Planning a trip to London? Let’s talk hotels! You want to be close to the action, and that’s why I’m going to strongly recommend a stay in the Westminster/Whitehall area.
Why this area? Well, it’s centrally located and makes it easy to explore the city’s most famous sights.
Walking the City: A Londoner’s Delight
Think Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, the West End theatres, the British Museum, Churchill War Rooms, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, St. James Park, Buckingham Palace, Kensington Museums (Victoria and Albert, Science Museum, and Natural History Museum), and the South Bank gems like Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and the National Theatre. These iconic spots are all within walking distance of a hotel in Westminster or Whitehall.
Yes, you heard that right! You can walk to all of these attractions from your hotel. We’ve done it, and let me tell you, it’s a joy!
Think of it as a mini adventure every day. Some walks might be a bit longer, around 2.2 to 2.5 miles, which is about an hour of fresh air and exercise. We prefer this to crammed tube journeys, and often skip the Tube altogether during our London visits.
Navigating the City: Parks, Rivers, and Bridges
Imagine this: You’re strolling through St. James Park, its lake shimmering, and its flowers bursting with color. Then, you move on to Green Park, a tranquil expanse of trees and green lawns. Finally, you arrive at Hyde Park, with its rose gardens, sprawling lake, and the Princess Diana memorial fountain. This beautiful route takes you to sights west of your hotel.
For attractions to the east, you can cross the Thames and enjoy the pedestrian Thames Path, offering spectacular views of classic London buildings. Need to get back to the north side of the river? No problem! You can cross on the pedestrian-only Millennium Bridge, perfect for St. Paul’s Cathedral, or the iconic Tower Bridge, with its separate pedestrian path for reaching the Tower of London.
And if you’re feeling a little tired, hop on a London double-decker bus or a Thames commuter boat (now known as Uber boats) to return to your hotel, hopping off at Westminster Pier.
Choosing Your Perfect London Hotel
Now let’s talk about your hotel options. I highly recommend considering hotels close to the river and either the Elizabeth Tower (aka Big Ben) or Whitehall.
I’m particularly fond of the Royal Horseguards Hotel, and here’s why: It’s located right at the foot of the Hungerford Bridge, with its Golden Jubilee pedestrian bridges offering breathtaking river views and a scenic crossing.
Why I love this bridge: It’s a peaceful escape from the crowds, especially compared to the busy Westminster Bridge, which is often choked with tourists watching street performers.
Of course, you can access the Golden Jubilee bridges from other hotels in Whitehall or Westminster, but the Royal Horseguards Hotel makes it incredibly convenient.
Don’t forget to check out St. Ermin’s Hotel, too! It’s steeped in history, and we loved our stay there. However, the Royal Horseguards Hotel’s location just makes it a bit more appealing for us.
So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Londoner, these hotels offer a fantastic base for exploring this vibrant city on foot. Get ready to experience the magic of London, one walk at a time!
