The Best Hotels Near Trafalgar Square, London

St Martins Lane London is one for theatre-goers: this postmodernist hotel is just a leisurely stroll from the Coliseum, the Duke of York’s Theatre, the Noël Coward Theatre and so many more performing arts venues. The hotel, conceptualised by French surrealist designer Philippe Starck, revels in its eccentric furnishings and sleek style. Every room – from a standard through to the penthouse – is spacious, fit with floor-to-ceiling windows and ideal for relaxing after a show.

You can’t get much more central than the Henrietta Hotel. Its convenient location, just a five-minute walk from Trafalgar Square, means it’s near to the restaurants and shops of Covent Garden, the lawns of Victoria Embankment Gardens and the Strand. But despite its central London location, the Henrietta Hotel channels an Italian-inspired design aesthetic and serves up regional Italian specialities from Italy’s West Coast at Da Henrietta restaurant. With only 18 boutique rooms available, expect personalised Italian-style hospitality, too.

The Strand Palace Hotel knows a thing or two about welcoming guests to central London: it’s been a firm fixture on the hotel scene since 1909. With over a century of experience, it can easily cater for all types of guests – from business travellers to families – in rooms that are cosy but well-equipped. After spending the morning exploring the city, take a classic afternoon tea at Haxells, the hotel’s onsite restaurant.

The Savoy needs little introduction: this luxurious five-star hotel has been a landmark on the Strand since 1889. From celebrities and politicians to wide-eyed travellers and high-profile business people, you never know who you’ll see enjoying afternoon tea in the Thames Foyer or a cocktail at the glamorous Beaufort Bar. Rooms at the Savoy are opulent to say the least, with the best offering sweeping views of the River Thames, right in the heart of London.

Cinema lover? The Victory House Hotel is one for you. This boutique West End hotel is decked out with film memorabilia and inspired by classic movies from the 1950s. It’s located on Leicester Square, so you’re conveniently placed to spend the day exploring Central London and the evening at the theatre or cinema. The hotel boasts 86 rooms, each of which features portraits and photographs of movie legends, as well as distinctive art deco furnishings.

You can’t get much closer to Trafalgar Square than the Thistle, which backs onto the National Portrait Gallery. From Nelson’s Column, it’s just minutes to the comfort of the Thistle Trafalgar Square’s bright, modern and relaxing rooms. Book your table at Squares Restaurant & Bar, and relax with a classic afternoon tea or a beer at the end of the day. Wake up early, and you’ll have all of Trafalgar Square to yourself.

Revel in unique designs, superb gastronomic opportunities and the five-star luxury on offer at one of the last truly independent hotels in Central London. One Aldwych is found within a heritage-listed Edwardian-era building, just off the Strand – but the hyper-modern facilities include underwater music in the swimming pool and a Technogym. Foodies will love the Eneko Basque Kitchen & Bar, where seafood tapas and charcuteries are served up in the distinctive laid-back style of Northern Spain.

You’ll see Nelson’s Column rising above the skyline from the rooftop penthouse of the Corinthia London. A stay here offers exclusivity, luxury and, best of all, outstanding dining opportunities in the centre of the English capital. Book a table in the Garden, where you can enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired menu of wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood in leafy, outdoor surroundings. If you’re after British classics, opt for an exquisite afternoon tea, or order lamb cutlets and dover sole at Kerridge’s Bar & Grill, Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge’s fine-dining restaurant.