London is wonderful with children: free museums, parks, double-decker buses and the river. The right hotel makes it easier – with space to spread out, ideally a pool, and a location that keeps travel times short.
| # | Hotel | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shangri-La The Shard ★★★★★ | London Bridge & Southwark | Couples, Families, Luxury |
| 2 | Park Plaza Westminster Bridge ★★★★ | South Bank | Families, Good value |
| 3 | Corinthia London ★★★★★ | Westminster | Families, Luxury |
| 4 | Pan Pacific London ★★★★★ | City of London | Families, Luxury |
| 5 | The Athenaeum ★★★★★ | Mayfair | Couples, Families |
How we chose these hotels
We looked for family rooms or connecting rooms, a pool or plenty of space, and a central location. Pool times for children, extra beds and family offers change, so confirm them when you book. No hotel paid to appear here, and we never quote prices.
1. Shangri-La The Shard
The view children will never forget: rooms high in the Shard and an infinity pool on the 52nd floor (check children’s times). Borough Market and the Tower of London are close.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- London Bridge & Southwark
- Location
- 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU
- Best for
- Couples, Families, Luxury
Why we like it
- Rooms high in the Shard, with views over Tower Bridge and the Thames
- Infinity pool on the 52nd floor, for guests
- Borough Market and London Bridge station at the foot of the tower
Good to know
- Pool hours are limited and children may have set times: check when booking
- Some guests find the rooms quieter but less ‘London’ than a historic hotel
2. Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
The practical choice opposite Big Ben: a 15-metre indoor pool and studios with a sofa bed and kitchenette for two adults and two children, a few minutes from the London Eye.
- Hotel
- 4-star hotel
- Area
- South Bank
- Location
- 200 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7UT
- Best for
- Families, Good value
Why we like it
- Opposite Big Ben, a short walk from the London Eye
- 15-metre indoor heated pool
- Studios with a sofa bed and kitchenette for up to 2 adults and 2 children
Good to know
- A large, busy hotel: ask for a high floor away from the road
- Children can use the pool only at set times (no children early in the morning or late at night)
3. Corinthia London
A grand hotel by Trafalgar Square with a spa pool that children can use at set times, and family offers with a second room – connecting or nearby.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- Westminster
- Location
- Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2BD
- Best for
- Families, Luxury
Why we like it
- Between Trafalgar Square, Whitehall and the river
- Spa with a pool, where children can swim at set times
- Family offers with a second, connecting or nearby room
Good to know
- Connecting rooms depend on availability: book early
- A formal grand hotel – ask about children’s amenities when booking
4. Pan Pacific London
An 18.5-metre infinity pool with children’s swimming hours, family rooms and a two-bedroom suite, opposite Liverpool Street station.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- City of London
- Location
- 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB
- Best for
- Families, Luxury
Why we like it
- Indoor infinity pool with city views, with children’s swimming hours
- Family-friendly rooms and a two-bedroom suite
- Opposite Liverpool Street station
Good to know
- The City is quiet at weekends, with fewer places to eat nearby
- Children’s swimming is limited to set hours: check them before you go
5. The Athenaeum
Family and interconnecting rooms on Piccadilly, overlooking Green Park, with Hyde Park a few minutes away for running around.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- Mayfair
- Location
- 116 Piccadilly, London W1J 7BJ
- Best for
- Couples, Families
Why we like it
- Overlooks Green Park, a few minutes from Hyde Park
- Family rooms and interconnecting rooms
- Cots and high chairs on request
Good to know
- Piccadilly is a busy road: park-view rooms are the ones to ask for
- Facilities and family services can change: confirm them when booking
Which one should you choose?
- For the wow factor: Shangri-La The Shard.
- For value and a pool: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.
- For a grand hotel with a pool: Corinthia London or Pan Pacific London.
- For parks on the doorstep: The Athenaeum.
Tips for London with kids
- The British Museum’s mummies, the Natural History Museum’s dinosaurs and the Science Museum are all free.
- Ride on the top deck of a double-decker bus – a sightseeing tour for the price of a bus fare.
- Plan a park afternoon: Hyde Park, St James’s Park and Regent’s Park all have playgrounds.
Still choosing an area? Read where to stay in London.
