The best hotels on the South Bank in London put you close to the Thames, the London Eye, Tate Modern, Southbank Centre, and some of the city’s easiest sightseeing routes. Sea Containers London stands out for riverside design, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge is especially practical for families and London Eye visits, and Shangri-La The Shard offers the most dramatic skyline setting. This guide also clarifies two confusing names from the original list: Mondrian London is now Sea Containers London, while The Savoy and The Ritz are not actually on the South Bank.
Quick Answer
Choose Sea Containers London for a true riverfront South Bank stay, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge for families and sightseeing, and Shangri-La The Shard for high-level city views. Hilton London Bankside and Novotel London Blackfriars are practical full-service choices, while citizenM London Bankside suits travelers who prefer compact, technology-focused rooms.
Last checked: October 1, 2026. Dates and figures were verified against official sources.
Key Takeaways
- Mondrian London and Sea Containers London are not two separate hotels: Mondrian London was renamed Sea Containers London in 2019.
- Park Plaza Westminster Bridge is one of the most convenient choices in this list for the London Eye, Westminster views, family rooms, and an indoor pool.
- Bankside hotels such as Hilton, citizenM, and Novotel work well for Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market, and riverside walks.
- A river view is normally tied to a particular room or suite category, so a riverside address does not mean every room overlooks the Thames.
- The Savoy and The Ritz are luxury alternatives north of the Thames rather than true South Bank hotels.
Best Hotels on the South Bank in London at a Glance
The right hotel depends on which part of the riverside you want to explore. The London Eye and Westminster are most convenient from the western South Bank, while Bankside is better positioned for Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market, and London Bridge.
| Hotel | Area | Best for | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Containers London | South Bank | Riverside design | Thames-facing setting and rooftop views |
| The Savoy | Strand, north bank | Historic luxury | River-view suites and established dining |
| citizenM London Bankside | Bankside | Compact smart rooms | Tablet-controlled room functions |
| Park Plaza Westminster Bridge | South Bank | Families and sightseeing | Family suites and 15-meter indoor pool |
| Shangri-La The Shard | London Bridge | Skyline views | Rooms high inside The Shard and Level 52 pool |
| Hilton London Bankside | Bankside | Full-service convenience | Indoor pool near Tate Modern |
| Novotel London Blackfriars | Blackfriars/Southwark | Families and transport | Indoor pool and nearby stations |
| The Ritz London | Piccadilly, Mayfair | Traditional luxury | Two-Michelin-starred restaurant |
Sea Containers London, Formerly Mondrian London
Sea Containers London is the current name of the riverside hotel that originally opened as Mondrian London. The hotel’s official history confirms that Mondrian London was renamed and repositioned as Sea Containers London in January 2019, so travelers should not treat them as two separate hotels.
The hotel sits at 20 Upper Ground on the South Bank, directly beside the River Thames. Its original 2014 hotel conversion was led by Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio, while later rooms, suites, and public spaces have continued to evolve under the hotel’s current design direction.
This is one of the strongest choices in the list if you want the hotel itself to feel connected to the river. The property has 354 guest rooms, suites, and apartments, along with dining and drinking venues, a spa, gym, and rooftop space with panoramic city views.
Room choice matters here. Standard accommodations focus on design and comfort, while selected Thames-facing categories add direct river views. If the view is a major reason for booking, choose the room category carefully rather than assuming every room faces the water.
The Savoy
The Savoy is one of London’s best-known historic luxury hotels, but it sits on the Strand on the north side of the Thames, not on the South Bank. It remains relevant for this guide because the river, Covent Garden, West End theaters, and South Bank attractions are all nearby.
The hotel’s official information confirms that The Savoy opened in 1889 and overlooks the Thames. Its rooms span both Edwardian and Art Deco styles, and selected room and suite categories offer direct river views.
Dining is a major part of the experience. Savoy Grill remains one of the hotel’s established restaurants, while afternoon tea is currently served in Gallery rather than the Thames Foyer referenced in the older draft. That distinction matters if afternoon tea is one of the main reasons for your stay.
The Savoy works best for travelers who want classic London luxury and easy access to both the West End and the river. For someone whose priority is waking up on the South Bank, however, Sea Containers, Park Plaza, Hilton, or Novotel provide a more accurate neighborhood match.
citizenM London Bankside
citizenM London Bankside is designed around compact rooms, communal living areas, and technology that puts common room controls in one place. Its location at 20 Lavington Street also positions you well for Tate Modern, Borough Market, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Thames.
