Hotels near London Eye

London Eye Hotels

London’s millennium addition to the South Bank skyline, the London Eye takes its passengers on a gentle circuit of panoramic views of the city in glass pods which rotate almost imperceptibly, catching the light along the Thames. It’s the centrepiece of a crowd-pleasing stretch of central London, bursting with museums, attractions, theatres, and iconic views up and down the river. As a starting point to this great capital, there’s no better place than the Eye to get acquainted with London.

Things to see

Take a deep breath, step into a space-age pod, and prepare to be sent soaring up, up and away. As you orbit aboard the London Eye, the capital will swing into bird’s-eye view beneath you. The Gherkin and the Shard dominate the skyline with their geometric shapes, contrasting against the classical beauty of St Paul’s Cathedral. The Thames unfurls like a silken ribbon in both directions. Far down below, boats still chug, people still scurry, buses still glide over Westminster Bridge. But from up high, it seems cinematic and dreamlike. When you come down again, you don’t have to stay on terra firma – why not take a trip beneath the waves at the Sea Life London Aquarium? Sharks, penguins and turtles are among the star critters here. At the nearby Southbank Centre, there’s always something going on, whether a yoga class or a musical recital, and some events are free.

Hotels in London Eye

A selection of smart 4-star hotels and opulent 5-star hotels characterise this area. The luxury London Eye hotels such as Amba Hotel Charing Cross, offer every indulgence, from full-service spas to haute cuisine dining and champagne bars. The suites are beautifully furnished, with a mix of historic and contemporary design. Little luxuries include fluffy bathrobes and slippers, as well as espresso machines and minibars. The mid-range hotels near London Eye include large brand hotels and independent hotels such as ibis London City - Shoreditch, offering comfortable rooms with flat-screen TVs and WiFi. Most of these hotels have a restaurant, and provide breakfast for guests, while some have fitness centres and business facilities onsite.

Where to stay

The South Bank area, directly around the London Eye, has a good selection of mid-range hotels and is well-located for access for many top London attractions. The London Aquarium and Waterloo Station are both within easy walking distance, and there are numerous restaurants and bars here. For 5-star luxury, stay across the river in Westminster, where you can find some of London’s most glamorous hotels. You’ll be steps away from the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, with a view of the London Eye across the Thames. For budget hotels, head further into Southwark, where guesthouses and hostels are available.

How to get to London Eye

If you’re arriving into Gatwick Airport, then you can hop on the Airport Express to Victoria, and you’ll be within a 30-minute walk of the London Eye, or a 15-minute tube ride away. From elsewhere in London, the tube network is also the best option for getting to the London Eye. The nearest stations are Waterloo and Westminster, across the river. Waterloo Station is Britain’s busiest, and has services from across the South and Southwest of England. From Waterloo Station, it’s a 5-minute walk to the London Eye. You can also take river cruises from this area of the Thames.