers’ for those who love magic and Harry Potter. Afternoon teas and a great location for a sightseeing base.
It is always useful to know of central London hotels with family rooms – a question that I often get asked about and this hotel is a great central base. The Georgian House is situated in the Pimlico area of London.
It’s central location and proximity to Victoria Station means that it is a good base for families to explore the local area, and one of the best areas to stay in London with family.
Buckingham Palace is about a 20 minute walk away too. This family friendly London hotel has been awarded 5* status and encompasses 63 bedrooms and apartments.
The rooms are modern and light yet are full of character, charm and original fixtures. Guests have the option of singles, twins, and doubles to apartments and suites for up to six guests. Perfect if you are looking for family hotels in London which sleep 5 or more.
Perhaps most exciting of all: Harry Potter or wizard fans will love the concealed ‘Wizard Chamber’ room and the ‘Enchanted Chambers’
Nearby Attractions: Buckingham Palace
5* Luxury Family Hotel in Victoria, London
16. Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences
Based in Victoria from £320 per night, the Taj 51 is a worthy option for families, If you have a larger budget and particularly value your space and privacy.
Welcome to one of London’s best-kept secrets for families. This is a suites-only hotel; all units have fully-equipped and surprisingly spacious kitchens and separate living rooms.
The complimentary Kids @ Taj program includes free goodie bags on arrival complete with sketchbook, crayons and a Taj ‘passport’ stamped by the concierge, and special child amenities in the room (such as miniature slippers and robes). Suites can sleep up to 6 for those searching for luxury family-friendly hotels in London.
Young guests can also expect cookies with marshmallows and hot chocolate at bedtime. The children’s menus in the restaurants show some imagination for once — expect canela waffles and cheesy flatbreads rather than just the usual staples of burgers and chips.
Nearby Attractions: Buckingham Palace and Westminster Cathedral
Hilton Bankside
The Hilton has interconnecting rooms with twin beds and bathroom and a double room with bathroom for adults. A pool onsite is useful after a long day sightseeing too, along with lots of great eateries in close proximity.
When Is The Best Time To Visit London With Kids?
The best time to visit London with kids does vary depending on many factors.
Some people will argue that summer is the best because of the warm temperatures and the fact that you can actually go inside Buckingham Palace. But, on the other hand, others will claim that winter is the superior time to visit London because of Winter Wonderland and all the beautiful Christmas markets.
Before you plan your trip to London, you really need to think about the things your family will enjoy and the temperatures that they can endure. For example, some kids love wrapping up warm in winter, whereas others hate the cold.
Are you mostly planning indoor attractions in London, or travelling around London to see the main bucket list sites, quirky attractions or a specialist trip seeing all the Harry Potter attractions? Will you mostly be walking or catching the tube and taxis?
If you’re still unsure after considering your family in particular, then your safest bet is to visit London during spring or autumn when the temperatures are mild, and the crowds are at their lowest.
For slightly warmer temperatures, aim for April, May, or September, and if you don’t mind it being a little bit colder, then February, March, and October are also great months.
Getting Around London with Kids
Children under five can travel free at any time on the Tube, buses, trams, Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and London Overground, as long as they are accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket.
On Uber Boat by Thames Clippers river bus services, kids aged four and under travel free. Children under five also travel free on the IFS Cloud Cable Car (formerly Emirates Air Line Cable Car) when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
To travel around London, Oyster cards are great. You can use a debit card, or buy an oyster card for a £5 refundable deposit.
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