Our Guide to West End hotels and what to expect when visiting and staying in the West End of London
People use the broad term ‘The West End’ to describe the areas in London. These include Oxford Street and Marble Arch, Leicester Square and Covent Garden, as well as Mayfair and Piccadilly.
Since this part of London is quite expansive, we’ve created three distinct pages for you to explore and discover more about each area.
For those seeking a luxurious full-service hotel right in the center of London’s most prestigious area, where shopping, nightlife, and theatres are just steps away, the West End is the ideal choice.
Each neighbourhood within this vibrant district boasts its own unique charm and presents visitors with a diverse array of attractions and amenities.
Distinct locations in the West End of London
Mayfair & Piccadilly
For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury in London, Mayfair stands out as the most prestigious neighbourhood, home to some of the city’s most renowned and opulent hotels.
Visit our Hotels in Mayfair, West End page for more information.
Leicester Square & Covent Garden
If it’s theatres and nightlife you seek. Then the Leicester Square and Covent Garden area has some very comfortable hotels right in the heart of theatreland.
Visit our Hotels near Leicester Square and Covent Garden page for more information.
Oxford Street & Marble Arch
Oxford Street and Marble Arch area is on the edge of the official West End and will give you all the shopping you need with well-known flagship stores.
Visit our Hotels in Oxford Street page for more information.
About the West End of London and its history
The West End of London refers to the central area known for its theatres and vibrant nightlife, making it a popular destination for leisure visitors.
Trafalgar square in the West End of London is a major tourist attraction and is also the actual geographical centre of London. All road distances measured to London take their origin from here.
The West End actually started out as an area that was convenient for the rich and powerful to have their mansions. This is due to it being close to both the business centre of London and the government offices.
Little has changed in this regard. The West End still encompasses the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey on its southern border.
Additionally, to the east, people know The City of London, including St Paul’s Cathedral and the TTower of London, as the business centre of London.
London’s entertainment district is situated to the north of Westminster and to the west of the City, where you’ll discover a majority, though not all, of the theatres, nightlife, and shopping options.
Transfers between London airports and West End hotels
Airport public transport options
Unless you are extremely wealthy, Heathrow is the only airport most people would consider a taxi to and from the airport. Hotel shuttles, common in many countries have not found a place in the market in London, this is because of the excellent public transport links already available. The only direct link to any of the airports from the West End by public transport is the London Underground to Heathrow Airport.
Public transfer options
Although the West End is in the very centre of London it is not well served with direct, affordable options to London’s airports and cruise ports. All of the central train stations, if you are travelling from within the UK are also outside the West End.
The Piccadilly Line of London Underground stops at Green Park, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Covent Garden from Heathrow. At the extreme north-west tip of the area at Marble Arch, you can get airport buses to Stansted and Luton Airports.
Otherwise, you’ll need a taxi to one of the gateway train or bus stations to the airports and cruise ports from your hotel in the West End.
London’s West End traffic and tour transfers
London traffic and tours
Traffic in the West End is often at gridlock, the best way to get about is to walk or get the Underground. As a result, day tour transport do not like to come into the West End district if they don’t have to.
If you are taking a day tour out of London to somewhere like Stonehenge or Oxford there will be token pick-up hotels in the West End when traffic is light in the morning before 8am. Although the vast majority will be in the hotel districts surrounding or outside the West End.
Be aware. In the evening, day tour companies do not operate in the West End for drop-offs. They will drop you off outside the West End, and you will need to take the Underground or a taxi to reach your hotel.