Budget Hotels

London has a reputation for expensive hotels, but with the right choice of area and hotel type, it's possible to visit affordably without sacrificing location too much.

Where to Look

Zone 2 areas — Hackney, Greenwich, Shepherd's Bush, parts of East London — cost noticeably less per night than Zone 1 while remaining well connected by Tube, Overground or DLR. Budget hotel chains (Premier Inn, Travelodge, ibis) offer consistent, predictable quality across many London locations, which can be a safer bet than an unfamiliar independent hotel at a similar price.

Tips for Visiting

• Book well in advance — London hotel prices rise sharply closer to the date, especially in summer.
• Check reviews specifically for noise — budget hotels are often on busy roads or near stations.
• Factor transport time into the "value" of a cheaper hotel further out — a longer commute has a real time cost.
• Weekday stays are often cheaper than weekends in central areas geared toward business travel.

Hostels Worth Considering

London's better hostels (particularly in Zone 2 areas like Hackney and Bermondsey) now offer private rooms as well as dorms, often at prices competitive with budget hotels while including social spaces and kitchens that traditional hotels don't.

Airbnb vs Budget Hotel

For groups or longer stays, a shared apartment can work out cheaper than multiple hotel rooms — but London's short-let regulations mean availability and quality vary considerably by listing. Read reviews carefully and confirm the host's registration status where relevant.

Tips

• Check hostels with private rooms as a middle ground between dorms and full hotels.
• For groups of 3+, compare a shared apartment against multiple hotel rooms before booking.