Where to stay for the london marathon

34 Marathonos Avenue & Nikitara Steet, Marathon, Attica, Greece

17.9km from Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos"

27.9km from Neratziotissa Railway Station

"Wowww. 4th time staying here didnt disappoint the family that owns this provides the best there is to offer in Greece. Breakfast amazing, showers amazing !!! Not far from athens a bus ride !! 2 euro. The best "
"Excellent service. The staff is very kind and the room is amazing. The breakfast is nice and full and the hotel's kitchen is quite good. What the hotel promises is offering with the above. It is worth visiting."
"Wowww. I stay here for four times, not disappointed by the family who has the best chance to offer in Greece. Breakfast is surprising, surprising rain! ! ! A bus journey not far from Athens! ! 2 euros. Best"

Bracken, 2020 will be my 6th London and we go down as a family.

What you need is easy access to Charring Cross as opposed the actual start. I have stayed in the Premier Inn in Holborn the last few years as it is a great base for family activities as very central, a gentle 20 minute walk to Charring cross on race day (you'll be grateful of the peace and quiet of that stroll with hindsight), but equally important, it isn't too far from the finish.

This year I hopped in a taxi from the otherisde of Trafalgar Sq and it was £8 ish. Previous years I have strolled back, which took about 20 mins.

Did you enter the ballot for the 2022 TCS London Marathon, which takes place on Sunday 2 October 2022? The results have been announced, were you lucky enough to get in?

Whether you are lucky enough to be participating, or you are supporting and just watching the amazing people who are (like the fab lot below who stayed with us last year!) there isn’t a better positioned hotel than The Clarendon.

The pre-race running show is just down the road from us at ExCel and the mass race starts from Blackheath and Greenwich. So whichever gate you want to be at, the start is either outside your bedroom window or within walking distance – so you don’t need to worry about getting up even earlier to make sure that you get there on time.

Our location also makes it easy for supporters, with several well spaced points along the route being easily accessible so you can enjoy the fantastic atmosphere throughout the day.

We are currently taking bookings for marathon weekend, for stays of two nights or more.

London, England

Conrad London St. James - Ideally situated just steps from St. James Park, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament, Conrad London St. James offers a smart choice for the modern traveler. The superior location offers easy access to iconic London landmarks from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.

Intercontinental Park Lane - Located in fashionable Mayfair at the south-east corner of Hyde Park, this deluxe property offers an ideal location just across from the best park in London, and just a short walk back from the finish.

  St. Ermin's Hotel - Step into a piece of history in the heart of London at the St. Ermin's Hotel. Dating back to 1899, the hotel is an architectural wonder that has been seamlessly restored to reflect Art Nouveau and Rococo influences; marvel at our beautifully manicured courtyard before exploring the sweeping and dramatic elements of our historic grounds. Situated in the city centre - near top attractions like Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace

Map of London Hotels

Edinburgh, Scotland

Intercontinental Edinburgh The George - Situated in St. Andrew’s Square, The InterContinental Edinburgh The George has been welcoming hotel guests since 1881.  Today, The InterContinental Edinburgh The George offers all the luxuries of an InterContinental life in the heart of the Scottish capital.  Steps from restaurants and shops, The George is just a short walk from Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles’ Cathedral, and The Royal Mile.

Top 10 Hotels near Start and Finish Line


Start Line (Greenwich Park, Blackheath area)

Where to stay for the london marathon
Greenwich Park Royal Observatory

Ibis London Greenwich ★★★ (30 Stockwell Street, Greenwich, SE10 9JN, United Kingdom)
Rate: from £55*
This pleasant hotel near to the start of the Marathon, offers first rate accommodation. Located in one of the best positions near the start line, book a room well in advance for one of the capital’s major sporting events.

De Vere Devonport House ★★★★ (King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 9JW, United Kingdom)
Rate: from £72*
Hotels such as the De Vere Devonport House, at the foot of Greenwich Park, makes the perfect base from which to enjoy the race. This prestigious establishment offers guests comfortable room accommodation so you can be near the action when the race kicks off.

The Clarendon Hotel ★★★ (8-16 Montpelier Row, Lewisham, London, SE3 0RW, United Kingdom)
Rate: from £69*
Taking part in or going to watch the 2019 London Marathon? To be near the starting line, book room accommodation at The Clarendon Hotel. This recommended hotel has a good array of room amenities, internet*, parking* and dining options*.

Holiday Inn Express London Greenwich ★★★ (Bugsbys Way, Greenwich, SE10 0GD, United Kingdom)
Rate: from £65*
This hotel is only ten minutes away from the starting line. It’s a traditional hotel where guests can expect comfy accommodation and the best of facilities. Hotels like the Holiday Inn Express are very popular especially for major events.

Novotel London Greenwich ★★★★ (173-185 Greenwich High Rd, Greenwich, SE10 8JA, United Kingdom)
Rate: from £79*
For 2022’s London Marathon, choose the Novotel. Hotels such as the Novotel offer a selective range of amenities and facilities. Have a workout in the fitness centre* or relax in the Hammam* before heading off to the start line to watch the race.

