Best Places To Stay In London On A Budget

Holiday Inn Camden Lock

We stayed for four nights at the 4-Star Holiday Inn situated right on the Camden Lock as guests of the hotel.

We were very surprised at the number of kids staying at the hotel. I wouldnt normally typically consider Camden an overly family friendly place, nor for a place for tourists to stay, but we really enjoyed it.

Heres one reason families love it! Kids ages 17 and under stay for free when sharing their parents room. Up to four kids ages 12 and under eat free any time of the day in any Holiday Inn® on-site restaurant.

Our girls absolutely loved being able to grab some snacks i.e chocolate as they came in after a long day exploring. Well played Holiday Inn.

Seasonal monthly menus created from fresh ingredients and light snacks can be enjoyed in the 24hr Lobby Bar, which also serves Starbucks coffees.

Its location right on Camden Lock and within a two minute walk to Camden Markets, 15 minutes to Regents Park, and five minutes to the tube makes it ideal.

Its easy access into the city via the Northern tube line. You could even walk down into Covent Garden in about 40 minutes.

The Holiday Inn at Camden Lock is a great place to stay if you want to experience this funky and alternative London neighborhood

Since we travel with a teen now, Craig and I could duck out of an evening to enjoy the Camden nightlife with a few drinks at some pubs, some with live music, and all with a really cool Camden vibe.

You can also read more reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com

Where To Stay In London: The Best Neighborhoods For Your Visit

4/13/22 | April 13th, 2022

Ive always liked London, but when I visited last year something in me just clickedand poof! I finally saw the light and came to love it.

London has a million things to do to keep you busy a lifetime over. With its amazing architecture, world-class art museums, tons of historical sites, and unique shopping experiences, whats not to love?

Whats not to love about a city where the pubs are so small everyone just stands on the street with their pint glass?!

And from its beautiful gardens to the excitement of Piccadilly Circus, theres just an energy that cant be beat.

But London is huge, containing more than 8 million people and 48 neighborhoods stretching over 607 square miles.

I mean its HUGE.

Any city that warrants a I survived the subway T-shirt usually is. Stay in the wrong neighborhood and youll spend hours on the tube.

So which are the best neighborhoods and places to stay when you visit London?

That depends on a lot of things .

Each neighborhood has its own charm.

Today, I want to break down the best neighborhoods in London and the best accommodations in each of those neighborhoods so you can pick the right place to stay on your visit. But, before I get into the specific neighborhoods and recommended places to stay while there , let me answer some of the most common questions I get asked:

London Neighborhood Overview

Soho Where To Stay In London For Nightlife

Set north of the city centre is the lively, vibrant and trendy Soho neighbourhood. It boasts an excellent mix of cocktail bars, traditional pubs, theatres, speakeasies, restaurants and cafes, which is why this is our top recommendation for where to stay in London for nightlife. Whether youre looking to dance the night away, sip a cheeky pint, or watch a lively play, Soho is a neighbourhood bursting with options for after-dark fun.

Although Soho is one of the best areas to stay in London, it should be noted that some parts can be a little rough at night and noisy it really comes to life in London on weekends, especially in SoHo, so if youre down to party this is the place to stay. Take a bit of extra caution when exploring Soho after dark, and youll no doubt enjoy the neighbourhood.

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Where To Stay In London For Nightlife: Shoreditch

Shoreditch is London’s trendiest neighborhood, attracting young Londoners and visitors alike with its ever-expanding art scene and vibrant nightlife. Here, you’ll find endless street art, clubs, bars, restaurants featuring cuisines from across the world, and beyond. Staying in this London neighborhood gives you a local’s perspective on the UK capital, but it’s still just a short ride on the tube away from major tourist attractions. Staying in this neighborhood will give you an opportunity to see what it is like to live in London-not just visit.

Best Area To Stay In London At A Glance: Covent Garden

The best area to stay in London is Covent Garden, particularly if you are a first-time visitor. Covent Garden is home to lots of Londons attractions, has tonnes of cool bars and restaurants and is in walking distance to other London hotspots like Westminster, Trafalgar Square, Soho and Piccadilly Circus.

Covent Garden properties come at a price, but are well located for getting around and proximity to the big sights.

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Best Hostel: Generator London

With a convenient location in Central London near King’s Cross station, this trendy hostel is a favorite for its industrial-cool design and social atmosphere.

• Many rooms have shared bathrooms

• Social atmosphere can be noisy

With several vibrant hostels across Europe, the Generator brand regards itself as the new generation of hostel accommodations. The London location is no exception, boasting decor inspired by the citys street art scene, a buzzy bar with live music, and cozy accommodations.

