Best Family-Friendly Hotels Near London City Airport
Finding the right family-friendly hotel near London City Airport (LCY) means securing a smooth start or end to your trip. These accommodations prioritize convenience for those traveling with children, offering amenities like kid-friendly facilities, spacious rooms, and easy access to transport. Many provide complimentary breakfast, ensuring a quick and cost-effective start to your day before heading to LCY. With options ranging from hotels with indoor pools to those offering family rooms, the focus is on minimizing travel stress and maximizing comfort for all ages. Proximity to the airport, often just a short public transport ride away, means less time commuting and more time enjoying your family adventure.
London City Airport's surroundings, primarily the Docklands, offer a modern and well-connected environment. While not a traditional tourist hub, its excellent DLR links mean families can quickly reach central London attractions. The area itself provides a calm contrast to the city's bustle, with waterfront views and accessible public spaces. Hotels here are geared towards efficiency and comfort, making them a practical choice for families prioritizing smooth airport access and a relaxed base from which to explore the capital.
Where to stay near the airport
Docklands Family Bases With Pools and Breakfast
Families flying from London City Airport gain most by staying around the Royal Docks, where the DLR stops at the terminal itself and Custom House station links to the Elizabeth line. The listed hotels fall into three useful groups: pool hotels such as Aloft by Marriott London Excel and Crowne Plaza London Docklands by IHG, breakfast-included addresses like Novotel London Excel and Hampton by Hilton London Excel, and budget chains with family rooms or free kids' meals, including Premier Inn London Docklands (Excel) and Travelodge London Woolwich.
Distance matters more with children than with a briefcase, and the LCY Hotel is the only listed property described as a 7-minute walk from the terminal. That short walk removes the need to fold a pushchair onto a train before an early departure. The next ring sits around ExCeL London: Novotel London Excel is an 8-minute walk from Custom House station, and ibis London Excel Docklands is a short walk from the same stop, which is served by both the DLR and the Elizabeth line. From Custom House, the DLR reaches London City Airport station with one change at Canning Town, a manageable hop with young travellers.
Pools are the clearest family filter in this list. Aloft by Marriott London Excel pairs loft-style rooms with an indoor pool, and Crowne Plaza London Docklands by IHG adds a hot tub and a full-service spa to its indoor pool on the dockside. Across the river on the Greenwich Peninsula, the InterContinental London - the O2 by IHG has an indoor pool too, with some rooms facing the Thames. I would pick the Aloft or the Crowne Plaza for a single airport night, since both sit on the Royal Docks side, and keep the InterContinental for families who also plan an evening at the O2 arena.
Meals are the other daily friction point, and several hotels here handle them well. Novotel London Excel, Hampton by Hilton London Excel, both Holiday Inn Express hotels at Excel and Royal Docks, and Roomzzz Aparthotel London Stratford include breakfast, while the Prince Regent Hotel London Excel serves a free cooked breakfast. Premier Inn London Docklands (Excel) runs a restaurant with a children's menu, and Travelodge London Woolwich serves free kids' meals. Roomzzz also has kitchens in some rooms, useful for families with set meal routines or fussy eaters. Mornings before a flight from LCY become simpler when breakfast is already sorted downstairs.
Room size and transport shape the final choice. Premier Inn London Docklands (Excel) offers family rooms, Connaught House Hotel (Excel) has rooms and suites with sofas, and London City Hotel near Woolwich Arsenal station has rooms for up to four guests plus an airport shuttle. Families arriving by car can look at the Prince Regent Hotel London Excel, Connaught House Hotel and Premier Inn London Beckton, all listed with free parking. For something different, Good Hotel London is a floating hotel moored in Royal Victoria Dock with a seasonal rooftop terrace, a memorable first or last night for children who like boats.
A traveler's takeFor a family on an early LCY departure, I would book the LCY Hotel: it is the only listed address within a 7-minute walk of the terminal, so nobody has to catch a train at dawn. With a night or two to spare, I recommend Aloft by Marriott London Excel instead, for its indoor pool and its position at ExCeL London, close to Custom House, where the DLR and the Elizabeth line open up the rest of the city.
Family9.0InterContinental London - the O2 by IHG
Posh rooms, river views, and a full-service spa near the O2
Why guests love itInterContinental London - the O2 is a 5-star near London City Airport that labels itself kid-friendly and backs it with an indoor pool and hot tub, rated 9.0 from nearly 6,000 reviews. Suites give families extra room, and some rooms look over the river. Parents can use the spa and fitness center, and the plush bar and restaurants cover the evening. The building is smoke-free with accessible features. It suits a family that wants a proper London stay, not only an airport night.
