Choosing a hotel for the London Marathon is not simply about staying as close to the start as possible. The race starts around Blackheath and Greenwich, while the finish is on The Mall in central London, so where you stay can make a big difference both before and after the race.
Some runners prefer to stay near the start for an easier race morning, while others choose a central hotel with good train connections and a shorter journey back after finishing. If you’re still deciding which part of London works best for you, see our Where to Stay for the London Marathon guide for a comparison of the different areas.
For this guide, we selected 8 hotels based on practical marathon-day logistics, including access to Blackheath, Maze Hill and Greenwich stations, as well as the journey back from the finish and Meet & Greet area. Our selection includes hotels near the start, central London options, a budget stay and a self-catering apartment.
When : 24 – 25 April 2027
Which Hotel Is Right for You?
Not sure where to stay? Choose the hotel that best matches your travel style and marathon goals.
Closest to Blackheath Start
Best for an easy race morning.
Recommended Area
Blackheath
Best Hotel
The Clarendon Hotel
Stay close to the Blackheath start area and make race morning simple.
Closest to Greenwich Start
Best for runners starting from Greenwich.
Recommended Area
Greenwich
Best Hotel
Novotel London Greenwich
A convenient stay near Greenwich Station and the start area.
Easy Trains to the Start
Direct connections to all three start stations.
Recommended Area
London Bridge
Best Hotel
London Bridge Hotel
Direct trains to Blackheath, Maze Hill and Greenwich, with a central location.
Best After the Finish
Ideal for tired legs after the race.
Recommended Area
Horse Guards / Whitehall
Best Hotel
The Royal Horseguards
Around a 15-minute walk from the Horse Guards Meet & Greet area.
Budget Central
Central location at a lower price.
Recommended Area
Trafalgar Square / Charing Cross
Best Hotel
The Z Hotel Trafalgar
Central stay near Charing Cross and around a 16-minute walk from the Meet & Greet area.
Apartment Stay
More space and self-catering facilities.
Recommended Area
Cannon Street / City of London
Best Hotel
Marlin Apartments Queen Street
Spacious apartments with a full kitchen and direct trains to all three start stations.
How We Selected These Hotels
Choosing a hotel for the London Marathon is different from choosing one for a race where the start and finish are close together. We focused on the practical details that matter most to runners before and after the race.
LOCATION
We looked at hotels near the start areas, central London and the post-race Meet & Greet area, rather than simply choosing hotels closest to the course.
TRANSPORT TO THE START
We considered access to Blackheath, Maze Hill and Greenwich stations, including hotels with direct train connections or convenient access to the stations used on race morning.
AFTER THE FINISH
The race finishes on The Mall, but runners continue through the secured finish area before reaching the Meet & Greet area around Whitehall and Horse Guards. We therefore considered how practical it is to return to each hotel after the race.
VALUE & PRACTICALITY
Our selection includes different price levels and types of accommodation, from central hotels and budget rooms to a self-catering apartment, so runners can choose what works best for their stay.
Our Recommended Hotels for London Marathon
The hotels below cover different ways to plan your London Marathon stay. Some are close to the start areas, while others make it easier to travel to the start in the morning and stay closer to central London for the journey back after the race.
We’ve included 8 hotels and apartments, with options for different budgets and priorities.
BEST NEAR BLACKHEATH START
The Clarendon Hotel ★★★
For runners who prefer to stay close to the start, The Clarendon Hotel is one of the most practical options. It overlooks Blackheath and puts you close to the Blackheath start area, avoiding a longer journey across London on race morning.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Stay close to the Blackheath start area
- Around 5 minutes’ walk from Blackheath Station
- No long public transport journey needed on race morning
Good to know: The trade-off is after the marathon. The race finishes in central London, so you will need to travel back to Blackheath after leaving the finish and Meet & Greet area.
Blackheath · ££
BEST NEAR GREENWICH START
Novotel London Greenwich ★★★★
Novotel London Greenwich is a practical choice for runners who prefer to stay close to the start. The hotel is right next to the train and DLR station, keeping race-morning travel to a minimum.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Next to Greenwich train and DLR station
- Close to the Greenwich start area
- No long journey across London needed on race morning
Good to know: After the marathon, you will need to travel back from central London, as the race finishes on The Mall.
