Cheap London Hotels
From palatial spaces to student hostels, London is a hodge-podge of accommodations. Where you stay will determine your London hotel budget, and the options are endless. A few things to remember when booking London hotels:
- The rooms are smaller than you expect, unless you’re paying for a luxury upgrade.
- With the exception of luxury hotels, don’t except much in the way of London hotel amenities.
- If you’re booking London hotels during peak seasons or royal events, prepare to book early and pay high prices.
- Learn the lingo before you arrive. A ‘lift’ is an elevator, the ‘rack rate’ is the maximum the hotel can charge, and VAT must be included (or shown) as part of your final bill.
- Corner rooms are usually the biggest, and if they are available you should request one at the time of booking. Smoking is permitted in some London hotels so be sure to request a non-smoking room, if you prefer to remain nicotine-free.
When you book your London hotel, be sure to specify the type of bed you want in your room, unless you book a room with a given rate for a specific size (Standard Twin, Standard Double, etc.)
London is divided up into sections so what you want to see and spend will determine where you stay in London. As you would expect, the more upscale areas will feature the most expensive London hotels.
London City: For purposes of booking London hotels, consider ‘Central London’ to be everything within the confines of the Underground Circle Line (London’s subway system). If you plan to spend the majority of your time shopping, going to the theater or you only have a few days in London, consider a London hotel in Central London. You might pay a little more, but you’ll save in transportation costs. London’s financial district is rich in historical and architectural buildings, which makes tourism a key component to the area. However, there aren’t a lot of nightclubs or restaurants in the area so if you’re looking for evening entertainment, you might consider a London hotel in another location.
West End: London’s West End is where most of the top attractions are located. Close to Buckingham Palace, the British Museum and resting comfortably along the Thames, London hotels in the West End are often pricey, but the convenience is worth the cost. Nearby are the tony districts of Kensington, Knightsbridge, Paddington and Notting Hill. Searching for a cheap London hotel in the West End might seem tricky, but with enough patience and planning you’ll find a hotel that meets your budget and location requirements.
East End: London’s East End is full of trendy bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and retail boutiques. If you’re traveling to London for the social aspect, the East End is a great place to stay. Find a London hotel here and you’ll be close to plenty of entertainment.
South Bank: Situated on the Thames near the Victoria Embankment, the South Bank is a great location for art lovers and culture buffs. With endless museums in the area, finding a London hotel in the South Bank is the perfect option for those looking for a quieter side of London.
Covent Garden: A West End neighborhood, Covent Garden is one of London’s liveliest areas. It’s home to London’s theater district as well as some of the city's hippest stores and restaurants. A London hotel in Covent Garden will likely cost you a little more. You’ll pay the price for staying in one of London’s centrally located areas.
Piccadilly Circus & Leicester Square: Near Covent Garden, this area is a great choice for travelers looking for great shopping and nearby nightlife. Piccadilly Circus is easily recognizable, thanks to its neon lights and continuous traffic. It features designer shops and boutiques, and spills out into Leicester Square, the city’s theater district. Booking a London hotel in Leicester Square would be comparable to staying in New York’s Time Square. The hotels are expensive, but you’ll be in the center of everything.
Marylebone: The chic Marylebone district in London’s West End is lined with chic boutiques, designer shops and endless cafes and restaurants. Tourists travel here for Madame Tussaud's and a walk down Baker Street. Only a short walk to Regent's Park, the Marylebone district is flooded with hotels in just about every price range.
Mayfair: London’s most fashionable area is also home to its most expensive hotels. Mayfair exudes sophistication, luxury and style, and that’s precisely what will be found in London hotels located in Mayfair.
St. James: The ‘royal’ section of London is home to Buckingham Palace – the most famous address in London. London hotels near Buckingham Palace tend to be expensive, but look at it this way: If you are invited for dinner with the Queen you won’t have far to travel.
Westminster: Big Ben, Parliament… if you’re staring at these famous structures you know you’re in Westminster, home to the heart of the British government and Westminster Abbey. Trafalgar Square is located a short walk from Parliament Square, which makes the Westminster area very convenient to travelers wanting to see it all. The fanciest bedroom is at Number 10 Downing Street (the famous home of Britain's prime minister), but you can find plenty of other London hotels in the Westminster area that range in price.
