The historical city of Nottingham is famous for its connection to the Robin Hood legend and its proximity to Sherwood Forest where Robin and his band of merry men were reputed to hide from the local Sherriff.

The city’s castle is at the heart of the heroic outlaw’s legend and now incorporates a fascinating museum and exciting art galleries.

Nottingham boasts a diverse selection of cheap hotels and bed and breakfast rooms to let near the city centre, including the branded economy inns and lodges that offer cheap guest and family rooms for the night.

Last minute deals are also regularly available making the city’s more upmarket hotels more affordable. Many offer free Wifi and free parking, some feature a swimming pool as well.

Our Favourite Cheap Hotels and B&B’s in Nottingham:

3 Star: ibis Nottingham Centre
3 Star: The Cotswold
4 Star: Park Plaza Nottingham (Affordable)

Cheap B&B: Fairhaven Guest Accommodation

Where is the best place to stay in Nottingham?

Nottingham offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some areas and types of accommodation you might consider when planning your stay in Nottingham city centre.

1. Old Market Square Area

The Market Square is located in the heart of Nottingham, surrounded by important landmarks and buildings.

If you want to be close to major attractions, shopping, and dining options, staying near the Market Square is a good choice. You’ll find a range of hotels, from luxury to budget, in this area.

It is a central and prominent location in Nottingham and serves as the primary public space in the city center and has historical significance.

The square has a rich history and has been a focal point for various events and activities over the years. It has witnessed markets, public gatherings, and celebrations.

The Council House, a notable municipal building, is situated on one side of the Market Square. It serves as the city’s ceremonial headquarters and is an iconic architectural landmark.

The old market square itself is spacious and often hosts events, markets, and performances. It is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

For many events and festivals throughout the year the Market Square is a venue. These events may include markets, cultural celebrations, and seasonal festivities.

The area around the Market Square is known for its shopping opportunities, with numerous shops, boutiques, and malls nearby. There are also entertainment venues, theaters, and cinemas in the vicinity.

Public transportation including buses and trams are well-connected on the Market Square. It is easily accessible, making it a hub for people traveling within the city.

Overall, the Market Square is a vibrant and dynamic part of Nottingham, offering a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. It is a central gathering place and a focal point for various activities in the city.

Our Favourite Accommodation near Old Market Square:

4 Star: Leonardo Hotel Nottingham – formerly Jurys Inn (Good Value)
4 Star: St James Hotel; BW Premier Collection
Budget: Igloo Hybrid

2. Stay near Lace Market

Lace Market is a historic area in Nottingham, England. It is known for its well-preserved 19th-century industrial architecture and was once the center of the world’s lace industry during the British Empire. Boutique hotels include the Lace Market Hotel and the Mercure Nottingham City Centre Hotel.

The Lace Market area gained prominence in the 19th century as the heart of the lace industry. Nottingham was a major center for lace production, and the Lace Market played a crucial role in this industry.

The market is characterized by its red-brick warehouses and buildings, which were used for lace manufacturing and warehousing. These buildings are now often repurposed for various uses, such as offices, apartments, and shops.

In recent years, the Lace Market has undergone significant regeneration. The area has become a vibrant district known for its creative industries, cultural venues, and a mix of independent shops, restaurants, and bars.

Visitors to the Lace Market can explore its historic architecture, visit art galleries, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the area. The National Justice Museum, located in the Lace Market, provides insight into the city’s legal history.

It’s also known for its nightlife, with a range of bars and clubs that cater to different tastes. It’s a popular destination for those looking to enjoy Nottingham’s entertainment scene.

Overall, the Lace Market in Nottingham is a blend of historical charm and contemporary vitality, making it a noteworthy destination for both residents and visitors.

Our Favourite Places to Stay near the Lace Market:

Cheap: Midtown Lodge
3 Star: ibis Nottingham Centre
4 Star: Mercure Nottingham City Centre Hotel (Affordable)

3. Stay near Victoria Centre

The Victoria Centre in Nottingham is a shopping area located in the heart of the city with various accommodation options, including the Hilton Nottingham Hotel and the Mercure Nottingham City Centre Hotel.

