Are you looking for accommodation in London? Not sure which area to choose to suit your budget and needs? In this guide, you will find all you need to know about the London neighbourhoods of Westminster and St James including the best apartments and hotels in Westminster for your stay.
What you need to know about the Westminster and St James’s area
Where is it located?
The neighbourhoods of Westminster and St James’s include some of the most fashionable residential areas of London.
Located in the heart of the West End north of the River Thames with Kensington and Chelsea to the west and the City of London to the east.
It is in Zone One of the London Underground.
What is the area of Westminster and St James like?
This is one my personal favourite areas in London and if you want to stay near the Queen’s residence of Buckingham Palace this is the place to be.
Westminster is where you will find the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben (it takes approximately 20 minutes to stroll along Birdcage Walk between the two locations.)
This is a fabulous area for those keen to take in all the must-see sights of London though it can be pricey with some of London’s most luxurious hotels found in this district – including the famous Ritz!
This area is also home to two of London’s famous parks – Green Park and St James’s Park. Stand on the Blue Bridge in St James’s Park for spectacular views across the lake to Buckingham Palace on one side and Big Ben and the London Eye on the other!
What are the main attractions in the area?
Who is this area best for?
Average costs
Due to the central location, this is a fairly pricy area and home to some of London’s most luxurious hotels.
If you are working on a tighter London budget look for accommodation in the area around Victoria in Westminster (where you will also find the transport hubs of Victoria Train Station and Victoria Coach Station)
Expect to pay £550 + a night for a double room in 5* luxury hotels such as the Ritz and around £125 + a night for budget options in Victoria.
Best hotels in Westminster and St James‘s
Luxury – The Ritz
The Ritz is one of London’s most famous hotels (do consider booking afternoon tea) offering stylish elegance and a quintessentially British experience.
With a range of luxury suites and rooms to choose from this historical and beautiful hotel in the centre of London will be an unforgettable experience.
Nearest Tube station – Green Park (Piccadilly, Victoria and Jubilee lines)
→ Click for availability and prices at The Ritz London
(Other luxury hotels in the Westminster area include Sofitel London St James and The Goring)
Family – 45 Park Lane (Dorchester Collection)
Families will find 45 Park Lane an ideal choice in the Westminster area although it does rank at the luxury end of the market.
Free WiFi is available and for guests with children there is a babysitting service available (for an additional charge)
Nearest Tube station – Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly Line)
→ Click here for prices and availability at 45 Park Lane
(Other more budget friendly family hotels in the area include St Ermin’s Hotel and St James’ Court)
Budget – The Z Hotel Victoria
Located near the transport hub of Victoria train and coach stations the Z Hotel Victoria is great value for money in an excellent location.
The Z Hotel Victoria offers compact and luxurious accommodation with a contemporary design. Victoria Rail and Underground Stations and Buckingham Palace are just a 5-minute walk away.
This is an excellent choice for visitors arriving or departing from Gatwick airport.
Nearest Tube station – Victoria (Victoria, District and Circle lines)
→ Click for prices and availability at the Z Hotel Victoria
(Other budget options in the area include the Best Western Victoria Place and the Park Plaza Victoria)
Apartment & additional hotel options
Book well in advance if you are looking for an apartment in London as they are always a popular option for visitors to the capital.
Top picks of apartments in the Westminster area –
The apartment features 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower.
These beautiful luxury apartments are set in an ultra-modern building with a lift in a very secure building with security cameras in the heart of central London in a great location right next to Trafalgar Square and walking distance from Buckingham Palace and Big Ben.
→ Click here for more apartment choices in Westminster
London Accommodation Guides for other areas
If you are still unsure if the areas of Westminster and St James’s are perfect for your stay you will find my London Accommodation Guide offers more suggestions.
- Bloomsbury area guide – area guide with our choice of the best hotels and apartments for your stay.
- Mayfair, Marylebone and Oxford Street area guide – area guide with our choice of the best hotels and apartments for your stay.
- Southwark, Bankside and South Bank London – area guide with our choice of the best hotels and apartments for your stay.
- Kings Cross – area guide with our choice of the best hotels and apartments for your stay.
- South Kensington, Knightsbridge, Chelsea & Belgravia – area guide with our choice of the best hotels and apartments for your stay.
Find lots of more inspiration for your trip to London in my London Travel Guide which has lots of tips, itineraries and more to help you plan your perfect itinerary.
London Travel Guide & Itinerary Planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks)
