Family-Friendly Hotels near London Waterloo
London Waterloo sits on the South Bank of the Thames, a few minutes on foot from the London Eye, County Hall and the Southbank Centre, with the Jubilee, Northern and Bakerloo lines running underneath. Few London stations put so many children's sights within walking distance, and the hotels on this page take advantage of it: the Premier Inn London County Hall is inside the old County Hall building, and the Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge faces the Houses of Parliament across the river. I have grouped them by what helps families most: pools, kitchens, free breakfast and short walks to the river.
London, with its rich history and vibrant contemporary culture, offers an endless playground for families. The area around Waterloo Station perfectly encapsulates this, blending iconic landmarks with green spaces and engaging activities. It's a city that encourages exploration, from the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace to the street performers on the South Bank. Families will find London to be a city that balances educational opportunities with pure entertainment, ensuring that children of all ages are captivated and parents can relax knowing everything is within easy reach.
The South Bank on Foot with Children
With children, a hotel near Waterloo keeps most of a London trip on foot. The London Eye and County Hall are minutes away, Westminster Bridge leads to Big Ben, and the Hungerford footbridges cross to the Embankment and on to Trafalgar Square. Several hotels here add real family value: indoor pools at the Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge and the Park Plaza London Waterloo, a free hot breakfast at the Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo, and kitchens at the Park Plaza County Hall London and the Wilde Aparthotels in Covent Garden.
The pool question is easy to answer here. The Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge has an indoor pool, a spa and a fitness center, with more than 13,000 reviews in our data, the most of any hotel on this page, and it sits by the London Eye and Westminster Bridge. The Park Plaza London Waterloo, closer to the station, also has an indoor pool and a spa. On a grey London afternoon, a swim after the Eye or the aquarium resets everyone's mood. I would choose one of these two for younger children, because the pool turns a hotel into part of the day rather than just a place to sleep.
Location is the other strong card, and the County Hall hotels play it best. The Premier Inn London County Hall hotel is set in the historic County Hall building and tagged as family-friendly, a short walk from the London Eye, with parking available. Next door, the Park Plaza County Hall London offers rooms and suites, some with kitchens, plus a day spa. From either, the South Bank riverside path leads east to the Southbank Centre and west across Westminster Bridge. I would pick one of them for a short stay where the children want to see the Eye, Big Ben and the river first.
For budget and simplicity, the hotels near the station itself are worth comparing. The Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo includes a free hot breakfast and is tagged as kid-friendly, which matters for families who eat early. The H10 London Waterloo is also kid-friendly, with accessible features. The Travelodge London Central Waterloo, in a traditional redbrick building near the station, is the plainest option, and the Travelodge London Central Southwark lists family rooms. My advice: compare breakfast and room layout before price, since those two decide how smoothly the mornings go with children.
Families who prefer an apartment should look across the river. The Wilde Aparthotels, London, Covent Garden have units with kitchens, a kid-friendly tag and a 9.8 rating in our data, the highest on this page. St Martins Lane London offers some rooms with kitchens or balconies in Covent Garden. Both are reached from Waterloo by crossing Waterloo Bridge or the Hungerford footbridges, a walk that is itself a good view of the Thames. I would choose this side of the river if the trip includes the Covent Garden street performers and the West End theatres, and Waterloo mainly for the arrival.
A traveler's perspectiveIf I were bringing children to London through Waterloo, I would book the Premier Inn London County Hall hotel for its walk to the London Eye, or the Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge if a pool matters more. On the first evening, I would walk the riverside path to Westminster Bridge to see Big Ben lit up, ten minutes from either hotel.
4.9Guest scoreFamilyWilde Aparthotels, London, Covent Garden
Stylish aparthotel with kitchens, perfect for families and pets in central London
View hotel →Why guests love itWilde Aparthotels London Covent Garden is listed as kid-friendly, and its units come with kitchens, which matters for families who want to prepare breakfast or an early dinner for children instead of eating out every meal. A 9.8 rating from more than 4,600 guests says a lot about how consistently the units are run. Pets are accepted, Wi-Fi is free and the property is accessible. I would choose it for a longer family stay in central London.
