Hotels in London

What 1,320 London hotels tell you

BritStays lists 1,320 hotels in London, and the facility data gives a useful picture. Almost every one, 1,301 of them, is near a train station. You can usually choose on comfort, budget and the sights you want to see, and still expect easy rail access.

Other facilities are far less common, so check them before you book:

• WiFi: 521
• Disabled access: 308
• Bar: 178
• Restaurant: 176
• Parking: 137
• Pet friendly: 79
• Gym: 39

Some of these figures are probably lower than reality. Many hotels may offer WiFi without listing it, for example. Treat the counts as a guide and confirm anything essential with the hotel directly.

Choosing where to stay

Most of the hotels listed here, 1,184, are in London itself. A smaller number sit in outlying areas: Ilford (13), Croydon (12), Richmond (12), Wembley (9), Harrow (6), Kingston upon Thames (5) and Dartford (5). This is a city region, so there's no seaside option. If you want a greener feel, you'll need to look at the outlying areas or plan days out to gardens.

Croydon stands out among the example stays, with three listings:

• Hilton London Croydon: lists disabled access, WiFi and a nearby station.
• Hampton by Hilton London Croydon: lists the same three facilities.
• London Croydon Aerodrome Hotel, BW Signature Collection: adds a bar alongside WiFi and station access.

If you'd rather be in the thick of things, central London names include Park Grand London Kensington, ibis Styles London Kensington, Dreamtel London Kensington, The Langham Court Hotel, Putney Hotel, The Globe and Bankside Hotel Autograph Collection. Each is listed as near a train station.

Matching a hotel to your trip

Couples: If you like a drink or dinner without heading back out, filter for a bar (178 hotels) or restaurant (176). Hyatt Place London Paddington lists a bar, as does London Croydon Aerodrome Hotel, BW Signature Collection. Note that Hyatt Place London Paddington is one of the few examples not flagged as near a train station, so check your route.

Families: Disabled access (308 hotels) can also suggest easier movement around the building, which helps with pushchairs. Ask the hotel about lifts and room layouts before relying on it. hub by Premier Inn London Clerkenwell hotel lists disabled access and WiFi.

Dog owners: Only 79 of the 1,320 hotels are marked pet friendly, roughly one in seventeen. Start your search with that filter rather than finding a hotel you love and hoping it allows dogs. Always confirm the hotel's dog policy in writing.

Drivers: Just 137 hotels list parking. If you're bringing a car, filter for parking first. Given how many hotels are near a station, you may find leaving the car at home simpler.

Fitness: A gym is the rarest facility in the data, listed by 39 hotels. If it matters to you, make it your first filter.

Things to do once you're there

London's best-known landmarks include:

• The Tower of London
• Buckingham Palace
• Kensington Palace
• The Shard

For quieter heritage, look at Bruce Castle, or the National Trust's Red House and Quebec House. Emmetts Garden suits anyone who enjoys a garden or arboretum.

Museum lovers can choose from Dennis Severs' House, Chiswick House, Twist Museum, and Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens. With children, consider the animal parks and water park listed among nearby attractions, such as Oak Farm Animal Park, Trilakes Animal Park and H2O Rampage Aqua Park. These sit beyond the city, so check journey times before planning a day around them.

When and how to book

With 1,320 hotels to choose from, general availability is rarely the problem. Specific facilities are. Book early if you need any of these:

• A pet-friendly room (79 hotels)
• A gym (39)
• Parking (137)
• An accessible room (308)

These narrow your options quickly, and accessible or dog-friendly rooms may be limited even within a suitable hotel.

Before you pay, check three things directly with the hotel:

• That the facilities you need are available for your dates.
• The exact walking route from the nearest station.
• Any extra charges for parking or pets.

Keep that confirmation to hand when you travel.