The best hotels on the South Bank in 2026 are Shangri-La The Shard for skyline views, Sea Containers London for riverside design, The Hoxton, Southwark for style at fair prices, the London Marriott County Hall and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge for views of Parliament, and Premier Inn County Hall for budget rooms by the London Eye.
The South Bank puts you on the river, with the London Eye, Southbank Centre, Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe and Borough Market all along one walkable path, and Westminster and the City a bridge away. Waterloo and London Bridge stations give fast links across town.
Luxury rooms high in The Shard, with floor-to-ceiling skyline views.
Shangri-La occupies floors in the middle of The Shard, so every room has floor-to-ceiling windows over London, and its sky-high infinity pool is one of the city's most photographed.
It suits a special occasion and anyone who wants the view to be the point.
Good to know: Ask for a room facing west for sunsets over the river.
31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU
A design-led riverside hotel with a rooftop bar and river views.
Sea Containers London sits on the Thames by Blackfriars Bridge, with nautical-inspired interiors, river-view rooms and a rooftop bar overlooking St Paul's and the City.
It is a short walk to Tate Modern and the Southbank Centre.
Good to know: Book directly on the hotel's site for its best rate.
20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD
A stylish, good-value hotel with a rooftop restaurant.
The Hoxton on Blackfriars Road has well-designed rooms in several sizes, a busy lobby and a rooftop restaurant with views.
It is between Waterloo and Borough Market, close to Tate Modern.
Good to know: Compact 'Shoebox' rooms are the cheapest.
40 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8NY
Rooms facing Parliament across the river, and an indoor pool.
The Marriott occupies the river side of County Hall, with views across the Thames to Big Ben from many rooms, plus an indoor pool.
The London Eye is next door.
Good to know: Ask for a river-view room for the Parliament view.
Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB
A huge hotel by the London Eye with a pool and many room types.
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge faces the Houses of Parliament from the south end of Westminster Bridge, with a big choice of rooms and suites, an indoor pool and several restaurants.
It suits families and groups who want space.
Good to know: Rooms with a Big Ben view cost more but are worth it.
200 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7UT
Reliable budget rooms right next to the London Eye.
Premier Inn's County Hall hotel offers standard, comfortable rooms, including family rooms, in an unbeatable location next to the London Eye.
It is the best-value base for sightseeing on the South Bank.
Good to know: Book early for school holidays.
County Hall, Belvedere Road, London SE1 7PB
Yes, especially for first-timers and families: the riverside walk links many top sights, and Waterloo and London Bridge stations are well connected. See our where to stay guide.
The London Marriott Hotel County Hall and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge both have rooms facing the Houses of Parliament. Ask for a river or Parliament view.
Shangri-La The Shard, with rooms high in the tower, and Sea Containers London on the river. See our luxury hotels guide.
Premier Inn London County Hall is right next to it. See our budget hotels guide.
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, the London Marriott County Hall and Premier Inn County Hall. See our family hotels guide.