If you want to feel like you’ve stepped onto a classic movie set, this is your place. And who doesn’t want to feel the pull of London’s romantic intrigue on a first visit to the Big Smoke?
What keeps me coming back to this London hotel is its marble lobby. Yes, rooms are comfortable, well-insulated from noise, and located steps from Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery and Big Ben. But the fact that it was once a Victorian mansion seals the deal for me.
This is where all the best scenes play out.
I imagine intrigue planned over Manhattan’s at the bar behind the heavy curtains. The femme fatale in a netted hat and stockings, listening to a dapper man sketching out their plans on a cocktail napkin.
Key Takeaways
- Best for: Couples and those taking a Work-ation, as there are few amenities for children, but plenty of office amenities.
- Centrally located: This is the best area of London to stay in. The hotel is within walking distance of popular London attractions like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Eye. This makes it the best London hotel for a first-time visitor.
I independently review everything I recommend. When you buy through my links, I may earn a commission.
Stepping Inside a Victorian Mansion: Our First Impressions
You enter the CQ Trafalgar’s front doors and are instantly surrounded by marble luxury worthy of the era’s namesake. The hotel bar at the end of the lobby is beyond a dramatic set of floor-length golden curtains. A wood-paneled Living Room is the perfect place to enjoy an expertly mixed cocktail.
I’ve stayed in this hotel twice. Once with a friend who came in from the States, and another time with my husband. My friend Sally and I stayed in a twin room, and David and I stayed in a standard double. Both rooms were equally comfortable.
It’s nice to step into the London morning without hailing a cab to get to the big sights. This London stay’s within walking distance of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Eye, and the theater district. From the hotel’s doorstep, you can see the National Gallery beyond Lord Nelson’s statue in Trafalgar Square.
Although there are few amenities for children, CQ’s Central London location makes mid-afternoon naps easy for families with young children. (Or Gen Xers like us, who often need the same.) Pizza is available right in the hotel, and dessert is a few steps away at Cafe Concerto. (One of my favorites for dessert.)
Bottom line: The Club Quarters Trafalgar is the best London hotel for a first-time visitor. It captures London’s history and style while being right in the heart of it.
CQ Trafalgar Drawbacks
- Check-ins and check-outs happening other than the specified times come with hefty fees.
- Although there are plenty of amenities for adults, there are fewer for children. The hotel offers pull-out sofas but no cribs. When I tried to call the hotel about it, I got an answering service that told me to call back later.
Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
A: From Heathrow, you can take the Elizabeth Line to Tottenham Court Road and then a short walk or a quick tube ride. Alternatively, the Heathrow Express train to Paddington, followed by a tube to Embankment, is a fast option. From Gatwick, the Gatwick Express train to Victoria Station is the quickest route.
A: Although Trafalgar is a popular place for peaceful demonstrations, the area around Trafalgar Square is very safe. It is well-lit and constantly bustling with people, even late into the evening. As with any major city, it’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings, but this is one of London’s most secure and popular areas.
A: Yes. This hotel’s accessible room features a roll-in shower and hearing assistance upon request.
A: Yes, all rooms at the CQ Trafalgar are equipped with a Nespresso coffee maker and a tea kettle. This is an impressive feature in the best London hotels for first-time visitors and repeat guests alike.
A: Yes. It’s one of the few in the city that offer wallet keys at this time. Modern amenities like this one, which mixes classic style, really do make this the best London hotel for a first-time visitor.