The 10 Best Day Use Hotels in London for a Day-cation

In the pulsating heart of London, a city that never sleeps, travelers find themselves swept up in a whirlwind of historic sights, world-class shopping, and bustling business districts. Whether you’re here for a layover, a quick business meeting, or a day-long sightseeing expedition, there’s an innovative accommodation solution that perfectly fits your needs: day use hotels.

Day use hotels in London offer a unique twist to traditional hotel booking, giving you the flexibility to rent rooms for a few hours during the day instead of an overnight stay. This model provides a haven for business travelers needing a quiet space to prepare for a meeting, weary tourists seeking a restful retreat or place to wait for their other hotel to allow check-ins, or long-haul travelers desiring a freshening up during a layover.

During my most recent – and very short – trip to London in May 2023, my husband and I booked a day use hotel along the Strand during a layover. It was the perfect spot to drop our luggage, grab a shower, change clothes, and strike out to explore a little bit of London before heading back to the airport for our onward flight.

Ready to find the perfect day use hotel for your time in London? Take a leap into this modern accommodation trend and discover how day use hotels in London can transform your travel experience, one short stay at a time.

The Best Day Use Hotels in London

Before jumping into each property, here’s a list of the hotels I chose to include, and why. In short, I looked at price, rating, and the number of reviews to come up with a score for each hotel that offers day use bookings. Below are the top 10 from the list I looked at:

Ready to learn about what makes each one of these hotels special and perfect for a day use stay?

1. Thistle Piccadilly Hotel

• Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus (3min) or Leicester Square (3min)
• Price from: £83
• Book on: hotelsbyday.com

If you’re looking for an affordable, centrally-located day use hotel in London, you can’t do much better than the Thistle Piccadilly Hotel. Located in the heart of London, the Thistle Piccadilly offers a unique day use experience that provides comfort, convenience, and luxury.

Each room at the Thistle Piccadilly is designed with comfort in mind, featuring plush bedding, high-speed Wi-Fi, and state-of-the-art TVs. The well-lit workspaces are ideal if you need a day use hotel to catch up on work. The private bathrooms come complete with fluffy towels and bathrobes, will give you a nice place to relax and recoup.

Day guests can make the most of their visit by availing of the hotel’s wide array of services. The in-house restaurant, serving a delightful variety of British cuisine, is perfect for a culinary treat. The hotel’s fitness center is open throughout the day, while the lounge area offers a quiet retreat for relaxation.

2. DoubleTree By Hilton – Angel/Kings Cross

• Nearest Tube: Angel (4min)
• Price from: £100
• Book on: hotelsbyday.com

The DoubleTree by Hilton in Angel/Kings Cross strikes the perfect balance of style, comfort, and location for day use guests. Each room is elegantly furnished, featuring contemporary décor, luxurious bedding, and large windows that bathe the space in natural light.

Room amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, a spacious work desk, and a flat-screen TV. The modern bathrooms are equipped with deluxe toiletries, promoting a spa-like experience right within your room – perfect if you’re using this hotel as a respite during a stopover between flights.

The hotel itself boasts an array of facilities, including a well-equipped fitness center and an on-site restaurant serving a diverse menu of international cuisine. Whether you make the most of your time by working off a few calories or consuming some to refuel, this is easily one of the best day use hotels in London.

3. DoubleTree By Hilton – Chelsea

• Nearest Tube: Imperial Wharf (1min) (London Overground)
• Price from: £70
• Book on: hotelsbyday.com

Another DoubleTree by Hilton property makes the list: the Chelsea location is an exceptional hotel that combines luxury, comfort, and a prime location. Day use rooms offer a tranquil retreat from the city’s bustle with stylish and warm decor, plush bedding, and floor-to-ceiling windows that command sweeping views.

Modern conveniences, such as high-speed Wi-Fi, a work desk, and a flat-screen TV, enhance the overall comfort, while the sleek bathrooms with complimentary toiletries add a touch of indulgence.

Situated in the fashionable Chelsea district, this hotel is an excellent choice if you want to explore the best of London. Chelsea is renowned for its upmarket boutiques, eclectic eateries, and vibrant arts scene, all of which are easily accessible from the hotel.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Chelsea is also a short stroll away is the iconic Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea Football Club, and the Thames River with its scenic riverside walks; walking along the Thames is one of my favorite things to do in London, even during a short stay, layover, or stopover.

4. The Royal Horseguards Hotel

• Nearest Tube: Embankment (3min)
• Price from: £171
• Book on: hotelsbyday.com

The Royal Horseguards Hotel, an iconic London accommodation, offers a luxurious day use experience that encapsulates the city’s rich history and modern luxury. The hotel’s design is steeped in Victorian elegance, with high ceilings, ornate cornicing, and grand staircases, yet the rooms don’t compromise on contemporary comforts; you’ll feel like royalty even during a short stay.

Each room features plush bedding, sophisticated décor, state-of-the-art technology, and stunning views of the River Thames or the hotel’s private gardens. The ensuite marble bathrooms, equipped with luxury toiletries, complete the opulent experience.

The hotel’s restaurant, One Twentyone Two, is renowned for its innovative British cuisine and provides a delightful dining experience for guests. If you’re feeling less like food after (or before) a long flight, the hotel’s tranquil private garden, a rare gem in central London, offers a peaceful respite amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.

