Best Hotels in South Bank, London
Our expert guide compares the best hotels in South Bank, London, focusing on riverside locations, London Eye access, Westminster Bridge, Waterloo transport, Thames views, family-friendly stays, theatres, restaurants, and walkable sightseeing.
Whether you want a hotel beside London Eye, a luxury landmark stay, a stylish riverside hotel, a practical family base, or a good-value stay near Waterloo, this guide helps you compare the strongest South Bank hotel choices faster.
Quick Guide
Is South Bank a Good Place to Stay in London?
South Bank is one of the best areas to stay in London if you want riverside walks, London Eye, Westminster Bridge, Waterloo transport, theatres, restaurants, Thames views, and easy access to classic sightseeing. It works especially well for families, first-time visitors, couples, and travelers who want a scenic central base without staying directly in the West End.
South Bank can feel busy around major attractions, especially near London Eye and Westminster Bridge, but the convenience is excellent. If your trip is built around landmarks, river walks, family sightseeing, and simple transport, South Bank is one of London’s strongest hotel areas.
Best Overall South Bank Hotel
Best for: London Eye, Westminster Bridge, family sightseeing, river walks, and first-time visitors
SUGGESTED HOTEL
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Best Landmark Luxury Stay
Best for: London Eye, Westminster views, premium stays, special trips, and classic sightseeing
SUGGESTED HOTEL
London Marriott Hotel County Hall
Best Stylish Riverside Stay
Best for: Thames views, design-led stays, restaurants, couples, and riverside atmosphere
SUGGESTED HOTEL
Sea Containers London
Best Family-Friendly Base
Best for: families, London Eye, South Bank attractions, Westminster Bridge, and easy daily planning
SUGGESTED HOTEL
Park Plaza County Hall London
Best Practical Waterloo Base
Best for: Waterloo Station, value-focused stays, transport links, and practical South Bank access
SUGGESTED HOTEL
Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo
Best Stylish Modern Alternative
Best for: Southwark, theatres, restaurants, modern design, and a slightly less tourist-heavy South Bank base
SUGGESTED HOTEL
The Hoxton, Southwark
Top Picks: Best Hotels in South Bank
Hand-picked hotels in South Bank, chosen for London Eye access, Westminster Bridge convenience, Thames riverside location, Waterloo transport, family usefulness, review strength, restaurants, theatres, and overall value for a scenic central London stay.
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Best for: Families, landmarks, first-time sightseeing
A very practical South Bank hotel for visitors who want London Eye, Westminster Bridge, Big Ben views, Waterloo transport, river walks, and classic sightseeing close to the hotel.
London Marriott Hotel County Hall
Best for: Landmark views, premium stays, special London trips
A premium South Bank option for travelers who want London Eye, Westminster Bridge, the Thames, and classic London scenery close to the hotel. If views matter, check the exact room type before booking.
Sea Containers London
Best for: Riverside style, Thames views, couples
A stylish riverside hotel on the South Bank, useful for travelers who want Thames walks, restaurants, Tate Modern, Blackfriars, and a more design-led stay than the classic Westminster Bridge hotels.
Park Plaza County Hall London
Best for: Families, London Eye, South Bank sightseeing
A strong family-friendly option near London Eye, Westminster Bridge, the Thames, and South Bank attractions. It works especially well for families who want sightseeing to feel simple and walkable.
Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo
Best for: Value-focused travelers, Waterloo transport, practical stays
A useful Waterloo hotel for visitors who want good transport, a practical South Bank base, and easier access to London Eye, Westminster, Southwark, and the wider city without paying premium landmark-hotel prices.
The Hoxton, Southwark
Best for: Stylish stays, Southwark, restaurants
A modern Southwark option for travelers who want South Bank access with a more contemporary hotel feel, good restaurants nearby, and easier access to Tate Modern, Blackfriars, Waterloo, and the Thames.
Hilton London Bankside
Best for: Bankside, Tate Modern, river walks
A strong Bankside option for travelers who want Thames access, Tate Modern, Borough Market nearby, restaurants, and a slightly different South Bank base from the busiest London Eye and Westminster Bridge area.