According to the hotel’s current information, guest rooms have an XL king bed and a tablet that controls lighting, blinds, temperature, and the television. Blackout blinds and a rainfall shower add comfort without requiring a large room footprint.
The open-plan living room gives guests space outside the bedroom to work, read, eat, or relax. The on-site canteen operates around the clock, which is useful for late arrivals or travelers who prefer flexible meal times.
This hotel makes the most sense if you value location and efficient design more than a large conventional room. Couples and solo travelers may appreciate that tradeoff most; travelers who need substantial floor space should compare room layouts carefully.
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London is one of the most convenient choices in this list for first-time sightseeing. It is on Westminster Bridge Road on the South Bank, placing the London Eye, Westminster Bridge, and views toward the Houses of Parliament close by.
The hotel’s official overview lists 1,023 guest rooms, suites, and penthouses, including 482 family suites. That scale gives it more family-oriented room choices than many smaller central London hotels.
The leisure facilities are another advantage. The hotel has a spa, fitness center, and a 15-meter heated indoor swimming pool. Families should note that pool access is managed through a booking system during a stay and remains subject to availability.
Not every room has a landmark view. Standard rooms may face the hotel’s atrium, while selected upgraded studios, suites, and penthouses can offer views toward Big Ben or the London Eye. If a Westminster view matters, book the specific category that includes it.
For families, the combination of larger room types, sofa-bed options in selected studios, on-site dining, a pool, and easy access to South Bank attractions makes Park Plaza one of the most practical choices covered here.
Shangri-La The Shard
Shangri-La The Shard is the standout choice in this group for height and panoramic views. It starts on Level 34 of The Shard in the London Bridge area, putting Borough Market, the Thames, Tate Modern, and Bankside within easy reach.
The official hotel page lists 202 rooms and suites and says the hotel spans 18 floors of The Shard. Floor-to-ceiling windows make the skyline a central part of the stay, although the exact direction and landmarks visible depend on the room category.
TĪNG provides elevated dining inside the hotel, while the Level 52 infinity pool is one of its defining amenities. The pool shares the same high-rise setting that makes the property so different from conventional riverside hotels.
Technically, this is a London Bridge hotel rather than a central South Bank property beside the London Eye or Southbank Centre. It is still an excellent base for the eastern stretch of the riverside, particularly if Borough Market, Tate Modern, and skyline views matter more than being near Waterloo.
Hilton London Bankside
Hilton London Bankside is a strong all-round choice for travelers who want a conventional full-service hotel close to the cultural attractions of Bankside. It sits on Great Suffolk Street, a short walk inland from the Thames.
The hotel’s official page places Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Millennium Bridge within easy walking distance. Borough Market is also nearby, making this location useful for travelers who plan to spend more time east of Waterloo.
The hotel has an indoor pool, fitness center, on-site dining, an executive lounge, room service, connecting-room options, and meeting facilities. OXBO Bankside serves seasonal food, while other hotel spaces provide drinks and lighter meals.
Hilton London Bankside is particularly useful if you want Bankside access without choosing a compact room format. It also suits families who value connecting rooms and a pool, or business travelers who want meeting facilities and a familiar full-service setup.
Novotel London Blackfriars
Novotel London Blackfriars combines a practical South Bank location with family-friendly rooms and leisure facilities. It is at 46 Blackfriars Road, close to Southwark station and within walking distance of both Blackfriars and Waterloo rail connections.
The hotel’s official listing places London Blackfriars station about a seven-minute walk away and Waterloo about ten minutes away. It also identifies Tate Modern, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the wider South Bank as nearby attractions.
An indoor pool and fitness facilities add value for families or travelers who want downtime between sightseeing days. The current on-site restaurant serves Mediterranean-style food, while the bar provides another option without leaving the hotel.
This is a sensible choice if transportation matters as much as river proximity. It does not have the same direct Thames-front position as Sea Containers, but the combination of pool, family-oriented accommodation, and nearby stations makes it convenient for a broad range of trips.
The Ritz London
The Ritz London is a landmark luxury hotel, but it should not be described as a South Bank hotel. Its Piccadilly location places it in Mayfair, well north of the Thames, so it suits a different kind of London stay from the riverside properties above.
Its appeal lies in traditional luxury, formal dining, and afternoon tea rather than South Bank convenience. The hotel’s current information states that The Ritz Restaurant has two Michelin stars, updating the older description that referred to it simply as Michelin-starred.