4.6Guest scoreFamilySt Martins Lane London, a Morgans Originals hotel
Plush quarters, chic dining, and a prime Covent Garden location
View hotel →Why guests love itSt Martins Lane London, a Morgans Originals hotel, is an upscale five-star hotel in Covent Garden with plush rooms, some with kitchens or balconies, which gives families welcome flexibility. The chic restaurant and bar, a fitness centre and pet-friendly options are on site, and the whole hotel is smoke-free. It caters to families and business travellers alike. Guests rate it 9.2 from more than 2,700 reviews, and I would ask for a room with a kitchen for a family stay.
4.5Guest scoreFamilyThe Hoxton, Southwark
Stylish Southwark stay with an oyster bar and pet-friendly rooms
View hotel →Why guests love itThe Hoxton, Southwark is a trendy hotel that still lists family rooms and a family-friendly, pet-friendly policy. Two restaurants, including an oyster bar, a bar and room service give plenty of choice at mealtimes, and breakfast is available. Rooms are air-conditioned with free Wi-Fi. Major attractions are within walking distance. Rated 9 by more than 1,100 guests, I would book it for families who want style without giving up space.
4.5Guest scoreFamilyGreat Scotland Yard Hotel - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Elegant Victorian hotel with dining, a bar, and pet-friendly rooms
View hotel →Why guests love itGreat Scotland Yard Hotel is a five-star option for families who want a special stay in London. The elegant Victorian building has two restaurants, a tea room and a bar, so meals and an afternoon treat can happen without leaving the hotel. Pets are welcome, and parents get a fitness center and business center if work comes along on the trip. I would recommend it for a celebration or short luxury break with older children rather than as a budget base near the station.
4.5Guest scoreFamilyPark Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Streamlined rooms, refined dining, and a spa with an indoor pool
View hotel →Why guests love itThe indoor pool is the main reason I would pick Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge for families arriving at Waterloo, which gives children something to look forward to after a day of sightseeing whatever the London weather. The London Eye and the South Bank are a short walk away, and the on-site restaurants and bar mean nobody has to go out again in the evening. With a 9 rating across more than 13,000 reviews, the standard is consistent. Parking is available for those arriving by car.
4.5Guest scoreFamilyPremier Inn London Southwark (Southwark Station) hotel
Family-friendly hotel with a steakhouse and easy station access
View hotel →Why guests love itPremier Inn London Southwark (Southwark Station) is described as ideal for families, and some of its streamlined rooms have sofabeds, which makes sharing a room with children easier. The steakhouse and bar, along with breakfast options, cover meals without leaving the hotel. Wi-Fi is free and parking is available. Southwark station is a short walk away, so Waterloo and the South Bank are close. A 9 rating from more than 1,100 guests makes it a strong family choice.
4.5Guest scoreFamilyThe Clermont London, Charing Cross
Victorian elegance with modern amenities steps from Charing Cross
View hotel →Why guests love itThe Clermont London, Charing Cross is an upscale Victorian hotel that lists family stays among its strengths, with stylish rooms, a refined restaurant and a bar on site. It has no pool or children's facilities, so I would see it as a well-placed base for families who will spend their days in central London. The full-service laundry is a practical help with children on a longer trip. Rated 9 by more than 3,400 guests, it keeps a consistent standard.
4.4Guest scoreFamilyThe Waldorf Hilton, London
Refined rooms in a landmark 1908 hotel with grand dining and elegant bars
View hotel →Why guests love itThe Waldorf Hilton London, a landmark hotel from 1908, is listed as family-friendly and offers refined rooms, a grand restaurant and two bars. There is no pool, so I see it as a base for families who plan to spend their days out in the West End, with the Savoy and Temple a short walk away. The fitness centre suits parents keeping up a routine. Rated 8.8 by more than 4,400 guests, it fits a classic London stay.
4.4Guest scoreFamilyThe Grand hotel trafalgar
Victorian grandeur meets contemporary style near Trafalgar Square
View hotel →Why guests love itThe Grand Hotel Trafalgar is a chic four-star hotel set in a landmark Victorian building, a short walk from Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross. That puts the National Gallery and the square's lions within easy reach for a first family outing. The ornate brasserie and bar keep meals simple, parking is available for families who drive, and the hotel is listed as family-friendly. With a guest score of 8.8 from 1,314 reviews, I would choose it for a central London family stay with character.
