If you can cope without the luxury offered by London’s exclusive four and five star hotels, there are numerous value for money three star hotels scattered around the capital. But if you think that means being limited to drab rooms, boring breakfasts and out-of-the-way locations then think again. London’s best three stars are in some of the most envied locations in London and include service and facilities that would put some of the more expensive establishments to shame. From Premier Inns, Holiday Inns and Hiltons to charming boutique hotels, here are nine of the best three star hotels in London:
Covent Garden
With a 97 per cent recommendation rate on Trip Advisor, this charming boutique three star – at the time of writing – sat in 8th position of all hotels in London, sharing the top ten with the likes of Hotel 41, Taj 51 and The Goring. As its name suggests, the Covent Garden is well positioned for the theatre district. Each of its luxurious rooms are unique with quirky yet beautiful design features, and the hotel is often commended for its cleanliness. Guests can chill out in the sedate library, meet friends in the Honor Bar and enjoy delicious cream teas that also come with rave reviews.
Premier Inn London Bank (Tower)
Set in the financial district away from the tourists, yet moments away from Monument and Bank tube stations and the attractions around the Tower of London (Tower Bridge, the Shard, etc.), this is probably the pick of the Premier Inn bunch in London (and there are a lot to choose from). Premier Inn’s have a reputation for cleanliness and this hotel will not disappoint in that regard with clean and comfortable rooms with plenty of up-to-date working amenities including wi-fi which is free for half an hour and then chargeable at a reasonable rate. Prices start at just below £100 (room only).
Doubletree by Hilton London – Islington
If you fancy a visit to the trendy restaurants and little antique shops of Islington or a trip to the Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal FC, the 229 room Doubletree (formerly Jurys Inn) is an ideal base. Situated close to the Angel tube stop, it is also a short ride to the West End. Included with your ensuite rooms, from just over £100 a night (room only), is air conditioning, tea/coffee facilities, a hairdryer, phone with voicemail and a TV service which includes 24 hour sports coverage. In-house dining options include a restaurant and bar. The hotel comes highly recommended from Expedia visitors with 95 per cent of nearly 600 guests giving it the thumbs up.
Ibis Styles London Excel
The glass-fronted Ibis Styles has to be one of the most economical places to stay in London with prices from only £50 a night at times. It is situated just opposite the customs house of the Dockland Light Railway (DLR) which can whisk visitors into the centre of London in no time at all. Each of the 282 rooms include a power shower, free toiletries, hairdryer and Freeview TV, and the hotel is very family friendly with interconnecting rooms, cots and high chairs all available on request. Businesspeople and students alike will appreciate a well-lit desk and in-room wi-fi (although this is chargeable). There are a variety of dining options available, including a Steakhouse, cafe and pub food at the Bar and Grill and Custom House pubs.
Strand Palace
With the Union flag fluttering above pristine cream brickwork, the well-known Strand Palace is both attractive and well-situated in the heart of the city, near Covent Garden and the theatres, for which tickets can be bought from the hotel concierge. More than 780 rooms span nine floors, each with a safe, satellite TV, free wi-fi and hairdryer. Guests also get free access to the on-site gym to burn off the calories accumulated in the two restaurants and three bars. Following a multi-million pound upgrade, most of the rooms have been given a designer look and the convention centre has also been revamped. Prices are from around £140 a night but if you are taking a car you will need to factor in the NCP parking charges as there is no on-site parking.
Holiday Inn London Bloomsbury
The Bloomsbury hotel topped our list of Holiday Inns, largely because of its fantastic location. Not only is it ideally placed for arrivals from overseas, it is also near to the British Museum, Oxford Street and Covent Garden. For shopaholics, the famous Brunswick Centre is just opposite the hotel. Of the 310 quiet, double-glazed rooms, eight are suitable for people with disabilities and two of those have hoists fitted. Air conditioning and heating can be controlled within each room. For a relaxed, contemporary dining experience check out the Junction restaurant and bar (which is also ideal for business meetings over cocktails). For something a bit livelier there is the Irish bar Callaghan’s on the bottom floor. If you’re lucky, you might get a room around the £150 a night mark.
Thistle City Barbican
The Thistle City Barbican gives visitors walking distance access to the Barbican, home of the London Symphony Orchestra and the biggest arts centre in Europe. It is also conveniently placed for the airport and the West End. Each of the 463 en suite rooms provide air conditioning (except twins and singles), satellite TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee facilities and a trouser press. There is also free wi-fi in all rooms and public areas. With rooms available from around £100, and up to two children under 13 welcome to share a room with the adults, the Thistle City Barbican can be extremely good value for families. Visitors can enjoy a meal at the 120 Central brasserie or relax with a drink or two at Bar 20.
London House Hotel
£70 a night at Kensington may sound too good to be true, but that’s what is on offer at the London House Hotel, a boutique town house near Bayswater and Paddington tube stations. And with a 95 per cent recommendation rate from over three thousand reviews on Expedia, it is clear that the hotel is well appreciated. There are 103 lift-serviced rooms over six floors and each room boasts a 19 inch flat screen TV, private bathroom (with shower), air conditioning, free internet, blackout drapes and a fridge. The London House also offers a 24 hour front desk and limited parking (ten spaces for £25 a night). Failing that, there is an NCP about ten minutes away.
Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo
The Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo is located near Waterloo station ten minutes from attractions such as the London Eye and Southbank Centre. With small but comfortable and clean rooms available from around the £120 mark, this is a good value for money Hilton with free, high speed wi-fi available as a bonus. Request a room high up if you want to benefit from fantastic city views.