Family9.0Novotel London Excel
Unfussy rooms with Docklands views, free breakfast, and an 8-minute walk to Custom House
Why guests love itNovotel London Excel is a 4-star near London City Airport rated 9.0 from more than 5,000 reviews, and free breakfast is the first thing families will appreciate. Rooms are unfussy and air-conditioned, the restaurant looks over the Docklands, and there is a bar for parents in the evening. The hotel is accessible, pet-friendly and has full-service laundry, useful on longer trips. Custom House is an eight-minute walk, and Wi-Fi and parking are available.
Family9.0Roomzzz Aparthotel London Stratford
Apartment hotel with free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and kitchens in Stratford
Why guests love itRoomzzz Aparthotel London Stratford is a contemporary 4-star apartment hotel in Stratford, rated 9.0 from 186 reviews. It works well for families: breakfast is included, some rooms have kitchens, and children and pets are both welcome. There is a restaurant and a fitness center on site, plus free Wi-Fi. Public transport links make the trip to London City Airport straightforward. I would book it for a few days in east London with a flight from City at the end.
Family8.8Holiday Inn Express London - Excel by IHG
Complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast for a family-friendly stay
Why guests love itHoliday Inn Express London - Excel is a straightforward 3-star that describes itself as ideal for families, and the essentials back that up: complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, and a restaurant and bar on site. The building is smoke-free, kid-friendly and accessible, with full-service laundry for longer trips and parking options if you drive. It holds an 8.8 rating from nearly 4,000 reviews. There is no pool or spa, so it is a practical base rather than a destination.
Family8.8Radisson Blu Hotel, London Canary Wharf East
Upscale lodging with river views, a spa, and easy public transport access
Why guests love itRadisson Blu Hotel London Canary Wharf East is a 4-star hotel rated 8.8 from nearly 2,500 reviews, with river views. Rooms are air-conditioned, and the hotel has a spa, a fitness centre, a restaurant, a bar, room service, free Wi-Fi and a business centre. London City Airport is a little over an hour away by public transport. I see it as a strong choice for a longer stay or an afternoon flight, less so for a dawn departure.
Family8.6Hampton by Hilton London Excel
Modern rooms overlooking a marina with free breakfast and 24/7 gym
Why guests love itHampton by Hilton London Excel is a 3-star hotel rated 8.6 from more than 2,200 reviews, overlooking a marina. Rooms are polished and air-conditioned, with free Wi-Fi and a complimentary breakfast, which keeps a family morning simple. A bar, a restaurant, a 24/7 fitness center and a business center are on site. The hotel is kid-friendly and smoke-free, and parking is available for a fee, so check that detail if you drive.
Family8.6Crowne Plaza London Docklands by IHG
Dockside lodging with a spa, indoor pool, and easy public transport to LCY
Why guests love itCrowne Plaza London Docklands is a 4-star dockside hotel rated 8.6 from more than 3,000 reviews. Families can use the indoor pool and hot tub, and a full-service spa, restaurant, bar and fitness centre are on site. Rooms and suites are warm, and pets are welcome. London City Airport is about an hour away by public transport, so I see it as a base for a longer stay or an afternoon flight rather than a last-minute hop before a morning departure.
Family8.6Aloft by Marriott London Excel
Sleek loft-style rooms with an indoor pool near Excel
Why guests love itAloft by Marriott London Excel is a 4-star hotel rated 8.6 from more than 2,600 reviews. The loft-style rooms and suites are contemporary, and families can use the indoor pool and fitness center, with a restaurant, a bar and room service on site. Pets are welcome. London City Airport is just over an hour away by public transport, so this works for longer layovers or stays in the ExCeL area rather than a quick pre-flight night.
Family8.6Good Hotel London
HΓ΄tel flottant avec restaurant, bar et toit-terrasse saisonnier
Why guests love itGood Hotel London is a 4-star floating hotel rated 8.6 from more than 2,800 reviews. Families get comfortable rooms, a restaurant and bar, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and laundry service, and the property is accessible and smoke-free. A seasonal roof terrace adds a place to sit outside when it is open. It is described as family-friendly, and the floating setting is the main reason I would choose it over a standard chain hotel.
Family8.4DoubleTree by Hilton London ExCeL
Riverfront rooms with a restaurant, bar, and fitness center
Why guests love itDoubleTree by Hilton London ExCeL is a 4-star hotel rated 8.4 from nearly 3,000 reviews. The riverfront rooms and suites are casual and air-conditioned, and the hotel has a restaurant, a bar, room service and a fitness centre. Families will like that it is kid-friendly and pet-friendly, with full-service laundry and accessible facilities for longer stays. Free Wi-Fi helps with travel planning, and the location suits a trip that begins or ends at London City Airport.
