IT'S surprisingly easy to find cheap hotels in London. There are so many hotel options in the capital to suit all budgets that it’s simply a case of seek and you shall find.
Those on a tight budget may have to put in a bit more legwork to find their perfect hotel, as opposed to someone for whom money is no option. However, shopping around will definitely be worth it when you have the smug satisfaction of knowing that you’re getting your perfect city break for less.
When searching for your ideal hotel, the Internet is your friend. Hotel search websites make finding the perfect place a quick and painless process; simply state your budget and the area in which you want to stay and let the hotel search do the rest of the work for you.
Once you have a healthy looking shortlist of hotel options, it’s time to do your homework. The best hotel search websites feature customer reviews and photos, as well as hotel descriptions, so you can be sure of what you are getting before you book.
The wealth of accommodation options in London make it highly likely that you can find just what you want at the right price. However, if you find that you can’t, you may have to look at whether your budget is realistic for what you require.
Looking for five star luxury hotels on a one star hostel budget will get you nowhere fast. Yet, there are ways to get more for your money if you think outside of the box.
Hotels in popular areas are always going to attract a premium price tag. Look slightly outside of the tourist hot spots, however, and you can expect to snip a nice chunk off of the price.
London is so easy to get around that staying in a quieter area is a viable option; simply buy a travel pass and bus or tube it to where you want to be.
Those desperate to be in the heart of the action, though, need to forget their dreams of English butler service and chauffeur-driven Bentleys. Bring your expectations down and you can still stay in the best city centre areas on a budget.
Hostels are a fantastic way to get a lot of location for your money. There’s no denying that they offer quite basic accommodation in comparison to a four star hotel, but they have also come along way from their reputation of bunk beds in prison-esque shared dorms.
The ultra modern YHA London Central hostel couldn’t be in a better location. A mere five minutes walk from the hustle and bustle of London’s Oxford Street, it is well placed in the heart of the action.
Not just for students or single travellers, many hostels also offer perfect accommodation for families on a budget. At the YHA London Central families can enjoy a family room with en suite bathroom at a fraction of the price of a centrally placed hotel.
Bright, clean and modern, this hostel also offers many facilities that families will find useful, including a lounge, shop, laundry room and good value café. An even cheaper option is to utilise the self-catering kitchen for family meals on a strict budget.
Despite their basic reputations, hostels can be welcoming places with extremely useful facilities.
Even in London’s most affluent areas there are great value hostels to be found. The Meininger Hostel is located in swanky Kensington, near to family haven Hyde Park and many of London’s best free to enter museums, including the ever-popular Science Museum.
Offering bright, modern rooms for singles, couples, families and groups, it’s an option worth considering for anyone with a budget to take into account. Baby cots are available on request and children under six years stay free of charge.
Apartments can also be a great value accommodation option for families and groups, and they have the added convenience of self-catering facilities. You’ll also normally enjoy the use of televisions and sound systems in apartments which can be great for families with young children who may want to give the London nightlife a miss.
As long as you are realistic in your search, there are cheap hotels in London to suit everyone. Singles, couples, families and groups can stay directly in the heart of the action without breaking the bank by thinking outside of the traditional ‘chain hotel’ box.
Good quality budget hotels, hostels and apartments are all there to be enjoyed during your London stay. It’s simply a case of looking around to ensure that you’re getting the very best bang for your buck in our amazing capital city.