Guests stay in shared dorms or private rooms, which are designed with the Generators unmistakable graphic wallpaper and bright colors. Private rooms are equipped with towels and toiletries, plus a desk and chair, which are special amenities considering the hostels low price. The Generators location makes exploration a breeze, and there is plenty to do in the surrounding area. On-site, guests can be found mingling in multiple common spaces, including a retro-style bar with a pool table and local beers, and a cafe, with communal tables and a hand-painted piano. Theres also a game room with foosball, mural-covered walls, and even a double-decker bus.

Hipster Places To Stay

I’ve not sought out these hotels but I know a blogger who has. Victoria publishes on Bridges and Balloons, a site that brings to you places worth sharing. I’ve met her, I’ve traveled with her, and I totally love her sensibility. For full descriptions of the hotels and why they make her hipster list, go to her blog. If you want to go right to her recommendations you can click through to them here:

• The Artist Residence

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Where To Stay In London

How We Chose these Hotels and Apartments

The hotels we list in this article are very highly rated. All but a few get 8.5 stars or higher on Booking.com, and most of them get at least 9 stars. They are also conveniently located near Underground stations, an important factor in picking out where to stay in London.

Even though this is a narrowed down list of all the hotel options in London, it is still a very long list. At the end of the article, I narrow it down even more, giving you our top recommendation .

I list hotels as luxury, upscale, mid-range, and budget. A luxury hotel is a 5-star hotel, an upscale hotel is a 4-star property, a mid-range hotel is a 3-star property, and a budget hotel is a 1 or 2-star property or a hostel.

How Much Does It Cost to Stay in London?

London can be very expensive.

In London, you will have no problems finding 4-star and 5-star hotels that get impeccable reviews. There are also some great mid-range, or 3-star hotels and apartments to choose from. Finding a cheaper 2-star hotel or hostel that gets decent reviews in London is more challenging.

These are the prices for a standard room at this level. 4-star hotels can offer deluxe rooms or rooms with a view for two or three times the price of one of their standard double rooms.

These average costs can go up based on the time of year and during times of high demand for hotel rooms. Prices may also be cheaper during the off-season.

Best Hotels in The City of London

Best Homestay In London Double Room In Kings X House Share

There are few better locations in town than this London homestay, and thats just the beginning of what makes this place so awesome! Your friendly homestay hosts will welcome you each morning with a complimentary breakfast, and theres beer too . Theres an open plan living space and a garden, and a couple of great places to relax with your host too.

If youre feeling competitive, challenge them to a game on the pinball machine.

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Holiday Inn Express City Hackney Moderate

Hotel phone: +44 20 7300 4300Near the restaurants and bars of Shoreditch, this good-value hotel offers a free continental breakfast buffet and parking for a fee. Rooms have desks and tea/coffee facilities, and ensuite bathrooms. The hotel is a 6-minute walk from Old Street Station and a 3-minute walk to Hoxton Square.

Where To Stay In Marylebone:

• 5* Hotel: The Landmark London one of the grandest hotels in London
• 5* Hotel: The Langham an equally grand and impressive hotel!
• 4* Hotel: Montagu Place Hotel a boutique 16-bedroom hotel
• 4* Hotel: The Zetter Townhouse an extraordinary boutique hotel with amazing rooms
• 2* Hotel: a newly refurbished hotel near Baker Street
• Hostel: YHA London Central a backpackers hostel with good reviews

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Z Hotel Gloucester Place Marylebone Budget

Hotel phone: +44 20 3551 3719Six freestanding townhomes make up this unique hotel located a 9-minute walk to the shops of Oxford Street and a 10-minute walk to the Marble Arch at Hyde Park. A complimentary happy hour with wine and cheese is offered every evening, and a breakfast buffet is available for a fee. While some rooms lack windows, all rooms have modern decor and tea/coffee facilities.

The Hotel Overall Was Good

The hotel overall was good. Room was small but it seems like ALL rooms mostly are limited in space but we were able to move around comfortably. For my first time in London it might have been far from the major tourist areas and it was always a 20 min metro ride but it was walking distance to Notting Hill.The neighborhood its in is really nice and quiet so sleep was great.

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Hotels In London From West To East

In this article, well take you through the best areas to stay in London from West London to Central London and East London, in terms of price, location, ease of access and facilities. Well also point out nearby underground stations since they are the easiest and most efficient way of getting around. Weve also listed some hotel recommendations for each area.

Information About Staying In London

Read these important travel tips before booking a hotel in London

How long do people stay in London?

The average length of stay in London is 4 nights.

How much does a hotel cost in London?

The price of a hotel in London depends on several factors such as star rating, location and demand. Generally speaking, the average cost of a hotel is around $238 per night.

When is the best time to book a hotel in London?

In February prices are at their lowest and represents the most cost effective time to book a hotel room in London. You may find the cost of your room has decreased by 25%.

Which day is cheapest to stay in London?

At the moment the cheapest day to stay in a hotel in London is Tuesday, with Wednesday being the most expensive.

