Cheap Hotels In London

Central London

If you're visiting London to explore its main sights and attractions, then a hotel in the city centre is likely to be what you're after, however, this can also mean paying a slight premium for the privilege. Within zone one, you've got a range of locations to choose from and wherever you stay, you'll be within easy reach of an underground station or at least a bus stop.

If you want to be in the thick of it, hotels near Leicester Square and Piccadilly are likely to cost you a bit more, but do mean you don't have to trek far if you need a cheeky afternoon nap, or don't want far to go after a night out. There are still plenty of budget options in this area of London including The Z Hotel, Soho and hub by Premier Inn, in Covent Garden, both well-rated hotels without having to spend a fortune. There's a range of budget friendly hotels around Bloomsbury including the Royal National Hotel, Holiday Inn and the Doubletree by Hilton London West End.

Hotels Near Mainline Stations

If you're arriving by train, a hotel conveniently located close to the London station that you arrive at is a good choice, as you will be able to leave your bag with the hotels reception desk when you arrive if you are too early to check-in, or if you need to check-out but still want the whole day to explore London without lugging around a backpack or holdall. There are a number of great hotels around Paddington, Euston, King's Cross and Waterloo stations.

West London

The areas of Hyde Park, Kensington and Paddington have a good number of hotels on offer. Many of these hotels are a short walk from key attractions. These areas of central London are close enough to be in Piccadilly Circus or Covent Garden within 15 minutes, yet not so central you feel like you're staying on top of everyone. Staying at a hotel near Hyde Park is also a great idea in summer if you're after chilling out in the sunshine, or long evening strolls in the park on your trip.

Further out west and you'll be looking at areas such as Hammersmith, Ealing and Wembley. Wembley is, of course, a great location if you're in London to watch a match or concert at the impressive Wembley Stadium. Relatively easy access into central London but with some hotels not costing quite so much, West London offers more of a 'local living' feel when staying in London. If you like the idea of renting an apartment through companies like Airbnb or Vrbo, accommodation in West London could be a great option.

Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf, part of London's financial area, is busy during the week, with office workers heading out and about, but at weekends, this area of London becomes quieter, and that means cheap hotels in London. They will sometimes offer discounts to ensure they welcome guests throughout the full week, not just Monday to Friday.

The area does boast a range of bars and restaurants, with a small shopping mall as well, however, situated on the Docklands Light Railway and Jubilee lines, travelling into central London doesn't take long. A 15 minute journey on the DLR will see you arrive at Tower Bridge, the closest underground station to visit the impressive Tower of London and Tower Bridge, with access to the popular TFL Riverboat services.

East London

Once known as a bit of a dodgy part of town, East London has become more and more gentrified over the years, to the point where it's actually cool to stay in some areas. Staying in East London offers easy access to vibrant areas like Brick Lane, known for its cultural attractions and markets. Shoreditch offers a number of hotels, ranging from the cool and quirky like the Hoxton Hotel, to the cheap and cheerful Travelodges.

Of course, when the London Olympics were held in 2012, there was a great rush to redesign and rebuild Stratford, while adding in a number of accommodation options. The Olympic Park is perfect on a lovely summer's day, with a visit to the Orbitz and Olympic Stadiums a must. Hotels in Stratford also don't cost a fortune compared to central London, so the likes of the Holiday Inn Express and Premier Inn will help you stay on a budget. To get to central London, take the mainline train into Liverpool Street, or the Central or Jubilee lines which both run through the heart of the city.

South London

South London isn't as accessible as other areas of London with many locations utilising mainline trains rather than the underground, however you may find some great hotel bargains in South London. Areas like Clapham are popular residential areas, while much of South London is being developed and becoming more gentrified. Places like Croydon and Streatham are being developed which includes hotel offerings. If heading south, just be aware of the additional zones to pay for when travelling around.