Rome Toolkit 
Paris Toolkit glh hotels in central London: Thistle, Amba, Guoman
Discover the best Thistle, Amba and Guoman hotels in London
glh hotels in London are among the most numerous of the 4-star chain hotels in London. glh stands for Great London Hospitality.
Many years ago now, Thistle hotels were a chain with not the greatest reputation, the hotels were perhaps tired and in need of investment. The company was taken over and the new owners have since invested heavily to bring the hotels up to a high standard. During this transformation phase, the Thistle hotels were broken up into various hotel brands, the original Thistle brand being retained for the cheaper hotels while the brands Amba and Guoman were introduced for the more upscale properties.
All of the brands are full service 4- and 5-star luxury hotels, many of the hotels have enviable locations in the very heart of London.
Thistle, Amba and Guoman hotels overview
The Thistle branded hotels in London are arguably in the same market place as a company like Holiday Inn. The Guoman hotels are in iconic buildings in prime locations offering the traditional luxury hotel product. The Amba brand is again an attempt to offer a more contemporary product to the discerning traveller.
Like most luxury 4-star hotels in London, room rates tend to be lower at the weekends and holiday periods. This is especially true of hotels like the Thistle City Barbican in the heart of the City of London business area.
Many Thistle / Guoman hotels are in the heart of the West End entertainment district, where demand for weekend breaks means the cheaper at weekends rule doesn't always apply. Thistle Hyde Park Lancaster Gate and Thistle Hyde Park Kensington Gardens, within a few hundred yards of each other on the northern border of Hyde Park, are in the Bayswater hotel district, a leisure orientated area where room rates midweek are often cheaper than at the weekend.
Explore our selection of Thistle, Amba and Guoman hotels
Thistle Trafalgar Square 
This hotel is in a top location, right in the heart of the West End, just around the corner from Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Soho and Covent Garden. With a terrace for al fresco dining in the warmer seasons, and a stylish, comfortable lounge, you are not short on places to relax. Squares Restaurant and Gravity Bar serve British and European Cuisine. Air conditioned rooms have safes, Freeview TV, tea/coffee.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Breakfast in room • Bar/restaurant • Terrace • Special diet menus available • 24-hr front desk
Nearest tube: 2-min walk to Leicester Square
London Toolkit recommends booking this hotel for competitive prices, plus...
• Two complimentary guided walking tours - Royals and Landmarks Tour plus The Wizard Walk which explores iconic landmarks from the Harry Potter films • Vox City App
Thistle Hyde Park Kensington Gardens
Situated overlooking the beautiful Kensington Gardens, this luxury hotel offers stylish, air-conditioned rooms, some with relaxing views of the parks. The restaurant offers well-cooked modern British and European dishes. There is also a lounge and bar offering bespoke cocktails and craft beers, snacks or full meals. Enjoy afternoon tea overlooking Kensington Gardens in The Brasserie.
Facilities include • Free wi-fi • Full English breakfast • Cocktail bar & restaurant • Tea and coffee facilities • 24-hr front desk • Tickets desk • Single & family rooms available
Nearest tube: 2-min walk to Queensway
London Toolkit recommends booking this hotel for competitive prices, plus...
• Two complimentary guided walking tours - Royals and Landmarks Tour plus The Wizard Walk which explores iconic landmarks from the Harry Potter films • Vox City App
Thistle Holborn, The Kingsley
A tastefully decorated hotel offering spacious en-suite rooms, comfortable beds and a well-received breakfast. People praise the staff and the cleanliness here. Kingsley Two Brasserie restaurant offers a European menu and there is a relaxing bar too.
Facilities include • Suites available • Free Wi-Fi • Boutique hotel • 24-hr room service • 40% discount on parking
Nearest tube: 5-min walk Holborn
London Toolkit recommends booking this hotel for competitive prices, plus...
• Two complimentary guided walking tours - Royals and Landmarks Tour plus The Wizard Walk which explores iconic landmarks from the Harry Potter films • Vox City App
Thistle Bloomsbury Park
Between the City and the West End, this comfortable Edwardian hotel is close to Russell Square Tube Station and the British museum. You have a good choice between standard rooms and suites with flat-screen TV, radio, tea/coffee facilities and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. There is a welcoming bar and brasserie for eating too.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Family rooms • Accessible rooms • Fitness centre
Nearest tube: 2-min walk to Russell Square
London Toolkit recommends booking this hotel for competitive prices, plus...
• Two complimentary guided walking tours - Royals and Landmarks Tour plus The Wizard Walk which explores iconic landmarks from the Harry Potter films • Vox City App
The Cumberland Hotel
Stylish 4-star hotel located in the West End of London. Modern, luxurious rooms include Wi-Fi, TV, power showers and premium toiletries. Pets are allowed upon request (charge may apply). Just a few steps away from the nearest tube and Oxford Street is within walking distance.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Fitness centre • Restaurant • 24-hr room service • Air-con • Family rooms • Pets allowed
Nearest tube: 1-min walk to Marble Arch
London Toolkit recommends booking this hotel for competitive prices, plus...
