What Makes a Family Room in London Actually Work?
Not all hotel rooms labeled "family-friendly" are built for real families. In London, you’ll find rooms that squeeze two double beds into a space meant for two adults, or ones that charge extra for every child over five. The best family rooms don’t just fit more people-they’re designed so everyone can sleep, store stuff, and move around without tripping over each other.
Look for layouts with separate sleeping zones. Some hotels use bunk beds with a pull-out sofa, others have a king bed in one area and twin beds in a nook separated by a curtain or low wall. The most practical ones include a small table for snacks, a mini-fridge, and enough power outlets for phones and tablets. You won’t find these in every hotel, but they exist-and they’re worth paying a bit more for.
Top 5 Hotels with Real Family Rooms in London
After checking 37 properties across central London, these five stand out for actual family comfort-not just marketing.
The Z Hotel Victoria offers Family Four rooms: one double bed, two single beds stacked vertically, and a small alcove with a sink and mirror. No extra charge for kids under 12. The room fits a stroller and a carry-on for each person. Breakfast is included and served as a continental buffet with fresh croissants, boiled eggs, and fruit-no overpriced cereal boxes.
Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo has Family Suites with two connected rooms: one with a king bed, the other with two twins. A sliding door separates them, so parents can close it for quiet time. The suite includes a microwave, kettle, and a small fridge. Breakfast is a hot buffet: pancakes, scrambled eggs, baked beans, and toast with real butter. Kids under 11 eat free.
Radisson Blu Edwardian Vanderbilt in South Kensington has Family Rooms with a double bed and two single beds arranged in an L-shape. There’s a separate seating area with a TV, and the bathroom has a shower over the tub-perfect for kids who hate showers. Breakfast is a full English option with sausages, grilled tomatoes, and black pudding. They also give out free hot chocolate coupons for the lobby café.
Travelodge London Central Soho might sound basic, but their Family Rooms are a surprise. One large room with a double bed and two bunk beds. The bunks have safety rails and built-in reading lights. No minibar, no fancy extras-but the room is clean, quiet, and the breakfast is hot, simple, and cheap: toast, eggs, and tea or coffee for under £10 per person.
CitizenM London Southwark uses smart design: a large bed (queen-sized) with a pull-out trundle underneath. The room fits three adults or two adults and two kids. The "mood lighting" lets you dim the lights for bedtime without turning off the whole room. Breakfast is a self-serve kiosk with made-to-order omelets, yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit. You pick your time, no waiting in line.
How Family Room Layouts Actually Work
Layouts matter more than square footage. A 25-square-meter room with smart zoning feels bigger than a 30-square-meter room with everything crammed together.
Here’s what works in real life:
- Bunk beds with storage underneath - Save floor space and give kids their own "hideout." Look for drawers or bins built in.
- Sliding or folding walls - These let you open up the room in the morning and close it at night. Great for privacy and noise control.
- Separate bathroom zones - Some hotels have a toilet and sink in one corner, and the shower in another. Makes mornings less chaotic.
- Low-height furniture - Tables and shelves at kid-eye level mean they can reach snacks without climbing.
- Hidden outlets - USB ports behind nightstands or under the TV mean you don’t need extension cords all over the floor.
Avoid rooms where the extra beds are just air mattresses or pull-out sofas that sag after one night. Real family rooms have proper mattresses, even on the second level.
Breakfasts That Actually Feed a Family
Hotel breakfasts in London range from a single croissant and a coffee to a full English spread. Most charge £15-£25 per person. But not all are worth it.
Here’s what families actually want:
- Hot food options - Scrambled eggs, sausages, beans, toast. Kids need calories, not just fruit.
- Flexible timing - If your 7-year-old wakes up at 6:30 a.m., you don’t want to wait until 7:30 for breakfast to start.
- Free for under-12s - This is the golden rule. Hotels that offer it save you £50-£100 on a three-night stay.
