The London Marathon is one of the greatest races in the world. There’s almost a carnival-like atmosphere before, during and after the race. It’s a great occasion with lots of dedication, endurance and enthusiasm for serious runners.
Whether you’re thinking about taking part or just being a spectator, it’s recommended to book accommodation well in advance of the big day itself. As you would expect with so many visitors, hotels are quickly snapped up. There are plenty of comfortable, spacious and affordable hotels along and not too far from the route.
SE18 6AY, London, 18 Beresford Square. Woolwich. London.
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.
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.
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*.
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.
For this year’s 2019 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 2019 the Virgin London Marathon is being held on Sunday April 28th.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nearest Hotels and B&B’s : in the towns of Hoylake, West Kirby, Frankby, Greasby, Wirral, Moreton, Birkenhead, Wallasey and Heswall.
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.