Best Hotels Near Trafalgar Square: Where to Stay in Central London

When you’re visiting London and want to be right in the middle of everything, staying near Trafalgar Square, the iconic public square in Westminster known for its fountains, lions, and Nelson’s Column. Also known as central London’s cultural heart, it’s where tourists, locals, and business travelers all converge. The right hotel here doesn’t need to be fancy—it needs to be clean, quiet, and close to the tube. You don’t need to walk ten blocks to catch a train or pay double for a view you won’t even see from bed. Just find a spot that gets you to the National Gallery, Covent Garden, or the West End in under five minutes.

Many of the best budget options are clustered in Zone 1, London’s core travel zone that includes major landmarks, transit hubs, and the busiest shopping and entertainment districts. Also known as central London, it’s where you’ll find the most convenient stays without the tourist markup. You’ll see hotels near Charing Cross, Leicester Square, and Westminster—all within walking distance of Trafalgar Square. These aren’t just places to sleep. They’re launchpads. You can hop on the Northern Line to Camden, the Piccadilly Line to Heathrow, or just walk to the Thames for sunset. And if you’re flying in or out, you’re not stuck in a traffic jam waiting for a taxi. The tube runs late, often until midnight, and trains come every few minutes.

What makes a hotel truly good here isn’t the minibar or the spa. It’s whether the room is quiet at night, the Wi-Fi actually works, and the staff don’t act like you’re interrupting their lunch break. The top picks in this area are the ones locals recommend: small family-run places, converted townhouses, and no-frills chains that keep prices low because they know you just need a bed and a shower. You’ll find these in the side streets off the main drag, where the rent is cheaper and the noise is lower. And yes, they still have 24-hour reception, secure locks, and clean linens—no hidden traps.

There’s no need to overspend. You can stay steps from Trafalgar Square for under £120 a night if you know where to look. Skip the branded hotels with the overpriced breakfasts. Instead, look for places that list "near Charing Cross station" or "5-minute walk to Leicester Square"—those are your real winners. And if you’re traveling for work, you don’t need a balcony with a view of Big Ben. You need a desk, a strong outlet, and a quiet room to get your emails done before heading out.

Below, you’ll find real picks from travelers who’ve been there—hotels that actually deliver on comfort, location, and value. No fluff. No fake reviews. Just the stays that keep people coming back, year after year, because they work.