Near finish (The Mall, Buckingham Palace area)

Where to stay for the london marathon
Buckingham Palace

The Sanctuary House Hotel ★★★ (33 Tothill Street, Westminster Borough, London, SW1H 9LA, United Kingdom)
Rate: from £107*
Located near the finishing line, not far from the Mall in the heart of Westminster, stands the Sanctuary House Hotel. As hotels go, this establishment provides first rate room accommodation. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to book a room early so you don’t miss out on one of the world’s most popular marathons.

Premier Inn London Leicester Square ★★★ (1 Leicester Place, Leicester Square, Westminster Borough, WC2H 7BP)
Rate: from £123*
Take centre stage at the Premier Inn Leicester Square. The hotel is located right in the heart of the West End where the Marathon finish line is only around a ten-minute walk away. Expect extra comfy beds* in every room with all the facilities you’ll need during your stay.

Comfort Inn Buckingham Palace Road ★★★ (10 St Georges Drive, Westminster Borough, London, SW1V 4BJ, United Kingdom)
Rate: from £55*
Whether you’re visiting the capital to watch the capital’s major Marathon event, see the sights or on a business meeting, look no further than the Comfort Inn Buckingham Palace Road. Enjoy bed and breakfast accommodation, stylishly decorated rooms with a Wi-Fi* service for all guests.

Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo ★★★ (157 Waterloo Road, SE1 8XA, United Kingdom)
Rate: from £110*
Book a room at the Hampton by Hilton. Just five minutes from Waterloo train station and within walking distance of many of city’s major attractions, hotels such as this are in great demand especially during the Marathon.

Holiday Inn London Mayfair ★★★★ (3 Berkeley Street, Westminster Borough, W1J 8NE, United Kingdom)
Rate: from £153*
This traditional hotel is ideally located in one of the capital’s most exclusive areas, Mayfair. Benefit from tastefully decorated accommodation, extensive room facilities as well as hotel services. Best described as elegant, the Holiday Inn is a charming hotel, a great place to stay.

note (*): prices are based at the time of publishing. All prices and amenities are subject to change without prior notice. Please check latest rates and current amenities on hotel or our provider’s website.

Apartment, hotel and b&b rooms!


Plenty of affordable hotels, low cost b&b’s or guest houses and fully furnished apartments for self catering can be found within close distance of the start and finish line of this running event, which is part of the World Marathon Majors.

Book a hotel room near Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge or how about close to the Victoria Embankment? These locations are absolutely ideal whether you’re taking part in the race or watching from the sidelines.

Start Location: Greenwich Park and Blackheath

Where to stay for the london marathon
Find Accommodation

Finish: The Mall by Buckingham Palace

Where to stay for the london marathon
Find Accommodation

The London Marathon is the world’s largest marathon. Since 2010, the race has been sponsored by Virgin Money, as the Virgin Money London Marathon.

Why not spend a weekend in London for the Marathon? There are silly costumes, runners dressed as nurses, butlers or 3D dinosaurs. Men and women in replica spacesuits, superheroes, tiger suits as well as rhino suits always need to be cheered on. Have your camera ready for the unexpected like the guy with a fridge on his back and the running grandfather clock. There are even couples who decide to get married during the race itself and continue running afterwards.

Hotel staff are well acquainted with the ways of the London Marathon and how to make sure guests get the most out of the day. What could be better than relaxing in fantastic accommodation while having a meal and a drink or two as the runners and celebs go by? Choosing to stay in hotels for the race weekend means you can avoid the congested public transport system. The Metro buses and taxis are always jam-packed with visitors to the city, all trying to get to the same place.

Largest running event held on Sunday 02 October 2022


The race was first run in 1981 and has been held in the City of London every year since. The course itself is set around the River Thames. It begins at three separate points close to Blackheath and finishes in The Mall, next to St James’ Park. Participants of all ages from across the UK and overseas try to complete the course of 26 miles and 385 yards. It’s also a large sporting celebrity event which has raised to date more than five hundred million pounds for charities.

The London Marathon receives worldwide media coverage which makes it more and more popular every year. Competitors need to do plenty of pre-marathon training to complete this gruelling course. If you’re going to run the marathon for the first time, expect a lot of discomfort and pain along the way. You need to keep hydrated, taking in water from the race stewards as you run the course. The adrenalin will be flowing especially when the crowd keeps you going as the finish line approaches.

Hitting the wall hurts. It’s a fear of many runners. When it happens, you’ll know about it, it will feel as though you are running through treacle. Whether running the race seriously or for fun, once the marathon is over, you can then return to your hotel accommodation to chill out and relax. Make sure to book a room with an en suite bathroom and a bath to rest those weary limbs so your body recovers. In the evening, enjoy a meal then join fellow hotel guests and tell them what it’s really like to run the London Marathon.

There’s the fun side too. Enjoy the costumes and British sense of humour with runners from all walks of life doing their bit for local and international charities.

The marathon starts at Greenwich Park and Blackheath, continues through Surrey Quays, Brunel Rd, Tooley St, Canary Wharf, the Tower of London, Embankment, Parliament Square and Birdcage Walk, with a royal finish on The Mall by Buckingham Palace in the City of Westminster.

