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Where to Stay Near the London Eye With Kids: Best Family Hotels in Waterloo & South Bank: 2026
Visiting the London Eye with children becomes much easier when you stay nearby. Families who choose hotels around Waterloo and South Bank save time on transport, avoid exhausted end of day journeys and can easily walk back for naps, buggy breaks or evening downtime.
The good news is that this part of London has some of the best family friendly hotels in the city. Whether you want a budget room close to the attractions or a luxury hotel with skyline views, there are strong options within walking distance of the London Eye.
This guide breaks down the best places to stay for families, including:
- Best hotels for toddlers and young children
- Hotels with larger family rooms
- Budget friendly options near Waterloo
- Luxury stays with London skyline views
- Apartment and bookings.com style stays for longer trips
- The best areas to stay for easy sightseeing
Quick Answer Section
Best Family Hotels Near the London Eye
| Hotel | Best For | Walk to London Eye | Family Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Plaza Westminster Bridge | Overall family stay | 5 mins | Excellent |
| Park Plaza County Hall | Larger family rooms | 4 mins | Excellent |
| Premier Inn County Hall | Budget families | 6 mins | Very Good |
| NOX Waterloo | Apartment style stays | 12 mins | Good |
| Travelodge Central Waterloo | Cheapest location option | 10 mins | Good |
| Park Plaza London Waterloo | Pool and modern rooms | 15 mins | Excellent |
| Novotel Waterloo | Families with younger kids | 15 mins | Excellent |
| London Marriott County Hall | Luxury family stay | 3 mins | Excellent |
| ME London | Stylish premium stay | 18 mins | Better for older kids |
| Waldorf Hilton London | Theatre district stay | 20 mins | Very Good |
Have you got your London Eye tickets yet?
If not check out the London Eye ticket guide where you can compare and select the best ticket for your family.
Best Overall Family Hotel Near the London Eye
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
This is one of the most popular family hotels near the London Eye for a reason. The location is excellent, with the attraction only a short walk away across Westminster Bridge.
Families usually choose this hotel because it combines:
- Large modern rooms
- Family room options
- Indoor swimming pool
- On-site restaurants
- Easy buggy access
- Quick access to South Bank attractions
It works especially well for families planning to visit multiple attractions like:
- SEA LIFE London
- Shrek’s Adventure
- River cruises
- Big Ben
- Westminster
The convenience matters more than many parents expect. After a full day in London, being able to walk back within minutes is a major advantage with younger children.
Best Hotel for Larger Family Rooms
Park Plaza County Hall
Families needing more space often prefer Park Plaza County Hall. The rooms are generally larger than many central London hotels, which is important when travelling with children, luggage and pushchairs.
Highlights include:
- Spacious studio style rooms
- Sofa beds for children
- Kitchenette options in some rooms
- Excellent Waterloo location
- Quiet side streets compared to busier areas
This hotel is particularly useful for:
- Families staying 3+ nights
- Parents wanting extra space
- Families with toddlers needing naps
- Visitors planning multiple London attractions
Trying to plan your London attractions efficiently?
If you’re figuring out how to get to London Eye from your choice of stay, check out our guide on the best transport options for families.
Best Budget Hotel Near the London Eye
Premier Inn London County Hall
For families trying to keep London costs manageable, Premier Inn County Hall is one of the strongest budget friendly options near the London Eye.
Why families like it:
- Reliable family rooms
- Children often eat breakfast free with paying adults
- Comfortable beds
- Excellent location
- Predictable pricing compared to luxury hotels nearby
The biggest advantage is value for money. You are staying within walking distance of major attractions without paying premium luxury prices.
Cheapest Family Stay Options Near Waterloo
Travelodge London Central Waterloo & Nox Waterloo
These hotels are ideal for families who mainly need a clean base for sleeping while spending most of the day exploring London.
Travelodge works well for:
- Short city breaks
- Families prioritising location over luxury
- Lower accommodation budgets
NOX Waterloo is useful for:
- Apartment style stays
- Families wanting mini kitchen facilities
- Longer London trips
Have you thought of your food plans for when you visit the London Eye?
Staying nearby is even easier when you already know the best family food spots nearby.
Best Hotel With Pool for Families
Park Plaza London Waterloo
This hotel is popular with families because of its indoor swimming pool. After a long day walking around London, many children still have energy left, and the pool becomes a major bonus.
