Downtown Hotels in London, Ontario
Downtown London, Ontario is compact: Covent Garden Market, Victoria Park, the Grand Theatre, Museum London and the Forks of the Thames all sit within a few blocks. Five hotels on this page are genuinely central, from the Delta Hotels by Marriott London Armouries, built around the city's old armoury, to the DoubleTree by Hilton connected to the London Convention Centre. Three others carry the downtown label but sit near Highway 401, one about 8 km from the centre, so I separate them below. If you want to walk to a show, a game or Richmond Row's restaurants, the first group is the one to book.
London is a university city in southwestern Ontario, home to Western University, built at the Forks of the Thames, with tree-lined streets, Victoria Park, Covent Garden Market and a busy calendar of summer festivals.
Five central hotels, three by the highway
Staying downtown in London means leaving the car for the whole stay. The Grand Theatre, the arena on King Street, Covent Garden Market and the riverside paths along the Thames are all on foot, and festivals in Victoria Park run through the summer. For a convention, a concert or a short city break, a central hotel saves time every evening.
The Delta Hotels by Marriott London Armouries is the most characterful address downtown and scores 8.5 with Booking guests. The hotel is built around London's historic armoury and keeps a central position close to public transport. It has an indoor pool, a sauna, a fitness centre and a restaurant, and it accepts pets. I would choose it for a short city break: Covent Garden Market and the Grand Theatre are a short walk away, and the paths along the Thames River at the Forks are close enough for a morning run or an evening stroll.
The DoubleTree by Hilton London is the practical choice for a conference, since it is directly connected to the London Convention Centre. It has an indoor pool, a spa and wellness centre and a 24-hour fitness centre, and rooms look over the city or the forest along the river. Its 7.8 score is solid for a large downtown hotel. The Park Hotel London, rated 8.4, is an all-suite, non-smoking hotel with a free continental breakfast buffet, a fitness room and pet-friendly rooms, which I find a good fit for longer work trips or travellers who want more space.
For extended stays, the Residence Inn by Marriott London Canada offers studios and suites with fully equipped kitchens, free breakfast and a fitness centre, downtown and within walking distance of the main sights, with an 8.1 score. The Sandman Hotel & Suites London Downtown, rated 7.3, is a short walk from the Convention Centre and the Grand Theatre and includes a continental breakfast, plus a microwave and fridge in each room; it also accepts pets. Both are simple, central bases rather than destination hotels, and both put Richmond Row's cafés and bars within easy reach.
Three hotels carry the downtown tag but are not central. The Ramada by Wyndham London, rated 7.1, is off Highway 401 about 8 km from the centre. The Comfort Suites, rated 8.8 with a full hot breakfast and separate living spaces, also sits off Highway 401, and the Best Western Plus Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre, rated 8.6, describes a highway location. They are good choices if you are driving through or visiting the south of the city, but not if you want to walk to Covent Garden Market or Victoria Park. For that, I would book one of the five hotels above.
A traveler's takeI would book the Delta Hotels by Marriott London Armouries for a downtown stay, because it is built around the city's old armoury, has an indoor pool and a sauna, and sits within walking distance of the Grand Theatre. My advice is to start the morning at Covent Garden Market, then walk along the Thames to the Forks.
4.4Comfort Suites
Downtown · 393 reviewsSpacious suites, pet-friendly comfort, and a convenient location near downtown
4.3Best Western Plus Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre London Ontario
Downtown · 308 reviewsHighway convenience with an onsite restaurant and spa facilities
Why guests love itFamilies driving between Toronto and Detroit will find the Stoneridge Inn an easy overnight stop just off the highway. The free hot breakfast buffet means children eat before the car is even loaded, and each room has a mini-fridge, microwave and Keurig coffee maker for snacks and late arrivals. Pasto's Grill on site saves a search for dinner after a long drive. It is a short drive from downtown London, so it works best as a calm, practical base rather than a city stay.
