7 Smart Ways to Find Places to Stay Near Hampton Court Palace in 2025
Planning a trip to Hampton Court Palace? Awesome. Trying to find the best places to stay near Hampton Court Palace? Less awesome. It usually means drowning in browser tabs, comparing prices, and getting that nagging feeling you’re missing a better deal. Frankly, that’s a waste of your time.
This guide cuts through the noise. We've lined up the best hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering spots in the area. No guesswork. Just a clear, direct path to the perfect base for your historical adventure, whether you want riverside luxury or a practical flat for the family.
Better yet, we’ll show you how to book it smartly. Each recommendation is practical and gets straight to the point:
- Who it’s best for: Solo explorers, couples, or the whole crew.
- Key details: How close it is to the palace, price range, and transport links.
- Booking insights: Simple tricks to get the best rate, including how to use tools like FlipMyStay to automatically track prices for you. Think of it as your own deal-finding bot, working 24/7.
Our mission is simple: get you booked into your ideal stay with total confidence, knowing you’ve nailed the right spot at the best possible price. Let's get you sorted so you can focus on the fun part—exploring a king's former playground.
1. Booking.com
For sheer choice, Booking.com is the undisputed champ for finding places to stay near Hampton Court Palace. Its massive inventory has everything from big-name hotels in Kingston upon Thames to indie guesthouses right by the palace gates. It’s a one-stop-shop that saves you from juggling a dozen different websites.
A screenshot showing a hotel search on Booking.com for places to stay near Hampton Court Palace, with a map view and filters.
The platform’s best feature? Its dedicated landmark search. By searching specifically for "Hampton Court Palace," you skip the generic London results and get a list of properties ranked by proximity. No more squinting at a map to figure out distances. Easy.
Key Features and How to Use Them
Booking.com’s power is in its filters. Use them ruthlessly to find exactly what you want, fast.
- Map View: This is your secret weapon. Switch to the map to see a hotel's real location. Is it a short walk, or are they fibbing about a "quick" bus ride? The map never lies.
- Flexible Booking Filters: Hunt down the "Free cancellation" and "Book now, pay at property" options. They let you lock in a great room months in advance without any commitment if your plans go sideways. Total peace of mind.
- Review Scores: Thousands of verified guest reviews give you the real story. Pro tip: focus on the most recent ones for the latest intel on cleanliness and service.
Pro Tip: Always, always sort results by "Distance from landmark." It pushes the most convenient options right to the top, so you're only looking at genuinely local stays.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Huge Selection: The biggest inventory of hotels and B&Bs. | Geographic Creep: Results can sometimes sneak in less relevant locations. |
| Genuine Reviews: A massive database of verified guest feedback. | Price Fluctuations: Rates can spike hard during peak seasons. |
| Genius Discounts: Loyalty members get access to special rates. | Impersonal Feel: Can lack the curated vibe of a boutique site. |
Bottom line: Booking.com is the best place to start. Its powerful tools and huge selection make it the most efficient way to see what's out there. And if you want to outsmart those fluctuating prices, check out our guide to getting the most out of Booking.com.
Website: booking.com/landmark/gb/hampton-court-palace.html
2. Expedia (UK)
If you're looking to book more than just a room, Expedia is your co-pilot. It’s brilliant at bundling your stay with flights or train tickets, often unlocking savings you can't get by booking separately. It’s the smart choice for anyone wanting to sort their whole trip in one go.
Like its rivals, Expedia has a dedicated page for the palace to keep your search focused. But its real advantage is the One Key loyalty programme. Members earn rewards and get special prices, turning this one trip into savings on your next one. Efficient, right?
Key Features and How to Use Them
Expedia’s magic is in its package deals. Here’s how to make them work for you.
- Package Deals: This is Expedia's killer feature. Before you book a hotel, always check the price for a "Flight + Hotel" or "Rail + Hotel" package. Bundling them together often triggers a tidy discount.
