Stunning London Hotels with a View of the River Thames
Looking for hotels in London with a river view? We’ve picked a selection of the best hotels with a view of the River Thames to suit any budget
London is full of stunning views, but none is more iconic than that of the River Thames snaking its way through the city. If you’re planning a trip to London and are looking for a place to stay, why not pick a room with a view?
Best London Hotels with a view of the River Thames
There are hundreds of hotels in London overlooking the Thames but we’ve picked a selection that caters to a range of budget and tastes.
No matter if you’re going all out on a romantic weekend away in London or if you’re visiting the city on a budget, you’ll be able to find a London hotel with river views to suit your needs.
Park Plaza London Riverbank
Great value London river view hotel
The Park Plaza truly is a London riverbank hotel, situated in a fantastic central location on the South Bank of the River Thames. Not only do their rooms offer fantastic views of the river, Big Ben and the House of Parliament – there are also plenty of famous landmarks and attractions, such as Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Tate Britain and the West End, all within easy walking distance.
All rooms have free access to the fully equipped fitness centre and heated indoor pool, steam room and sauna. You can even dine in style at the hotel’s award-winning riverbank restaurant and bar, Chino Latino, where they serve Pan-Asian dishes and Latin-inspired cocktails.
Park Plaza London Riverbank – 4 star river view hotel
Location: 18 Albert Embankment, SE1 7TJ View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Vauxhall
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
The Tower Hotel
The affordable London hotel with view of Tower Bridge
If you’re looking for a hotel on the Thames that will get you as close as possible to some of the most historic and iconic sights that London has to offer, you can’t get much better than The Tower Hotel. Sitting between the River Thames and St Katherine’s docks, The Tower Hotel boasts the best views of Tower Bridge that you’ll get from any hotel along the River Thames.
This comfortable and conveniently placed hotel offers guests a great night’s sleep as well as delectable dining or afternoon tea with a view at their restaurant, Vicinity.
The Tower Hotel – 4 star River Thames Hotel
Location: St Katharine’s Way, E1W 1LD View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Tower Hill
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Shangri-La The Shard
The ultimate in luxury London hotels with River Thames views
It doesn’t get much fancier than staying in ultimate luxury than staying in the capital’s highest hotel, the Shangri-La hotel in The Shard.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable stay in London and your budget can stretch to it, the Shangri-La is a must-do experience. Not only will you get to enjoy panoramic skyline views of London, but you also get a fantastic view of the Thames.
You’re also spoilt for choice when it comes to dining and drinking at Shangri-La The Shard.
BAR 31 is a great place to grab drinks and some light bits whilst enjoying views of the river Thames from the 31st floor of The Shard.
The Sky Lounge is situated on the next floor up and offers a relaxed setting to unwind while enjoying delicious food (including an amazing Sunday Brunch) and a selection of drinks and signature cocktails.
Up on level 35 of The Shard, you have TĪNG, which serves Asian-inspired food alongside breathtaking views and an award-winning wine list.
Saving the best and the highest for last, on level 52 of The Shard, you have GŎNG Bar – the highest hotel bar in Western Europe, where they serve an extensive range of drinks and an exclusive Sushi Lunch menu as well as other Asian-inspired dishes.
Shangri-La The Shard – 5 star hotel near Tower Bridge
Location: 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9QU View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: London Bridge
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Sea Containers
One of the more architecturally unique River Thames hotel
Don’t let the overly industrial name put you off; this architectural nod to 1920’s transatlantic cruise liners boasts some of the best hotel rooms with views of the Thames that you’ll find along the Southbank, as well as some exceptional dining and drinking options.
The modern and spacious rooms are the perfect base for a trip exploring the city, and if you feel like you need a bit of downtime you have the Curzon Cinema, agua spa and gym facilities all on site and at your disposal.
When it comes to dining and drinking, guests at the Sea Containers hotel can enjoy a relaxed dining experience at the hotel restaurant (also named Sea Containers) and finish the evening off with innovative cocktails at Lyaness – winner of the World’s Best Bar & Best International Hotel Bar Award 2022, or drinks at 12th Knot the rooftop bar and terrace overlooking the River Thames and London city skyline.
To really take in the river view, we suggest taking the tube to Blackfriars and taking the short stroll over Blackfriars Bridge to get to your room for the night.
Sea Containers – 4 star
Location: 20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Blackfriars
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
The Royal Horseguards
One of the grandest and most prestigious hotels along the River Thames
If you’re looking for awe-inspiring architecture as well as a London hotel with a river view – The Royal Horseguards is just the ticket.
Designed to be reminiscent of a grand French chateau, this fantastic example of Victorian gothic architecture sits in the heart of Whitehall and offers magnificent views of the river.
The rooms are all modernly decorated but keep a subtle nod to the history of the building and would make for a perfect romantic night away, especially when combined with alfresco dining and drinks at The Secret Herb Garden at The Terrace.
The Royal Horseguards – 5 star grand river Thames Hotel
Location: 2 Whitehall Court, SW1A 2EJ View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Embankment
Star Rating: ★★★★★
DoubleTree by Hilton – Docklands Riverside Hotel London
Budget-friendly river Thames hotel with an added bit of history
Set in a prime location along the River Thames, the Docklands Riverside hotel offers a luxury stay on a budget with a little bit of history thrown in for good measure.
The 17th-century wharf building was London’s last dry dock used for shipbuilding, and every effort has been made to preserve that charm with exposed brick walls, wooden beams and vaulted ceilings seen across the modernly decorated rooms.
The hotel even provides its own complimentary river ferry giving you access to Canary Wharf and connecting visitors with the Thames River Taxi Clippers that can take you along the river into central London.
Docklands Riverside Hotel – 4 star London river hotel with Thames river ferry service
Location: 265a Rotherhithe Street, SE16 5HW View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Canada Water
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
London Marriott Hotel County Hall
If you’re looking for hotels close to the London Eye, you can’t get much closer than the London Marriott Hotel, situated in a prime position on the banks of the River Thames, literally a stone’s throw from the iconic London Landmark.
The Marriott Hotel itself has its place in London history – occupying the Grade 2 listed, former County Hall building, it is a magnificent example of quintessentially British architecture. All of the rooms are tastefully decorated, incorporating historical influences but with a modern twist – in each suite, there is a unique orange armchair as a nod to the orange and red leather-upholstered seating that was used in the former debating chamber for the London Council.
The County Hall also houses two dining venues – The Library, which serves an award-winning traditional British Afternoon Tea with a view, and Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar, which offers the best steaks you’ll find on Londons Southbank and is also famous for its massive selection of over 100 gins varieties.
London Marriott Hotel County Hall – 5 star historic hotel on the Thames
Location: Westminster Bridge Road London County Hall, SE1 7PB View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Westminster
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Other London Hotels with a View of the River Thames
We hope our list of top picks for riverside hotels in the capital has been helpful, but of course, there are a number of other stunning London hotels with views of the River Thames, famous landmarks and the city skyline located up and down the river.
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After starting her blogging career writing about personal finance, she now has a selection of other niche sites in her portfolio.
She loves to share the best spots to visit in London while also making sure people get the most for their money, whatever they end up doing.