London, Ontario
Where to stay in London: best neighborhoods and hotels
Downtown is the default for a first visit: walkable to restaurants, the Grand Theatre and the Thames river paths, with the widest hotel choice. Choose near Highway 401 and Wellington Road if you are driving through or here for a game or campus event. Book early on Western University event weekends, when downtown rates jump.
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GuideLondon, Ontario
Key facts
- Best area for a first visit
- Downtown core, around Dundas, Richmond and King Streets
- Best for drivers and one-night stops
- Highway 401 and Wellington Road South, near White Oaks
- Best for campus visits
- Western University and Masonville area, north end
- Typical mid-range roomcheck
- CAD 150–250 per night, 2026 estimate
- Budget roomscheck
- CAD 90–150, 2026 estimate
- Peak price nightscheck
- Western University move-in and homecoming weekends; book weeks ahead
- Car needed
- Not downtown; yes for the 401 strip and outlying motels
Quick answer
Stay downtown if you want to walk to dinner, the Grand Theatre and the river. Stay along Highway 401 and Wellington Road if you are passing through, driving to a Western Mustangs game or visiting the university, where parking is free and rooms are cheaper. The two areas are about a 15-minute drive apart.
Compare your options
Prices are 2026 estimates for a standard double room in high season, before tax. London's rates are well below Toronto's, which is why some travellers use it as a base for southwestern Ontario.
| Area | Best for | Price per night | Walkability | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown core | First visit, dining, theatre | CAD 150–250 | High | Paid, CAD 15–30 |
| Wellington Road / Highway 401 | Drivers, one-night stops, games | CAD 120–200 | Low | Free |
| Masonville / Western University | Campus visits, longer stays | CAD 130–220 | Medium | Free |
| Airport area | Early flights | CAD 110–180 | Low | Free |
Estimates only; check rates for your dates.
The details
Downtown London runs along Dundas Street and Richmond Row, with the Covent Garden Market, Budweiser Gardens arena and the Grand Theatre within a few blocks. This is the only part of the city where you can leave the car parked and walk to most of what you came for. Hotels here are a mix of chain properties and small independents; the closer you are to Richmond Row, the more you pay.
The Highway 401 and Wellington Road South strip is the practical choice for road trips. It sits at the junction of the 401 and Highway 4, roughly 10–15 minutes by car from downtown, and has the densest cluster of mid-range and budget chains. If you are driving between Toronto and Detroit, or catching a London Knights or Mustangs game, this is the easiest base.
North London around Masonville Place and Western University suits campus visits and longer stays. It is quieter, has free parking at most properties, and puts you close to the university gates and the university hospital. Buses run downtown from here, but a car makes it much simpler.
The airport area, off Oxford Street East near the London International Airport, is for early departures only. There is little within walking distance, and you will need a taxi or rideshare for anything else.
What it costs
Expect CAD 150–250 for a mid-range downtown double in summer, and CAD 90–150 for budget motels on the 401 strip. Rates climb sharply on Western University move-in weekend, homecoming and graduation, and around major arena events; book several weeks ahead for those dates. Sales tax of 13% is added at checkout, and parking downtown is usually extra.
| Type | Typical rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel or budget motel | CAD 60–110 | Limited choice in London; mostly on the 401 strip |
| Mid-range chain | CAD 120–200 | Free parking outside downtown |
| Downtown hotel | CAD 150–250 | Walkable; parking extra |
| Suite or extended stay | CAD 180–300 | Better value for 3+ nights |
Tips
- Book early for Western University event weekends; the whole city fills.
- Downtown hotels often charge CAD 15–30 a night for parking; check before booking.
- If you are arriving by air, see the airport transfer page before choosing a hotel.
- A downtown base plus a car for day trips to Stratford or Zurich works well.
- Prices are shown before the 13% sales tax in Canada.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Which area is best to stay in London?
Downtown, around Dundas and Richmond Streets, if you want to walk to restaurants, the Grand Theatre and the river. Choose the Highway 401 and Wellington Road strip if you are driving through or visiting for a game.
How much does a hotel cost in London?
Mid-range rooms run about CAD 150–250 downtown and CAD 120–200 on the 401 strip, 2026 estimates, before 13% tax. Budget motels start near CAD 90. Western University event weekends push rates much higher.
Where should first-time visitors stay in London?
Downtown. It is the only walkable district, with the market, arena and theatre close together, and it gives you the widest choice of hotels and restaurants for a short first trip.
Do I need a car in London, Ontario?
Downtown, no. For the 401 strip, the airport area and day trips to Stratford or Zurich, a car is much easier; buses exist but are slow and infrequent outside the core.
When should I book?
Book several weeks ahead for summer weekends and any Western University event. For ordinary weeknights, a few days ahead is usually enough, and walk-in rates are often similar.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialTourism London
- officialCity of London, Ontario
- officialDestination Canada
- secondaryWikivoyage – London (Ontario)