It is one of the major shopping destinations in Nottingham, offering a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and other amenities.

Our Recommendations:

Budget: Bentinck Hotel
4 Star: Mercure Nottingham City Centre Hotel
4 Star: Hilton Nottingham Hotel

Other Great Areas to Stay in Nottingham

1. Castle District

Staying near Nottingham Castle provides easy access to the castle itself and the beautiful surrounding gardens. It’s a quieter area compared to the city center but still close to attractions.

The centerpiece of the district, Nottingham Castle offers history, art, and beautiful grounds. The castle has been a site of historical significance and has undergone renovations. Located near the castle, Brewhouse Yard Museum showcases Nottingham’s industrial history and is worth a visit.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem historic pub is built into the rocks beneath Nottingham Castle. It claimed to be one of the oldest pubs in England. A short walk from the castle, you’ll find a statue of the legendary outlaw, Robin Hood.

Best Hotels: St James Hotel; BW Premier Collection and Hart’s Hotel

2. Hockley

Adjacent to the Lace Market, Hockley is the creative quarter of Nottingham. It’s a great place for art lovers, and you’ll find unique shops, galleries, and independent cafes. A popular independent cinema showcasing a range of films, including independent and foreign films is the Broadway Cinema.

Hockley has a lively nightlife scene with trendy bars and pubs. It’s a popular spot for those looking for a more alternative and eclectic atmosphere.

Best Hotel: Mercure Nottingham City Centre Hotel

3. University Park

If you’re visiting the University of Nottingham, staying near the University Park campus might be convenient. There are hotels and guesthouses in the nearby areas.

The University Park campus is located a few miles southwest of Nottingham city center.

Best Accommodation: The Orchard Hotel & Restaurant (located on the University of Nottingham’s campus)

4. West Bridgford

West Bridgford is a suburb located just south of Nottingham city center, across the River Trent. It’s a bit quieter but still close to the city center. It’s a popular residential area known for its parks, green spaces, and proximity to Trent Bridge, a historic cricket ground.

The iconic cricket ground is just south of West Bridgford. If you’re a cricket fan, it’s worth checking the schedule for any matches or events during your visit.

The main shopping and dining area in West Bridgford, Central Avenue, offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Nearby Victoria Embankment is a scenic park along the River Trent. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.

Accommodation in this Area: Birchover Bridgford Hall and The Beeches Hotel & Leisure Club

5. Beeston

A suburb southwest of Nottingham, Beeston is another option if you prefer a quieter environment. It has good transport connections to the city center. Beeston’s High Street is a bustling area with shops, cafes, restaurants, and local amenities. It’s a hub for shopping and dining.

Beeston is situated near the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus, which is a modern and architecturally interesting part of the university.

Located nearby, Attenborough Nature Reserve offers walking trails and birdwatching opportunities around Attenborough’s lakes.

Budget Friendly Hotels: The Star Inn, Hylands and Fairhaven Guest Accommodation (Bed and Breakfast)

Why stay for a night or weekend in the historical city of Nottingham?

The atmospheric Old Market Square in the city centre is the largest in the United Kingdom and a great gathering place with lots of interesting features to explore: the large stone lions in front of the impressive Neo-Baroque Council House; the redesigned fountains; Speakers Corner and of course the multitude of excellent shops, boutiques and eating and drinking places. The pedestrianised Square is a traditional meeting place and a great point to start your tour of this unique city.

There is an abundance of great attractions for visitors to Nottingham, including the sandstone City of Caves and the Lace Market area full of 19th century industrial architecture.

The town has a vibrant nightlife: from theatres, live music venues, cinemas to clubs, pubs and bars. The city of Nottingham offers a variety of fun activities for the family, such as skating at the National Ice Centre, Skirmish Paintball Games and the Adrenalin Jungle which offers quad biking, assault courses, archery and 4×4 off road driving.

