Looking for a family-friendly hotel in central London without breaking the bank? We stayed at Novotel London Waterloo with our daughter and loved the location, staff, and surprising perks—especially with kids. Whether you’re here for Big Ben or just passing through, here’s everything to know before you book.
Whether you’re here to explore the capital’s iconic sights, traveling for business, or just passing through due to unexpected travel changes like we were, Novotel London Waterloo offers a blend of comfort, convenience, and thoughtful touches that will elevate your experience.
Novotel London Waterloo Hotel Information
- Address: 113 Lambeth Rd, London SE1 7LS, United Kingdom
- Phone Number: +44 20 7660 0674
- Book Here: Novotel London Waterloo Hotel
Ratings
- Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cleanliness/Ambiance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Customer Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Kid/Family Friendly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Accessibility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Our Experience
After a sudden train cancellation during a strike, we needed a place to stay in central London. And fast. If you’ve ever tried to book a last-minute hotel in London, you know it can get real pricey. We stumbled upon the Novotel London Waterloo Hotel, which ended up being a fantastic surprise. While it’s considered a “budget-friendly” option by London standards, it delivered a premium experience.
The location is outstanding—just a short walk from the River Thames, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and only a quick drive or cab ride from Waterloo Station. The lobby has a modern, upscale feel, and the staff are attentive, friendly, and efficient. Our room was spacious, very clean, and had everything we needed.
Did you know London is one of the most family friendly cities? Click here to read about more places you should definitely travel with kids to!
Getting to Novotel London Waterloo Hotel & Nearby Transportation
The hotel is well-connected to public transportation:
- ? From London Waterloo Station: It’s a 5-minute taxi ride or about a 15-minute walk.
- ? From St Pancras International (Eurostar terminal): Take the Victoria Line from King’s Cross St Pancras to Vauxhall, then transfer to the bus or walk (~25 minutes total).
- ✈️ From Heathrow Airport: Take the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station, then a short taxi or Underground ride to the hotel (~1 hour total).
The hotel also offers on-site parking (subject to availability and for a fee), which is rare in central London.
What the Novotel London Waterloo Offers
Here’s what guests can expect:
- ✅ Modern, spacious rooms with large windows and contemporary décor
- ✅ Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
- ✅ On-site restaurant and bar
- ✅ Buffet breakfast with a wide variety of hot and cold options
- ✅ Fitness center with cardio and strength training equipment
- ✅ Children’s play area in the lobby
- ✅ Room service and 24-hour front desk
- ✅ Laundry service
- ✅ Business center and meeting rooms
- ✅ Family rooms and connecting rooms available
- ✅ Wheelchair-accessible rooms and public spaces
Rooms & Layouts
Rooms at Novotel London Waterloo come in several styles:
- Standard Rooms: Ideal for solo travelers or couples
- Superior Rooms: Slightly larger with extra amenities
- Executive Rooms: Includes a Nespresso machine, upgraded toiletries, and robes/slippers
- Family Rooms: Designed with families in mind. Can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children
All rooms are soundproofed and feature modern bathrooms with eco-friendly amenities.
Breakfast & Dining Options
The in-house restaurant serves a buffet breakfast daily with everything from made-to-order eggs and British favorites to continental pastries, yogurt, and fruit. There’s also a dinner menu offering international and seasonal dishes.
In the bar and lounge area, you can grab a cocktail or light snack throughout the day.
Curious about what foods you should try while visiting England? Read our Atlas Eats Guide!
Check-In & Booking Process
Booking was straightforward and secure. You can book directly or via third-party platforms like Booking.com. Check-in starts at 3:00 PM, and the front desk is staffed 24/7, so arriving late isn’t a problem. Check-out is at 12:00 PM, but late check-out may be available upon request.
We appreciated how fast and seamless check-in was, even at short notice. They were even able to accommodate our early-morning cab request without issue.
Kid-Friendliness & Family Comfort
From the moment we arrived, our daughter was thrilled. She was given a little Novotel plush toy, and the kids’ corner in the lobby with toys and books made check-in a breeze. Staff were warm and engaging with children, making the entire experience feel welcoming and family-oriented.
Oh, and KIDS STAY FREE! Is there anything better?! This also includes the breakfast buffet.
Family rooms offer extra space, and cribs or rollaway beds can be provided upon request.
Accessibility
The hotel has elevators, ramps, and accessible rooms, making it a great option for travelers with limited mobility. There’s also printed information about nearby attractions and estimated walking/driving times from the hotel to each one—super handy for planning your day in the city.
Nearby Attractions
Thanks to its central location, the Novotel London Waterloo puts you near:
- Big Ben & Westminster Abbey (10-minute walk)
- The London Eye (15-minute walk)
- Houses of Parliament (10-minute walk)
- Southbank Centre & National Theatre (15-minute walk)
- Tate Britain (5-minute walk)
- Buckingham Palace (20-minute walk)
There are also great local cafés, pubs, and supermarkets within walking distance, ideal for a quick bite or coffee run.
Final Thoughts
Despite the last-minute booking and tight budget, our stay at Novotel London Waterloo was nothing short of wonderful. It’s modern, family-friendly, clean, and incredibly well located. Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or just need a dependable hotel close to major sights and stations, this is an excellent choice.
We’ll definitely be staying here again next time we’re in the city!
One hotel down, dozens more to explore—see all our global reviews right here.
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