The best family-friendly hotels in London for a stay with the kids

Sea Containers London is every child’s dream – what’s better than feeling like you’re staying on a boat, but on land? Boaty nods are littered throughout the hotel: staff wear striped t-shirts, there portholed shaped windows and the curved edges throughout the building give the whole place the feel of a submarine. But the best part? It’s incredibly family-friendly, from its rooms all the way through to its menu. 

Firstly, the rooms, many of which have interconnecting rooms or plenty of space in a suite. Family rooms feature bespoke furniture and Sea Container’s classic decor, with booze for the adults and Haribo for the kids in the mini bar. To eat, Sea Containers has made a real effort to make the kids feel included, with a full kids menu featuring pasta, a mini cheeseburger, fish and chips, with cheese and fruit skewers to start and ice cream to finish. Our favourite touch? The bespoke breakfast – Little Explorers Breakfast Buffet, featuring its very own fruit, yoghurt and mini pastry spread, along with colouring sets to keep them entertained. 

But that’s only one part of the Little Explorers Programme, which has accounted for every member of the family – from an in-hotel treasure hunt for the little ones to a room full of retro arcade machines for the teens. There’s also The Den, a chill-out room full of board games and snacks with spectacular views out over the Southbank, and for an evening activity, the hotel’s very own Curzon cinema downstairs. Make sure to check out the hotel’s events programme: there’s everything from art and craft workshops to ‘mini discos’. 

Time Out tip: We don’t need to tell you, but you couldn’t be better placed for a family trip – the London Eye, Tate Modern and the Sea Life London Aquarium are a short walk away. 

Address: Sea Containers London, 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD

Price: From £200 a night

Closest transport: Blackfriars station and Southwark tube

If Paddington Bear ever won the lottery, he’d probably check in here. Sitting pretty between the glossy boutiques of Knightsbridge and Hyde Park’s expanse of squirrel-filled greenery, The Berkeley is the sort of five-star hotel that looks terrifyingly grown-up from the outside – all glass, stone and straight-faced doormen – but secretly adores kids. Don’t be fooled by the bowler hats and Bentley line-up: this place knows how to treat a family right. The rooftop pool alone, fringed by blue-and-white loungers and serving iced granita in summer, is reason enough to pack the armbands. 

Inside, rooms are as immaculate as you’d expect from a hotel that hands out Dyson hairdryers like complimentary slippers. Think minimalist Japanese-Scandi calm meets soft-light luxury, with robot toilets that might alarm small children (but will probably fascinate them even more). Families get thoughtful touches like cots, colouring books, mini robes and the option to book connecting rooms or a “Family Story” package that gives you a second room half-price. There are even jellycats thrown in for good measure. What kid wouldn’t want to stay here? 

Best of all is the children’s concierge on hand to plan your kids the dream stay. They’ll point you towards family-friendly shows, the best museums in the city and the quickest route to Hamley’s. In the summer months you can even ask the staff to pack you picnic to take to the park. While breakfast is at the effortlessly chic abc kitchens, where omelettes are cloud-soft and pastries from Cédric Grolet are scientifically impossible to share. Yes, it’s a Knightsbridge hotel, so the bill will sting – a night here costs roughly the same as a used car – but if you’re celebrating, or just playing at being London’s most glamorous family for a weekend, The Berkeley is absolutely worth it.

Time Out tip: You can even book a mini-manicure for your beauty-conscious kids if that's their thing!

Address: Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL

Price: From £900 per night. 

Nearest transport: Both Knightsbridge and Hyde Park Corner stations are a five-minute walk.

Just a stone’s throw from the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the slightly wobbly Millennium Bridge, Hilton London Bankside is a modern, family-friendly hotel that somehow feels surprisingly roomy for central London. Take the King One Bedroom Suites, for example: sleek, fuss-free, and built for comfort. Think lush, inviting beds, a bright en suite with a powerhouse walk-in shower, and plenty of storage for all the family’s bits and bobs. The living area is generous and the HD and LCD TVs are a welcome bonus. 