4.4Guest scoreFamilyThe Mad Hatter Hotel, Southwark
Victorian pub charm in a former hat factory, with modern rooms
View hotel →Why guests love itThe Mad Hatter Hotel, Southwark is a three-star hotel above a traditional Victorian pub in a former hat factory, which gives it more character than most London hotels. It describes itself as family-oriented and pet-friendly, so the dog can come along. Rooms are plush and contemporary, the restaurant and bar keep dinner simple, and Tate Modern, free to enter and good for curious children, is a short walk away. An 8.8 score from 1,708 reviews is very reassuring.
4.4Guest scoreFamilyH10 London Waterloo
Polished 4-star hotel with an upmarket restaurant and lobby bar
View hotel →Why guests love itH10 London Waterloo is a polished four-star hotel listed as kid-friendly, with chic rooms, an upmarket restaurant and a lobby bar. Air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a full-service laundry make a family stay easier, and accessible features are available. It has no pool or children's club, so I would pick it for families who want a comfortable, well-rated room and will spend their days exploring. Rated 8.8 by more than 2,600 guests, its standard is consistent.
4.4Guest scoreFamilyThe Royal Horseguards Hotel & One Whitehall Place, London
Victorian grandeur with river views and modern comforts near Trafalgar Square
View hotel →Why guests love itThe Royal Horseguards Hotel occupies a grand Victorian building that was once a Secret Service headquarters, a story older children tend to enjoy. Some rooms have river views, and Trafalgar Square is within walking distance, so a family can see much of Westminster on foot. A restaurant, a bar and a fitness centre are on site, and pets are welcome. No pool or children's facilities are listed, so I would book it for families focused on sightseeing. Rated 8.8 by guests.
4.3Guest scoreFamilyHampton by Hilton London Waterloo
Modern comfort with free breakfast near Waterloo Station
View hotel →Why guests love itHampton by Hilton London Waterloo is listed as kid-friendly, and the free hot breakfast is the feature I value most for families: it saves both money and time before a day out near the South Bank. Rooms are air-conditioned, Wi-Fi is free, and a simple bar and restaurant cover evenings when children are too tired to go out. A fitness room is available for parents. Rated 8.6 by more than 3,400 guests, it is a practical, modern base near Waterloo Station.
4.3Guest scoreFamilyHoliday Inn Express London - Southwark by IHG
Comfortable Southwark hotel with free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and a contemporary bar
View hotel →Why guests love itHoliday Inn Express London Southwark caters to families with a breakfast buffet included and free Wi-Fi, which keeps mornings easy before a day of sightseeing. The contemporary bar and the restaurant cover evening meals, and parking is available for those who drive into London. It is a relaxed hotel rather than one with leisure facilities. Rated 8.6 by more than 2,300 guests, I would choose it as a sensible base in Southwark, within reach of Waterloo.
4.3Guest scoreFamilyPark Plaza County Hall London
Polished rooms, a day spa, and chic dining near Waterloo
View hotel →Why guests love itPark Plaza County Hall London offers rooms and suites, some with kitchens, which I find the most useful feature for families who want to prepare simple meals near Waterloo. A day spa and a fitness centre give parents some time for themselves, and the hotel offers parking and accepts pets. There is no pool listed, so evenings are better spent on the South Bank nearby. Rated 8.6 by more than 3,400 guests, it is a solid four-star choice.
4.3Guest scoreFamilyPremier Inn London County Hall hotel
Modern comfort in County Hall, steps from the London Eye
View hotel →Why guests love itPremier Inn London County Hall occupies part of the historic County Hall building and is described as family-friendly, which suits parents who want a straightforward room a short walk from the London Eye. The on-site restaurant and bar keep meals easy after a day on the South Bank, Wi-Fi is free and parking is available. Rated 8.6 by more than 3,500 guests, it is a practical choice for families who plan to spend most of their time outside.