Benefits include:
- Indoor pool
- Modern rooms
- Good transport connections
- Family room layouts
- Short walk to Waterloo Station
For many parents, hotels with pools help make city breaks feel less exhausting for children.
Best Hotel for Younger Children
Novotel London Waterloo
Novotel hotels are usually very reliable for families with younger children.
Why parents like it:
- Family focused room layouts
- Sofabeds
- Child friendly breakfast options
- Good buggy access
- Relaxed atmosphere compared to luxury hotels
The walk to the London Eye is slightly longer, but still manageable for most families.
Best Luxury Family Hotels Near the London Eye
London Marriott Hotel County Hall
This is one of the best luxury family hotels near the London Eye. Some rooms have incredible views overlooking the Thames and the attraction itself.
Best for:
- Special family trips
- Luxury stays
- Larger travel budgets
- Families wanting iconic London views
ME London
ME London suits families with older children or teenagers wanting a more modern luxury experience near Covent Garden and the Strand.
The Waldorf Hilton
A strong option for families combining the London Eye with theatre trips and Covent Garden sightseeing.
Are Apartment Stays Near Waterloo Worth It for Families?
Short stay apartments around Waterloo can work very well for families, especially for longer stays.
They are usually best for:
- Families of 5+
- Longer London holidays
- Families wanting kitchens
- Parents trying to reduce restaurant costs
- Families needing washing machines and more space
However, there are trade-offs:
- Some buildings lack lifts
- Air conditioning is less common
- Standards vary more than hotels
- Storage and luggage support may not exist
For shorter London Eye trips, hotels are usually simpler. For 4 to 7 night stays, apartments often become better value.
Best Areas to Stay Near the London Eye
Waterloo
Best overall for families. Walkable, transport friendly and close to attractions.
South Bank
Best for sightseeing convenience and riverside atmosphere.
Westminster
Best for iconic London landmarks.
Covent Garden
Better for theatre focused family trips with older children.
Family London Trip Planning Resources
Helps families organise:
- Attraction bookings
- Daily routes
- Budget tracking
- Queue strategy
- Meal planning
Useful for:
- Mapping nearby attractions
- South Bank route planning
- Underground routes
- Family pacing
Helpful for:
- Heathrow and Gatwick family trips
- Flight delays with children
- Airport meal planning
- Lounge budgeting
Before booking your tickets, it’s worth knowing the ticket refund rules and flexible options available for families.
FAQ's
- What are the best neighborhoods to stay near the London Eye
Waterloo is the best overall area for families because it’s walkable, transport friendly and close to major attractions. South Bank is great for riverside views and entertainment, while Westminster suits families wanting iconic London landmarks nearby. Covent Garden is ideal for theatre trips and older children.
- Where are the best places to stay near the London Eye?
The best places to stay near the London Eye are Waterloo, South Bank and Westminster. These areas give families easy walking access to attractions, restaurants, river cruises and transport links without spending too much time travelling across London.
- What are the affordable hotels close to the London Eye with good reviews?
Premier Inn County Hall and Travelodge Waterloo are two of the best budget friendly hotels near the London Eye. Families often choose them for their reliable rooms, central location and easy walking access to Waterloo Station and South Bank attractions.
- Find hotels within walking distance of the London Eye.
Some of the best hotels within walking distance of the London Eye include Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, Park Plaza County Hall, Premier Inn County Hall and London Marriott County Hall. Most are only a 5 to 15 minute walk from the attraction, making them ideal for families with children.
- Where to find luxury accommodations near the London Eye?
Luxury family hotels near the London Eye include London Marriott County Hall, ME London and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. These hotels offer premium rooms, excellent Thames views and easy access to South Bank attractions and central London sightseeing.
- What are some affordable accommodation options close to the London Eye?
Affordable places to stay near the London Eye include Premier Inn County Hall, Travelodge Central Waterloo and NOX Waterloo. These options are popular with families because they offer good locations, easy transport access and lower prices than many nearby luxury hotels.
- Which hotels near the London Eye offer free breakfast?
Some family friendly hotels near the London Eye include breakfast in certain room packages, while others offer paid buffet options. Premier Inn County Hall is popular with families because children can often eat breakfast free with a paying adult. Always check the booking details carefully before reserving.
- Compare prices for hotels in the South Bank area.
