Where to stay in London's Theatreland

Looking for a great hotel in central London, close to all the West End theatres? We've got curated picks to suit every price level.

If you’re planning to book for a West End show (or several!) during your trip to London, then it makes sense to find a hotel in the centre of town so that it’s easy to get to your theatre. Luckily, there are numerous great options within walking distance, and to suit a range of tastes and price points too.

So whether you’re looking to treat yourself to somewhere luxurious during your visit, or you’re on the hunt for a budget-friendly, cheap and cheerful option, read on for our guide to some of the best places to stay in London.

Get West End tickets on London Theatre.

Doyle Collection London Hotels

This family-owned collection of boutique hotels is the epitome of cosmopolitan glamour. Not only are they beautiful historic buildings, but several are perfectly placed for West End fun. Try The Kensington, The Marylebone or The Bloomsbury: the former is in west London, closest to the Royal Albert Hall, but an easy trip into the centre.

The Marylebone and The Bloomsbury are in the heart of the West End. Both are ideal for making the most of your time in London, from shopping and sightseeing to catching shows. Plus The Marylebone has amazing views from its rooftop suites, and you can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at The Bloomsbury or The Kensington.

Addresses: The Kensington, 109-113 Queen’s Gate; The Marylebone, 47 Welbeck Street; The Bloomsbury, 16-22 Russell Street

Price: ££

Nearby theatres: Dominion Theatre, Shaftesbury Theatre, Palace Theatre, London Palladium, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, St Martin’s Theatre, Cambridge Theatre

St Martins Lane Hotel

This trendy modern hotel feeds off the city’s energy and vibrancy with its bold décor, chic furnishings, and original ideas. It also has amazing London views right from your hotel room as you’re in the very centre of town: step outside and you’ll be in Covent Garden, Leicester Square or Trafalgar Square in seconds.

That of course makes it ideal for West End shows. Stay here and your neighbours are actually historic theatres, including the Duke of York’s Theatre and the majestic London Coliseum. The hotel also boasts a speakeasy-style cocktail bar and, to celebrate its 25th anniversary, a great deal on bottomless brunch. Cheers!

Address: 45 St Martin’s Lane

Price: ££

Nearby theatres: Duke of York’s Theatre, St Martin’s Theatre, Noel Coward Theatre, London Coliseum, Garrick Theatre, Wyndham’s Theatre, Arts Theatre, Prince of Wales Theatre

Claridge’s

Turn your London trip into a seriously classy affair by staying in one of the famous luxury suites at Claridge’s in Mayfair. Each has been crafted by an acclaimed designer, and they feature signature touches like Art Deco furnishings or the addition of a grand piano. There is also exemplary dining, a spa, and gallery ArtSpace.

The five-star Claridge’s was founded in 1812, and famous guests over the years include Queen Victoria, Winston Churchill, Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, Alfred Hitchcock, Whitney Houston, Mick Jagger, Joan Collins, and Brad Pitt. Plus it’s ideal for West End exploring, situated just minutes from shops, museums and theatres.

Address: Brook Street

Price: £££

Nearby theatres: London Palladium, Jermyn Street Theatre, Piccadilly Theatre, Lyric Theatre, Sondheim Theatre, Gielgud Theatre, Apollo Theatre, Harold Pinter Theatre

Savoy Hotel

Another iconic venue is the Savoy Hotel – and if you’re going to see a show at the Savoy Theatre, such as current occupant Mean Girls, you couldn’t possibly be closer! This majestic hotel is also handy for Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Charing Cross train station. But its great location is far from the only reason to choose the Savoy.

Built in 1889 by the Gilbert and Sullivan-producing impresario Richard D’Oyly Carte, its long list of legendary guests includes Noël Coward, Frank Sinatra, Oscar Wilde, Charlie Chaplin, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, the Beatles, and Barbra Streisand. Today you can enjoy its award-winning bars and restaurants, swimming pool, and handsome rooms with city views.

Address: Strand

Price: £££

Nearby theatres: Savoy Theatre, National Theatre, Lyceum Theatre, Novello Theatre, Vaudeville Theatre, Adelphi Theatre, Royal Opera House, Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Strand Palace Hotel

The Strand Palace is also a London institution: it has been nestled into the centre of the West End since it opened in 1909, and was sympathetically renovated in 2019 to mix contemporary comforts with traditional British style. A short stroll from Trafalgar Square, it’s very convenient for theatregoing, shopping, eating out, and more.

Book into one of its well-priced rooms (which include Cosy Singles, a great option for solo travellers), and enjoy its Gin Palace. Or – perfect for stagey types – sample the Theatre Afternoon Tea, which has a fabulous pun-filled menu, from Showstopper Scones to a Curtain Call red velvet treat, and invites you to play a live game of “Is It Cake?”

Address: Strand

Price: ££

Nearby theatres: Donmar Warehouse, Gillian Lynne Theatre, Adelphi Theatre, Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre, Trafalgar Theatre, His Majesty’s Theatre, Theatre Royal Haymarket, Savoy Theatre

Courthouse Hotel

Situated right by the London Palladium, as well as fun shopping and eateries on Carnaby Street and Oxford Street, and all the delights of nearby Soho, this is another brilliantly located hotel at which to base yourselves on a London holiday. Its reasonable prices mean even more to spend on souvenirs and theatre tickets!

This grand Grade II-listed building used to be a Magistrates’ Court: Charles Dickens was a court reporter here in the 19th century. Now there’s a swimming pool, spa and gorgeous private cinema, but there are fun nods to its previous life: the bar features murals of famous inmates (like John Lennon), and the Silk restaurant still has a dock and witness stand.

Address: 19-21 Great Marlborough Street

Price: £

Nearby theatres: London Palladium, Prince Edward Theatre, Dominion Theatre, Gielgud Theatre, Piccadilly Theatre, Lyric Theatre, Sondheim Theatre, Palace Theatre

Dean Street Townhouse

Part of the extremely trendy portfolio belonging to members’ club Soho House, the Dean Street Townhouse has 39 exquisite rooms available for anyone to book, featuring vintage marble and original fireplaces as part of its handsome Georgian décor. The in-house bistro is excellent, and you can add a glass of Thienot Champagne to your afternoon tea.

You’re also right in the midst of London’s buzzy Soho, close to fantastic restaurants like tapas favourite Barrafina and jazz club Ronnie Scott’s, within easy distance of great shopping both in Soho’s jam-packed lanes and on Oxford Street, plus you’re close to Covent Garden and lots of West End venues.

Address: 69-71 Dean Street

Price: ££

Nearby theatres: Soho Place, Dominion Theatre, Sondheim Theatre, Lyric Theatre, Palace Theatre, St Martin’s Theatre, Cambridge Theatre, Piccadilly Theatre

Premier Inn

The super-reliable budget favourite has multiple hotels very handily placed for West End theatre – perfect for a quick and easy central London visit while seeing a show, all while keeping your overall holiday price right down. (To quote Mamma Mia!, sometimes you just don’t want to stress about money, money, money!)

Try the compact but comfy rooms at the Premier Inn hubs in Soho and Covent Garden, or the Premier Inn Leicester Square Hotel, which puts you right in the centre of the action – you might catch a movie premiere from your bedroom window. You can enjoy all of the usual benefits too, like a power shower, unlimited breakfast, and free wi-fi.

Address: Various

Price: £

Nearby theatres: Noel Coward Theatre, London Coliseum, Garrick Theatre, Arts Theatre, Prince of Wales Theatre, Wyndham’s Theatre, His Majesty’s Theatre, Theatre Royal Haymarket