Greenwich · £££
BEST FOR DIRECT TRAINS TO THE START
London Bridge Hotel ★★★★
London Bridge Hotel is a strong choice for runners who prefer to stay centrally and travel to the start on race morning. Its location beside London Bridge Station gives you direct train connections to all three stations used for the start.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Around 2 minutes’ walk from London Bridge Station
- Direct trains to Blackheath, Maze Hill and Greenwich
- Central location for sightseeing before or after the race
Good to know: Based on current journey times, allow around 13 minutes to Greenwich, 16 minutes to Maze Hill or 22 minutes to Blackheath, including the short walk from the hotel. Race-day timetables should be checked closer to the 2027 marathon.
London Bridge · £££
The Royal Horseguards ★★★★
The Royal Horseguards is a strong choice for runners who would rather travel to the start in the morning and stay closer to where they will end their race. Its location near Whitehall also puts Charing Cross Station within a short walk for race-morning trains.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Around 15 minutes’ walk from the Horse Guards Meet & Greet area
- Around 7 minutes’ walk from Charing Cross Station
- Good central base before and after the marathon
Good to know: The start is across London, so you will need to travel by train on race morning. Current journey times to Blackheath, Maze Hill and Greenwich are around 33–38 minutes, depending on your assigned start area.
Whitehall / Charing Cross · ££££
BEST CENTRAL STAY
Strand Palace ★★★★
Strand Palace is a good option for runners who want to stay in the heart of central London while keeping both race-morning transport and the journey back after the marathon manageable. Charing Cross Station is only a short walk away.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Around 8 minutes’ walk from Charing Cross Station
- Around 20 minutes’ walk from the Horse Guards Meet & Greet area
- Central location close to Covent Garden and the West End
Good to know: You will need to travel to the start on race morning. Current journey times to Blackheath, Maze Hill and Greenwich are around 33–38 minutes, depending on the station you need.
The Strand / Covent Garden · £££
BEST BUDGET CENTRAL STAY
The Z Hotel Trafalgar ★★★
The Z Hotel Trafalgar is worth considering if you want a central location without paying for a larger upscale hotel. It is close to Charing Cross Station and also keeps the post-race walk relatively short.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Around 16 minutes’ walk from the finish Meet & Greet area
- Very close to Charing Cross Station for race-morning travel
- Central location near Trafalgar Square and the West End
Good to know: Rooms are very compact, and some room types have no window. Check the room category carefully before booking, especially if you prefer more space before and after the marathon.
Trafalgar Square / Charing Cross · ££
BEST FOR WATERLOO & THE FINISH
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London ★★★★
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge is a practical option for runners who want to stay near Waterloo and within walking distance of the post-race area. Waterloo Station is also only a short walk from the hotel for race-morning travel.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Around 7 minutes’ walk from Waterloo Station
- Around 20 minutes’ walk from the finish, Horse Guards Meet & Greet area
- Central location beside Westminster Bridge
Good to know: Blackheath is currently around 31 minutes from the hotel, including the walk to Waterloo Station. Travel to Maze Hill or Greenwich may require a different connection, depending on your assigned start area.
Westminster / Waterloo · £££
BEST APARTMENT FOR RUNNERS
Marlin Apartments London City – Queen Street ★★★★
Marlin Apartments Queen Street is a practical choice for runners who prefer more space and the option to prepare their own meals. Its location near Cannon Street also gives you direct train connections to all three stations used for the start.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Spacious apartments with a fully equipped kitchen
- Direct trains to Blackheath, Maze Hill and Greenwich
- Good option for longer stays, couples or families
Good to know: The walk back from the post-race area is quite long, so public transport will be more practical after the marathon. Current journey times to the start stations are around 18 minutes to Greenwich, 20 minutes to Maze Hill and 25 minutes to Blackheath, including the walk from the apartment. Race-day timetables should be checked closer to the 2027 marathon.
Cannon Street / City of London · £££
How Early Should You Book?
Hotels in London can fill quickly once runners secure their marathon places, particularly those close to the start areas and hotels within walking distance of the finish.