5. NYX Hotel Holborn

• Nearest Tube: Holborn (4min)
• Price from: £113
• Book on: hotelsbyday.com

NYX Hotel Holborn offers a modern and creative experience for its guests – even ones that are only there for a day stay.

The hotel’s design is chic and eclectic, reflecting the artistic spirit of the NYX brand. Each room is a perfect blend of comfort and style, featuring bold, colorful artwork, comfortable beds, smart TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The contemporary bathrooms, fitted with rainfall showers and luxurious toiletries, provide an ideal setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Inside the hotel, guests can enjoy the spacious NYX Lounge, which serves a creative menu of food and cocktails in a lively atmosphere that often features local DJs and artists. Moreover, the hotel’s well-equipped fitness center and in-house spa provide opportunities for exercise and relaxation.

6. Thistle Hotel Holborn

• Nearest Tube: Holborn (5min)
• Price from: £104
• Book on: hotelsbyday.com

The Thistle Hotel Holborn offers a quintessential London experience, combining historical charm with modern comfort. Day use guest rooms are tastefully appointed, featuring a soothing color palette, plush bedding, and contemporary furnishings; sounds perfect for a nap during your short stay, right?

During your day use stay, you can enjoy conveniences such as high-speed Wi-Fi, spacious work desks, and flat-screen TVs. The ensuite bathrooms come complete with complimentary toiletries and fluffy towels, ensuring a refreshing stay no matter the length.

The hotel also hosts an elegant restaurant, the Kingsley Two Brasserie, which serves an enticing selection of British and European dishes perfect for a lunchtime break. Meanwhile, the hotel’s bar provides a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a range of beverages. The Thistle Hotel in Holborn is really perfect for refueling, no matter what fuel you need!

7. Thistle Hyde Park Kensington Gardens

• Nearest Tube: Queensway (5min)
• Price from: £80
• Book on: hotelsbyday.com

The Thistle Hyde Park Kensington Gardens offers a sophisticated experience that is both restful and rejuvenating, even for a short time. Every room is meticulously designed to ensure guests’ comfort, showcasing elegant furnishings, plush beds, and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Additionally, many of the rooms offer captivating views of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, which enhance the serene ambiance. The ensuite bathrooms, equipped with complimentary toiletries, provide a refreshing and indulgent experience, adding to the overall comfort of the stay.

The hotel’s prime location on the edge of Hyde Park, one of London’s most beautiful royal parks, makes it an exceptional choice if you book a day use stay here, especially if you’re looking to take a stroll and stretch your legs in a calm, urban park. The hotel’s on-site restaurant and bar serve an impressive selection of British and international dishes and a range of drinks, providing a delightful culinary break and re-fueling spot.

8. Hotel Indigo Paddington

• Nearest Tube: Paddington (2min)
• Price from: £92
• Book on: hotelsbyday.com

The Hotel Indigo in Paddington presents an intimate, boutique experience that beautifully captures the spirit of the surrounding neighborhood – something you can capture even if you’re only there for a day use stay.

With modern and stylish décor, each room tells a unique story reflecting elements of Paddington’s history. Comfort is a priority, with plush bedding, soundproofing, high-speed Wi-Fi, and smart TVs. Adding to the luxury experience, the sleek bathrooms feature invigorating rain showers and premium Aveda toiletries.

This is also one of the best day use hotels in London if you want to be a stone’s throw from the Tube; it’s the shortest walk on the list and optimal if you don’t want to drag a rolling suitcase too far.

9. DoubleTree By Hilton – Hyde Park

• Nearest Tube: Queensway (3min)
• Price from: £119
• Book on: hotelsbyday.com

Another DoubleTree by Hilton makes the list! This one – in Hyde Park – offers an inviting day use experience with a blend of comfort, convenience, and upscale amenities.

The hotel’s rooms are designed with a modern aesthetic and feature amenities like comfortable beds, high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and a work desk, providing a perfect space for both rest and productivity. The floor-to-ceiling windows in many rooms offer stunning views of Hyde Park, creating a serene and refreshing atmosphere.

Situated opposite Hyde Park, this hotel boasts a prime location that gives guests easy access to London’s major attractions. For gastronomic delights, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Urban Meadow Café and Bar, serves a variety of international and local dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

10. Hilton Kensington

• Nearest Tube: Shepherd’s Bush (4min)
• Price from: £119
• Book on: hotelsbyday.com

Located a bit outside the primary Kensington area, the Hilton Kensington offers a sophisticated experience, integrating modern elegance with practical comforts. The spacious guest rooms are designed with a stylish, contemporary theme, and equipped with amenities including plush bedding, high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and well-lit workspaces that cater to both leisure and business guests – or day use guests! The hotel’s ensuites feature luxurious toiletries and walk-in showers, adding a touch of indulgence to your stay.

Nestled in the leafy district of Holland Park, the hotel’s location offers the chance to experience the tranquil side of London. Inside the hotel, guests can enjoy an array of facilities, including a fitness center and the elegant on-site restaurant, WestEleven, which offers a delightful selection of British and international dishes.

There you have it – 10 of the best day use hotels in London right now. These day use hotels are affordably priced for the length of stay, are close to public transit, and provide the perfect spots to stay, relax, and recover before your travels take you onward or you can check into your hotel.

Have any questions about these top day use hotels in London, or any other hotels you’re looking at? Let me know in the comments below!