You want to wake up, pull back the heavy velvet curtains, and see that gold-and-black clock face staring right back at you. It’s the quintessential London dream. But here is the thing: finding london hotels close to big ben is actually trickier than a quick map search suggests.
A lot of places claim they’re "moments away." In reality? You might be staring at a brick wall or a noisy bus depot in Waterloo. Honestly, if you don't pick the right side of the river, you’ll spend your whole trip trekking across Westminster Bridge behind a wall of selfie-stick-wielding tourists.
The "Big Three" for Serious Views
If you’re coming all this way, you probably want the actual postcard view. Not a partial glimpse. Not a "if I lean out the bathroom window" view.
London Marriott Hotel County Hall
This is the heavy hitter. It’s literally inside the old headquarters of the London County Council. Because the building sits right on the South Bank, directly opposite the Palace of Westminster, the views are basically unrivaled.
I’m talking floor-to-ceiling windows where the Elizabeth Tower feels close enough to touch. If you book the Big Ben Balcony Suite—which, yeah, costs a small fortune (think $3,450 a night)—you get a private outdoor space to watch the clock light up at night. Even if you aren't dropping three grand, the Library at County Hall does an afternoon tea where you can sit in original oak bookcases and watch the Thames flow by.
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Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
This one is huge. Over 1,000 rooms. It’s a bit more "modern corporate" than the Marriott, but the location is legendary. It sits right at the foot of the bridge.
To get the good stuff here, you have to be specific. Ask for an upgraded Studio or a Suite on the higher floors. If you end up in an "Atrium Facing" room, you’ll be looking at the inside of the hotel. Don't do that to yourself. The Mandara Spa in the basement is a weirdly peaceful Bali-themed escape from the chaos of the bridge outside.
The Westminster London, Curio Collection by Hilton
Located on the North Bank, this spot is a bit more tucked away. It’s got a weirdly cool James Bond vibe—very Ian Fleming. They actually have a bowling alley inside. It’s a solid 5 to 8-minute walk to the tower, but the neighborhood is much quieter at night than the South Bank side.
Why "Close" Doesn't Always Mean "View"
People get this confused all the time. You can be 200 meters away and see absolutely nothing.
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Westminster is a dense forest of stone government buildings. The Corinthia London is a five-star masterpiece—total celeb magnet—and it’s technically very close. But it’s situated a block back from the river. You go there for the ESPA Life spa (which is arguably the best in the city) and the flower-filled lobby, not necessarily to stare at a clock.
Then there’s the Royal Horseguards Hotel. It looks like a French chateau and has secret tunnels used by Winston Churchill. It’s stunning. It’s historical. But it faces the London Eye more than it faces Big Ben.
Budget Hacks That Actually Work
Let's be real: staying in this ZIP code is expensive. But you can find london hotels close to big ben without draining your 401k if you know where to look.
- Point A Hotel Westminster: It is tiny. Like, "can't open your suitcase and the door at the same time" tiny. But it’s clean, modern, and literally a 5-minute walk from the bridge. If you just need a place to crash, it’s a steal for the location.
- Ruby Lucy Hotel: Located in Waterloo (about a 10-minute walk). It’s got a "lean luxury" vibe—no room service, but a great bar and a very cool, circus-inspired aesthetic.
- Park Plaza County Hall: Often overlooked because its sister hotel (Westminster Bridge) is more famous. It’s right behind it, usually cheaper, and many rooms have kitchenettes which save you a ton on London food prices.
The Logistics of Staying in Westminster
The area immediately surrounding Big Ben is a bit of a "food desert" for locals. Most of the pubs right on the main drag are overpriced and serve mediocre fish and chips.
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If you're staying here, walk five minutes into the backstreets of Smith Square. You’ll find quieter spots where MPs actually eat. Also, remember that Westminster Station is a labyrinth. If you’re coming from the airport with heavy bags, Embankment Station or Waterloo are often easier to navigate, depending on which side of the river your hotel is on.
The Reality Check
Construction is a constant in London. Even though the massive renovation of the Elizabeth Tower finished recently, there is always scaffolding somewhere in the Palace of Westminster.
Check recent guest photos on TripAdvisor or Google Maps from the last 14 days before you book a "View Room." There is nothing worse than paying a £200 premium for a view of a crane.
Actionable Next Steps
- Verify the Floor: If booking at the Park Plaza, call the front desk and confirm your room is above the 5th floor for a clear sightline.
- Check the Bridge Status: If you have mobility issues, stay on the North Bank (The Westminster or Corinthia) to avoid the steep incline and crowds of Westminster Bridge.
- Book the Library: If you can't afford a room at the Marriott, book a £60 afternoon tea at the Library at County Hall to get the same 5-star view for two hours.
- Download Citymapper: Google Maps struggles with the underground tunnels at Westminster; Citymapper is much more accurate for finding the right exit toward your hotel.
The magic of Big Ben is best seen at night when the crowds thin out and the bell tolls over a quiet river. Staying nearby makes that possible. Just make sure you aren't paying for a "view" that requires a periscope.