The South Bank runs along the southern side of the Thames, and it's one of London's best places to stay. A riverside walk takes you past the London Eye, the National Theatre, Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe, with Borough Market close by for lunch.
Days here are made for sightseeing. In the evening, the restaurants, rooftop bars and theatres fill up, and Parliament and St Paul's glow across the water.
The best hotels on London's South Bank include stylish riverside addresses, contemporary luxury hotels and excellent-value options. Some have sweeping views across the Thames, and several have pools that families love. It's my favourite part of London for a first visit with children. Westminster, Covent Garden and the City are just over the bridges.
Bright, contemporary rooms a short walk from the South Bank, with the London Eye and Big Ben close by and connecting rooms for families.
Affordable
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Sustainable
On-site parking
Fitness centre
Pet friendly
Room sizes from 20 m²Read the full story
South Bank & Westminster within easy reach
The hotel places you within easy walking distance of the South Bank and Westminster, with the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament all close by. Waterloo and Lambeth North stations make getting around straightforward, while Covent Garden, Soho and the wider West End are easily reached by Tube.
Contemporary Rooms with London Views
Rooms are bright and contemporary, with floor-to-ceiling windows, sleek bathrooms and practical workspaces. Connecting rooms offer families greater flexibility, while selected rooms and suites make the most of the setting, with views towards the Houses of Parliament and the London skyline.
Italian Dining & Cocktails
Florentine Restaurant & Bar keeps things relaxed, with Italian classics, freshly made pizzas and desserts, alongside cocktails, wines and craft beers. It’s an easy option for dinner after a day exploring London, with 24-hour room service available if you’d rather stay in.
Pool, Sauna & Fitness
The 15-metre indoor pool is a welcome addition after a day in London, with a sauna and steam room. There’s also a 24-hour fitness centre with Technogym equipment, plus treatment rooms for massages and beauty treatments.
A couple of minutes from Tate Modern, with Borough Market and the Globe close by and a living-room lobby full of Vitra furniture.
Affordable
Restaurant
Sustainable
Room sizes from 14 m²Read the full story
Tate Modern & Borough Market on Your Doorstep
You’re right in the heart of Bankside, with Tate Modern just a couple of minutes away. Borough Market, Shakespeare’s Globe and the Thames are all within walking distance, while the Millennium Bridge takes you across the river towards St Paul’s. Southwark and London Bridge stations are about a ten-minute walk away, and Covent Garden, Soho and the West End are easily reached by Tube.
Bold, Social & Unmistakably citizenM
The public spaces are where citizenM really comes alive. Expect colourful Vitra furniture, contemporary art, books and plenty of relaxed seating, creating a living-room atmosphere that works equally well for catching up on emails or settling in with a drink. It feels playful and informal rather than conventionally hotel-like.
Compact Rooms, Cleverly Designed
Rooms are deliberately compact but use the space well. Each has a wall-to-wall XL king bed, rainfall shower, blackout blinds and mood lighting, with a tablet controlling everything from the temperature to the television. Chromecast also makes streaming your own content straightforward.
canteenM Around the Clock
canteenM is open 24 hours, serving breakfast, barista coffee, sandwiches, salads and hot dishes throughout the day. In the evening, it becomes a relaxed bar for cocktails and draught beer. With Borough Market and Bankside’s restaurants nearby, there is plenty within walking distance if you want something more substantial.
A South Bank landmark with Lyaness downstairs and 12th Knot above — river views from the rooms, Tate Modern along the walkway.
Luxury
Trendy
Spa
Rooftop bar
Restaurant
Pet friendly
Sustainable
On-site parking
Fitness centre
Room sizes from 29 m²Read the full story
Right on the River Thames
Sea Containers London sits directly on the Thames Path, putting the best of the South Bank within easy reach. Tate Modern is just along the river, with Shakespeare’s Globe and Borough Market beyond it, while the National Theatre, Southbank Centre and London Eye lie in the opposite direction. Blackfriars station is close by. It’s a great base for exploring London on foot, especially if you love being by the river.
