The 9 Best Family-Friendly Hotels in London (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 9 picks

The best family-friendly hotels in London in 2026 are The Rubens at the Palace for family suites by Buckingham Palace, The Ampersand in South Kensington next to the big museums, Corinthia London for a family splurge with a pool, and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge or Premier Inn County Hall by the London Eye.

Standard London hotel rooms are small, and many sleep only two. For a family, look for proper family rooms or interconnecting rooms, and book early because they are limited. South Kensington (museums, Hyde Park) and the South Bank (London Eye, aquarium, river walks) are the easiest bases with children, and a hotel pool is a big bonus on a rainy afternoon.

1. The Rubens at the Palace — Victoria, Westminster & South Kensington

Family suites and interconnecting rooms opposite the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace.

$$$ UpmarketBest for Families · First-timers

The Rubens at the Palace makes a real effort for families, with family suites, interconnecting rooms and touches for younger guests, in a classic hotel that looks across at the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace.

St James's Park, the Changing of the Guard and Victoria station are all a short walk away.

Good to know: Ask about family suites and interconnecting rooms when booking; they are limited.

39 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0PS

Google Maps Website

2. The Ampersand Hotel — South Kensington

A playful boutique hotel a few minutes' walk from the big South Kensington museums.

$$$ UpmarketBest for Families

The Ampersand is a bright, colourful hotel two minutes from South Kensington Tube and an easy walk from the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V&A. It runs a range of family-oriented services for younger guests.

It is a good base for a museum-heavy trip, with Hyde Park close by for letting off steam.

Good to know: Go to the Natural History Museum at opening time to beat the queues.

10 Harrington Road, London SW7 3ER

Google Maps Website

3. Corinthia London — Whitehall, Westminster & South Kensington

A grand riverside hotel with family rooms and a spa pool, by the Embankment.

$$$$ SplurgeBest for Families · Couples

Corinthia London is a five-star hotel between Trafalgar Square and the river, with flexible family rooms that sleep four and a large spa with a pool.

It is the splurge option, ideal for a special family trip within walking distance of Westminster, the South Bank and Covent Garden.

Good to know: Check the spa's family swim times before you promise the children a dip.

Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2BD

Google Maps Website

4. Park Plaza Westminster Bridge — South Bank

A huge hotel by the London Eye with family rooms and a pool.

$$$ UpmarketBest for Families · First-timers

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge sits at the south end of Westminster Bridge, facing the Houses of Parliament, with a large choice of rooms and suites, an indoor pool, several restaurants and a lot of space.

The London Eye, SEA LIFE aquarium and Southbank Centre are minutes away on foot.

Good to know: Rooms with a view of Big Ben cost more; the kids will love them.

200 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7UT

Google Maps Website

5. Premier Inn London County Hall — South Bank

The best-value family rooms in central London, next to the London Eye.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Families · Budget

Premier Inn's County Hall hotel has family rooms in a dream location beside the London Eye, at budget prices. Rooms are simple and consistent, and the chain's family deals often include children's meals.

It is the obvious choice for families who want to walk to the big sights without paying five-star rates.

Good to know: Family rooms sell out first; book as soon as your dates are fixed.

County Hall, Belvedere Road, London SE1 7PB

Google Maps Website

6. London Marriott Hotel County Hall — South Bank

A riverside hotel in County Hall with views of Parliament and an indoor pool.

$$$ UpmarketBest for Families · Couples

The Marriott occupies the river-facing part of County Hall, the former home of London's government, with views across the Thames to Big Ben from many rooms, and an indoor pool and gym.

It shares the London Eye location with Premier Inn next door, at a higher level of comfort.

Good to know: Ask for a river-view room for the Parliament views.

Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB

Google Maps Website

7. The Kensington — South Kensington

A handsome townhouse hotel with family rooms near the museums and Hyde Park.

$$$$ SplurgeBest for Families · Couples

The Kensington, run by the Doyle Collection, fills a row of white stucco townhouses on Queen's Gate. It has family rooms and runs family offers, and the museums of South Kensington are a few minutes' walk away.

It suits families who want a calmer, more elegant hotel than the big chains.

Good to know: Look at the hotel's family offers on its own site before booking elsewhere.

109–113 Queen's Gate, London SW7 5LR

Google Maps Website

8. The Langham, London — Marylebone, Soho & the West End

A classic grand hotel near Regent's Park with an indoor pool.

$$$$ SplurgeBest for Families · Couples

The Langham is one of London's original grand hotels, at the top of Regent Street opposite the BBC. It has an indoor pool in its spa, and Regent's Park and London Zoo are a short ride away.

It suits families who want a traditional five-star hotel with room to swim after a day of sightseeing.

Good to know: London Zoo is at the far side of Regent's Park; take a taxi or bus with small children.

1c Portland Place, Regent Street, London W1B 1JA

Google Maps Website

9. Ham Yard Hotel — Soho

A design hotel with its own vintage bowling alley and cinema, just off Piccadilly Circus.

$$$$ SplurgeBest for Families · Couples

Firmdale's Ham Yard Hotel has spacious, colourful rooms around a tree-filled courtyard a minute from Piccadilly Circus, plus a restored vintage bowling alley and a cinema in the basement.

It is a central base for families with older children who will love the bowling alley.

Good to know: Book a lane at the bowling alley in advance.

1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to stay in London with kids?

South Kensington, for the Natural History, Science and V&A museums and Hyde Park, or the South Bank, for the London Eye, SEA LIFE aquarium and riverside walks. Both are central and have family-friendly hotels. See our museums guide.

Which London hotels have swimming pools?

Corinthia London, The Langham, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, the London Marriott Hotel County Hall and Hilton London Bankside all have indoor pools. Pool access rules for children vary, so check family swim times.

Can a family of four share one hotel room in London?

Only in a designated family room. Many standard rooms sleep two, so look for family rooms, suites or interconnecting rooms, which are limited and book up for school holidays.

Do children travel free on London transport?

Under-11s travel free on the Tube, buses and most trains in London when accompanied by a paying adult. Older children need a Zip Oyster card for reduced fares.

What is the cheapest family hotel in central London?

Premier Inn London County Hall, which has family rooms next to the London Eye, is the best-value central option.