4.3Delta Hotels by Marriott London Armouries
Downtown · 362 reviewsDowntown comfort with an indoor pool, sauna, and pet-friendly rooms
Why guests love itDelta Hotels London Armouries gives families a downtown base in London, Ontario, with an indoor pool for the children and a sauna and fitness centre for the adults. Guest rooms are non-smoking with modern amenities, and the restaurant serves continental cuisine, so dinner can stay in the building after a busy day. Public transport is close by for outings around the city, and pets are welcome, which helps families travelling with a dog.
4.2The Park Hotel London
Downtown · 510 reviewsAll-suite hotel in downtown London with breakfast and pet-friendly amenities
Why guests love itThe Park Hotel London is an all-suite, fully non-smoking hotel in downtown London, Ontario, so a family gets separate space without leaving the city centre. The free continental breakfast buffet covers mornings, there is a fitness room and a business centre, and pets are welcome. No pool is listed, so plan activities outside the hotel. With an 8.4 score from 510 reviews, I would choose it for a central, practical family stay.
4.1Residence Inn by Marriott London Canada
Downtown · 167 reviewsSpacious suites with kitchens, downtown convenience, and pet-friendly stays
Why guests love itStudios and suites with fully equipped kitchens are the reason I would book the Residence Inn London with children, especially for more than a night or two. Breakfast is included, there is a fitness centre, and pets are accepted. The downtown location puts the London Convention Centre and Budweiser Gardens a short walk away, handy for a game or a show. There is no pool mentioned, so plan activities outside the hotel.
3.9Doubletree by Hilton London
Downtown · 435 reviewsDowntown London hotel with an indoor pool and direct convention centre access
Why guests love itDoubleTree by Hilton London is a 4-star hotel in downtown London, Ontario, and its indoor swimming pool is what a family will use most after a day in the city. Parents can take turns at the spa and wellness centre or the 24-hour fitness centre. Rooms look over the city or the forest, so it is worth asking for a forest view. Pets are welcome. With a 7.8 rating across 435 reviews, I would book it for a short family city break in London.
3.7Sandman Hotel & Suites London Downtown
Downtown · 791 reviewsDowntown convenience with pet-friendly rooms and a gym
Why guests love itSandman Hotel & Suites London Downtown is a short walk from the London Convention Centre and the Grand Theatre, so families can reach downtown London, Ontario, without the car. Every room has a microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker, which helps with snacks and longer stays, and a continental breakfast is served. WiFi is free, there is a gym on site, and pets are welcome. A guest score of 7.3 from 791 reviews suggests practical, unremarkable comfort.
3.6London Travel Inn
Downtown · 144 reviewsPet-friendly comfort with a gym and free Wi-Fi just outside downtown
Why guests love itFamily rooms are available at the London Travel Inn, just outside downtown London, Ontario, and each room has a microwave and a refrigerator, which I find useful for simple meals with children. In-room Wi-Fi is free, there is a gym, and pets are accepted. The 7.2 rating from 144 reviews signals a basic stay, so I would see it as a budget base for a short visit rather than a place to spend time.
3.6Ramada by Wyndham London
Downtown · 939 reviewsIndoor pool, on-site dining, and family-friendly comfort near Highway 401
Why guests love itRamada by Wyndham London sits off Highway 401, about 8 km from central London, Ontario, which makes it an easy stop for families driving across the province. The indoor pool is the main attraction for children, and the on-site restaurant saves a search for dinner after a long day in the car. Parents can use the spa and wellness facilities, and WiFi is free. A guest score of 7.1 from 939 reviews suggests comfort that is adequate rather than standout.
Local tips
- 1Book the DoubleTree by Hilton if you attend an event at the London Convention Centre: the two are connected.
- 2Choose the Residence Inn or the Park Hotel for longer stays with suites, kitchens or breakfast.
- 3Walk to Covent Garden Market for breakfast or lunch, a few minutes from every central hotel.
- 4Do not book the Ramada, Comfort Suites or Best Western Plus Stoneridge for a car-free downtown trip.
- 5Follow the Thames Valley Parkway paths along the river for a run or a walk from downtown.
- 6Check the Victoria Park festival calendar if you travel in summer, when downtown hotels fill quickly.