So you're planning a trip to the Empire Casino in Leicester Square and want to stay close to the action. It makes sense - nobody wants to use the Tube at 3 AM after a heavy session at the blackjack tables. But here's the thing about London: staying "near" a Central London casino can mean wildly different things depending on your budget and how much walking you're willing to do. Leicester Square is right in the heart of the West End, which means hotel prices can be eye-watering, but if you know where to look, there are hidden gems just a few minutes away.
When you're gambling in London, convenience is everything. The Crown London (Empire Casino) is located on Leicester Street, right off the main square. If you stay within a 10-minute walk, you can pop back to your room to freshen up, drop off winnings, or take a break without losing your entire evening to travel. The alternative - staying out in Zone 3 or 4 to save money - often backfires. A £30 black cab ride each way quickly eats into your gambling bankroll, and the night bus isn't exactly a premium experience.
Beyond convenience, staying close means you can actually enjoy the surrounding Soho and Covent Garden areas. The best steakhouses, late-night bars, and post-casino food spots are all within staggering distance. If you're coming to London specifically for a casino weekend, central accommodation isn't a luxury - it's the smart play.
Let's talk specifics. Leicester Square is surrounded by a mix of luxury landmarks and surprisingly decent mid-range options. Here's where experienced players actually stay:
| Hotel | Distance | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Resident Covent Garden | 3 min walk | £££ | Modern rooms, quiet despite location |
| Hotel Indigo Leicester Square | 2 min walk | £££ | Stylish, literally next door |
| Premier Inn Leicester Square | 4 min walk | ££ | Best value for central location |
| The Savoy | 10 min walk | ££££ | Classic luxury, Thames views |
The Resident is probably the smartest pick for serious players. It's tucked away on Bedford Street, far enough from the tourist chaos but close enough that you're at the casino tables in under five minutes. The rooms are properly soundproofed - essential when you're trying to sleep in the middle of Soho. Hotel Indigo is practically part of the Leicester Square complex, which means zero travel time, but you'll pay a premium for that privilege.
If you'd rather keep your money for the tables, the Premier Inn on Leicester Square is genuinely decent. Yes, it's a chain, but the location is unbeatable for the price. You're looking at roughly £120-180 per night depending on the season, compared to £300+ at the boutique spots across the square. The rooms are small but clean, and crucially, they have proper blackout curtains - rare in London hotels.
Another solid budget play is the Z Hotel in Soho. It's about a 6-minute walk to the casino, and while the rooms are tiny (some don't even have windows), they're immaculately designed and cost a fraction of nearby competitors. If you're literally just using the room to sleep between sessions, it's perfect.
The Empire Casino isn't the largest in London - that title goes to the Hippodrome - but it has a different vibe. Spread over two floors, it features a dedicated poker room that hosts regular tournaments, plus the usual mix of American Roulette, Blackjack, and Three Card Poker. The stakes are reasonable: roulette minimums start at £1 during quiet periods, while blackjack tables typically run £5-10 minimum.
Membership is free and instant - just bring photo ID. Unlike some London casinos that have strict dress codes, Empire is fairly relaxed, though they'll turn you away if you show up in beachwear or football kits. Smart casual is the unwritten rule. The venue also has a late-night bar and restaurant (The Icon Bar) that stays open until 6 AM on weekends, which is where you'll end up at 4 AM debating whether to go again.
Crown London isn't your only option. If you're willing to explore other venues, London has a proper casino scene. The Hippodrome on Cranbourn Street is arguably more iconic - it's a converted theatre with three gaming floors and a more theatrical atmosphere. It's also right next to Leicester Square, so the same hotels apply.
For a different experience entirely, consider staying near Park Lane. The Palm Beach Casino is attached to the Mayfair Hotel, offering a much more exclusive atmosphere. Minimum bets are higher (£25 blackjack is standard), but you're playing in a genuinely luxurious environment. The Grosvenor Victoria ("The Vic") near Edgware Road is another legendary spot, particularly for poker - it hosts the GUKPT and has some of the best cash games in the city. If poker is your main focus, staying near The Vic makes more sense than Leicester Square.
Staying near Leicester Square puts you within walking distance of Empire, Hippodrome, and even the Genting Casino on Haymarket. That's three major venues within a 10-minute radius. Mayfair offers a more upscale experience with Palm Beach and the Ritz Club (though the latter is members-only and requires a substantial buy-in). Edgware Road is where the serious poker players congregate - the Vic is legendary, and the surrounding area has a more authentic London feel, away from the tourist traps.
Book your accommodation directly through the hotel website when possible. Third-party booking sites sometimes have restrictive cancellation policies, and casino trips often involve late-night decisions. You want the flexibility to extend your stay if you're on a winning streak or leave early if luck isn't on your side.
For payments at the casino, bring your debit card - most UK casinos don't accept credit cards for gambling transactions. Cash is still king for tips and small bets, and there are ATMs inside, though they charge premium fees. If you're coming from outside the UK, notify your bank beforehand. Getting your card declined mid-session is embarrassing and frustrating.
Finally, plan your transport to the airport. If you're staying near Leicester Square, the Heathrow Express from Paddington is the fastest option (15 minutes to the airport). The Piccadilly Line goes directly from Covent Garden to Heathrow, but good luck with luggage during rush hour. A pre-booked minicab costs around £45-60 from central London to Heathrow - worth it after a long weekend.
Yes, especially for weekends. Leicester Square hotels fill up quickly, and prices can double or triple for last-minute bookings. Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead for the best rates. If you're flexible with dates, Sunday through Thursday nights are significantly cheaper.
The Empire Casino doesn't have an attached hotel, so you book independent accommodation nearby. However, casinos like The Palm Beach are attached to hotels like the Mayfair, where anyone can book a room. Staying there doesn't guarantee casino access - you still need to register separately.
Smart casual is the standard. No sportswear, no tracksuits, no football shirts. Jeans are fine if they're not ripped. Trainers are usually acceptable if they're clean and not overly sporty. Basically, dress like you're going to a decent bar and you won't have issues.
Leicester Square and the surrounding Soho/Covent Garden areas are among the most well-lit and patrolled parts of London. You'll see plenty of people around until late. That said, stick to main roads and avoid unlit side streets at 4 AM - standard city precautions apply.
The Grosvenor Victoria (The Vic) near Edgware Road is the top choice for serious poker. It hosts major tournaments and has consistent cash games running 24/7. Empire Casino has a dedicated poker room too, but The Vic's action is more reliable and attracts stronger competition.
