When you’re planning your first trip, choosing one of the best places to stay in London could be your toughest decision. Selecting one in an area that matches your travel style is the smartest solution for how to choose a hotel in London, especially for first time visitors.
There are so many different neighbourhoods which offer unique experiences. Your London hotel location can shape your trip. You’ll need to decide whether you want to be at the heart of theatre and entertainment area, immerse yourself in history or explore the city’s best shopping and dining.
Two of the most popular areas for visitors are Covent Garden and Soho. Both offer excellent locations in the West End, but they cater to different types of travellers. My first London flat was in Bloomsbury, which borders both of these neighbourhoods. So, I know them very well!
This guide will break down the benefits of each area. You’ll learn about hotels, theatre, entertainment, dining, nightlife and shopping to help you decide. Ultimately, making a decision on which of the best places to stay in London will be based on how you like to spend your days and nights when on vacation.
Best Places to Stay in London: Covent Garden
Covent Garden is one of London’s most iconic London neighbourhoods. It’s known for its historic piazza, fantastic theatre and shopping.
It’s a perfect location for first-time visitors who want to be close to London’s top attractions, including the Royal Opera House, the British Museum and Trafalgar Square. With lively street performances and a beautiful mix of historic charm and modern luxury, Covent Garden offers a quintessential London experience.
Drawback: Covent Garden is one of the busiest areas in London and hotel prices reflect the demand.
luxury hotels in covent garden
- The Savoy
- The NoMad London
- Covent Garden Hotel (Firmdale Hotels)
- One Aldwych
- ME London
MID-RANGE hotels in covent garden
- The Henrietta Hotel
- Strand Palace
- The Waldorf Hilton
- The Clermont London, Charing Cross
- The Royal Horseguards
- Radisson Blu Hotel
BUDGET hotels in covent garden
- Travelodge London Covent Garden
- Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
- Zedwell Underground Hotel Tottenham Court Road
Hotels in Covent Garden
Here’s an interactive map for you to choose the best hotel in Covent Garden for your London trip budget.
covent garden theatres
- The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre)
- Hercules (Theatre Royal Drury Lane)
- Six (Vaudeville Theatre)
- Paddington(Savoy Theatre)
- Matilda (Cambridge Theatre)
- Avenue Q (The Shaftesbury Theatre, opens March 2026)
- The Devil Wears Prada (Dominion Theatre)
entertainment & attractions
- The Royal Opera House
- London Transport Museum
- Covent Garden Street Performers
- Somerset House
- Neal’s Yard (image to the right)
- St Paul’s Church
- Peloton
- Seasonal Pop-ups in the Piazza
- Annual Christmas Tree Light Party
- More Things to Do in Covent Garden
luxury dining
- Clos Maggiore
- Rules
- Cora Pearl
- The Delaunay
- Henri
- The Savoy Grill
- The NoMad Restaurant
- Take a shower
- J Sheeky
mid-range
- Flat Iron
- Blacklock Covent Garden
- Dishoom
- Story Cellar
- Gaucho
- Cinnamon Bazaar
- The Ivy Grill
- Ochre- National Gallery
- Mouth Mouth
Budget to mid-range
- Viola’s Cafe
- Shake Shack Covent Garden
- Homeslice Neal’s Yard
- 26 Grains
- Honest Burgers
- Franco Manca
- Seven Dials Market
- Wagamama
- Luci
- Grandfather
shopping in covent garden
- Apple Market (for handmade goods and antiques)
- Seven Dials boutiques
- Stanfords (iconic travel bookstore)
- Elemis Spa & Skincare
- Molton Brown
- Glossier
- Dolce & Gabbana
- Tom Ford
- Mulberry
- Tiffany & Co
- Chanel
Best Places to Stay in London: Soho
Soho is known for its buzzing nightlife, eclectic dining scene and independent boutiques. This lively area is perfect for travellers looking for an energetic atmosphere with plenty of entertainment.
It’s home to some of London’s best restaurants, bars and LGBTQ+ venues. Soho’s central location also makes it an excellent base for exploring the rest of the city.
Drawback: Soho can be noisy, particularly on weekends, due to its thriving nightlife. It is not an area I would recommend for solo female travellers visiting London for the first time.
luxury hotels in SOHO
- Ham Yard Hotel, Firmdale Hotels
- The Soho Hotel, Firmdale Hotels
- Haymarket Hotel, Firmdale Hotels
- W London
- Hotel Cafe Royal
- The Londoner
MID-RANGE hotels in SOho
- Thistle London Trafalgar Square
- Thistle London Piccadilly
- Karma Sanctum Soho
- Dean Street Townhouse
- Mimi’s Hotel Soho
- The Resident Soho
- Treehouse Hotel London
BUDGET hotels in SOHO
- The Z Hotel Soho
- The Z Hotel Tottenham Court Road
- The Z Hotel Piccadilly
- The Sanctuary House Hotel
Hotels in Soho
Here’s an interactive map for you to choose the best hotel in Soho for your London trip budget.
theatre in soho
- Phantom of the Opera (His Majesty’s Theatre)
- Les Miserables (Sondheim Theatre)
- The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre)
- Moulin Rouge! (Piccadilly Theatre)
- Beetlejuice (Prince Edward Theatre)
entertainment & attractions
- Chinatown
- Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club
- Leicester Square (host of many film premieres)
- The Photographers’ Gallery
luxury dining
- Bob Bob Ricard
- Hakkasan
- Gauthier Soho
- Blue Posts (Evelyn’s Table)
mid-range
- Dishoom Carnaby
- Fallow
- Flat Iron
- Blacklock Soho
- The Devonshire
- Barrafina
- Cricket Soho
- Duck & Rice
- Nessa
- Burger & Lobster Soho
- Imad’s Syrian Kitchen
- Mildreds
- The Palomar
Budget to mid-range
- BAO Soho
- Rosa’s Thai Soho
- Honest Burgers Soho
- Koya Soho
- It’s gone
- Mother Mash
- Kingly Court (various restaurants)
shopping in SOHO
- Liberty London
- Carnaby Street
- Regent Street
Comparison: Covent Garden or Soho
| Covent Garden | Soho | |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Classic London charm Theatre focused |
Lively, nightlife heavy Trends |
| Best for | Families, theatre lovers Luxury travellers |
Nightlife seekers, foodies Young travellers |
| Hotel prices | Expensive to mid-range | Mid-range to budget |
| Shopping | High end brands Seven Dials Local boutiques The Yards |
Carnaby Street Regent Street Trendy streetwear |
| Dining | Classic British cuisine Elegant Fine Dining Street Food Market (Seven Dials) |
Eclectic, international Michelin-starred options |
| Noise level | Moderate | High, especially at night |
| Nearby attractions | Royal Opera House Somerset House Leicester Square |
Chinatown Ronnie Scott’s Carnaby Street |
Best Places to Stay in London: Final Thoughts
Both Covent Garden and Soho offer an excellent base for a London visit, but the right choice depends on your travel style. If you love theatre, historic charm and elegant shopping, Covent Garden is ideal. If you prefer a vibrant, fast-paced area with endless dining and busy nightlife, Soho is the better option.
Not Sure if Covent Garden or Soho is the best for you?
I offer personalised travel consultations to help you create the perfect itinerary based on your interests and budget. Whether you’re deciding between Covent Garden and Soho or planning a detailed itinerary, my expert advice ensures you maximise your time in London. Or, you can grab one of my London Travel Guides or bundle with my Insider’s Guide to London Restaurants.
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