But the rooms are just the beginning. In the basement, there’s a 17-metre indoor pool, a bubbling hot tub, and a small gym – basically, a secret hideaway where kids can splash and adults can relax in peace. Unlike some of London’s more intimidating five-star hotels, Hilton Bankside manages to blend luxury with practicality: roomy rooms, a calm pool, and rates that won’t make you wince.

Location-wise, it’s a winner. The Tate Modern is right around the corner, full of fascinating exhibitions and kid-friendly activities, while Borough Market offers an endless parade of food stalls to delight every taste bud. Fancy something a little different? Kolae, sister to the ultra-popular Som Saa, serves a small but impeccably executed South Thai menu. 

When it comes to festive fun, OXBO Bankside takes brunch to another level. Unlimited starters, classics like a selection of eggs or waffles, a choice of roast, and a help-yourself dessert station – plus a surprise visit from Father Christmas himself for the kids. Your little ones might be so stuffed by the end that they need a nap before the walk back up to the rooms. But at least you’ll get a few, glorious moments of peace and quiet.

Time Out tip: The hotel has a complimentary sweet shop. Kids will never want to leave!

Address: 2-8, Great Suffolk Street, SE1 0UG.

Price: Prices start from £180.

Nearest transport: Southwark tube is a 7-minute walk. 

If you want luxury that’s also kid-friendly, then head straight to The Peninsula London. Opened in 2023, this 200-room giant stands proudly on Grosvenor Place, right between Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch. It might not scream child-friendly like some other hotels on the list, but it welcomes little ones with open arms. There’s plenty here to keep the whole family entertained, and enough sophistication to make the grown-ups feel like they’re getting a proper treat too.

First, the interconnecting rooms are perfect for parents who want a nightcap after the kids are asleep, and for children who are bound to scream “Mum, it’s too dark in here” and sneak next door. Then there are the thoughtful amenities: bathrobes that fit small humans, toys and games on request, and Hyde Park just a stone’s throw away for post-breakfast duck-watching. The heated indoor pool is another winner — calming and serene for parents, but also the perfect place for kids who need to burn off some energy and make a splash. 

The hotel also runs seasonal programmes that make stays extra memorable. During Easter, there’s the “Peter Rabbit Adventure” with themed bathrobes, soft toys, and family-friendly movie screenings. Christmas brings festive magic, from twinkling decorations to special feasts that make sure toddlers and teens alike are satisfied. 

Yes, it’s a splurge – rooms start around £1000 per night – but the combination of luxe surroundings, thoughtful family touches, and an unbeatable central location makes it a London stay you and the kids won’t forget.

Time Out tip: If you get a night off from the kids, the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant Brooklands is a great way to spend an evening. 

Address: 1 Grosvenor Place, SW1X 7HJ London

Price: Starting from about £1000 per night 

Nearest transport: Hyde Park Corner tube station is a two-three minute walk

Want a London hotel that genuinely ticks the “kids won’t complain” box? Look no further than Park Plaza London Waterloo. Just a stone’s throw from the London Eye, Sea Life London Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure! and The London Dungeon, the location gives you a ready-made itinerary for keeping little ones happily occupied.

From the moment you arrive, family-friendly touches are everywhere. Children receive a welcome goodie bag at check-in, while the rooms themselves are designed with families in mind—sofa beds, king or twin options, and plenty of space to spread out and avoid early-morning arguments over blankets. The hotel also makes sure the fun continues beyond the room: weekly movie nights and seasonal events (pumpkin carving at Halloween, festive craft workshops at Christmas) give parents a well-earned breather.

Dining is simple but tasty. The children’s menu is packed with favourites, from cheese toasties and cod fish fingers to margherita pizzas. For dessert, there’s the option of a healthy fruit salad or a chocolate brownie that’s bound to generate both sugar highs and delighted squeals. Kids under 12 even eat breakfast for free.

For a little extra magic, the hotel offers an “Under the Sea Afternoon Tea” experience; Ocean-themed pastries, shell-shaped cookies, and playful mocktails make it an almost immersive experience. Parents get comfort and style, kids get excitement and treats, and the whole family leaves feeling like they’ve had a London escape without any of the usual meltdowns.