Design with a Nautical Twist
The interiors draw inspiration from the glamour of 1920s transatlantic liners, complemented by the building’s striking modern architecture. Expect bold shapes, polished metal, rich textures and playful details rather than traditional five-star formality. The result feels stylish, energetic and perfectly suited to its South Bank setting.
Stylish, Spacious Rooms & Family Options
Rooms are generously sized for London, starting at 29 square metres, and reflect the hotel’s bold design throughout. Expect bespoke furniture, marble bathrooms, rainfall showers and espresso machines, with some rooms offering direct views across the River Thames. Families are well catered for too, with dedicated Family Rooms and interconnecting options available.
Spa, Gym & Even a Cinema
agua Spa creates a calm atmosphere, with treatment rooms, a steam room, and a cosy spa lounge. The hotel also offers a 24-hour gym and an intimate Curzon cinema, providing a perfect retreat for evenings away from the crowds.
Riverside Dining & Rooftop Cocktails
Dining makes full use of the location, with Gordon Ramsay at Sea Containers serving modern British fare by the Thames. Lyaness is the place for inventive cocktails, while 12th Knot takes you to the rooftop for drinks, DJs and panoramic views across the river towards St Paul’s.
Bright, contemporary rooms five minutes from Waterloo, with a rooftop that opens up the London skyline.
Affordable
Rooftop bar
Restaurant
Sustainable
Room sizes from 19 m²Read the full story
South Bank & Waterloo
Set on Waterloo Road, the hotel is well placed for exploring both sides of the Thames. Waterloo station is about five minutes away, while Lambeth North is even closer. The London Eye and South Bank are within easy walking distance, and Waterloo’s excellent transport links make the West End, London Bridge and the rest of the capital easy to reach.
Contemporary City Style
H10 London Waterloo has a smart, contemporary feel, with bright interiors and a sleek glass-fronted exterior. The real attraction comes as you head higher, where wide views across the London skyline give the hotel a stronger sense of place and remind you how central you are.
Rooms with Skyline Views
Rooms are modern and bright, with wooden floors, large windows and walk-in showers. Look for the upper-floor rooms, which offer panoramic views across London, with some facing the London Eye. If you enjoy waking up to a city view, choose your room carefully.
Rooftop Drinks with a View
The Waterloo Sky Bar is one of the hotel’s highlights. Elevated above the streets, its outdoor terrace offers panoramic views of the London skyline. Three O Two serves breakfast and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Circus Bar offers a more relaxed setting for drinks.
Thames views across to Westminster from selected rooms, with an indoor pool and Chino Latino by the water.
Affordable
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Sustainable
Fitness centre
Pet friendly
Room sizes from 23 m²Read the full story
On the Thames Opposite Westminster
The hotel sits on the south bank of the Thames, overlooking Westminster and Tate Britain. Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are within walking distance, and the riverside offers a pleasant route to the South Bank. Vauxhall station is around ten minutes away, with straightforward connections to Soho, Covent Garden and the West End.
Contemporary Rooms & Impressive River Views
Rooms are modern and comfortable, with selected categories overlooking the Thames and London skyline. Larger studios and suites offer more space to settle in, and some include kitchenettes or full kitchens. At the top end, the Two-Bedroom Suite combines extensive living space with a balcony and river views.
Pan Asian Dining by the River
Chino Latino is the hotel’s signature restaurant, serving Pan-Asian dishes in a stylish setting overlooking the Thames. The river views add a real sense of place to dinner, while the bar offers a convenient option for cocktails later in the evening. 24-hour room service is also available.
Pool, Sauna & Fitness
The indoor swimming pool is a welcome place to unwind after exploring London. There’s also a sauna and steam room, plus a well-equipped fitness centre with cardio machines, resistance equipment, and free weights.
Directly opposite London Bridge station, with Borough Market and the Shard next door and the Thames minutes away.