If you already know you will be running, booking early gives you more choice in location and price. A flexible or refundable rate can be useful if your travel plans are not yet final.
It is also worth checking availability again closer to the race. Rooms sometimes become available when other runners change or cancel their plans.
OUR TIP
Entered the ballot? Start comparing hotels early. If you find a well-located option with free cancellation, reserving it can give you more choice while you wait for your place to be confirmed.
What to Look for in a Marathon Hotel
Choosing a hotel for the London Marathon involves more than finding a room in central London. Think about race-morning transport, your journey back after the finish and a few practical details that can make your stay more comfortable.
Early breakfast
You may need to leave your hotel early to reach your assigned start area. Check breakfast times in advance, or ask whether an early breakfast or takeaway option is available on race morning.
Flexible cancellation
Booking early usually gives you more choice, but your plans may change. A flexible or free-cancellation rate gives you the option to adjust your stay later. Always check the cancellation deadline.
A quiet room
A good night’s sleep before the marathon matters. Consider requesting a room away from lifts, bars, busy roads or other areas where noise could be an issue.
Luggage storage & late checkout
Luggage storage can be useful if you arrive before check-in or leave London later in the day. Late checkout after the marathon can also be convenient, but it is usually subject to availability.
Kitchen facilities
Having a kitchen or kitchenette lets you prepare familiar food before the race. This can be especially useful for runners staying several nights or travelling with family.
Race-day location
In London, being closest to the start is not automatically the most convenient choice. The marathon starts around Blackheath and Greenwich but finishes on The Mall in central London. Consider both your journey to your assigned start area and how you will return to your hotel after the race.
Which Part of London Should You Stay In?
Your ideal area depends on what you want to prioritise for the London Marathon. Staying in Blackheath or Greenwich can make race morning easier, while central areas such as Charing Cross, Westminster and Waterloo can be more convenient after the finish. London Bridge offers another option, with direct train connections towards the start.
We compare the different areas, their race-day transport, advantages for runners and who they suit best in our separate guide.
Common Hotel Booking Mistakes
A hotel that works well for a normal London city break isn’t always the most practical choice for marathon day. These are a few things worth checking before you book.
Choosing a hotel based on price alone
A cheaper hotel can become less attractive if it means a complicated journey to the start or a long trip back after the race. Compare the location and transport connections as well as the room rate.
Staying near the start without thinking about the finish
Staying in Blackheath or Greenwich can make race morning easier, but remember that the marathon finishes on The Mall in central London. Think about how you will get back to your hotel after the race, when extra walking and crowded transport may be less appealing.
Assuming every start area uses the same station
London Marathon runners are assigned a start area, and the recommended arrival station can differ. Check your official race information before deciding which station you need on marathon morning.
Relying on taxis on race morning
Road closures and heavy race-day traffic can make travelling by car less practical. When comparing hotels, look at walking and public transport options rather than relying on a taxi to reach the start.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend hotels we believe are a good fit for London Marathon runners based on location, race-day transport and our research.
London Marathon Hotel FAQ
Should I stay near the London Marathon start or finish?
Staying near Blackheath or Greenwich can make race morning easier, while staying in central London can make the return after the marathon more convenient. If you are comfortable travelling by train in the morning, a central hotel can be a practical option because you finish on The Mall.
Which stations are used for the London Marathon start?
Runners are directed to different stations depending on their assigned start area. In recent editions, these have included Blackheath, Maze Hill and Greenwich. Always follow the official travel instructions for your assigned start area, as arrangements can change.
Is public transport free for London Marathon runners?
In recent editions, participants have received free public transport on Marathon Day on specified London services by showing their race bib. The exact arrangements for 2027 should be checked in the official participant information once published.
Do I need a hotel within walking distance of the start?
No. London has good public transport connections to the start, so staying within walking distance is not essential. Hotels near stations such as London Bridge or Charing Cross can also be practical, depending on your assigned start area.
How early should I book a hotel for the London Marathon?
Start looking as early as possible if you want a particular hotel or location. If your race place or travel plans are not yet confirmed, a flexible or free-cancellation rate gives you more freedom to change your booking later.