Family8.4Premier Inn London Docklands (Canning Town) hotel
Relaxed hotel with restaurant, bar, and easy public transport to LCY
Why guests love itI would book Premier Inn London Docklands (Canning Town) for a straightforward night before a London City Airport flight, mainly for the five-minute walk to Canning Town station and its public transport links to the airport. Understated rooms, some with city views, come with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The restaurant and bar cover dinner, and breakfast is available for a fee. Kid-friendly and accessible rooms help families. The 8.4/10 score from 670 reviews backs it.
Family8.4Moxy London Excel
Budget-friendly stay with a trendy bar and free Wi-Fi near Excel
Why guests love itMoxy London Excel is a contemporary budget 3-star hotel rated 8.4 from more than 1,500 reviews. Rooms are air-conditioned and smoke-free, with complimentary Wi-Fi, and a trendy restaurant and bar and full-service laundry are on site. Pets are welcome, the hotel is kid-friendly and accessible, and breakfast is provided. Parking is available for a fee. Journey time to London City Airport is not given, so I would plan the transfer before booking.
Family8.4Premier Inn London Docklands (Excel) hotel
Economy rooms with family options, on-site dining, and paid parking
Why guests love itPremier Inn London Docklands (Excel) is a 3-star hotel rated 8.4 from more than 2,000 reviews, with simple economy en suite rooms. Family rooms are available for larger groups, and the rooms are air-conditioned, with free Wi-Fi throughout. A restaurant with a children's menu and a bar are on site. Parking is available for a fee, and the property is smoke-free and accessible, which makes it an easy, budget-friendly choice for a family trip.
Family8.2Holiday Inn Express London-Royal Docks, Docklands by IHG
Air-conditioned rooms with free breakfast and Wi-Fi near Canning Town
Why guests love itHoliday Inn Express London Royal Docks, Docklands by IHG is a 3-star hotel rated 8.2 from more than 2,100 reviews. Rooms are air-conditioned, with free Wi-Fi and a complimentary breakfast buffet, and a lounge bar and a restaurant are on site. The hotel is kid-friendly and smoke-free, with full-service laundry and accessible facilities. Canning Town station is an easy walk away, and parking is available for a fee.
Family8.2ibis London Excel Docklands
Modern, budget-friendly rooms with Wi-Fi, restaurant, and bar near Custom House
Why guests love itibis London Excel Docklands is a casual budget 3-star that describes itself as suitable for families and pet owners, and the basics are in place: modern smoke-free rooms, free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and a bar, so dinner needs no extra trip. Full-service laundry helps on a longer stay. Custom House is a short walk away, with public transport from there to London City Airport. It holds an 8.2 rating from more than 3,200 reviews. Expect simple comfort, not leisure facilities.
Family8.2Prince Regent Hotel London Excel
Soundproofed rooms, free cooked breakfast, and parking near ExCeL London
Why guests love itPrince Regent Hotel London Excel is listed as kid-friendly, and two details make it easy for families: the cooked breakfast is free, and the rooms are soundproofed, which helps light sleepers of any age. Parking is free, useful near London City Airport, and there is a restaurant on site. The hotel is accessible, and every room has an en suite bathroom. I recommend it to families who want a quiet night with a proper breakfast before a flight.
Family8.2Premier Inn London Woolwich (Royal Arsenal) hotel
Straightforward rooms with a restaurant and bar, near Woolwich Arsenal Station
Why guests love itI find the Premier Inn London Woolwich (Royal Arsenal) a sensible base for families flying from London City Airport. Woolwich Arsenal Station is a three-minute walk, so public transport is close at hand without a long trek with luggage. The rooms are straightforward and air-conditioned, Wi-Fi is free, and the restaurant and bar cover dinner without leaving the building. The hotel is kid-friendly, and parking is available for a fee if you arrive by car.
Family8.0LCY Hotel
A 7-minute walk to London City Airport with a bar and restaurant
Why guests love itI would book LCY Hotel for a night before an early London City Airport flight, because the terminal is a 7-minute walk away. Rooms are straightforward, with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, and the bar and restaurant handle dinner. Full laundry service helps on a longer trip, and the hotel is listed as kid-friendly. An 8.0/10 score from 465 reviews points to a reliable stay, and I would choose it to skip any transfer before a morning departure.
Family8.0Holiday Inn Express London - Greenwich by IHG
Free breakfast and Wi-Fi, plus a bar and lounge for a relaxed stay
Why guests love itHoliday Inn Express London Greenwich by IHG is a straightforward 3-star hotel rated 8 from nearly 2,750 reviews. Rooms are air-conditioned and smoke-free, with free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast, which saves families a morning decision. A bar and lounge are on site, parking is available for a fee, and the hotel is pet-friendly and accessible. It suits a comfortable, simple stay linked to London City Airport.