Afternoon tea is served in The Palm Court, with multiple sittings throughout the day. The hotel also maintains the ornate interiors, formal service, and dining traditions for which it is known.
Choose The Ritz if the hotel experience itself is more important than staying near Tate Modern, the London Eye, or Southbank Centre. If you expect to spend most of your trip along the Thames south of the river, one of the genuine South Bank or Bankside properties will reduce unnecessary travel.
How to Choose the Right South Bank Hotel
Start with the attraction or station you expect to use most. The western South Bank around Westminster Bridge works well for the London Eye and Westminster, while Bankside and Blackfriars are better placed for Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Borough Market.
- For a riverfront design hotel: Sea Containers London gives you a true South Bank address beside the Thames.
- For families: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge combines family suites, larger room options, a pool, and nearby attractions.
- For high-rise views: Shangri-La The Shard puts the room experience high above London.
- For a full-service Bankside stay: Hilton London Bankside provides a pool, dining, connecting rooms, and business facilities.
- For compact smart rooms: citizenM London Bankside emphasizes technology and communal spaces.
- For practical transport access: Novotel London Blackfriars is close to Southwark, Blackfriars, and Waterloo connections.
- For classic luxury north of the river: The Savoy is closer to the South Bank than The Ritz and combines river views with West End access.
Pro Tip: If a Thames, Big Ben, or skyline view is important, book the exact room category that names that view. A hotel can sit beside the river while many of its standard rooms face another direction.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The best hotel depends on which version of the South Bank you want to experience. Sea Containers London gives you a stylish riverfront base, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge is especially convenient for families and landmark sightseeing, while Hilton, citizenM, and Novotel work well for Bankside and cultural attractions farther east.
Shangri-La The Shard is the strongest option here for elevated skyline views. The Savoy and The Ritz remain notable luxury hotels, but neither is actually on the South Bank, so choose them for their individual hotel experience rather than neighborhood convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hotels on the South Bank in London?
Sea Containers London, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, Hilton London Bankside, citizenM London Bankside, and Novotel London Blackfriars are strong South Bank or Bankside choices. Shangri-La The Shard is another excellent option near London Bridge if panoramic views are a priority.
Is Mondrian London still open?
Mondrian London no longer operates under that name. The same South Bank hotel was renamed Sea Containers London in January 2019 and now operates independently, so older guides that list Mondrian London and Sea Containers as separate choices are duplicating the same property.
Which hotel in this guide is best positioned for the London Eye?
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge is the most directly positioned choice in this guide for London Eye sightseeing. It sits on Westminster Bridge Road on the South Bank and is also convenient for Westminster Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, and other attractions around County Hall.
Which South Bank hotels have indoor pools?
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, Hilton London Bankside, and Novotel London Blackfriars have indoor pools. Shangri-La The Shard also has its infinity Sky Pool on Level 52. Access rules and opening arrangements can differ by property, so check the conditions attached to your stay.
Are South Bank hotels convenient for sightseeing and public transportation?
Yes. South Bank and Bankside hotels give you walkable access to major riverside attractions while stations such as Waterloo, Southwark, Blackfriars, and London Bridge connect you with other parts of London. The best station depends on which end of the riverside you choose.
How much do hotels on the South Bank in London cost?
There is no reliable fixed nightly average for these hotels because rates change with stay dates, room categories, views, demand, and cancellation terms. Compact and mid-range properties generally cost less than luxury river-view hotels, while premium suites and landmark-view rooms can be substantially more expensive.
Are The Savoy and The Ritz on the South Bank?
No. The Savoy is on the Strand on the north side of the Thames, while The Ritz is on Piccadilly in Mayfair. The Savoy is much closer to the river and South Bank attractions, but travelers wanting a genuine South Bank address should choose one of the hotels south of the Thames.
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Sources
- Sea Containers London: current name, 2019 rebranding, location, design history, and hotel facilities.
- The Savoy: opening history, Strand location, current dining, bars, and afternoon tea information.
- citizenM London Bankside: address, room technology, communal spaces, and dining details.
- Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London: South Bank location, room count, family suites, pool, spa, and meeting facilities.
- Shangri-La The Shard: hotel levels, room and suite count, location, skyline views, and infinity pool.
- Hilton London Bankside: Bankside location, nearby attractions, indoor pool, dining, and family amenities.
- Novotel London Blackfriars: address, station access, South Bank location, pool, restaurant, and nearby attractions.
- The Ritz London: current restaurant Michelin status, afternoon tea, dining, and Mayfair setting.
