If you’ve read my previous posts about the London Marathon, you already know how important it is to get enough sleep, especially before the big race.
Where you choose to stay can really impact your performance on race day. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help fellow runners prepare for the London Marathon.
I’ll share some great hotel options that are near the race route, making it convenient for you to reach the starting line.
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious hotel, a budget-friendly one, or a place where you can relax after the race – I’ve got you covered.
So, let’s get started…
Where Is The Start of the London Marathon?
Every year, London becomes a hub of excitement as people from all over gather to witness one of the city’s major events – the exciting London Marathon.
The 26.2-mile ( 42.2-km) marathon course starts in Greenwich Park. This beautiful park is located in the southeastern part of the city, in the Greenwich borough.
Nearby, you’ll find attractions like the O2 Arena, the Peter Harrison Planetarium, Greenwich Pier, the Now Gallery, and the Royal Observatory.
Greenwich Park is one of London’s Royal Parks and covers 183 acres. It offers a mix of 17th-century landscape design and a stunning view of the modern London skyline.
Remember to take some time to explore the city, but be careful not to tire yourself out too much. We want you to be well-rested and fresh on the morning of the race.
How To Get To The Start Line Of The London Marathon
To reach the start line, I recommend using public transportation like the DLR, London Underground, and London Overground. These options are definitely the most convenient and efficient ways to move around the city.
A couple of weeks before the big day, you will receive more details about the event including your all-important Event Guide, recommended stations for your bib colour, an arrival window with suggested trains, and your start time.
Your bib color defines your assembly area. There are four assembly areas (blue, green, red, and yellow) – the colour of the digits on your bib number will match your assembly area.
How To Get To The Blue And Yellow Start Lines
The simplest way to reach the blue and yellow start lines is by walking from Blackheath station.
Trains to Blackheath are available from London Victoria, Charing Cross, London Bridge, and Waterloo East. It’s a good idea to allocate around 15-20 minutes for the walk from the station to the assembly area.
Make sure to aim to reach the assembly area at least an hour before the race begins.
How To Get To The Red Start
The most convenient route to reach the red line is by using Greenwich station. You can catch a train to Greenwich from London Bridge or Cannon Street.
You can get to Greenwich station through the DLR or the Cutty Sark tube station.
How To Get To The Green Start
The simplest way to reach the green start is to take Maze Hill station. You can catch trains from London Bridge or Cannon Street to get to Maze Hill.
For race-day travel, runners can travel for free by showing their race number on the Underground, Overground, bus network, TFL Rail, DLR, and relevant Southeastern trains that lead to the start line.
To avoid delays, keep your race number handy and accessible at stations along the main routes to the start.
Please Note: Spectators will need to pay for their travel.
All the stations are conveniently located within a 10 to 15-minute walk from their nearest starting lines.
If you arrive at the station specified in your registration email, there will be signs guiding you to your start.
Make sure to allocate enough time for this walk to ensure you’re not rushing to make it to your start on time.
Now that you know your way to the start line, here are my best picks for the BEST hotels to stay in if running the London Marathon.
What Are The Best Hotels Near Start In Greenwich?
If you’re looking for a place to stay near the marathon starting point, you have a wide range of options available, from cosy B&Bs to luxurious hotels. Here are some choices to consider:
Doubletree By Hilton London – Greenwich
A popular and well-loved 4-star choice for many travellers visiting Greenwich, the Doubletree lives up to the renowned Hilton’s reputation.
With its restored 1940s architecture, the hotel offers a touch of history and is conveniently located near the iconic Cutty Sark, providing you with an authentic London experience during your stay.
Surrounded by dining options, the hotel is a 3-minute walk away from various restaurants.
Depending on your assigned assembly area, you have two convenient options to get to the start line.
You can either take a train from Greenwich Station, which is a 9-minute walk from the hotel, or enjoy a pleasant 30-minute walk to the starting line.
Novotel London Greenwich
Novotel London Greenwich is a fantastic 4-star hotel located in the heart of Greenwich Borough. It offers great value and ensures a comfortable and memorable stay for its guests.
The hotel features a modern leisure complex with a fully equipped fitness centre, a steam room, and a relaxation area. It’s conveniently located a 10-minute walk from Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory.
If you’re interested in visiting Canary Wharf, it’s a 15-minute drive away. Additionally, Greenwich Pier is easily reachable with a 5-minute walk.
One of the standout features of this hotel is its close proximity to Greenwich Station, a 2-minute walk away. This ensures that moving around the city is exceptionally convenient for you.
Plus, the hotel boasts award-winning beds that promise a good night’s rest – essential for your marathon preparation.
The Clarendon Hotel
An affordable 3-star establishment, the Clarendon Hotel offers a unique and charming stay in Greenwich.
Overlooking historic Blackheath and Greenwich Park, the hotel’s location makes it very close to the London Marathon’s start line, a quick 15-minute walk away.
Parking is available at the front and back of the hotel, although space is limited.
Additional parking options can be found in nearby car parks and on-street areas. The hotel also provides electric car charging facilities.
Surrounded by great bars, restaurants, and boutique shops, The Clarendon Hotel ensures you’ll have a vibrant and convenient stay.
If you prefer to base yourself at a spot near the finish line of the marathon, you should consider these hotels…
What Are The Best Hotels Near Finish Line At The Mall Near Buckingham Palace?
St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, London
A luxurious and popular 4-star hotel, St. James Court lives up to its grand name. Known as a blend of history with modern comfort, the hotel boasts a prime central location nestled between Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament.
It doesn’t get more classically ‘London’ than this! It’s the perfect place to pamper yourself after a challenging marathon through the city.
This heritage deluxe 4-star hotel offers a short stroll to prominent city attractions like Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, and Mayfair.
With 2 restaurants, a full-service spa, and various meeting spaces including a conference suite, it caters to all your needs. Plus, complimentary WiFi is available.
Within a 0.4-mile (600 m) radius, you’ll find key stations like St. James’s Park, Victoria Underground Station, and Victoria Train Station, making your travel connections hassle-free.
The Sanctuary House Hotel
This comfortable 3-star hotel is a great choice if you’re seeking a cosy yet affordable place to unwind after a challenging day on the road.
Situated in the iconic Westminster area of the city, The Sanctuary House Hotel is conveniently located less than a 5-minute walk away from historic landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, the famous Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben.
Housed in a majestic Victorian building, this hotel offers a restaurant and complimentary WiFi throughout its premises.
The hotel also hosts a traditional pub by Fuller’s on its ground floor, where you can relish home-cooked lunch and dinner. The menu showcases classic dishes, and an array of fine wines and award-winning ales are also available.
For transportation, both St. James’s Park and Westminster stops are conveniently situated within a 0.3-mile (500m) distance from the hotel.
Sofitel London St James
If you are looking for a top-notch five-star luxury hotel, the Sofitel London St. James is the best choice.
Found in London’s West End, this hotel occupies a stunningly preserved Neoclassical building. It’s renowned for its lavish on-site spa, and spacious rooms, and even houses the Michelin Star restaurant, Wild Honey St. James.
Every room comes with complimentary WiFi, a work desk, the signature Sofitel MyBed, turndown service, a lavish bath/shower, Diptyque toiletries, a flat-screen TV, and an iDock sound system.
Additional amenities include a Nespresso coffee machine, bottled water, and a well-stocked minibar. Some rooms even offer beautiful views of London.
Conveniently, nearby stations are just a quick 5-minute walk away.
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