- One Key Member Pricing: Sign up for One Key. It's free. You’ll instantly see "Member Price" deals on loads of listings. The rewards you earn are good across Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo.
- "Pay Now" or "Pay Later" Filters: Expedia makes this choice clear. "Pay Now" can sometimes snag you a slightly lower rate, but "Pay Later" with free cancellation is your ticket to maximum flexibility.
Pro Tip: Use the map view to sanity-check the location. While the landmark page is good, some results might be in Richmond or Twickenham. Drag the map to centre on East Molesey to see the places you can actually walk from.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Package Savings: Bundling can unlock some serious deals. | Geographic Creep: Results can include less relevant London locations. |
| One Key Rewards: A great loyalty programme for regular travellers. | Dynamic Pricing: Rates can bounce around based on demand. |
| Transparent Fees: No nasty surprises. Taxes and fees are shown clearly. | Fewer B&Bs: The selection leans more towards hotels than small guesthouses. |
Expedia is for the organised traveller who values efficiency. Its package deals and loyalty programme deliver real value, making it a seriously smart way to book your stay.
Website: expedia.co.uk/Hampton-Court-Palace-Hotels
3. Hotels.com
For anyone who loves a good loyalty scheme, Hotels.com is a no-brainer. It has a huge inventory of places to stay near Hampton Court Palace, but its dead-simple rewards programme is what makes it a standout. It's perfect for finding established spots like The Mitre, which is literally on the palace’s doorstep.
The platform's appeal is its brilliantly simple Hotels.com® Rewards: collect 10 nights, get 1 reward night free. Simple as that. Your stay near the palace helps earn you a future freebie. Combine that with frequent member-only prices, and you’ve got a powerful tool for squeezing more value from every booking.
Key Features and How to Use Them
Hotels.com makes it easy to find a great deal on a conveniently located room. Here's how.
- Hotels.com® Rewards: This is the main event. Log in before you search to collect "stamps" towards your reward night. The value of your free night is the average price of the 10 you collected.
- Map View with Context: Like other sites, it has a map, but it often adds handy context like "15-minute walk" or "5-minute drive" right on the listings. It’s a small detail that saves a lot of time.
- Member Pricing: Keep an eye out for the yellow "Your secret price" tags. These discounts are only for logged-in members and can offer some decent savings. It’s free to sign up, so why wouldn’t you?
Pro Tip: Before you search, glance at the top right corner and make sure the site is set to the United Kingdom (GBP £). It can sometimes default to other regions, which messes with currency and availability.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent Rewards Programme: "Collect 10, get 1 free" is simple and valuable. | Regional Defaults: Sometimes loads the US site, requiring you to switch. |
| Member-Only Discounts: Frequent and real savings for logged-in users. | Dynamic Pricing: Like all OTAs, prices can change in a flash. |
| Clear Proximity Info: Walk/drive times are often listed—a great time-saver. | Inventory Overlap: Shares a lot of its hotel stock with other major sites. |
In short, Hotels.com is the savvy traveller’s choice. If you want your booking to work harder for you, the combo of member pricing and a dead-simple loyalty scheme makes it a very smart move.
Website: uk.hotels.com/de1653328/hotels-near-hampton-court-palace
4. Airbnb (UK)
If you’d rather have a front door than a room key, Airbnb is your platform. Forget hotel rooms—here you can find entire homes, charming cottages, and private rooms in the quiet streets of East Molesey (postcode KT8), many just a short walk from Hampton Court Palace. It’s perfect for families, groups, or anyone who wants the freedom of a kitchen and a bit more space.
Airbnb (UK)
Airbnb gives you access to unique places to stay near Hampton Court Palace that you won't find anywhere else. Think riverside flats with garden access or entire Victorian houses. It's your chance to live like a local, with the freedom to make your own breakfast or do a load of laundry.
Key Features and How to Use Them
To master Airbnb, you need to use its filters like a pro. They are your best friend.
- Map-Based Search: Don’t even think about using the list view. Switch to the map immediately and draw a tight circle around Hampton Court Palace. This instantly filters out inconvenient options in Kingston or beyond.