How much does a hostel in London cost?

London hostels and hotels with a 2 star rating and below charge around $91 for a bed per person. This will be around $146 under the cost of a typical London hotel.

Where should I stay in London?

City of London, Soho, Covent Garden and Kensington and Chelsea are some of the more popular areas to stay in when visiting London.

Based on the weather in London, what attractions are popular during August?

Does London have vacation rentals?

There are 200 vacation rentals in London, with Chelsea Cloisters being the most popular among momondo users. Find deals on vacation rentals in London.

Does London have hostels?

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Kensington Best Place To Stay In London With Family

Its not called Museum Mile for nothing. Kensington has some of the citys best-known museums: The Natural History Museum, Science Museum and gloriously eclectic Victoria & Albert Museum .

Kensington is the best area to stay in London with a family, thanks to the number of free museums within walking distance and its slightly more relaxed pace.

It is relatively expensive, but there are so many pluses. Its also easy to hop on the underground or a bus to get into the centre quickly.

Away from the museums, do like the locals do and enjoy leisurely alfresco coffees in the summer before popping into a high-end restaurant for a culinary treat.

KensingtonHighlights

• The Natural History Museum Dinosaur skeletons, geology more explore the natural history of the world.
• The Science Museum Wacky experiments, interactive exhibits and thought-provoking facts. Learn something new during a visit to the Science Museum.
• Victoria & Albert The worlds largest museum of decorative arts and design is an eclectic array of over 4.5 million objects.
• Cambio de Tercio One of Londons best Spanish restaurants.

The Ampersand Hotel, South Kensington

Family-friendly luxury in the heart of South Kensington

Round the corner from the famous so-called Museum Mile The Ampersands location is draw enough to families planning on spending some time in the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V& A.

The Ampersand Hotel, 10 Harrington Rd, Kensington, London SW7 3ER

Rooms start from £175

The Best Areas To Stay In London

What is the best neighborhood in London for Sightseeing?

South Bank is where you want to base yourself if you want to be close to attractions like Big Ben, The London Eye and the Tate Museum to name a few.

What is the best neighborhood in London for the first time?

Covent Garden: If this is your first time in London, Covent Garden is great because it is central and close to most of the attractions. It also has great transportation options.

What is the Best neighborhood in London for families

Kensington and South Kensington are the best family-friendly neighborhoods in London. They are quiet, close to places like Hyde Park and appeal to kids of all ages.

Where is the best neighborhood in London for shopping?

If you love to shop then Chelsea is where you will want to base yourself. It is close to all the high-end stores in London.

London is a massive city. It can take over three hours to get from one side to the other by the Underground or Tube, never mind how long it would take by bus or car. Therefore, the most important thing to consider when deciding where to stay is how you get from there to the main things you want to see.

We asked local London expert Karen Worrall to create a guide on the best hotels in London and share her opinions on what she thinks first time visitors to London should see. Read more: 22 of the Top Things to do in London, England

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Where To Stay For Variety: Clapham

For a long time, Clapham was a rundown suburb of London but, in recent years, Clapham has turned into one of those up-and-coming districts with a constantly improving list of restaurants, nightclubs, music venues, specialty shops, and more. Its now one of the hip places to live in the city, thanks in part to the cheap rent there! And, when the sun is out, head to the Clapham Common and join the other Londoners hanging out or picnicking on the grass.

Best Places to Stay in Clapham

• BUDGET: PubLove The Crown The main part of this hostel is actually its popular local pub that draws people from all over the neighborhood. The entire building was refurbished in 2018, so its a clean, fresh place to lay your head after you have a few drinks at the bar. Each bed comes with individual sockets and security screens. You get discounts for food and drink as a guest.
• MID-RANGE: The Gateway Hotel Located two minutes from the South Clapham metro spot , The Gateway Hotel offers basic accommodations in all its en suite rooms. Desks and coffee/tea are provided in your room. Its a small hotel with just 20 rooms.
• LUXURY: The Windmill on the Common The Windmill is awesome. Its housed in a 500-year-old British pub, with 42 individually designed boutique rooms. Its also right on the Clapham Common. Theres a super cozy lounge with large sofas, a roaring fireplace, and even a friendly Bernese Mountain dog named Max. If youre here on a Sunday, try their famous roast.

Soho Best Area To Stay In London For Nightlife

If you are wondering where the best place to stay in London is and want fashion and history, Soho is it. One of the most fashionable areas of London meets history with Nelsons column and art at the National Gallery.

Just behind it is Leicester Square, and right behind that, the cool cat that is Soho. Soho is one of the best spots for culinary fans of haute cuisine, with Michelin star restaurants, such as Social Eating House and Lima London, starting many food trends here.

Trafalgar Square is for many, the most iconic spot in London, with the towering statue of the diminutive Lord Nelson watching over the city, with his trusty lion guards.

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