In the UK, air conditioning is not the norm. This is the case whether you go to public or private areas, and it can be a source of grief for many visitors when trying to experience London in the heat of summer, whether for a weekend, business, a special occasion, or if you live there. Understanding London hotels air conditioning is crucial for any travellers—so what are you getting yourself into when you are looking at booking a hotel?
If you’re visiting London in the festive season, don’t forget to find all the best Instagrammable spots, go ice skating, and see some West End shows to create unforgettable moments!
Do London Hotels Have Air Conditioning as Standard?
London hotels air conditioning is not the standard, as most of the UK does not typically have air conditioning in properties. Despite the hot and humid summers we see in London, many of the city’s hotels are made up of older buildings—which cannot easily be altered for air conditioning to be fitted.
Some AC in London hotels may also be reserved for specific rooms within the building, and some more expensive bedrooms that have been renovated. Because of this, if you want a room with air conditioning, it is always worth calling the hotel up to double-check if your room has the feature. If it does not, you may want to see if other rooms do, and make a switch.
Why Is Air Conditioning Less Common in Older London Hotels?
A big reason why London hotels air conditioning is lacking compared to other parts of the world, like the US, comes down to the age of the buildings. Historic buildings cannot easily be renovated to suit modern tastes, and carrying out renovations is not always allowed, depending on the building itself.
Even some of our own hotels, which date back well over a hundred years (our Georgian and Victorian townhouse hotels of Hotel Cavendish and Bloomsbury Palace Hotel), cannot easily be renovated for contemporary features. Ultimately, for many hotels (including ours), protecting its history and original features is a top priority on top of other issues, and installing AC systems in buildings erected between 1714–1901 will not provide an authentic experience to guests.
Our approach to balancing historic preservation with responsible operations has been recognised through a Bronze Award from Green Tourism, reflecting our ongoing efforts to manage energy use thoughtfully while operating within the constraints of older buildings.
The Bronze Award acknowledges progress in sustainability practices at the time of assessment and does not indicate full certification across all environmental criteria or uniform implementation across every property.
Which Types of London Hotels Usually Offer Air Conditioning?
London hotels that are the most likely to have air conditioning are contemporary builds and renovated buildings. Many higher-end hotels will also have gone through the process of installing air conditioning, but this is not a given for all high-end accommodations—so, don’t expect luxury London hotels AC for every visit, either.
We encourage everyone to do some research or call the hotels they are thinking of staying out to find out if there are AC options available. Air conditioning availability in London hotels can differ, and specific rooms with AC may be reserved.
Is Air Conditioning Important When Visiting London in Summer?
Are London hotels air conditioning important, or is this a non-issue when visiting the capital? The answer might depend on when you visit, and what you are used to. When visiting London during a heatwave, having access to AC is increasingly important—particularly when the nights stay warm, and 25–35°C is normal.
While these temperatures are not as hot as other places around the world, anyone who has visited any part of the UK (especially London) when temperatures are like this will agree—it feels much hotter. Indoor temperatures can rise quickly, and when there isn’t a lot of ventilation, rooms can become stifling and unpleasant, so you need to know how to handle it.
How Can You Check if Your London Hotel Has Air Conditioning?
To check air conditioning availability London hotels offer, you can either check the hotel’s website for details, look at their overview on Google Maps, or call the hotel itself and ask directly. In some cases, some central London hotels air con might be reserved for specific rooms or spaces, so it’s important to find out ahead of time and book a room with AC if you need it.
The air conditioned hotels London offers may be a welcome respite in the middle of summer, but never assume that a hotel or even the room you book will have it. Take a moment to double-check the details before you book.
What Cooling Options Are Available if Air Conditioning Is Limited?
If you book a room without AC, you can implement a number of techniques to help you keep your room cool in the summer. This includes closing the curtains during the day, opening windows at night, using a fan (or asking the front desk for one if they are available), and keeping head sources like lights off as much as you can.
Below are some useful tips for keeping your room cool in the heat of summer:
- Closing curtains during the day to prevent sunlight from getting in and heating up the room
- Using the fan if one is provided in the room (or call and ask the front desk is this is a possibility)
- Opening the windows to let a cool breeze into the room (this is especially important at night)
- Keep heat sources turned off to reduce heat build-up in the room (this includes hairdryers and lights)
Tips For Keeping Yourself Cool if You Are in a Hotel Without Air Conditioning
If you struggle with the heat, and don’t know what to do to keep yourself cool, you can try a number of things. From taking a cool shower and wearing light, breathable clothes, to staying hydrated and using the right bedding, you can quickly bring your body temperature down to make your hotel stay more comfortable.
It’s always worth asking the front desk for any resources or tips they might have for their specific hotel rooms, too. They will probably be well-versed in the issue, and be ready to help when you need it.
Here are a few things you can do to keep yourself cool when your hotel has no AC:
- Take a cool shower (this will bring your body temperature down)
- Wear light clothes (cotton clothing is best, and avoid clothing made from plastics and non-breathable fabrics)
- Stay hydrated at all times (drink enough water, tea, coffee, and anything else you like to maintain hydration)
- Use the right bedding for the climate (if your bedding is too warm, call the front desk to ask if it can be switched out to something lighter to keep you comfortable)
Do Crown Group of Hotels Provide Air Conditioning or Cooling Solutions?
At Crown Group of Hotels, half of our hotels offer air conditioning to be enjoyed in the summer, and half do not. Call us to see if you need to book a specific room with AC availability, or to find out what solutions we can offer if you won’t have air conditioning during your stay with us.
Our hotels that offer air conditioning:
As we previously mentioned, many older buildings do not have air conditioning—and this includes Hotel Cavendish and Bloomsbury Palace Hotel. However, we are happy to provide alternative cooling solutions for you if you visit us in the summer.
These hotels do not offer air conditioning:
Stay With Crown Group of Hotels for Your Next London Visit
London hotels air conditioning is not a given, and many hotels in older buildings won’t have AC for a number of reasons, while newer builds and larger chains will. However, don’t forget that the character of a hotel is a big reason for staying there, and an authentic stay will elevate your trip to the UK’s capital.
Planning a comfortable stay in London? Explore Crown Group of Hotels to find well-located properties with clear amenity details, so you know exactly what to expect before you arrive. Before booking, please read through our booking and privacy policies and terms and conditions.