- Property Type Filters: Be specific. Need a whole house for the family? Filter for "Entire place." Just need a room for yourself? Select "Private room." This simple step will save you from falling for an unsuitable listing.
- Amenities Filters: If a kitchen is non-negotiable, or you absolutely need free parking, use the amenities filter. Ticking these boxes ensures every result meets your core needs. No more time wasted reading endless descriptions.
Pro Tip: Pay close attention to the host's cancellation policy and the price breakdown. Cleaning and service fees are added on top, so make sure you check the total cost before you get too excited.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More Space & Self-Catering: Kitchens and living rooms are a game-changer. | Variable Fees: Cleaning and host fees can really inflate the total cost. |
| Walkable Locations: A great supply of homes in East Molesey. | Inconsistent Policies: Cancellation rules and house rules vary by host. |
| Ideal for Longer Stays: Weekly or monthly discounts are common. | Less On-Site Support: No 24/7 reception to call if you lose your key. |
Airbnb is perfect for independent travellers and families who want more space and the comforts of home. And don't worry about sharing your data to book; you can learn more about how it's handled in our transparent guide to Airbnb's policies.
Website: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/
5. The Mitre Hampton Court (official hotel site)
Want to wake up and see the palace from your window? Then stop messing around and book direct with The Mitre. This isn't just one of the many places to stay near Hampton Court Palace; it's the place, located directly opposite the main gates. Booking on their official site cuts out the middleman and often unlocks perks you won't find anywhere else.
The Mitre Hampton Court (official hotel site)
The hotel’s website is your direct line to the best rooms. It has the most accurate availability and is the first place special packages pop up—think deals that bundle your room with dinner or even palace tickets. It’s a more curated experience than a standard booking.
Key Features and How to Use Them
The Mitre’s website is all about showing off its unique charm and making it simple to book.
- Offers Page: Always check the "Offers" section before you book. This is where you'll find seasonal deals like dinner, bed, and breakfast bundles that offer much better value than just booking the room.
- Room Selection: The site has detailed descriptions and great photos of its rooms. Pay attention to the room types—"Royal" or "Culture"—to understand the specific views and amenities. You’ll know exactly what you’re getting.
- Direct Booking Engine: The booking system is refreshingly simple. You can easily see available dates and price differences between rooms, letting you make a quick, informed decision without leaving the site.
Pro Tip: Sign up for their newsletter before you book. Hotels love to send exclusive discount codes or early-bird sale notices to their mailing list. It’s a cheeky way to snag a premium room for less.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unbeatable Location: You're literally steps from the palace. | Premium Pricing: Boutique luxury comes with a higher price tag. |
| Exclusive Offers: Direct booking can include perks like free breakfast. | Limited Availability: The best rooms sell out fast, especially on weekends. |
| Boutique Experience: Stylish rooms and top-notch on-site dining. | Less Flexibility: Direct cancellation policies can be stricter than on OTAs. |
Booking direct with The Mitre is for the traveller who puts location and experience first. It guarantees the closest possible stay, wrapped in luxury. Book early, and you get the best of both worlds: an incredible spot and a price you’re happy with.
Website: https://mitrehamptoncourt.com/
6. Lion Gate Mews / Lion Gate Apartments (official serviced apartments)
For travellers who want independence without sacrificing location, Lion Gate Mews is a brilliant find. These serviced apartments are right next to the palace's Lion Gate, making them one of the closest places to stay near Hampton Court Palace. This isn't just "nearby"—it's practically on the grounds. Perfect for families or longer stays where you want a home-from-home vibe.
A modern, clean bathroom with a walk-in shower at Lion Gate Mews.
This is the direct booking site for a small, exclusive set of apartments. The self-catering setup gives you the space and amenities—like full kitchens and living areas—that you just don't get in a hotel. It’s the ideal choice if you prefer making your own breakfast before a day of exploring.