Time Out tip: This is also a great place to stay for New Year's Eve. Youll get a front row seat for the iconic firework display.

Address: 1 Addington Street, SE1 7RY

Price: Prices start from around 200 a night. 

Nearest transport: Waterloo is a five-minute walk. 

If you want a London stay that’s easy on the wallet but still makes the whole family feel looked after, book Good Hotel London. Docked on the Royal Victoria Dock in a striking black shipping container, it might not look like a kids’ paradise at first glance, but it’s full of thoughtful touches that make little ones feel included without turning the place into a circus. Rooms are sleek and pared-back, coloured in earthy tones with low-hanging lights and hidden charging ports. But if you upgrade to one of the larger “Best Rooms”, you’ll get wall-to-wall windows, en-suite rain showers, and enough space for a small family to spread out comfortably.

The hotel has a calm, almost meditative vibe thanks to its waterfront setting. Take the kids for a post-breakfast stroll along the docks or entertain them for half an hour watching the boats. There’s also plenty to keep children entertained: seasonal activities like family movie nights, art workshops, and even the occasional “Peter Rabbit-style” creative programme. Older kids will love hopping on the nearby cable cars for cheap 360-degree city views, or exploring Mudchute Park and Farm that's populated with alpacas and ponies, a short DLR ride away.

Food is simple but strong. The breakfast bar is stacked with fruit, pastries, cured meats, and full-English essentials, while lunch and dinner feature tapas-style small plates that will satisfy picky eaters and grown-ups alike. Drinks include a fun selection of natural wines, plus a few alcohol-free options.

The real magic of Good Hotel is its ethos: every night’s stay helps fund schooling for a child in South America and supports hospitality training for locals in London. It’s a hotel that makes you feel like your family holiday is doing a little good in the world. Rooms start from around £90 a night, making it a genuine bargain in London terms too.

Time Out tip: Check out the rooftop bar and enjoy the city views.

Address: Royal Victoria Dock, Western Gateway, London E16 

Price: From £91

Nearest transport: Custom House station is an 11-minute walk.

Let’s be real: The Ritz isn’t the kind of place you book if you want a great deal. It’s where you stay when you want to live out your full “royal family on holiday” fantasy. And, luckily for parents, that includes the kids, too. Because while it’s one of the most glamorous hotels in London (chandeliers! afternoon tea! marble for days!), it’s also surprisingly thoughtful when it comes to keeping little ones entertained.

The hotel’s Kidz @ The Ritz programme takes family travel to a new level of luxury. From the moment you check in, under-16s are treated like little kings and queens with welcome Ritz teddy bears waiting in the room and plenty of books and games consoles to keep boredom at bay. At bedtime, children are greeted with treats (chocolates, milk, sometimes even a handwritten note from “The Ritz Bear” himself), and if they’re still awake, there’s an in-room DVD library to raid.

But the real thing that will get the kids onside is the endless supply of free ice cream at The Palm Court and The Ritz Restaurant. Yes, you read that right. While you sip champagne beneath chandeliers, your kids can work their way through scoops of chocolate and strawberry. Prepare for a sugar rush because they can also scoff on scones at afternoon tea too. Families staying in suites get an extra bonus: children up to 15 can stay for free, which might make the price tag slightly easier to swallow.

And location-wise, it doesn’t get much better. You’re right on Piccadilly, steps from Green Park for impromptu playground runs, and close to Buckingham Palace, Fortnum & Mason, and the Royal Academy of Arts. After a day of sightseeing, retreat to your plush room, where perfect bathrooms, fluffy robes, and Ritz-blue furnishings await.

It’s over-the-top and it’s iconic. But proof that even the fanciest hotels can make space for sticky fingers and bedtime stories.

Time Out tip: The afternoon tea here is absolutely legendary. And don't forget you can ask for more of anything. 

Address: 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR

Price: From £725 per night

Nearest transport: Green Park is a two-minute walk. 