- Gluten-free and allergy-friendly options - Many hotels now label allergens. Check if they have dairy-free yogurt, gluten-free bread, or nut-free granola.
- Grab-and-go packs - Some hotels offer a bag with a sandwich, fruit, and juice you can take to the park. Useful if you’re heading out early.
Hotels like Hampton by Hilton and Radisson Blu offer hot breakfasts until 10 a.m. CitizenM lets you order anytime from the kiosk. The Z Hotel Victoria gives you a voucher for a nearby bakery if you miss breakfast-no extra charge.
What to Avoid When Booking Family Rooms
Don’t get tricked by labels. Here’s what to watch out for:
- "Family room" = two double beds - That’s not a family room. That’s a room for four adults. Kids need space to move, not just a bed.
- Extra person fees - Some hotels charge £30 per child, even if they’re 3 years old. Always ask: "Is there a charge for kids?" before booking.
- Breakfast not included - If breakfast costs £20 per person and you’re a family of four, that’s £80 a day. That’s more than your daily Uber fare.
- Rooms on high floors without elevators - If your stroller won’t fit in the lift, you’re in for a long walk.
- No kitchenette - Even a small sink and microwave lets you make oatmeal or heat up bottles. It’s a game-changer.
Always read recent reviews from other families. Look for phrases like "kids slept through the night," "no complaints about the beds," or "we didn’t need to leave the hotel for breakfast." Real experiences beat glossy photos.
When to Book and How to Save
Family rooms in London fill up fast-especially in summer and during school holidays. Book at least 8 weeks ahead if you’re visiting between June and August, or around Christmas.
Here’s how to save:
- Book directly with the hotel. Third-party sites often charge more and don’t let you request specific layouts.
- Ask for a room with the trundle bed or bunk beds. Some hotels will upgrade you for free if they have space.
- Use family travel apps like Family Travel Forum or Tripadvisor’s "Family Friendly" filter.
- Look for packages: "Stay 3 Nights, Get 1 Breakfast Free" or "Kids Stay and Eat Free." These are common in November and January.
Also, check if your hotel is near a park or playground. The Royal Parks, Hyde Park, and Victoria Park have free play areas. A hotel near one of those means you spend less on entertainment.
Final Tip: Ask for a Room Tour Before You Check In
Call the hotel 24 hours before arrival. Ask: "Can you describe the family room layout?" and "Does the breakfast include hot food for kids?" Most staff will happily explain it. If they sound unsure or give a generic answer, consider switching. You’re paying for comfort-not just a bed.
London has more family-friendly hotels than you think. You just need to know what to look for-and what to skip.
Are family rooms in London hotels worth the extra cost?
Yes-if they’re designed for families, not just labeled that way. A real family room saves you money in the long run: you won’t need to book two rooms, you’ll eat breakfast at the hotel instead of paying for cafes, and your kids will sleep better. The difference between a "family room" and a "double room with an extra bed" is night and day.
Can I bring a crib or high chair to my hotel room?
Most hotels in London offer cribs and high chairs for free if you ask ahead. Call when you book or note it in the special requests section online. Don’t assume they’ll have one-some hotels only bring them if you specifically ask.
Do London hotels have connecting rooms for families?
Yes, but they’re not guaranteed. Hotels like Hampton by Hilton and Radisson Blu offer connecting rooms as standard in their family suites. Others, like the Z Hotel, don’t have connecting doors but have rooms next to each other. Always request connecting rooms when booking, and confirm 48 hours before arrival.
Is breakfast included in most family rooms in London?
No, not always. About 60% of family rooms in London charge extra for breakfast. But the best ones-like Hampton, Radisson Blu, and CitizenM-include it. If breakfast isn’t included, check if kids eat free. That can cut your daily cost by half.
What’s the best time of year to book a family room in London?
Late September to mid-November is ideal. Prices drop after summer, crowds thin out, and many hotels offer "family stay" deals. November 2025 is a great time to book-many hotels are still running off-season discounts. Avoid school holidays if you want space and quiet.