by Planning a visit to the London Eye on your next visit to the capital? The wheel has been spinning for the millennium now and shows no sign of losing its tourist sheen. It’s the thrill of the journey, sure, but also the riverside location on the South Bank with its world-class culture (Southbank Cente, National Theatre, BFI), vibrant restaurants and historic pubs. It’s great for families too, with big hits like the London Dungeon and Aquarium on your doorstep. All of which makes it a fantastic place to make your base because stroll east and you’ll reach Tate Modern, Borough Market and The Globe; cross the river and you are in Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden.
If you’re looking to stay close to this iconic landmark, here’s our pick of the best hotels near the London Eye, ranging from a new ‘super’ boutique hotel with underground spa in Leicester Square to a trendy Southwark hangout with restaurant rooftop seafood platters and, of course, options with that iconic river view.
Located in Leicester Square, this ‘super-boutique’ hotel is in the heart of the action, with many of the city’s main attractions within walking distance. The London Eye is a leisurely 15 minutes away, past the National Gallery, through Trafalgar Square and across the Thames. Eight levels below ground, The Londoner is the capital’s first iceberg hotel – book into the subterranean spa to discover a blissful urban retreat from the world above. The hotel’s 350 rooms feature design delights such as hand-picked artwork, subtle and rich blue rectangular tiles, contemporary blush-pink chaise lounges, and top-notch technology; while its lively bar and restaurant spaces make it one of the trendiest properties in the capital.
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The hotel is just south of the Thames and perfect if you’re planning a busy weekend of sightseeing – the London Eye is a 15-minute walk away via Borough Market, a hotspot for foodies. The Hoxton’s South London outpost stays true to the brand ethos, providing a fun stay with a neighborhood feel. While its proximity to cultural attractions means it’s close to the heart of the action, the hotel has a buzz all its own: The review vibe is relaxed and casual, with an upscale hipster aesthetic. Head to the rooftop of the Seabird destination restaurant and watch the sun set over the city as you dine on Portuguese and Spanish seafood.
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Just an eight-minute walk from the London Eye, across Waterloo station, Stow-Away is one of the more quirky properties in the area. The aparthotel consists of a series of reused shipping containers stacked on top of each other. The stylish studio apartments, accessible via remote check-in, each occupy a single shipping container and are therefore naturally long and narrow. Inside, the aesthetic is sleek and modern with a largely toned-down color scheme — think blond wood and brown and gray hues. There’s also a lively wine bar that meets restaurant. Other attractions, including the Old Vic, the Young Vic and the Southbank Center are all within a 15-minute walk.
This South Bank hotel offers front row seats to its next door neighbor, the London Eye, as well as the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, which sit across the Thames, just across Westminster Bridge. The property’s main restaurant, Gillray’s Steakhouse and Bar, overlooks the iconic wheel, offering Instagrammable breakfast vistas. There’s also The Library for traditional afternoon teas, the M-Club Lounge and a fitness center with a large indoor pool. Sleek, contemporary rooms are similar in style, but vary in space and views — for a little extra, for example, you could see the London Eye from your window.
Opposite the former London Government House, Park Plaza County Hall is well placed for many of the city’s historic and cultural attractions. A short five minute walk towards the river will take you to the London Eye, with the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and South Bank nearby. If you’d rather see the sights from the comfort of the hotel, you’re in luck as many rooms overlook the River Thames and its iconic landmarks. For another point of view, request a room with a view of the Shard and the City of London. There are 398 rooms and suites to choose from; all elegant with cream and light wood decor. The interior of the hotel is captivating; the glass-fronted elevator offers the best view of the distinctive 14-story atrium as you ascend to your room.
The five-star Corinthia Hotel attracts a lively crowd with its great bars, fine restaurants and stunning views. Its location next to the River Thames makes it one of the best hotels near the London Eye, particularly for its view of the attraction, especially when viewed from one of the large penthouse terraces. The luxurious hotel pampers guests with fabulous chandeliers, intriguing modern artwork, lavish public rooms, and a magnificent four-story spa and pool. If you can drag yourself out, it’s an easy and picturesque 10 minute stroll across the Thames to the base of the iconic wheel. Other nearby attractions include Trafalgar Square, St James’s Park and the Houses of Parliament.
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Located next to the historic Savoy Theatre, The Savoy is well placed for West End entertainment, Covent Garden shopping and the city’s best cultural institutions including the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery. A leisurely 15-minute stroll along and over the river will take you to the London Eye – if you’re lucky, your room may even overlook the iconic wheel. The hotel is reassuringly traditional but not stuffy. Its restaurants, including the Gordon Ramsay-affiliated Savoy Grill and Simpson’s-in-the-Strand, maintain consistently high standards, and its 265 rooms and suites are comfortably spacious and instantly relaxing. The service is discreet, helpful and professional.
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This wonderfully colorful boutique hotel is located in the heart of Theater District, just below Piccadilly Circus and around the corner from Trafalgar Square. A short 15-20 minute walk across the famous square and across the River Thames will take you to the foot of the London Eye and the attractions of the South Bank. Up north, this art-filled property, with interiors by Kit Kemp, plays with wild color schemes, prints and paintings. Guests will sleep in rooms featuring Kemp’s signature Firmdale features and feast under the gaze of Matisse-style artwork in the Brumus Bar & Restaurant, named after Kemp’s dog. To unwind after a day of sightseeing, there’s also a mood-lit swimming pool.
Citadines Trafalgar offers the privacy of an apartment combined with the convenience of a hotel in an enviable location. As the name suggests, the central Holborn property is a stone’s throw from Trafalgar Square, while the London Eye and other major landmarks including the National Portrait Gallery, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Piccadilly Circus are all within 10-15 minutes to walk. Inside the historic 1935 building, guests can discover spacious, modern accommodations with fully equipped kitchenettes and an elegant lobby lounge. Visitors who still have energy after sightseeing can benefit from access to a nearby gym.
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This riverside hotel is ideally located for the London Eye, just a 10-minute walk over the River Thames. While it’s across the road from Embankment and Charing Cross stations, The Royal Horseguards is surprisingly quiet, and nearby St James’s Park is a leafy escape from the hustle and bustle of central London. Offering a wonderful mix of old and new, the historic Grade I listed building is historic but the interior feels modern. The One Twenty One Two restaurant and Equus Bar offer a wide selection of food and drink, while afternoon tea can be taken in the lobby lounge or on the secluded outdoor terrace. Ask the knowledgeable staff to tell you about the property’s fascinating past.
Contributions by Fiona Duncan, Mark C. O’Flaherty, Lizzie Frainier, Jenny Hatton, Kaye Holland, Simon Horsford, Charlotte Johnstone, Aisling O’Leary and Rachel Cranshaw