While other luxury hotels are grand and imposing, The Laslett is a bit more like visiting your (very wealthy) friend’s house up in Notting Hill. It’s a hotel with just 51 rooms and an exceptionally friendly atmosphere – and it’s perfect for families looking for a boutique stay. 

Staff are friendly and the entrance is unassuming – you’ll find this spot tucked into one of Notting Hill’s residential streets, with a terrace out front for summer eating and drinking. Rooms here are like something out of a fairytale, decked out with old Penguin Classic books and hand-labelled bath salts, and the larger suites are perfect for families. An extra roll-away bed can be added for an additional £60 per night, and some have a day bed and chill-out area for cosying up with one of the books.

But perhaps the biggest draw of coming here with children is the location. Area-wise, Notting Hill is basically a child’s dream come true. The Natural History Museum and the Royal Albert Hall are all under half-an-hour’s walk away, the Kyoto Garden and its wandering peacocks are just round the corner – and make sure you feed the parakeets in Kensington Gardens. 

Time Out tip: Want your kids to love you forever? Head to Buns from Home for a custard bun or cinnamon roll – it’s TikTok-famous for a reason. 

Address: 8 Pembridge Gardens, W2 4DU, London

Price: Starting from approximately £350 per night

Closest transport: Notting Hill Gate Underground station is just around the corner

Behind Mandarin Oriental’s polished townhouse exterior – complete with doormen tipping their hats like something out of Mary Poppins – is a hotel that somehow has something for everyone. The lobby is pure theatre, decorated with vast floral arrangements, glassy light fixtures and a green marble staircase that you’ll want to pose on for a photo (and your kids will probably race you down).

Despite all that grandeur, the vibe is surprisingly relaxed. It feels more like stepping into someone’s (extremely stylish) home than a stiff luxury hotel. Breakfast is served in a light-filled dining room where you can happily sip a cappuccino while your child spreads jam on toast.

Families can book interlinked suites that cleverly give adults and kids their own space, while keeping everyone within shouting distance. The rooms are large enough for cartwheels and wrapped in hand-painted wallpaper and soft fabrics. If you book the Mini Mayfair package, expect a suite filled with thoughtful extras: miniature slippers and robes, colouring sets and a very fluffy panda towel waiting on the bed. It’s five-star luxury that will make your kids feel like VIPS.

Then there’s the spa – and what a spa it is. It’s home to one of central London’s largest pools, and there aren’t any restrictive family hours, meaning even tiny swimmers can enjoy the water. There are whirlpools too that are perfect for a shared splash. 

Step outside, and you’re perfectly placed between Bond Street, Regent Street and Oxford Street, meaning London’s best shops, cafés and museums are right on your doorstep. Some packages even include tickets to the Cartoon Museum or a family shopping experience at Selfridges, complete with a gift card. It’s all the sophistication of Mayfair with a genuine sense of play.

Time Out tip: Book a traditional Chinese medicine inspired massage in the spa if you can escape the kids for an hour.

Address: 22 Hanover Square, W1S 1JP

Price: From £977.50 a night

Nearest transport: Bond Street is a five-minute walk.

Battersea Power Station can feel a bit like stepping into a parallel London – all polished pavements, designer dogs and people who look suspiciously well-rested. But tucked among the glossy facades is Art’otel Battersea, a place that somehow combines all this chicness with a smily family-friendly quality.

Designed by Spanish artist Jaime Hayon, this bold, joyful hotel is an explosion of colour and character. Its 164 rooms are roomy enough for parents and little ones to coexist without stepping on each other’s toes. There are connecting rooms, cots on request, and fun details like Roberts radios, record players and art so playful even kids stop to point at it. It’s the kind of place where parents can sip a Negroni while kids marvel at the funky lamps. And, a stay here won't break the bank either.

The rooftop pool is the real family crowd-pleaser –  a heated infinity number with jaw-dropping views across the Thames. There’s a shallower end, though you’ll need to keep an eye on little swimmers (no lifeguards here). Come sunset, grab deck chairs and watch the Power Station light up –  it’s pure London magic.

