The 5 Best Hotels in London's South Bank

Southbank is a vibrant area running along the Thames and is home to some of the city's most famed theatres, museums, and foodie destinations. Just to name a few, the Old Vic, the National Theatre, the Royal Festival Hall, The London Eye, the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market, The Shard, and The Hayward Gallery are all located here meaning whether you are on a couples' escape, a city break with family or friends, or even a business trip — this area really has something for everyone. With so much to offer, it comes as no surprise that there is a wide choice of accommodation. Our hotel experts have scoured the area to bring you a collection of the best hotels on London's Southbank chosen on their design, amenities, and service. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next city break?

For luxury

• If you’re looking for something special try the Shangri-La at The Shard, a luxurious five-star hotel. Even if you choose one of the most basic of the 202 rooms you’ll still have access to incredible views over London and an indoor pool on the 52nd floor which is a memorable experience in itself. There are floor to ceiling windows in almost all the rooms, even the bathrooms. Undoubtedly one of London's most iconic stays.

For modern design

• Bankside is a contemporary six-storey hotel. Industrial-chic suites bring the city inside; think exposed concrete ceilings juxtaposed with brass fittings and cosy throws. Hi-tech touches add an extra luxury feel. Complete with an art bar for cocktails; this is a smart hotel.

For a hip stay

• Sea Containers is a lively and hip hotel in an iconic Southbank building, evocative of a 1920s ocean liner. A wide range of rooms and suites all finished in a contemporary style with continued nautical themes and selected pieces of designer furniture. With a fabulous rooftop bar and terrace with superb city views, this is ideal for the young and trendy.

For business travellers

• The London Bridge Hotel is a stylish business hotel that has become popular with leisure visitors for its prime Southwark location and its chic rooms. Because it’s a business hotel the facilities are excellent and the restaurant, Londinium is good without being too expensive. There's a great bar and lounge too.

For great value

• Like its chain-fellows, the CitizenM Bankside is a trendy, contemporary hotel with well-placed elements of luxury. In this case, the location is excellent — close to the Tate Modern and Borough Market. There’s Vitra furniture throughout and modern art on display. However, it's the room-rates starting from under £100 per night which is the real lure.

Still not sure where to book?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in London.
• Explore our Guru’s collection of Cool London Hotels on a Budget, the best hotels in London’s West End, or the best hotels in The City of London.
• Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

  • Shangri-La The Shard London (Southwark) 202 rooms from £383

    
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    Swimming Pool  -  Awesome indoor pool on the 52nd Floor. It's Europes highest infinity pool and a must for all guests!

    Views  -  The Shard must have some of the best views over the whole of London.

    Sights nearby  -  Situated right next door to London Bridge, all of London's best bits are easily accessible.

    Local markets  -  Trendy Borough Market is round the corner

    

    Bucket list destination property that really has the “Wow” factor. Asian influenced interiors, with five star luxuries as standard. Floor to ceiling windows in both bedrooms and bathrooms to make the most of the spectacular views over London. Everyone must stay here once – despite the price tag! See More

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  • London Bridge Hotel London (Southwark) 138 rooms from £120

    
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    Local exploring  -  Local exploring is made easy from this fantastically located hotel.

    Sights nearby  -  The view from the Shard, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London for medieval history.

    Local markets  -  Borough Market is a popular food market with Londoners and tourists alike.

    Restaurant  -  Londinium Restaurant open for breakfast and dinner

    

    Recommended by  -  Frommers

    Stylish business hotel, popular with tourists, in prime Southwark river location offers gym facilities and modern features. Chic rooms are luxurious with all the needed mod-cons. Londinium restaurant offers British cuisine, or head to the Quarter Bar and Lounge for drinks and casual small plates. See More

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  • citizenM Bankside London (Southwark) 192 rooms from £139

    
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    Sights nearby  -  Very close to Tate Modern and the Millenium Bridge

    Restaurant  -  canteenM offers breakfast, lunch and dinner

    Lively  -  Hip and happening.

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    Trendy, contemporary "luxury for less" hotel on London's Southbank. Ideal for arty types, with iconic Vitra furniture throughout, modern art on display and a stone's throw from the Tate. Tablets in every room for mood control and a host of other goodies thrown in with the price. See More

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  • Sea Containers London London (Southwark) 359 rooms from £252

    
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    Local exploring  -  Situated in the heart of the South Bank, Sea Containers is perfectly placed for exploring

    Spa  -  The agua Spa offers a wide range of treatments (including bespoke Medical facials from Kate Kerr).

    Sights nearby  -  Very close to the London Eye, Globe Theatre, Tate Modern and Borough Market.

    Views  -  The property boasts fantastic views up and down the River Thames

    

    Recommended by  -  CN Traveller

    Lively and hip hotel in an iconic Southbank building, evocative of a 1920s ocean liner. A wide range of rooms and suites all finished in a contemporary style with continued nautical themes, and selected pieces of designer furniture. Fabulous rooftop bar and terrace with superb city views. See More

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  • Bankside Hotel London (Southwark) 161 rooms from £416

    
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    Foodies  -  Foodies will love the hotel's refreshing art/yard kitchen, which uses fresh and seasonal produce in their unique menu

    Local exploring  -  Located within walking distance of Shakespeare's Globe and the Tate Modern, this hotel is ideal for London exploring

    City Style  -  With chic and contemporary design and a central city location, this hotel has lots of London style

    Local markets  -  Head to Borough Market and sample culinary delights from across the world under a covered roof

    

    This contemporary, six-storey hotel is nestled on London's celebrated Southbank. Industrial-chic suites bring the city inside; think: exposed concrete ceilings juxtaposed with brass fittings and cosy throws. Hi-tech touches add an extra, luxury feel. Head to the art bar for cocktails; a smart hotel. See More

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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Wednesday, 12th May 2021