Key Features and How to Use Them
Booking directly with Lion Gate Mews is simple because you're dealing with the owner, not a third party. The website clearly shows the different apartment types and their availability.
- Apartment Selection: Read the descriptions carefully. Some units have specific perks like views of Bushy Park or the palace, so it's worth checking the details to get the best fit for your trip.
- Private Parking: Driving? The on-site private parking is a massive win in this busy area. Confirm it during booking to remove the headache of finding a secure spot for your car.
- Weekly Servicing: For longer stays, the apartments are serviced weekly. You get a clean space without the daily interruptions of hotel housekeeping—a great balance between a private rental and a hotel.
Pro Tip: There are only a few apartments, so book as far in advance as you possibly can, especially for summer weekends or school holidays. With a location this good, they get snapped up fast.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unbeatable Location: Steps from the palace and Bushy Park. | Limited Availability: Few units means they book out very quickly. |
| Self-Catering Facilities: Full kitchens offer flexibility and save money. | Fewer Amenities: No hotel services like a restaurant or concierge. |
| Private Parking: A huge plus for guests arriving by car. | Minimum Stay Policies: Might require a multi-night booking. |
Lion Gate Mews is the perfect solution for independent travellers or families seeking the space of an apartment with a location that is simply impossible to beat. Since rates can vary, it's smart to monitor them after booking. See how FlipMyStay can help you lock in the best rate at flipmystay.com.
Website: https://www.theliongatemews.co.uk/
7. TripAdvisor
Think of TripAdvisor as your ultimate BS detector. While it’s not a direct booking site, it's an essential research tool for finding places to stay near Hampton Court Palace. It pulls together reviews, real traveller photos, and prices from multiple sites, giving you the complete, unvarnished truth before you book.
TripAdvisor's strength is social proof. Forget the glossy professional photos; here you can see hundreds of candid snaps from recent guests. It's an unfiltered look at everything from the real size of a room to the quality of the breakfast, helping you confirm if a hotel is actually as good as it claims.
Key Features and How to Use Them
Use TripAdvisor to gather intel and make a smarter booking somewhere else.
- Traveller Photos: Skip the official gallery and go straight to the "Traveller Photos" tab. This is where you find out what the place really looks like right now.
- Price Comparison: Found a hotel you like? TripAdvisor shows you prices from partners like Expedia and Booking.com all in one place. No need to open ten tabs to find the best rate.
- Review Filters: Don't just look at the overall score. Filter reviews for keywords like "Hampton Court," "walkable," or "clean." You can also filter by traveller type (families, couples) to see feedback from people just like you.
Pro Tip: Check how management responds to negative reviews. A hotel that replies politely and professionally shows they care. Radio silence? That can be a red flag.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive User Photos: See what you're really getting. | Redirects to Book: It sends you to a partner site to complete the booking. |
| Aggregates Partner Prices: Helps you easily find the best rate. | Location Inaccuracy: "Closest" lists can sometimes be a bit optimistic. |
| Vast Review Database: Get a clear consensus on a property's quality. | Review Authenticity: While moderated, fake reviews can sometimes slip through. |
Ultimately, TripAdvisor is your cross-referencing tool. Use it to vet the hotels you find elsewhere, compare prices, and get an honest opinion from fellow travellers. It empowers you to book with confidence, ensuring there are no nasty surprises on arrival.