Ruby Lucy Hotel London
Best for: Modern value, Waterloo, short city breaks
A modern Waterloo-area option for travelers who want South Bank access, transport convenience, restaurants, and a stylish but more value-conscious base near the river.
Explore South Bank Hotels by Travel Style
Use these guides to compare South Bank hotels by stay style — from London Eye landmark bases and Thames-view hotels to family-friendly stays, Waterloo transport options, stylish Southwark hotels, and better-value riverside alternatives.
Best South Bank Hotels Near London Eye
Best for: London Eye, Westminster Bridge, Big Ben views, family sightseeing, and first-time visitors.
Top picks: Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge, London Marriott Hotel County Hall, Park Plaza County Hall London
Best South Bank Hotels with River Views
Best for: Thames views, riverside walks, couples, special trips, and scenic central London stays.
Top picks: London Marriott Hotel County Hall, Sea Containers London, Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Best Family Hotels in South Bank
Best for: families who want London Eye, Westminster Bridge, restaurants, river walks, and simple sightseeing close together.
Top picks: Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge, Park Plaza County Hall London, London Marriott Hotel County Hall
Best South Bank Hotels Near Waterloo
Best for: Waterloo Station, Tube and rail links, value-focused stays, practical sightseeing, and easy arrival.
Top picks: Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo, Ruby Lucy Hotel London, Park Plaza London Waterloo
Best Stylish Southwark & Bankside Hotels
Best for: Tate Modern, restaurants, theatres, Blackfriars, Borough Market access, and a less tourist-heavy South Bank base.
Top picks: Sea Containers London, The Hoxton Southwark, Hilton London Bankside
Best Value Hotels in South Bank
Best for: travelers who want South Bank access, Waterloo transport, and central convenience without paying luxury hotel prices.
Top picks: Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo, Ruby Lucy Hotel London, Premier Inn London County Hall
Featured Hotels
A closer look at the best hotels in South Bank, with more detail on London Eye access, Westminster Bridge convenience, Thames views, Waterloo transport, family usefulness, riverside atmosphere, and why each hotel works well for a scenic central London stay.
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Best for: Families, landmarks, first-time sightseeing
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge is one of the most practical South Bank hotel choices. It works especially well for visitors who want London Eye, Westminster Bridge, Big Ben views, Waterloo transport, Thames walks, and classic sightseeing close to the hotel.
BEST PART
Excellent landmark access for London Eye, Westminster Bridge, Big Ben views, South Bank walks, and family sightseeing.
KEEP IN MIND
It is a large hotel, so choose it for convenience and facilities rather than a quiet boutique atmosphere.
London Marriott Hotel County Hall
Best for: Landmark views, premium stays, special London trips
London Marriott Hotel County Hall is a premium South Bank option for travelers who want London Eye, Westminster Bridge, the Thames, and classic London scenery close to the hotel. It is especially useful for special trips where location and views matter.
BEST PART
Strong landmark setting near London Eye, Westminster Bridge, the Thames, and classic central London views
KEEP IN MIND
It is a premium option, so check the exact room type if river or landmark views are important
Sea Containers London
Best for: Riverside style, Thames views, couples
Sea Containers London is a stylish riverside hotel for travelers who want a more design-led South Bank stay. It works well for Thames walks, restaurants, Tate Modern, Blackfriars, and a slightly less landmark-heavy base than Westminster Bridge.
BEST PART
Stylish riverside atmosphere with strong access to the Thames, Tate Modern, Blackfriars, restaurants, and South Bank walks
KEEP IN MIND
It is better for Bankside and riverside atmosphere than for being directly beside London Eye
Park Plaza County Hall London
Best for: Families, London Eye, South Bank sightseeing
Park Plaza County Hall London is a strong family-friendly choice near London Eye, Westminster Bridge, the Thames, and South Bank attractions. It works especially well for families who want sightseeing to feel simple, walkable, and easy to plan.
BEST PART
Very practical South Bank location for families, with London Eye, Westminster Bridge, river walks, and restaurants close by
KEEP IN MIND
The area can feel busy during peak sightseeing hours, especially around London Eye and Westminster Bridge
Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo
Best for: Value-focused travelers, Waterloo transport, practical stays
Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo is a practical South Bank-area choice for travelers who want useful transport, better value, and easy access to London Eye, Westminster, Southwark, and central London.
