The O2 Arena in North Greenwich hosts major concerts, sporting events, and entertainment throughout the year. If you’re attending an event, staying nearby makes sense – you avoid the rush-hour commute and can walk back to your hotel after the show instead of fighting for the last Tube.
The immediate area isn’t central London’s most charming neighbourhood, but it offers good hotel options and surprisingly good transport links to the rest of the city.
Best Hotels Near the O2
InterContinental London – The O2
The premium option. This five-star hotel sits directly on the Greenwich Peninsula, connected to the O2 by a covered walkway. You can walk from your room to the arena in under five minutes.
The rooms: Modern luxury with floor-to-ceiling windows. River-facing rooms have views of Canary Wharf and the Thames. The suites are genuinely impressive.
Facilities: Spa, pool, multiple restaurants, and a sky bar with panoramic views.
Who it’s for: Those who want a proper luxury stay and don’t mind paying for it. Good for romantic weekends built around a concert.
Price: From around £250/night, more during major events.
Radisson Blu Edwardian, New Providence Wharf
About 15 minutes’ walk from the O2, across the water in Canary Wharf. The location works well – you’re in a more developed area with restaurants and bars, and the walk to the venue is pleasant along the riverfront.
The rooms: Contemporary design, comfortable beds, good amenities. River views from higher floors.
Facilities: Spa, gym, restaurant, and bar. The hotel runs a free shuttle to Canary Wharf Tube.
Who it’s for: Those who want quality accommodation without the premium of being directly on-site.
Price: From around £150/night.
Novotel London Canary Wharf
A reliable four-star option in Canary Wharf, about 20 minutes from the O2 by DLR or taxi.
The rooms: Standard Novotel quality – clean, functional, no surprises. Good for families with the brand’s family-friendly policies.
Facilities: Swimming pool, gym, restaurant. Good value compared to other options.
Who it’s for: Families, those on moderate budgets who still want comfort.
Price: From around £120/night.
Holiday Inn Express London Greenwich
The budget-friendly option with a convenient location. About 15 minutes’ walk from the O2, with a free shuttle to North Greenwich Tube.
The rooms: Basic but clean. Don’t expect frills – this is functional accommodation.
Facilities: Complimentary breakfast included, which adds value at this price point.
Who it’s for: Budget-conscious concert-goers who prioritise location over luxury.
Price: From around £90/night.
Premier Inn London Greenwich
Standard Premier Inn quality (which is consistently decent) with a location that works for the O2. About 20 minutes’ walk or a short bus ride.
The rooms: The usual Premier Inn formula – comfortable beds, clean rooms, no surprises.
Who it’s for: Those who know and trust the Premier Inn brand.
Price: From around £80/night.
The Pilot Inn
Something different. This is a traditional pub with boutique rooms above, a short walk from the O2. The pub itself has character – proper ales, decent food, friendly atmosphere.
The rooms: Small but charming. Don’t expect hotel amenities.
Who it’s for: Those who want character over chain-hotel predictability.
Price: From around £100/night.
Slightly Further Options
DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich
In Greenwich proper, about 20 minutes from the O2 by bus. The advantage here is the neighbourhood – historic Greenwich is worth exploring, with the Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory, and Greenwich Market all nearby.
Who it’s for: Those combining an O2 event with sightseeing in Greenwich.
Price: From around £130/night.
Aloft London Excel
Near ExCeL London, about 20 minutes from the O2 by DLR. A modern, design-forward hotel with a younger vibe.
Who it’s for: Those attending events at both ExCeL and the O2, or those who prefer contemporary hotel design.
Price: From around £120/night.
Good Hotel London
A floating hotel moored at Royal Victoria Dock. It’s a social enterprise – profits support projects to help homeless people find employment. The hotel itself is surprisingly comfortable for something unconventional.
Who it’s for: Those who want something different and appreciate the social mission.
Price: From around £100/night.
Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel
Luxury option in Canary Wharf, about 20 minutes from the O2 by taxi. Five-star facilities with Thames views.
Who it’s for: Those who want Canary Wharf’s restaurants and bars with O2 access.
Price: From around £200/night.
Practical Tips
Getting to the O2
On foot: The InterContinental is 5 minutes’ walk. Most Greenwich hotels are 15-20 minutes.
DLR/Tube: North Greenwich station (Jubilee line) is directly beneath the O2. From Canary Wharf, it’s a 10-minute ride.
Thames Clippers: River buses connect Greenwich and Canary Wharf to central London. A fun alternative to the Tube.
Taxi/Uber: Available but expect surge pricing after major events.
After the Show
The Tube runs until around 12:30am (later on weekends). Most concerts finish by 11pm, so you’ll usually make the last train. If you’re worried, staying within walking distance removes the stress.
Event Nights
Prices spike during major events. Book as far ahead as possible – as soon as you’ve bought concert tickets, book accommodation. Availability disappears quickly.
The Neighbourhood
North Greenwich itself is limited – the O2 complex has restaurants and bars, but it’s not a destination neighbourhood. Canary Wharf has more options. Historic Greenwich (the Cutty Sark, markets, Observatory) is worth a visit if you have time before or after your event.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from O2 Arena hotels to central London?
The North Greenwich Tube station on the Jubilee line sits directly beneath the O2 Arena. From there, you can reach central London destinations in 15-30 minutes – Bond Street takes 22 minutes, Westminster takes 16 minutes, and London Bridge takes 10 minutes. Thames Clippers river buses also connect North Greenwich to central London and provide scenic alternative transport.
Which hotel is closest to the O2 Arena?
The InterContinental London – The O2 is the closest hotel, connected to the arena by a covered walkway. You can walk from your room to the venue in under five minutes, making it ideal for concert-goers who want to avoid post-show transport hassles. It is also the most expensive option in the area.
Is it worth staying near the O2 if I am attending a concert?
Yes, if you want to avoid the stress of catching the last Tube after a show. The Tube runs until around 12:30am on most nights and later on weekends, and most concerts finish by 11pm, but staying nearby eliminates the rush. You can walk back to your hotel, have a drink, and relax instead of fighting crowds for transport.
Are there good restaurants near O2 Arena hotels?
The O2 complex itself has numerous chain restaurants and bars. Canary Wharf, about 15 minutes away, offers better dining options including upscale restaurants and independent cafes. Historic Greenwich, accessible by bus, has excellent pubs, Greenwich Market food stalls, and riverside dining options worth exploring.
Do hotel prices increase during major O2 events?
Yes, hotel prices spike significantly during major concerts and sporting events at the O2. Book accommodation as soon as you purchase event tickets to secure better rates and availability. Last-minute bookings during popular shows can cost double or triple normal rates, and hotels may sell out completely.
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