Affordable
Restaurant
Sustainable
Fitness centre
Room sizes from 18 m²Read the full story
Borough Market, The Shard & the Thames on Your Doorstep
Location is the star here. London Bridge Hotel sits directly opposite London Bridge station, with Borough Market and The Shard just next door. The Thames is a few minutes away, while Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe and Tate Modern are all within easy walking distance. London Bridge station also makes getting around exceptionally easy, with Underground and rail connections across the capital and direct trains to Gatwick Airport.
Smart & Comfortable Rooms
Rooms are contemporary, comfortable and thoughtfully equipped, with everything you need after a busy day exploring London. The look is understated rather than showy, with crisp interiors, comfortable beds and useful modern touches including Chromecast-enabled TVs and The White Company toiletries.
Breakfast, Drinks & Borough Market Nearby
Quarter Bar & Lounge is a relaxed spot for drinks, light meals and afternoon tea, while Londinium serves the hotel’s generous breakfast buffet. One of the greatest perks of staying here is that Borough Market is just around the corner, putting an extraordinary collection of restaurants, cafés and food stalls within minutes of the hotel.
Fitness Room
Guests can use a well-equipped fitness room with cardio and strength-training equipment, plus space for stretching and yoga.
Rooms from the 34th floor up, with Level 52's infinity pool — the highest in Western Europe — and Borough Market beneath you.
Ultra luxury
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Fitness centre
Pet friendly
Rooftop bar
Spa
Room sizes from 30 m²Read the full story
High Above London Bridge
The Shard rises directly above London Bridge Station, putting Borough Market and the Thames almost on the doorstep. Tower Bridge and Tate Modern are within walking distance, with the South Bank stretching west along the river. London Bridge Station offers excellent connections across the capital, making Soho, Covent Garden and the West End easy to reach.
Modern Luxury in the Clouds
The interiors are sleek, polished and deliberately understated, with subtle Asian influences throughout. That restraint makes perfect sense here: the real drama comes from being high above London, with the capital spread out beneath you. It gives the hotel a sense of occasion from the moment you arrive.
Rooms Made for the View
Rooms start at a generous 30 square metres, with marble bathrooms, heated floors and polished interiors. Some feature baths by the window, making the most of the extraordinary setting. Selected interconnecting options offer useful flexibility when travelling together. Views around The Shard vary, so choose your room category carefully, as the right outlook can transform the stay.
Elevated Dining
At level 35, TĪNG combines modern British cuisine with Asian influences and offers breathtaking city views; go higher to GŎNG on level 52, where cocktails are served against one of London's most dramatic backdrops.
London’s Highest Infinity Pool
On Level 52, the Infinity Sky Pool is the highest hotel pool in Western Europe, offering extraordinary views across London. Alongside it are the Sky Sauna and the 24-hour Sky Gym, while private treatment rooms offer massages, facials and beauty treatments.
A straightforward, well-run base right behind the London Eye, with Westminster and the South Bank on either side of you.
Affordable
Restaurant
Pet friendly
Sustainable
On-site parking
Fitness centre
Room sizes from 20 m²Read the full story
Big Ben & the London Eye Around the Corner
You couldn’t ask for a more convenient sightseeing base. Park Plaza County Hall sits just behind the London Eye on the South Bank, with Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and SEA LIFE London Aquarium all within easy walking distance. Waterloo station is close by for Underground and rail connections, while crossing Westminster Bridge puts you straight into the heart of Westminster.
Rooms That Work Particularly Well for Families
Rooms are modern, comfortable and practical, with some offering views towards the London Eye and the city skyline. Families are especially well catered for: the dedicated family studios include a separate living area, sofa bed and kitchenette, making stays with children noticeably easier.
Easy, Family-Friendly Dining
Atrio Restaurant & Bar keeps things relaxed with contemporary European dishes, fresh pasta, steaks and a dedicated children’s menu. Breakfast is served here too, and the South Bank offers plenty more cafés and restaurants within a few minutes’ walk.
Gym, Sauna & Steam Room
The fitness centre has everything you need for a workout, while the sauna and steam room are welcome additions after a long day on your feet. The South Bank also makes a great running route if you prefer to exercise outdoors.
