Beds for the Blues: The 6 best hotels near Stamford Bridge

Just a goal kick away, The Millennium and Copthorne Hotels at Chelsea Football Club can’t be beaten in terms of proximity to Stamford Bridge. Not only is that handy on match day, but it also means easy access to Chelsea FC’s superstore and the club’s museum. The latter tells the whole story of the club from 1905 and contains a multitude of historical shirts, medals, and trophies, including those two Champions Leagues.

Close to Fulham Broadway station and with a slightly later check out than is normal (12 p.m.), it’s a modern, comfortable place, where the traditional local preparation for a day at the football—a full English breakfast—can be enjoyed in the on-site 55 Restaurant every morning. And, from the 2022/23 season, you can stay in a “Blues Room,” with Chelsea-branded duvet and towels.

Once famous for the huge venue that played host to bands like Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones, Earls Court is a laidback and still relatively youthful neighbourhood close to Stamford Bridge. Located in the heart of Earls Court, close to the Tube station, The Hotel Indigo London – Kensington offers modern comfort in an elegant 19th-century building. It’s luxury, but not stuffy: Each room has a different decor, reflecting the neighbourhood and its history, with such niceties as a free morning newspaper, tea maker, and in-room mini fridge.

There’s still some Chelsea FC history here, too. The Brompton Cemetery, through which you can walk from Earl’s Court to Stamford Bridge, is where Augustus Mears, founder of the club, is buried.

Hammersmith is one of West London’s most down-to-earth areas, and the Holiday Inn Express London – Hammersmith, just off King Street is right at its heart. It’s a high-quality hotel with features like a “power” shower and choice of pillows for those looking for excellent value for money. If you’re bringing your children to the game, then one of the hotel’s family rooms, with a sofa bed for the kids, would be perfect. Plus, breakfast is included.

The northern part of the neighbourhood bleeds into Shepherds Bush, with dozens of restaurants, particularly Middle Eastern places, bars, and pubs. It’s a great transport hub, too, with tube trains and buses heading out across West London and into the city centre. To the south is the Thames, and Hammersmith boasts some of the best Thameside pubs in the City. Chief amongst them is The Dove, a charismatic, wooden-beamed classic with roots that stretch back into the 17th century.

Where better to stay on a football weekend than in a pub? The Captain Cook, on Dawes Road, 15 minutes’ walk from Stamford Bridge, is not only a great place for a drink, but it’s also renowned for the quality of its food. You couldn’t pick a better place to celebrate a victory, or take the edge off a disappointing result.

Guest rooms are simple and elegant, with features like large flat-screen TVs and coffee/tea makers, while locals love the pub’s Spanish-focused menu and the more traditional Sunday options when “Roasts ” range from beef to vegan nut roast. If you’re still hungry after all that, see if you can grab a table at The River Cafe, probably London’s most beloved Italian restaurant.

There’s a lot going on in Chelsea, from the boutiques and restaurants of Sloane Square to the art galleries and museums between King’s Road and Thames. This neighbourhood is home to The Apartments Chelsea, which can accommodate up to six people in each bright and modern apartment. Each unit’s fully-fitted kitchen is perfect for those keen to make the most of some excellent local food shops, such as the much-loved local deli Partridges.

Amongst Chelsea’s most notable residents are the Chelsea Pensioners, whose red coats are a regular fixture at home games (they get free tickets!). You can take a tour of their home, The Royal Hospital in Chelsea, led by one of the Pensioners. Afterward, stroll across the river to Battersea Park, one of London’s most delightful open spaces and the first place in the world to host football matches under modern rules back in 1864. Head to Sloane Square station, meanwhile, for Tube trains.

Look hard enough and you’ll find football history almost everywhere in this part of the capital. The site of Hub by Premier Inn West Brompton is almost on top of the old Lillie Bridge Grounds, which closed in 1888 following a riot.

It’s much calmer these days: The compact but comfortable rooms are ideal if you want to be close to Stamford Bridge on a budget (it’s a 20-minute walk). Rooms are tricked out with luxe-style beds, touchscreen controls, and a “monsoon” shower. The modern bar and restaurant will suit those seeking a low-key end to the evening.

This part of London is not short on attractions. The Famous Three Kings pub in nearby West Kensington is amongst London’s best for watching sport; if it’s on TV, it’ll be on here. The Harwood Arms, meanwhile, is the only Michelin-starred pub in London. West Brompton station, meanwhile, has Underground and Overground links going north, south, west, and east.