Introduction
Anyone who’s visited London will testify that it’s not a cheap city. Food, tube travel, and entrance prices to one can all make it difficult to enjoy the city without breaking the bank. London has a wide range of hotels on offer no matter what your budget. However the excellent Tube (London Underground) and London bus network means that what you see will not be restricted by the location in which you stay, you can base your hotel choices upon what you can afford.
History
London itself tends to have expensive hotels and lodgings but there is also a large amount of cheap London hotels such as budget accommodation, ranging from hostels, to low-end hotels. Since most of these are located near the central area of the city it allows you access to a great number of tourist spots you might want to visit. The problem comes when defining ‘cheap’, because what is economical for London won’t necessarily be considered so elsewhere. Prices in London tend to be far higher than those in other cities. However the indirect prices you incur while you stay in London can also be kept down keeping your overall lodging experience a relatively economical one even if compared to other cities in the UK or even Europe.
Features
There are a few areas in particular where you can find cheap London hotels. Victoria is one, thanks to its first-rate transportation links, which connects you to a number of destinations across the UK as well as keeping prices for lodgings low. A different area that draws visitors looking for low-priced accommodation is Paddington. Other districts that are a focus for visitors on a low budget are Kings Cross, Euston and Camden. If your budget doesn’t even let you settle in these cheap London hotels then you have two choices: one you can go for a youth hostel, the other choice is to go out into the suburbs, where hotels are cheaper owing to their less important locations. Whilst you will no longer be within the heart of the city, there are several benefits to being situated a little further out. Besides the better value presented by staying outside the centre, it will also give you the chance to see some of London’s lesser known tourist sites and places. Transport links into the centre are also exceptional.
Tips and comments
The west end is the most central area to stay from Covent Garden to Knightsbridge and through to the Oxford Street area. Many cheap London hotels do tend to have rooms that are much smaller than you would usually expect as hoteliers seek to maximize the number of guests. If overcrowded quarters are likely to be a problem, investigate room sizes before you book, however keep in mind that you will most likely be out and about exploring the city for much of your stay. Pleasant places to find cheap London hotels include Bloomsbury, which offers ample of budget options, and Kensington, which has more mid range hotels and good dining options too. There are also good hotels near Paddington Station and near Victoria Station.