Food-wise, JOIA offers high-end Iberian dishes, but families are made to feel at home; kids’ portions are happily accommodated. For a more relaxed vibe, Tozi Grand Café downstairs serves joyful Italian plates and the kind of pizza that keeps everyone quiet for at least ten minutes.

When cabin fever strikes, Battersea Park is a short stroll away and is home to playgrounds, pedalos, and the mini zoo. On a sunny day let them run wild while grabbing an ice-cream at the park favourite The Pear Tree Cafe. Or if that all gets boring, hop on the Uber Boat for an adventure along the Thames. 

Time Out Tip: Adults should consider booking a cooking masterclass at Joia with its two-Michelin-starred head chef Jose Jara. It costs £120 per person but it does come with wine.

Address: 1 Electric Boulevard, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ

Price: Starting from approximately £200 per night

Nearest transport: Battersea Power Station Underground Station is a seven-minute walk

You’ll spot this red-brick Gothic beauty from half a mile away, rising above Marylebone Road like a Victorian dream sequence. But don’t be fooled by the grandeur: behind those arched stone doors is one of the most surprisingly family-friendly hotels in London.

Part of that is down to the scale of the place. Rooms here are enormous by London standards — even entry-level ones come with enough space for rollaway beds, cots and would more than fit the occasional Lego explosion. The suites are so big you could host a game of hide-and-seek and still lose. Bathrooms have bathtubs made for bubble sessions and bathrobes in multiple sizes.

Breakfast is a proper event too: a buffet stacked with pastries, fruit, and smoked salmon mousse (yes, really), while the kitchen happily rustles up pancakes with all the toppings on request. Little guests are made to feel like VIPs, and you can order smaller portions with the staff, too.

The spa is quite a wonder. It is home to one of London’s only chlorine-free pools, with dedicated children’s swim hours twice a day. After that, stroll ten minutes to Regent’s Park to feed the ducks or head to Daunt Books for a quiet browse.

It’s grand, graceful, and gloriously family-friendly — a rare London hotel where everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, feels perfectly at home.

Time Out tip: The seasonal menu is £55 in the Winter Garden and is pretty great, 

Address: 222 Marylebone Road, London NW1 6JQ

Price: Rooms start at £500 rooms, Marylebone Suites for £800

Nearest transport: Marylebone railway station is a 30 second walk. 

Shepherd’s Bush is never quiet, but if you stay at The Hoxton you might hear a child’s wail or two. That’s not to say its not relaxing: from the moment you step into the lobby – a sunlit mix of mid-century armchairs, soft textures, and bold rugs by local makers – it’s clear this is a pretty zen place. Kids feel at home instantly, and parents can relax in style.

Rooms are compact but cleverly designed, with curved headboards, rattan lampshades, and copper accents adding personality at every turn. And here’s the best bit for families: one child under 12 stays and enjoys breakfast for free when sharing a room with parents, either in existing beds, a crib, or a rollaway if the room is large enough. It’s the kind of thoughtful detail that makes city stays far less stressful.

If you’re not hiding out in your room, the real draw is Chet’s, the hotel’s Thai-Californian restaurant from cult LA chef Kris Yenbamroong. Fried pineapple rice with crab? Sticky wings? Brunch dishes like chicken-and-roti waffles? Yes, yes, and yes. The space itself – pastel tones, clean lines, and a dash of Wes Anderson whimsy – makes every meal feel like a treat for both kids and adults.

Beyond the hotel, families are well placed to explore. Shepherd’s Bush Market, Portobello Road, and Notting Hill are walkable, while buses and Tube lines whisk you to Hyde Park, South Kensington museums, and London’s must-see attractions. And when you need a pause, the hotel’s colourful lounges and communal areas make for perfect downtime or impromptu games.

Stylish, playful, and genuinely accommodating, The Hoxton Shepherd’s Bush proves that boutique hotels can be family-friendly.

Time Out tip: There’s a gift shop next to the lobby which sells refills for skincare products and runs events. Check it out if you can escape the kids for a minute!

Address: 6 Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12 8PH

Price: From approximately £200 a night

Nearest Tube: Shepherd’s Bush is a 4-minute walk.