The course begins at three separate points: the ‘red start’ in southern Greenwich Park on Charlton Way, the ‘green start’ in St John’s Park, and the ‘blue start’ on Shooter’s Hill Road.

In 2022 the Virgin London Marathon is being held on Sunday October 02nd.

Red Start

Southern Greenwich Park on Charlton Way

Green Start

St John’s Park

Blue Start

Shooter’s Hill Road

Nearest International Airports ?

The nearest international airports are London Heathrow Airport, Gatwick international South and North terminal, London Stansted and Luton, located approx. 30 miles north of the city center.

Nearest Underground Stations ?

The closest tube stations of the start line is New Cross Tube Station (Amersham Vale, London, Lewisham, SE14 6LA) and North Greenwich Tube Station (5 Millennium Way, London, Greenwich, SE10 0PH).

Hotels, Hostels, Apartments and B&B’s can be found within easy reach of the start and finish line of the London Marathon. Check rates in our database.

Stay close to Start Line Greenwich Park and Blackheath


The start line is located at Greenwich Park and Blackheath in south-east London.

One of the nearest accommodations is cheap The Clarendon Hotel. The Clarendon overlooks historic Blackheath and Greenwich Park and is situated within walking distance of the London Marathon start lines.

Another cheap hotel nearby is Ibis London Greenwich, just a 10-minute walk from The Royal Observatory. The ibis London Greenwich is a 5-minute walk from Greenwich Market and the Cutty Sark. Greenwich DLR and Railway Stations are within walking distance.

Where to stay for the london marathon
Cheap place to stay near Start Line

Hotel near Finish Line at The Mall (City of Westminster)


The finish of the marathon is on The Mall by Buckingham Palace in the heart of the city.

A very popular place to stay nearby is 4 star rated Crowne Plaza London St James. This accommodation offer elegant guest rooms a 10-minute walk from Victoria Coach and Railway Stations, offering access to the Gatwick Express. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are a 10-minute walk away.

Where to stay for the london marathon
Accommodation for London Marathon 2020 near Finish Line

Location and some facts


Name : Virgin Money London Marathon

No fewer than 55 world records were attempted during the last London Marathons. For top athletes, there are route markers at one mile intervals. These help all of the competitors take on the challenge of running past the Royal Artillery Barracks, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Bridge and the Tower of London.

As one of the top six world marathons, this wonderful competition has a million pound prize purse. In 2018 the men’s event was won by the Kenyan runner, Eliud Kipchop, in a top course time of 2 hours 4 minutes and 17 seconds.

The lady’s race was also won by a Kenyan athlete, Vivian Cheruiyot in 2 hours 18 minutes 31 seconds. With so many professional, amateur and charity runners, accommodation is top priority. If you’re competing or thinking about taking part in the marathon in London, keep searching online for hotels and their availability.

Another major running event in Britain is the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, held every year in May.

Start Location : in South East London UK

Tel : +020 7902 0200

When : 02 October 2022

Borough : Royal Borough of Greenwich – City of Westminster

Red Start : Southern Greenwich Park on Charlton Way

Green Start : St John’s Park

Blue Start : Shooter’s Hill Road

Finish : The Mall by Buckingham Palace

Nearest Hotels and B&B’s : in the towns of Hoylake, West Kirby, Frankby, Greasby, Wirral, Moreton, Birkenhead, Wallasey and Heswall.

What to do and see


Royal Observatory Greenwich (Romney Road, Greenwich, SE10 9NF, England): see the Greenwich Meridian (Greenwich Mean Time) and learn about history of science and astronomy.

Blackheath : pretty village with a beautiful church in South London.

National Maritime Museum (Park Row, Greenwich Park, SE10 9NF, England): nice museum part of the Royal Museums of Greenwich, along with the Royal Observatory, the Queen’s House and the Cutty Sark. Most of the exhibitions are free.

Cutty Sark (King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 9HT, England): historic ship, and one of the most famous ships in the UK. The ship has been significantly restored due to a fire.

Greenwich Market (High Rd, Greenwich, London, England): flea market. You can find a little bit of everything in there including some really unique food vendors.

Where is the best place to watch the London Marathon?

Typically, the starting point in Greenwich, and the finish line, at St James's Park, tend to have the best atmosphere, though in truth you'll find most of the course has its share of spectators. If you're hoping to see runners twice, head to the Wapping and Shadwell area, or West India Quay.

Can you go to the toilet during London Marathon?

Despite all your toilet going and your best attempts with a she-wee, you will STILL need the toilet by the time your pen is ready to go (duck left just before the start line – there are some there). 2. You will need lubricant.

Does the London Marathon go through Hyde Park?

This stunning central London Half Marathon, takes in some of the capital's world-famous landmarks on closed roads, and four of London's eight Royal Parks - Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James's Park and Kensington Gardens.

Where is halfway in the London Marathon?

John's Park, and the “blue start” on Shooter's Hill Road. After roughly 2.8 miles, the three routes converge in Woolwich. At the marathon's halfway point, runners cross over London's famous Tower Bridge, and the final leg of the race is when the bulk of the sight-seeing truly begins.