The best family friendly hotels in London

London can be hectic with little ones, especially if you’re more used to pushing a pram down a country lane than a packed Piccadilly Circus pavement, but a sleepover in the city doesn’t have to be stressful. There are countless family hotels in London that will turn an ordinary overnight into an adventure, whether you’re travelling with one babe-in-arms or a brood of varying ages. Not sure where to start? Check out our pick of the best: simply great hotel rooms that have room for your littles up to kid-friendly stays that come complete with bath toys, books, dressing-up-boxes and even in-room tents

The Ampersand

The elegant Ampersand couldn’t be more brilliantly located for the big museums in South Ken and the wide expanse of Hyde Park if you’ve got little people with big energy to burn – it’s all within easy walking distance. There’s plenty to keep you entertained at the hotel itself too. Kids are invited to try out their very own mini science-  or Jurassic-themed afternoon tea. We’re talking edible fossils, tasty astronauts, dinosaur biscuits and dry ice for added wow. Complimentary cots and foldaway beds for one child can be added to Deluxe rooms, studios and suites, while interconnecting rooms make it work for bigger families. The hotel also has a babysitting service too if you plan to stay up long after your children have hit the hay

From: £256 p/night

The Landmark

If your kids would probably be more excited by a camping trip than a city break, a night at the Landmark is a win-win. It’s a proper, traditional grand London hotel but the spacious Family rooms come kitted out with a tent, head torches and Landmark teddy bears to cuddle up to. Impress them further with breakfast beneath actual palm trees in the light-filled Winter Garden (a huge atrium that is the heart of the hotel) the following morning. The hotel, which is handily located for Regent’s Park and ZSL London Zoo, also provides kit like baby bath robes, potties and plug socket covers so you can pack (relatively) lightly

From: £400 p/night

Hazlitts

Quirky, stuffed full of antiques and right in the buzz of Soho, Hazlitt’s is the sort of hotel you’d assume kids wouldn’t be welcome at. But the historic spot, so called because writer William Hazlitts died here in 1830, is far from off limits. Up to two under 13s can stay free of charge, and cots and extra beds can be added to a number of the rooms. (Your teenagers are also welcome to make use of the extra beds, but there is a charge.) The atmosphere – we’re talking richly decorated rooms with four poster beds, moody colour-palettes and potential ghostly inhabitants – guarantees a memorable stay, the 24-hour room service and staff ready with family-friendly local recommendations are a bonus

From: £300 p/night

The Hoxton

With outposts in Shoreditch, Holborn, Southwark and Shepherd’s Bush, there’s a Hoxton handy wherever you’re planning to be in London. Each of them feel buzzy yet chilled, with neat interiors, a creative vibe and cool on-site bars and all-day restaurants (Southwark’s glassy rooftop is especially lovely). And the good news is they are also up for accommodating your offspring. Bigger rooms can fit single cots (which they’ll provide), while interconnecting rooms are available for bigger families. Quote Tiny Hox when you book to get perks like colouring books, board games, baby baths, bottle warmers and free breakfast bags for your under 12s. For summer 2023, little visitors will also be treated to free unlimited ice cream sundaes. Sugar rush, here we come!

From: £180 p/night

The Goring

This fancy family-run Belgravia hotel is a fave with the royals (it’s where Kate Middleton famously spent the night before her wedding) and it’ll soon win over your little ones too. Staying in spacious suites or interconnecting rooms, families can expect five-star treatment. You’ll be provided with handy essentials like changing mats and bath toys, as well as some less run-of-the-mill perks, like an epic, best of British-themed dressing up box, a bedtime story library and a soft toy sheep to keep

From: £800 p/night

Charlotte Street Hotel

Bedtime milk and cookies, mini bathrobes, games, activity books, complimentary films and a welcome gift await your kids at Charlotte Street Hotel, a creatively-decorated hotel inspired by the Bloomsbury Set. Rooms are spacious and as plush as they come, decked out in bold patterns and prints; families are catered for with cots and extra beds, or connecting rooms. There’s also a babysitting service so you can make the most of the buzzy restaurant and bar on the ground floor (where you might spot a famous face or two) or venture out into nearby Soho for a child-free adventure after dark

From: £480 p/night

Treehouse Hotel

The top five floors of a former office block, Treehouse Hotel is a fun, greenery-filled space where family stays are encouraged. You’ll find dreamy views of its central London location from the restaurant, rooftop bar and a bunch of its rooms, all of which are a mix of vintage furniture, exposed concrete and colourful touches (including a little stuffed Paddington Bear). Cots are provided free of charge, while bigger families of up to five can book connecting rooms. Once up in the treehouse, the little ones will be treated to bathrobes and slippers, books, board games and milk and cookies to be enjoyed inside their very own in-room teepee

From: £320 p/night

Artist Residence

The total opposite of charmless and wipe-clean, Artist Residences are dreamy hotels crammed full of eclectic touches, vintage furniture and great artwork. Their 10-room London location is in Pimlico, conveniently close to Chelsea and wandering distance from Westminster. Cots can be provided free of charge in the Medium, Medium Twin rooms, plus The Loft, Club Suite and Grande Suite, while extra beds can also be added for a fee, making it an ace home from home for your littles too. You’ll love the all-day restaurant downstairs for casual dining and drinks whenever suits your crew

From: £300 p/night

Mama Shelter

Bold, brash and beautiful, Mama Shelter’s London hotel is a hub of playfulness in Shoreditch and a mega fun stay if you have older kids to entertain. Opt for a Large Mama Double Double, which sleeps up to four people and has room for a complimentary cot to be added to the room too. Alternatively, book two connecting Medium rooms for your clan this summer and you get a 50% discount on the second room. This way for private karaoke rooms, free movies, a lively vibe and banging cocktails for the grown-ups

From: £125 p/night

See our edit of the best family friendly European city breaks for more recommendations and subscribe to our newsletter