4.3Guest scoreFamilyPark Plaza London Waterloo
Stylish hotel with an indoor pool, spa, and dining near Waterloo
View hotel →Why guests love itPark Plaza London Waterloo works well for families who arrive by train and want facilities on site. The indoor pool is the main draw for children, and the restaurant and bar keep evenings simple after a long day in central London. Parents can use the spa and fitness centre, and pets are accepted, which is rare at this level. Rated 8.6 by more than 4,700 guests, it is a dependable base, though the large scale feels less intimate than a small hotel.
4.2Guest scoreFamilyMarlin Waterloo
Modern hotel with a bar, restaurant, and family-friendly amenities
View hotel →Why guests love itMarlin Waterloo is a modern, kid-friendly hotel where some rooms include a kitchen, which I see as its main advantage for families who want to prepare breakfast or a quick dinner. The bar and restaurant cover the other meals, and parents can book an in-room massage. The building is smoke-free. Rated 8.4 by more than 2,300 guests, it is an unfussy base near Waterloo for families who would rather spend money on days out than on hotel extras.
4.2Guest scoreFamilyibis London Blackfriars
Streamlined, pet-friendly rooms with a casual restaurant and bar
View hotel →Why guests love itIbis London Blackfriars is a modern three-star hotel that I would suggest to families looking for a simple, well-rated base south of the river. It is listed as suitable for families, with a casual restaurant and a bar on site, free Wi-Fi and a full-service laundry, which helps on a longer trip with children. Pets are accepted as well. Rated 8.4 by more than 4,200 guests, it keeps things practical rather than offering leisure facilities such as a pool.
4.1Guest scoreFamilyPremier Inn London Waterloo (Westminster Bridge) hotel
Modern rooms with on-site dining, close to London's landmarks
View hotel →Why guests love itPremier Inn London Waterloo (Westminster Bridge) is a practical South Bank base for anyone arriving at Waterloo, one of Britain's busiest stations, with the London Eye and Westminster Bridge a short walk away. Rooms are modern and air-conditioned, which matters in a London summer, and come with tea-making facilities and Wi-Fi. A restaurant, bar, parking and accessible rooms complete the picture. An 8.2 score from 2,435 reviews reflects consistent chain comfort.
3.9Guest scoreFamilyTravelodge London Central Waterloo
Simple rooms, relaxed bar/restaurant, and a pet-friendly welcome
View hotel →Why guests love itTravelodge London Central Waterloo sits in a traditional redbrick building and offers simple rooms, which suits families looking for a no-frills base near Waterloo. It is described as family-oriented and pet-friendly, and the relaxed bar and restaurant mean a meal is available without leaving the hotel. No leisure facilities are listed, so I would plan days around the South Bank and nearby sights. Rated 7.8 by more than 2,600 guests, it does the basics.
3.5Guest scoreFamilyStow Away Waterloo
Stylish aparthotel units with kitchenettes, a restaurant and wine bar
View hotel →Why guests love itStow Away Waterloo is a stylish aparthotel described as ideal for families, and the kitchenettes in its units are the reason I would consider it with children: breakfast and simple dinners can be made in the room. A restaurant and a wine bar are on site. Units are air-conditioned with free Wi-Fi, and the property is smoke-free and accessible. Its 7 rating from about 140 guests points to a mixed experience, so I see it as practical rather than polished.
3.5Guest scoreFamilyTravelodge London Central Southwark
Bright, family-friendly rooms with a restaurant and bar in Southwark
View hotel →Why guests love itTravelodge London Central Southwark offers bright family rooms with flat-screen TVs, which is the main reason I would consider it for parents on a budget. A restaurant and bar are on site, and pets are welcome. The 7 rating from more than 2,400 guests points to a basic experience, so I would treat it as a practical place to sleep while the days are spent at the cultural sights of Southwark and the South Bank, within reach of Waterloo.
Local tips
- 1Choose the Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge or the Park Plaza London Waterloo if you want an indoor pool.
- 2Book the Premier Inn London County Hall hotel to be a short walk from the London Eye with children.
- 3Pick the Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo for its free hot breakfast, useful for early starts.
- 4Look at the Wilde Aparthotels in Covent Garden or the Park Plaza County Hall for rooms with a kitchen.
- 5Walk the South Bank riverside path from County Hall to the Southbank Centre rather than taking the Tube.
- 6Cross the Hungerford footbridges from Waterloo to reach the Embankment and Trafalgar Square on foot.