Family7.8Connaught House Hotel (Excel)
Family-friendly hotel with free parking and pet-friendly rooms
Why guests love itConnaught House Hotel (Excel) offers bright, simple rooms and suites, some with sofas, which give families a little extra space. Free parking helps if you arrive by car, the restaurant and bar cover dinner, and pets are accepted, so the dog can come too. Rooms are air-conditioned and wi-fi is free. The 7.8/10 score from 171 reviews is decent rather than outstanding. I would recommend booking a suite for a family stay around an event at ExCeL London.
Family7.8Premier Inn London Beckton hotel
Budget-friendly rooms with free parking and breakfast for kids
Why guests love itPremier Inn London Beckton is a budget-friendly 3-star hotel rated 7.8 from more than 1,500 reviews. Modern rooms are air-conditioned, with free parking and complimentary Wi-Fi, and a restaurant, a bar and accessible facilities are on site. Breakfast is available for a fee, with children under 16 eating free, and the property is smoke-free. Winsor House Brewers Fayre is a short walk away, so it suits families on a budget with a car.
Family7.6London City Hotel
Airport shuttle and family rooms near Woolwich Arsenal Station
Why guests love itI would book London City Hotel for a family night around a London City Airport flight, as it runs an airport shuttle and some rooms sleep up to four. Woolwich Arsenal station is a minute's walk away, which makes it easy to reach central London as well. Wi-Fi and breakfast are offered, and the rooms are smoke-free. A 7.6/10 score from 474 reviews suggests a simple, workable stay, and I would pick it mainly for the shuttle and the station.
Family7.4Travelodge London Excel
Budget-friendly rooms with free Wi-Fi and a relaxed restaurant
Why guests love itTravelodge London Excel is a 3-star hotel rated 7.4 from more than 1,500 reviews, with straightforward smoke-free rooms and free Wi-Fi. It is pet-friendly and accessible, with a relaxed restaurant and a bar on site. Parking is paid. Public transport connections to London City Airport are available, though the journey time is not given. It is a budget-conscious choice, and the 7.4 rating says to expect the basics.
Family7.4Travelodge London Stratford
Budget-friendly Stratford stay with easy public transport to London City Airport
Why guests love itTravelodge London Stratford is a budget-friendly 3-star hotel rated 7.4 from more than 2,100 reviews, with casual rooms and a laid-back atmosphere. A contemporary cafe with a simple bar and a restaurant are on site, and pets are welcome. Public transport towards London City Airport is a two-minute walk away at Warton Road. For a family on a tight budget, it is a simple stay, and the 7.4 rating says to expect the basics.
Family7.4Travelodge London Docklands Central
Air-conditioned rooms in the Docklands with a cafe and bar
Why guests love itTravelodge London Docklands Central is a 3-star hotel rated 7.4 from more than 3,500 reviews, which reflects a simple and dependable formula. Rooms are air-conditioned, there is a cafe, a bar and a restaurant with breakfast, and Wi-Fi is available. Parking is offered for a fee. Children and pets are both welcome, and the property is smoke-free and accessible. London City Airport is a little over an hour away by public transport, so plan the journey with care.
Family7.2Travelodge London Woolwich
Family-friendly hotel with free kids' meals and paid parking
Why guests love itI recommend the Travelodge London Woolwich to families on a budget near London City Airport, mainly for one detail: the restaurant serves free kids' meals, which makes dinner before a flight easier on the wallet. The rooms are simply furnished, with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, and there is a bar for parents. The hotel is pet-friendly and sits a nine-minute walk from Woolwich. Parking is paid, which matters if you plan to drive.
Family7.2Travelodge London City Airport
Modern rooms with free Wi-Fi, a cafe/bar, and pet-friendly
Why guests love itTravelodge London City Airport is a 3-star hotel rated 7.2 from more than 1,800 reviews, with functional, modern rooms and free Wi-Fi. A casual cafe and bar and a restaurant are on site, the hotel is pet-friendly, and the facilities are accessible. Despite the name, public transport to London City Airport takes just over an hour, and a taxi is slightly longer, so I would not treat it as a hotel next to the terminal.
Good to know
- 1For a dawn departure, the LCY Hotel is the only listed option within walking distance of the terminal, about 7 minutes on foot.
- 2From Woolwich Arsenal the DLR runs directly to London City Airport station; from Custom House, near ExCeL London, you change at Canning Town.
- 3Book Aloft by Marriott London Excel or Crowne Plaza London Docklands by IHG if an indoor pool will keep the children busy after the flight.
- 4Choose Premier Inn London Docklands (Excel) for its family rooms and children's menu, or Travelodge London Woolwich for its free kids' meals.
- 5Driving in? Prince Regent Hotel London Excel, Connaught House Hotel (Excel) and Premier Inn London Beckton are listed with free parking.
- 6On a free afternoon, the cable car over the Thames links Royal Victoria with the Greenwich Peninsula, a short ride children tend to remember.