Website: tripadvisor.co.uk/HotelsNear-g504169-d187548-Hampton_Court_Palace
7-Way Comparison of Places to Stay Near Hampton Court Palace
| Platform | Implementation complexity 🔄 | Resource requirements ⚡ | Expected outcomes 📊 | Ideal use cases 💡 | Key advantages ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Booking.com | Low — straightforward search & filters 🔄 | Low — web/app, account optional ⚡ | Wide choice + reliable price comparison 📊 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Find many options quickly; flexible bookings | Huge inventory, landmark-specific page, strong reviews |
| Expedia (UK) | Moderate — booking + package tools 🔄 | Moderate — account for One Key; bundling tools ⚡ | Good savings for packages; transparent fees 📊 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Package trips (hotel + flight/rail); last-minute deals | One Key pricing, package discounts, strong support |
| Hotels.com | Low — simple OTA flow 🔄 | Low — account to collect rewards ⚡ | Consistent local inventory; member promos 📊 ⭐⭐⭐ | Frequent stays; use rewards to earn free nights | Hotels Rewards program, clear proximity info |
| Airbnb (UK) | Moderate — host-specific rules & messaging 🔄 | Moderate — cleaning/host fees vary; vetting needed ⚡ | More space & self-catering; variable pricing 📊 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Families, longer stays, self-catering and local living | Entire homes, kitchens, many walkable/riverside options |
| The Mitre Hampton Court (official site) | Low — direct booking engine 🔄 | Moderate — boutique pricing; possible advance booking ⚡ | Premium riverside stay; immediate palace access 📊 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Boutique stay steps from the palace; special offers | Unbeatable location, characterful rooms, direct perks |
| Lion Gate Mews / Apartments | Low — direct/serviced-apartment booking 🔄 | Moderate — self-catering setup; private parking ⚡ | Good value for multi-night/family stays 📊 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Families or longer visits with car access | Kitchens, private parking, exceptional proximity |
| TripAdvisor | Low — research-focused platform 🔄 | Low — no booking required (redirects to partners) ⚡ | Clear crowd-sourced insights; price links 📊 ⭐⭐⭐ | Verify reviews/photos and compare partner rates | Extensive reviews/photos; aggregates partner prices |
Your Final Booking Check: Don't Leave Money on the Table
Okay, you've scouted the hotels, checked out the B&Bs, and have a solid shortlist of great places to stay near Hampton Court Palace. Your perfect base for exploring Tudor history is just a few clicks away.
But let's be real. Hitting "book" feels like a gamble. What if the price drops next week? That nagging feeling you could have saved a few quid is the worst. And who has time to manually check prices every day? You’ve got better things to do, like planning your palace visit.
This is where one final, smart step turns your booking from a hopeful guess into a guaranteed best price. It’s about securing your room now and letting technology hunt for savings for you.
Turning Your Booking into a Winning Strategy
The biggest mistake people make is thinking the price they book is the final price. Hotel and booking site algorithms are constantly tweaking rates. A lower price for your exact room often appears after you’ve already booked.
Here’s the secret: a refundable booking isn't just a safety net; it's a weapon. By choosing a "free cancellation" rate on a site like Booking.com, you give yourself the power to cash in on those price drops.
The Smart Traveller's Secret: Your first booking is just locking in your spot. The real saving happens between now and check-in. By monitoring your cancellable booking for price drops, you can lock in serious savings with zero effort.
How to Lock in the Lowest Price, Effortlessly
So, how do you do this without adding another chore to your list? This is where your smart sidekick comes in.
- Book Your Ideal Spot: Go on, reserve that room at The Mitre or the cosy guesthouse you found. Just make sure you select a rate with free cancellation.
- Activate Your Price Tracker: This is the game-changer. Instead of setting calendar reminders, just forward your booking confirmation email to a service like FlipMyStay.
- Relax and Let Us Work: Our system immediately gets to work, scanning 24/7 for a price drop on your specific room at your hotel. It’s a job no human could (or should) do.
- Get an Alert and Rebook: The second a lower price is found, you get an alert with a direct link. In a couple of clicks, you cancel the old booking and rebook at the cheaper rate. Simple.
By doing this one last check, you're not just finding one of the best places to stay near Hampton Court Palace; you're guaranteeing you pay the lowest possible price for it. You book with the confidence that any future price drop lands back in your pocket. Now, go plan your royal adventure.
Ready to make your booking truly smart? Once you've chosen your accommodation, forward the confirmation to save@flipmystay.com. Let FlipMyStay work its magic to ensure you get the absolute best price on one of these amazing places to stay near Hampton Court Palace, completely free of charge. Visit FlipMyStay to see how it works.