If you’re planning a trip to the capital and want to stay somewhere that feels like home – a place where you’re among your own, not just another guest in a chain hotel – London has something special for you. The city is home to two exceptional accommodation clubs exclusively for the Armed Forces community, The Union Jack Club near Waterloo and the Victory Services Club near Marble Arch.
Both offer more than a bed for the night. They’re steeped in history, packed with military camaraderie, and perfectly placed for exploring the city. Here’s what you need to know before you book.
The Union Jack Club – A Home for the Ranks
Just a couple of minutes from Waterloo Station, the Union Jack Club (UJC) is a London institution. Founded over a century ago for enlisted personnel, it remains the go-to base for non-commissioned veterans, serving members and their families.
Inside, the UJC feels like part hotel, part forces mess, and part home. It’s relaxed, friendly and full of familiar faces. Veterans who’ve stayed describe it as a “safe, affordable and no-nonsense base” in central London – clean, comfortable, and with a healthy dose of banter in the bar.
Rooms range from simple singles to family suites and even apartments for longer stays. Prices remain firmly on the side of the serving and veteran community – starting around £50 per night including breakfast. There’s an on-site restaurant, bar, laundrette and gym access nearby.
The UJC’s location is ideal. The Imperial War Museum is a short walk away, and you can reach Westminster or the South Bank in minutes. It’s also perfectly placed for those travelling via Waterloo to or from the south of England.
Membership is free for serving personnel and modestly priced for veterans (under £30 a year, with the first two years free if you’ve recently left the forces). Proof of service is required, but once you’re in, you’ll find a real sense of belonging – especially during big events like Remembrance Weekend or the Army v Navy match when the place is buzzing with camaraderie.
The Victory Services Club – London’s Tri-Service Gem
On the other side of the city, tucked between Hyde Park and Oxford Street, stands the Victory Services Club (VSC) – the only tri-service club in London open to all ranks, past and present, from the UK, Commonwealth and allied nations.
If the UJC is the sergeant’s mess, the VSC is more like a regimental officers’ club – refined, polished, but still genuinely welcoming. Its 202 bedrooms are fitted out to four-star hotel standards, with en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and modern amenities.
The VSC is also a registered charity, reinvesting profits into welfare for its members. You’ll find a formal restaurant, lounge bar, gym, and a calendar full of social and commemorative events – from Trafalgar Night dinners to Battle of Britain evenings.
Membership is free for serving members and their partners, and veterans get complimentary membership for the first year after leaving service. Once you’ve joined, you can book online for rooms that start at around £115 for a single, £160 for a double, and family rooms for larger groups.
It’s a comfortable, peaceful base right in the heart of London – perfect if you want to unwind after a busy day in the city but still feel connected to the Armed Forces community.
Choosing Between the Two
Both clubs are excellent, but they suit slightly different needs.
If you’re after value, warmth and that proper military camaraderie, the Union Jack Club is your best bet. Based near Waterloo, it’s informal, lively and perfect for veterans on a budget or families visiting London. Rooms start from around £50 a night with breakfast included, and the atmosphere feels like a friendly regimental home from home.
The Victory Services Club, near Marble Arch, is a little more polished. It welcomes all ranks from across the UK, Commonwealth and allied forces, and offers a more hotel-like experience. Rooms start at roughly £115 a night, and the setting is calm, comfortable and ideal for couples, business trips or longer stays.
In short, choose the Union Jack Club for its down-to-earth spirit and unbeatable value; go for the Victory Services Club if you prefer extra comfort, elegant surroundings and a touch of West End class. Many veterans keep memberships at both — one for budget stays, the other for special occasions.
How to Join and Book
- Union Jack Club
Membership open to serving and former enlisted ranks (proof of service required). Rooms can be booked once membership is confirmed. - Victory Services Club
Membership open to all serving and former members of UK, Commonwealth and allied forces, plus families. Rooms can be booked online by members.
Both clubs fill quickly around major events, so plan ahead if you’re visiting London in November or during big regimental reunions.