BEST PART
Good balance of Waterloo transport, practical comfort, South Bank access, and value-focused pricing
KEEP IN MIND
It is less scenic than staying directly on the riverside or beside Westminster Bridge
The Hoxton, Southwark
Best for: Stylish stays, Southwark, restaurants
The Hoxton, Southwark is a stylish modern alternative for travelers who want South Bank access with a more contemporary hotel feel. It works well for Tate Modern, Blackfriars, Waterloo, restaurants, theatres, and a slightly less tourist-heavy base.
BEST PART
Modern Southwark style with good access to restaurants, Tate Modern, Blackfriars, Waterloo, and the Thames
KEEP IN MIND
It is not the closest option to London Eye, so choose it if you prefer Southwark/Bankside atmosphere over Westminster Bridge convenience
More Hotels Near South Bank to Consider
These additional hotels are worth comparing if you want more options near South Bank, including Waterloo alternatives, Bankside stays, Blackfriars hotels, value-focused bases, and practical locations close to the Thames, London Eye, Tate Modern, and central transport links.
Hilton London Bankside
Best for: Bankside, Tate Modern, river walks
A strong Bankside option for travelers who want Thames access, Tate Modern, Borough Market nearby, restaurants, and a slightly different South Bank base from the busiest London Eye and Westminster Bridge area.
Ruby Lucy Hotel London
Best for: Modern value, Waterloo, short city breaks
A modern Waterloo-area option for travelers who want South Bank access, transport convenience, restaurants, and a stylish but more value-conscious base near the river.
Marlin Waterloo
Best for: Longer stays, Waterloo, apartment-style comfort
A practical Waterloo option for travelers who want more flexible room setup, good transport, and access to London Eye, Westminster Bridge, South Bank, and central London without staying directly beside the river.
ibis London Blackfriars
Best for: Value, Blackfriars, practical transport
A useful value-focused hotel near Blackfriars and South Bank, good for travelers who want practical transport, Thames access, Tate Modern nearby, and a simpler hotel setup.
Holiday Inn Express London – Southwark
Best for: Value stays, Southwark, practical sightseeing
A practical Southwark option for travelers who want South Bank access, Tate Modern, Blackfriars, restaurants, and central London transport without choosing a premium riverside hotel.
Premier Inn London County Hall
Best for: Value, families, London Eye
A very practical value-focused option near London Eye, Westminster Bridge, and South Bank attractions. It works well for families and first-time visitors who want location strength without luxury pricing.
South Bank Hotel Booking Tips
Choosing a hotel in South Bank is mostly about how close you want to be to London Eye, Westminster Bridge, Waterloo, the River Thames, and the busiest sightseeing areas. South Bank is one of London’s most practical riverside bases, but hotel style, price, views, and walking distances can vary a lot.
Stay near London Eye for landmark sightseeing
If London Eye, Westminster Bridge, Big Ben views, and classic sightseeing are your main priorities, choose a hotel around County Hall or Westminster Bridge. This is especially useful for first-time visitors and families who want easy daily planning.
Check the exact room type for Thames views
Some South Bank hotels offer excellent river, skyline, or landmark views, but not every room will have them. If views matter, check the exact room category before booking rather than relying only on the hotel location.
Choose Waterloo for transport and value
Waterloo is a smart choice if you want strong transport links, easier Tube and rail access, and better value than the most premium riverside hotels. It is less scenic than staying directly by the river, but very practical.
Prioritize walkability for family trips
South Bank can work very well for families because London Eye, river walks, restaurants, Westminster Bridge, and several attractions are close together. Choose a hotel that reduces daily travel time and keeps sightseeing simple.
Consider Bankside or Southwark for a different feel
If you want South Bank access but prefer a less tourist-heavy base, compare hotels around Bankside, Blackfriars, and Southwark. These areas work well for Tate Modern, restaurants, theatres, Borough Market, and Thames walks.
Do not choose only by riverside location
A hotel directly on the river can be attractive, but it may not always be the best value. A slightly farther hotel near Waterloo, Southwark, or Blackfriars may offer better price, transport, room size, or overall convenience.