With so much to do and see why not stay for one night, a long weekend or a longer holiday? The city offers a variety of low cost overnight accommodation facilities and a great selection of cheap hotels, apartments to rent for short stay, and b&b’s to suit all budgets. There are often great bargains and savings for last minute bookings for family rooms in hotels as well as well pricedbed and breakfast establishments.

Cheap Places to Stay

Reasonably priced accommodation is plentyful and easy to find, with a great quantity of cheap hotels and charming b&b’s all around the city centre and near the Sherwood Forest area. Many of them feature free on-site car parking, free Wi-Fi and breakfast, and family rooms. Some have a swimming pool and gym as well.

If you are visiting the city for the cricket, water sports centre or football stadium one of the best locations for accommodation is West Bridgford, which is also conveniently located for the city’s large shopping centres such as the Victoria shopping center. The vibrant Lace Market area is also within easy reach.

Alternatively you maybe looking for a relaxing peaceful break and prefer b&b’s or guest houses situated in one of the villages such as Strelley on the outskirts of the city. Enjoy being close to the beautiful surrounding countryside while having the city attractions and facilities of the city a short distance away: there are tram links and good bus services into the city centre from these outlying areas.

There is a good range of family hotels and charming b&b’s within a 1-2 mile radius of the city centre and the lively Lace Market area, all with quick and easy access to Sherwood Forest, the museums, galleries, historical properties and main tourist attractions. The National Ice and Capital FM Arena is within close distance.

Find your city centre hotel or bed and breakfast.

The City of Nottingham

Located in the East Midlands region of England, United Kingdom, Nottingham is well known for its rich history and vibrant culture. It is famously associated with the legendary outlaw Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men. The city and its surrounding Sherwood Forest are often linked to the tales of Robin Hood, though the historical accuracy of these stories is debated.

Nottingham has a long and varied history, with evidence of settlement dating back to prehistoric times. It became an important market town in the medieval period and played a role in the English Civil War.

The city has several notable landmarks, including Nottingham Castle, which has been a crucial historical site and is now a museum and art gallery. Other landmarks include the Old Market Square, St. Mary’s Church, and the Lace Market area.

Nottingham offers also a range of shopping experiences, from high street stores to independent boutiques. The city has a lively nightlife with numerous pubs, clubs and bars. The Hockley area is known for its independent shops, trendy bars, and restaurants.

Cultural

The city has a thriving cultural scene, with theaters, art galleries, and music venues. The Nottingham Playhouse and the Royal Concert Hall are among the prominent cultural institutions in the city.

Nottingham has a diverse economy, with strengths in industries such as finance, education, healthcare, and technology. It is home to the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, contributing to its status as a center for education and research.

Sports

Nottingham is passionate about sports, particularly football (soccer). The city has two professional football clubs, Nottingham Forest and Notts County. Trent Bridge, a historic cricket ground, is also located in Nottingham.

How to Get to Nottingham City Center

By Train:
Nottingham is well-connected by train, and the Nottingham Railway Station is centrally located. From the station, you can easily walk or take a short taxi ride to the city center.

By Bus:
There are several bus services that connect different parts of Nottingham to the city center. The Broadmarsh Bus Station and Victoria Bus Station are major hubs for bus services.

By Car:
If you’re driving, Nottingham is easily accessible by the M1 motorway. However, parking in the city center can be limited and expensive. It’s advisable to check with your accommodation about parking options.

By Air:
If you’re arriving by air, East Midlands Airport is the nearest airport to Nottingham. From the airport, you can take a train or bus to the city center. The East Midlands Airport serves as a major air transport hub for the region.

Local Transportation:
Nottingham has an efficient tram system that connects various parts of the city, including the city center. Taxis and buses are also readily available.

Keep in mind that the details provided are based on information that can change, so it’s essential to check for any updates or changes in transportation and accommodation options before your travel date.