• Two complimentary guided walking tours - Royal and Landmarks Tour plus The Wizard Walk which explores iconic landmarks from the Harry Potter films • Vox City App
Thistle City Barbican 
Very well-equipped hotel with its own spa and fitness centre. Located in the heart of the business district and quieter on the weekends, you will still be well positioned to explore all the major attractions London offers. The spa and pool could be a major draw after a long day sight-seeing, helping you to recharge your batteries.
Facilities include • Swimming pool • Fitness centre • Spa • Restaurant • Free Wi-Fi • Family rooms
Nearest tube: 10-min walk to Old Street
Thistle Piccadilly
Excellently located in central London, just 100 metres from Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, this hotel has a welcoming Victorian exterior. The hotel is very close to Fortnum and Mason and the Royal Academy. Guests can enjoy comfortable air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV, radio, tea/coffee facilities and a private bathroom with free toiletries. Some rooms have views of Leicester Square.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Coffee house • Bar/restaurant • Room service • Fitness centre • Special diet menus available
Nearest tube: 1-min walk to Piccadilly Circus
London Toolkit recommends booking this hotel for competitive prices, plus...
• Two complimentary guided walking tours - Royal and Landmarks Tour plus The Wizard Walk which explores iconic landmarks from the Harry Potter films • Vox City App
Thistle Hyde Park Lancaster Gate 
Located directly opposite Hyde Park in the Lancaster Gate area, this Victorian hotel features elegant rooms and an upscale restaurant for fine dining. For great connections, it is also close to Paddington station with direct trains to Heathrow. Refined rooms feature chandeliers and Italian marble bathrooms with brass fittings. There is also a work desk, a laptop safe, an ironing centre and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Breakfast in room • Bar/restaurant • Family rooms • Special diet menus available • 24-hr front desk
Nearest tube: 4-min walk to Lancaster Gate
Thistle London Marble Arch
Stylish hotel located nearby to Oxford Street. Spacious rooms each feature a Smart TV, Hypnos beds, rainfall shower, in-room tablet, free minibar and Nespresso machines. Hyde Park is just a 2-min walk away and Selfridges is a 5-min walk away. The hotel is a popular business destination and as such offers some impressive related facilities. Its overall location, service and facilities are the main draws though.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Family rooms • Fitness centre • Restaurant • Parking
Nearest tube: 2-min walk to Marble Arch
London Toolkit recommends booking this hotel for competitive prices, plus...
• Two complimentary guided walking tours - Royal and Landmarks Tour plus The Wizard Walk which explores iconic landmarks from the Harry Potter films • Vox City App
The Clermont London, Victoria Hotel
Grade II listed building allowing you to experience a luxurious slice of history during your stay. Completely renovated in 2019 with new look rooms, Soak Bar and Tea Room lounge. Situated opposite Victoria station you have travel options on your doorstep for the whole of London. Beautiful historic building in an excellent location.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Air-con • Hypnos beds • Mini-bars • Family rooms • 24-hr room service • Fitness centre • Accessible rooms • Restaurant
Nearest tube: 1-min walk to Victoria
London Toolkit recommends booking this hotel for competitive prices, plus...
• Two complimentary guided walking tours - Royals and Landmarks Tour plus The Wizard Walk which explores iconic landmarks from the Harry Potter films • Vox City App
The Clermont London, Charing Cross
This modern hotel is housed within a Grade II listed building right next to Charing Cross station. Rooms are stylish and spacious with TV, free minibars, Nespresso coffee makers and in-room tablet. Deluxe rooms also feature Hypnos beds and rain showers. Attractions such as The Mall, National Gallery and Trafalgar Square are all a short walk away and Theatreland is within a 5-min walk. Great location for walking to attractions in central London or for transport links.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Family rooms • Accessible rooms • Fitness centre
Nearest tube: 1-min walk to Charing Cross
London Toolkit recommends booking this hotel for competitive prices, plus...
• Two complimentary guided walking tours - Royals and Landmarks Tour plus The Wizard Walk which explores iconic landmarks from the Harry Potter films • Vox City App
The Tower Hotel
The Tower Hotel is a landmark hotel right by the River Thames, St Katherine’s Dock, and next to Tower Bridge, giving stunning views of the cityscape including the Shard skyscraper, and of course Tower Bridge. Here you can enjoy the restaurant, with freshly prepared modern fusion cuisine, bar and fitness centre.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Terrace • Restaurant • Fitness centre • Suites • 24-hr-reception
Nearest tube: 8-min walk toTower Hill
London Toolkit recommends booking this hotel for competitive prices, plus...
• Two complimentary guided walking tours - Royals and Landmarks Tour plus The Wizard Walk which explores iconic landmarks from the Harry Potter films • Vox City App
The Royal Horseguards Hotel
Between the River Thames and Trafalgar Square, this is a Grade I listed 5 star hotel, with a 2 AA Rosette restaurant, a gym and river views. Overlooking the London Eye, it is also just a short walk from the National Gallery, while Covent Garden and Theatreland are just around the corner. You can enjoy rooms with a mixture of Victorian elegance and modern features. There is a relaxed restaurant with a piano bar, fine food and wine. There is also an outdoor terrace for al fresco dining.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Coffee house • Breakfast in room • Fitness centre • Restaurant • Sun terrace • Airport shuttle
Nearest tube: 2-min walk to Embankment
