How to Book Family-Friendly Hotels in London

Book family rooms or connecting rooms at chain hotels like Premier Inn or Travelodge for reliability and space. Use booking sites to filter for family amenities, and book directly with hotels for potential upgrades. Central zones 1-2 offer walkable access to attractions.

  1. Choose your location strategy. Stay in zones 1-2 for walking access to major attractions, or zones 3-4 near tube stations for more space and lower costs. Avoid areas like King's Cross late at night with young children.
  2. Filter for family rooms. Search for 'family rooms' (sleeps 4) or 'connecting rooms' on Booking.com or Hotels.com. Family rooms typically have one double bed plus bunk beds or sofa bed. Connecting rooms give privacy but cost more.
  3. Check hotel amenities. Look for: high chairs in restaurant, kids' menu, cots available free, family bathrooms with bath (not just shower), and 24-hour reception for emergencies. Many London hotels charge £10-15 per night for cots.
  4. Compare chain vs independent hotels. Premier Inn and Travelodge offer consistent family rooms for £80-120 per night with kids eat free deals. Independent hotels near museums often have character but smaller rooms. Holiday Inn has pools at some locations.
  5. Book early morning arrival backup. London hotels rarely allow early check-in. Book luggage storage at the hotel or nearby stations if arriving before 3pm. Many hotels will store bags free for guests checking in later.
  6. Read the fine print on children. Some hotels charge for children over 12 in family rooms. Others include breakfast for under-12s only. Verify age limits and meal policies before booking.
Do London hotels provide cribs for free?
Most charge £10-15 per night for cots. Budget chains like Premier Inn often include them free. Always confirm when booking and request early as they have limited numbers.
Are connecting rooms worth the extra cost?
Yes if you have teenagers or need quiet space after kids sleep. Expect to pay 1.5-2x the cost of a family room. Book early as most hotels only have 2-3 sets of connecting rooms.
Which areas should families avoid?
Skip hotels in Soho (noisy nightlife), near major train stations late at night, or far from tube stations with heavy luggage and tired kids. Stick to residential areas in zones 1-3.
Do I need to book restaurants in advance?
Popular family restaurants near attractions book up 1-2 weeks ahead. Many hotels can help with reservations. Pub chains like Harvester welcome walk-ins but expect waits on weekends.