Quick tip:
For the easiest landmark stay, choose County Hall or Westminster Bridge. For transport and value, look toward Waterloo. For style and restaurants, compare Bankside and Southwark. For views, always check the exact room category before booking.
Explore More London Hotel Guides
Planning a stay in South Bank? Use these guides to compare riverside hotels, landmark stays, family-friendly bases, Waterloo transport options, value picks, and nearby central London areas before you book.
For official city planning information, visit Visit London and Transport for London.
Best Hotels in London →
Best Hotels Near London Eye →
Best Hotels Near Westminster →
Best Family Hotels in London →
Best Value Hotels in London →
London Eye Guide →
London Travel Guide →
Find quick answers to common questions about choosing the best hotels in South Bank, including who the area suits best, where to stay, and what to check before booking.
FAQs About the Best Hotels in South Bank, London
Is South Bank a good area to stay in London?
Yes. South Bank is one of the best areas to stay in London if you want riverside walks, London Eye, Westminster Bridge, Waterloo transport, restaurants, theatres, and easy access to classic sightseeing. It works especially well for families, first-time visitors, couples, and travelers who want a scenic central base.
What is the best hotel in South Bank overall?
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge is one of the strongest overall hotel choices in South Bank because it offers excellent access to London Eye, Westminster Bridge, Big Ben views, Waterloo transport, Thames walks, and major sightseeing routes.
What is the best luxury hotel in South Bank?
London Marriott Hotel County Hall is a strong luxury choice for travelers who want a premium landmark stay near London Eye, Westminster Bridge, and the Thames. Sea Containers London is also a stylish riverside option if you prefer a more design-led South Bank hotel.
What is the best family hotel in South Bank?
Park Plaza County Hall London and Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge are both strong family-friendly choices in South Bank. They work well because London Eye, Westminster Bridge, restaurants, river walks, and major attractions are close together.
What is the best hotel in South Bank for river views?
London Marriott Hotel County Hall, Sea Containers London, and Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge are strong options for river or landmark views. If views matter, check the exact room category before booking, because not every room will have a Thames or London Eye view.
Is Waterloo a good place to stay near South Bank?
Yes. Waterloo is a practical base for South Bank because it offers strong Tube and rail connections, useful value options, and easy access to London Eye, Westminster Bridge, Southwark, and the Thames. It is less scenic than staying directly by the river, but very convenient.
Is South Bank good for first-time visitors?
Yes. South Bank is excellent for first-time visitors who want London Eye, Westminster Bridge, Big Ben views, river walks, and easy sightseeing close together. It is especially useful if you want a scenic base without staying directly in the West End.
Is South Bank good for families?
Yes. South Bank is one of the best London areas for families because attractions, restaurants, river walks, Waterloo transport, and sightseeing routes are close together. It reduces daily travel time and makes planning easier.
Should I stay in South Bank or Westminster?
Choose South Bank if you want riverside walks, London Eye, Waterloo transport, family-friendly sightseeing, and Thames views. Choose Westminster if you want to stay closer to Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, and classic government landmark areas.
What should I check before booking a hotel in South Bank?
Check the exact location, walking distance to London Eye or Waterloo, nearest Tube station, room size, view category, cancellation policy, and whether the hotel is better suited to families, couples, value-focused travelers, or luxury stays.
Final Verdict: Is South Bank the Right Area to Stay in London?
For travelers who want riverside walks, London Eye, Westminster Bridge, Waterloo transport, Thames views, and easy sightseeing, South Bank is one of the most practical areas to stay in London. It works especially well for families, first-time visitors, couples, and travelers who want a scenic central base without staying directly in the West End.
South Bank can feel busy around major attractions, but the convenience is excellent. If your trip is built around landmarks, river walks, family sightseeing, theatre access, and simple transport, South Bank is a very strong London hotel area.
Best overall choices
Start with Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge if you want the strongest overall South Bank hotel for sightseeing and convenience. Choose London Marriott Hotel County Hall for landmark luxury, Sea Containers London for stylish riverside atmosphere, Park Plaza County Hall London for families, Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo for practical value, and The Hoxton, Southwark for a modern Southwark base.