Piccadilly Circus intersection is to London as Times Square is to New York; bustling, lively, loud and jammed with cars and pedestrians. The types of hotels available in the area range from stuffy Victorian to theatrically stylish. The proximity of the Circus to the theater district and a wide range of shops makes the area a coveted destination, but no matter your taste, you'll find a hotel to suit you near the Circus.
Once a fantastically stuffy establishment, Dukes Hotel has made an effort to add some modern touches over the years. Where once it had the air of a men's club, with all the rooms named after dukes, now the Duchess rooms cater specifically to the female business traveler, with a makeup mirror, smaller slippers and a female staff attendant. Gentlemen are still encouraged to gather in the cigar and cognac garden every evening. The hotel is located just off Piccadilly and across the street from St. James Palace, Buckingham's smaller sibling.
The Best Western Shaftesbury is a modern boutique hotel located in Piccadilly Circus. The public areas feature furniture by famed French New Design star Philippe Starck, who also created the mood lighting in the guest rooms. Truly in the heart of Piccadilly but not hideously expensive, the Shaftesbury has a few notable touches: Fresh flowers in every room, bathroom televisions, spotlights for nighttime reading, and heated mirrors.
Thistle Piccadilly's ornate and authentic Victorian exterior conceals the comfortable 1970s-style furnishings inside. Quite reasonably priced, this hotel has a casual atmosphere and good service, although there is only a bar and breakfast cafe on the premises. Dinner and drinks can easily be found within a minute's walk at the Royal Trafalgar Hotel, a perfect stop on the way to or from the theater district. If you are traveling with children, book a family room and get free access to associated leisure clubs and swimming pools.
Le Meridian Piccadilly is conveniently located between Piccadilly and Regent Street, within walking distance of the Circus, Trafalgar Square and the shopping district of Oxford Street. True to its five-star rating, the hotel has a dramatic indoor infinity pool, a good-sized gym and fine dining at the Terrace Restaurant. Take afternoon high tea on the Terrace balcony and you'll not only have an elaborate tea service --- complete with cucumber sandwiches and petits fours --- but a great view of Piccadilly down below. Book a room on the club level and you will get a free full English or American breakfast, snacks throughout the day and cocktails with canapes in the evening. Make no mistake; Le Meridien is mind-numbingly expensive, but if you want to be treated like royalty, this is the place for you.
