Visiting London is all about hitting the big sites: Tower Bridge, the British Museum, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and, of course, Big Ben. To make every second of your time in the English capital count, book a hotel near one of those must-see places — you’ll feel fully immersed in the city, and you’ll get an eyeful of beauty every time you look out the window or step out the door. Staying in a hotel near Big Ben in London is probably the best strategy because you’re not only next door to the most famous clock tower in the world, but also to so many other must-sees: Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, 10 Downing Street, and, the icing on the cake: Buckingham Palace. Of course, the problem with this idea is that the closer you are to the big attractions, the more expensive the accommodations, but we’ve managed to find six luxury hotels near Big Ben for a variety of budgets.
6 Luxury Hotels Just Steps Away From Big Ben
Taking a trip to London? Check out Matador’s London accommodations guides:
- Where are the best hotels near Big Ben, London?
- The six best hotels near Big Ben, London
- Why is Big Ben called Big Ben?
- Can you go inside Big Ben?
Where are the best hotels near Big Ben, London?
The six best hotels near Big Ben, London
We hope you love the hotels near Big Ben, London, we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Corinthia London
Just a 10 minutes’ walk down Whitehall Road from Big Ben, Corinthia London is a five-star luxury hotel consisting of 293 rooms, suites, and penthouses. While all the guest accommodations are flawless in their decor, comfort, and amenities, there’s one that stands out from the rest: the Royal Penthouse. Yes, it’s 5,000 square feet and, yes, it comes with its own personal butler, but what makes it exceptional is its terrace that comes with views of the Thames and the South bank, with the London Eye and the Shard on full, gorgeous display. While the location and the vistas will keep you occupied for a long time, you’ll also need sustenance and this property sure has enough to keep you going — there are six food and drinks venue options on site for afternoon tea under a crystal chandelier, cocktails, Champagne, British fare, and Mediterranean cuisine in the garden. Of course, this property would not be a top-notch five-star hotel without a fully equipped spa, and this one is particularly impressive: There’s a gym, hair salon, sauna, pools, etc. and every treatment under the sun is available here. One of the best hotels near Big Ben, Corinthia London is also just six minutes on foot from Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery, 15 minutes from Westminster Abbey, and 20 minutes from Buckingham Palace.
Where: Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD, United Kingdom
Price per night: $1,198
Conrad London St. James
The Conrad London St. James is a five-star hotel owned by the Hilton group and located 10 minutes on foot from both Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. While the building dates back to the 19th century, there’s nothing outdated inside: The 256 rooms and suites are modern and tastefully decorated in an elegant and simple style with muted colors. There are four food and drinks venues on site, all of which are much more atmospheric than the guest rooms: A dark and masculine-looking London pub, a bright and joyful cocktail bar, an elegant and refined afternoon tea room, and a glamorous restaurant. While there is no pool or spa in this five-star property, there is a fitness center.
Where: 22-28 Broadway, London SW1H 0BH, United Kingdom
Price per night: $633
The Guardsman
With only 59 rooms and six apartments, The Guardsman is certainly a boutique hotel, but one that’s been awarded five stars for its excellent service, beautiful decor, and ideal location — a small and quiet street five minutes on foot from Buckingham Palace and 15 minutes from Big Ben. The decor inside this property is all about modern luxury and comfort, with large and soft headboards and beds, contemporary armchairs upholstered in rich textiles, modern moody lighting, a multitude of velvet cushions, marble bathrooms, and more. There is a laid-back restaurant-bar home to over 250 different whiskies, but if you prefer Earl Grey to hard liquor, the hotel also offers afternoon tea.
Where: 1 Vandon St, London SW1H 0AH, United Kingdom
Price per night: $527
Great Scotland Yard Hotel
The Great Scotland Yard Hotel is, unsurprisingly, located on Great Scotland Yard Road, where the original headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Service of London used to be. But there’s no mystery to solve here: This property is a five-star hotel and has all the good stuff to prove it. The Great Scotland Yard Hotel consists of a 1820s building fitted with 151 individually furnished rooms and several dining venues, as well as standalone two-bedroom brick townhouse located next door. No matter what part of the property you choose to stay in, the decor is tasteful and impeccable. The food and drinks venues are varied: There’s a Nordic restaurant, an afternoon tea parlour-style room, and two bars for coffees, cocktails, beers, whiskies, and more. The Great Scotland Yard Hotel is 10 minutes away from Big Ben on foot.
Where: 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HN, United Kingdom
Price per night: $520
Park Plaza County Hall London
Located on the South Bank, across the Thames river from Big Ben (but only nine minutes on foot), the Park Plaza County Hall London is four-star hotel with great views of the London Eye, the Shard, Westminster Palace, and of course, the most famous clock tower in the world. On top of its ideal location and the great vistas it provides its guests, this property is relatively affordable and offers luxury amenities, such as a spa and a fitness center. There’s also a restaurant-bar on site that serves modern Mediterranean fare. The decor of the 399 rooms is modern, clean, and simple.
Where: 1 Addington St, London SE1 7RY, United Kingdom
Price per night: $373
Ruby Lucy Hotel London
The Ruby Lucy Hotel London, is located on the South Bank, across the river and just 13 minutes on foot from Big Ben and less than 10 minutes from the London Eye. A four-star luxury property, the Ruby Lucy Hotel London is geared towards the young and active tourists, with a bright and fun circus-inspired decor in the common areas and a 24-hour bar where you can rent an electric guitar or listen to live music. The rooms are much more pared back, with mostly white, calming aesthetics. If you like how well you slept in your room, you can buy the bed sheets. 
Where: $343
Price per night: Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RA, United Kingdom
Why is Big Ben called Big Ben?
The official name of the clock tower used to be St. Stephen’s Tower, but it was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 for Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. Big Ben is the name of the huge bell inside the tower. The bell weighs 15.1 ton and chimes every hour. Smaller bells inside the tower chime every 15 minutes.
Can you go inside Big Ben?
After years of being closed to the public for renovations, Big Ben is finally open again. Guided tours of Big Ben lasts 90 minutes and are physically demanding since they involve climbing 334 steps in a narrow spiral staircase all the way up to the belfry. Tours of Big Ben are also very loud and visitors are given ear defenders to protect them from the noise of the bells and the mechanism of the clock. Tickets for the tour cost $31.85 (£25) for adults and $12.75 (£10) for children aged 11 to 17. Children under the age of 11 are not allowed on the guided tour of Big Ben.