Places to stay near the Criterion Theatre in London

Criterion Theatre sits on Piccadilly in London’s West End, so you have several hotels within a short walk. The main choice is how close you want to be to Piccadilly Circus itself versus a slightly quieter side street nearby. Use this page to compare named hotels that are commonly used by theatre-goers, then check each property directly for current availability, room types, accessibility, and any extras you care about such as breakfast or late check-out.

Closest hotels for walking to evening performances

If your priority is stepping out of the hotel and being at the theatre within a few minutes on foot, focus on the Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street area. These hotels are well placed for a short walk to Criterion Theatre and other West End venues nearby.

• Zedwell Piccadilly CircusVery close to Piccadilly Circus, convenient for walking straight to the theatre and nearby restaurants.
• Hotel Café RoyalOn or near Regent Street by Piccadilly Circus, handy if you want a short stroll to the theatre and quick access to the Underground.
• Thistle Piccadilly HotelTucked just off the main Piccadilly Circus area, giving easy walking access to the theatre while keeping you slightly off the busiest junction.

Hotels on quieter nearby streets

Some visitors prefer to stay within walking distance of the theatre but just off the main Piccadilly Circus junction. These hotels are still central but are set on streets that many guests use as a base for exploring Soho, Regent Street, and St James’s on foot.

• Ham Yard HotelLocated in the Ham Yard area near Piccadilly Circus, walkable to the theatre while giving you a base close to Soho and Shaftesbury Avenue.
• The DillyOn or near Piccadilly a short distance from the junction, suitable if you want to walk to the theatre and towards Green Park or St James’s between shows.
• MoxyA Moxy-branded hotel in London that can work as a base for reaching Piccadilly Circus and the theatre by public transport or a longer walk, depending on the exact location.

Comparing locations for transport and late finishes

Staying right by Piccadilly Circus, at places such as Zedwell Piccadilly Circus or Hotel Café Royal, puts you close to Underground connections and main roads that many people use for taxis or rideshares after a show. Hotels slightly off the junction, like Ham Yard Hotel, The Dilly, or Thistle Piccadilly Hotel, can still keep you within walking distance of Piccadilly Circus station while giving you alternative routes through side streets if the main junction feels busy when performances finish. Because services and routes can change, always confirm the nearest stations and your preferred way back to the hotel before your visit.

What to check with your hotel before you book

Because each property sets its own policies, you will need to confirm practical details with your chosen hotel before committing to a booking. This includes check-in and check-out times if you are planning to arrive close to curtain-up or leave early the next morning, whether they offer luggage storage so you can go straight to the theatre, and any accessibility information you may need for lifts, step-free access, or room layouts. If you expect to use a car park or arrive by taxi, ask the hotel for their current guidance on drop-off points and nearby parking, as arrangements around Piccadilly and neighbouring streets can change. For room types, bed configurations, and any loyalty benefits or breakfast options, rely on the hotel’s own descriptions or your booking provider’s latest information.

Staying near restaurants and attractions around the theatre

Choosing a hotel close to Criterion Theatre also places you among many dining options and sights in Piccadilly Circus and the surrounding streets. Restaurants such as Masala Zone Piccadilly Circus and Granaio are only a short distance from the theatre, and there are further choices like Pizza Hut on Regent Street St James’s, The Hard Rock Cafe on Piccadilly, and Carlo Cicchetti nearby. If you prefer cafés or lighter options, venues such as Simit Sarayi, Caffee Concerto on Haymarket, and Costa on Regent Street St James’s are all within walking range. For sightseeing between performances, you can easily reach Piccadilly Lights, The Horses of Helios sculpture, The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience on Shaftesbury Avenue, and the Chinatown Gate on Wardour Street, all a short walk from the theatre area. When comparing hotels, consider whether you want to be right beside these busy spots or a little removed while still close enough to walk back after a meal or daytime activity.

• Masala Zone Piccadilly CircusIndian restaurant a short walk from the theatre, useful for pre-show meals.
• GranaioNearby restaurant on Piccadilly Circus, convenient for dining before or after a performance.
• Piccadilly LightsMajor landmark about a short walk from the theatre and many of the nearby hotels.
• The Crystal Maze LIVE ExperienceAttraction on Shaftesbury Avenue within walking distance of the theatre area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which hotels are closest to the Criterion Theatre in London?

Hotels commonly chosen for their proximity to Criterion Theatre include Zedwell Piccadilly Circus, Hotel Café Royal, Ham Yard Hotel, The Dilly, Thistle Piccadilly Hotel, and Moxy-branded accommodation in London. The first five are in and around the Piccadilly Circus area, making them convenient for walking to the theatre, while Moxy can serve as a base you reach by public transport or a longer walk depending on its exact London location. For precise walking times and directions, check a map with each hotel’s full address before you book.

Can I easily walk from Piccadilly Circus hotels to the Criterion Theatre?

Yes. Hotels based around Piccadilly Circus and nearby streets, such as Zedwell Piccadilly Circus, Hotel Café Royal, Ham Yard Hotel, The Dilly, and Thistle Piccadilly Hotel, are all positioned so guests typically walk to Criterion Theatre and other West End venues. The exact route and duration will depend on the hotel’s entrance and your pace, so it is worth checking the walking directions from your chosen property to the theatre address on Piccadilly before your trip.

How should I compare these hotels if I am seeing an evening show?

For an evening performance, many visitors compare hotels by how close they are to Piccadilly Circus and the theatre, how straightforward the walk looks on a map, and how near they are to Underground stations or the streets they plan to use for taxis or rideshares. Properties right by the junction, like Zedwell Piccadilly Circus or Hotel Café Royal, place you close to transport and the theatre, while hotels such as Ham Yard Hotel, The Dilly, and Thistle Piccadilly Hotel offer short walks from nearby streets. Once you have narrowed down the location, confirm check-in times, late-arrival arrangements, and any luggage storage directly with the hotel so your schedule fits the show time.

Do any of these hotels offer special theatre packages for the Criterion?

The available packages and promotions, including any theatre-related offers, are set by each hotel and can change. While hotels like Hotel Café Royal, The Dilly, Ham Yard Hotel, Zedwell Piccadilly Circus, Thistle Piccadilly Hotel, and Moxy-branded properties are well placed for theatre trips, you will need to check each hotel’s own website or contact them directly to see whether they currently offer packages linked to Criterion Theatre or other West End shows.

What should I confirm with my hotel before arriving for a show at the Criterion Theatre?

Before your visit, confirm your hotel’s check-in and check-out times, whether they can store luggage if you plan to go straight to the theatre, and any accessibility needs such as lift access or step-free routes to rooms. If you expect to use a car park or taxi near Piccadilly, ask the hotel for up-to-date advice on the best drop-off points and nearby parking options. It is also sensible to review the walking or public transport route from the hotel to the theatre in advance so you know how long to allow before curtain-up.

Is the PromoTix marketplace involved in booking these hotels?

PromoTix focuses on helping you discover events and plan your visit to venues like the Criterion Theatre rather than managing hotel reservations. Use this guide to identify hotels such as Zedwell Piccadilly Circus, Hotel Café Royal, Ham Yard Hotel, The Dilly, Thistle Piccadilly Hotel, and Moxy that are well placed for the theatre, then complete your booking directly with the property or through your preferred accommodation platform.