O2 Arena London: 9 Best Hotels & Insider Survival Tips!

My friend Sarah has been a Londoner for 30 years. She’s seen the city change, but one thing remains constant: the absolute chaos at North Greenwich station after a sold-out show. When I snagged tickets for a massive concert at the O2, she didn’t just say “congrats.” She gave me an ultimatum: 

Whatever you do, don’t even think about making the trip back to Central London after the encore. You’ll spend two hours in a queue and regret every life choice. Just stay nearby. Trust me.

She was spot on. While 20,000 sweaty fans were wrestling for a square inch of standing room on the Jubilee Line at 11:30 PM, I was already kickin’ back in my hotel room with a glass of wine, watching the crowds from my window.

If you’re heading to the world’s busiest arena, do it like a local. We’ve put together the ultimate list of 9 hand-picked stays, ranging from “Treat Yourself” luxury to “Save Your Cash for Merch” budget spots. No fluff, just the facts.

Quick Comparison: Where Should You Crash?

The O2 Lowdown: Why the Location Matters

The O2 isn’t just a dome; it’s a gargantuan entertainment ecosystem. With a 20,000 capacity, it’s the venue where legends like Beyoncé, ColdPlay, and Taylor Swift cement their legacy. But the “O2 experience” starts hours before the lights go down. The complex is packed with over 30 bars and restaurants, a massive Cineworld, and even an outlet shopping center.

Pro Tip: You can literally spend 8 hours here before the show even starts. If you stay nearby, you can drop your bags, grab a cocktail, and soak in the atmosphere without checking your watch every five minutes.

The “Treat Yourself” Picks (Luxury)

1. InterContinental London – The O2

The “Zero Effort” King. This is the undisputed heavyweight champion of O2 hotels. There is a private, covered walkway connecting the hotel directly to the arena.

• The Experience: You can literally walk from the front row to your king-sized bed in under 10 minutes—completely shielded from the London rain. The rooms feature massive floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Thames that will make your Instagram followers weep.
• The After-Party: The Eighteen Sky Bar on the top floor is the place to be. It stays open late and offers a panoramic view of the London skyline.

• The Catch: It’s not the most kid-friendly spot. Guest reviews often mention that the bars and certain lounge areas have strict age restrictions that can be a buzzkill for families.

2. Radisson Blu Canary Wharf East

The Waterfront Escape. If you want the night to feel like a “proper occasion,” this is it. It sits right on the edge of the river, offering a much sleeker, more intimate vibe than the massive O2 complex.

• The Walk: The stroll along the embankment at night is genuinely one of the few ways to wind down after a high-energy show.
• The Service: Their staff are legendary for being “actually helpful” a rare find in a city as busy as London.

3. Crowne Plaza London Docklands

The Spa & Skyway. This hotel is technically across the water, but that’s the best part. You get to the O2 via the IFS Cloud Cable Car.

• The Vibe: It’s a full-service resort feel with a proper indoor pool, jacuzzi, and sauna. If you’ve got a “hangover-prevention” spa session in mind for the next morning, this is your spot.

• Warning: The Cable Car is a dream for getting to the show, but check the times! It often closes at 9 PM on weekdays, meaning you’ll need an Uber or a bus to get back after the encore.

⚠️ Important Things to Know Before You Book

One thing people often forget when staying in busy London hotels is digital safety. Public hotel Wi-Fi can be a playground for hackers, so I always use NordVPN or Surfshark to keep my data encrypted while I’m scrolling through my concert photos. 

Not only does it protect your passwords, but it’s a lifesaver if you want to bypass regional blocks and stream your favorite show from back home after the gig. Whether you choose the massive server network of NordVPN or the unlimited device support of Surfshark, it’s the best £3 you’ll spend on your trip.

The “Sweet Spot” (Mid-Range)

4. Novotel London Greenwich

The Driver’s Sanctuary. Driving into London for a concert is usually a recipe for a nervous breakdown. However, the Novotel is one of the very few spots with its own secure parking garage.

• Best for Families: Their family rooms sleep two adults and two kids comfortably. Plus, you’re right in the heart of historic Greenwich—perfect for a bit of culture the next morning.

5. Premier Inn London Greenwich

The “Old Reliable.” Let’s be real: you don’t go to a Premier Inn for the decor. You go for the “Good Night’s Guarantee.”

• The Value: It’s clean, the beds are surprisingly great, and children under 16 stay and eat breakfast for free. If you’re a parent trying to keep the “concert tax” low, this is the smartest move you’ll make all year.

6. DoubleTree by Hilton Greenwich

History & Hospitality. Set in a beautifully restored 1940s building, this hotel has way more soul than your average chain.

• The Perk: You get a warm chocolate chip cookie at check-in. It sounds small, but after a long train journey, it’s a game-changer. The rooms are spacious, and the price point is often significantly lower than the Hilton properties in Canary Wharf.

The “Save Your Cash for Merch” Picks (Budget)

7. ibis London Greenwich

The Solo Traveler’s Choice. It’s compact, it’s modern, and it works. The 24-hour front desk is a blessing if you get lost or decide to stay out for “one last drink” in Greenwich. It’s an easy 10-minute DLR ride or a slightly longer, breezy walk to the arena.

8. Travelodge London Greenwich High Road

The Bare Minimum. If all you need is a flat surface to sleep on and a shower, the Travelodge is your friend. It’s no-frills (you even have to pay for Wi-Fi after 30 minutes), but the location near the train station is unbeatable for the price.

9. YHA London Thameside

The Squad HQ. Traveling with three or four friends? You can book a private room here for a fraction of the cost of a hotel. It’s a hostel, but it’s high-end. There’s a communal kitchen if you want to save money on food, and the river views from the bar are better than many 4-star hotels.

Sarah’s “Don’t Be a Tourist” Tips

• The Booking Window: As soon as you get that ticket confirmation email, BOOK THE HOTEL. Prices within a 2-mile radius can more than double within 24 hours of a major tour announcement (looking at you, Swifties).
• The Transport Secret: After a show, the queue for the North Greenwich Tube can look like a scene from a disaster movie. If your hotel is within 25 minutes on foot (like the InterContinental or Radisson), WALK. You will be in bed before the people in the queue even see a train.
• Uber Surge: Expect a $40+ charge for a 5-minute drive right after the show. It’s daylight robbery. Walk or use the DLR/Bus.

Anna

My name is Anna, and my daily life is a balancing act between family logistics, work responsibilities, and trying not to lose myself in the process. I cherish the moments when everything comes together – a good cup of tea, a calm morning, and our family all in one place. I'm not a perfectionist, but I do like things in order (especially in my head). I love planning trips, trying new recipes, and creating a home that feels good not just for us, but for anyone who walks through the door. And even when life gets a little chaotic, I believe that humor, openness, and love can do more than the most perfect plan ever could.

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