10 Best Budget Hotels In London [2025] – Affordable & Central

Traveling to London and looking for somewhere affordable to stay? Tired of searching for “budget hotels in London,” only to be met with listicle sites showing hotels that start at $200+ per night?

I know this frustration firsthand. That’s why I’ve created this hand-picked guide to London’s real budget hotels—options that are actually affordable without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Every hotel here meets strict criteria:

✔ Genuinely affordable rates for the area—No overpriced “budget” hotels.

✔ Prime locations—All well within a 30-minute public transport ride to central London, with many right in the heart of the city or within walking distance of major attractions.

✔ Highly rated—At least 7+ on Booking.com and 4+ stars on Google.

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Who is this guide for?

This guide is for budget-conscious travelers who want a clean, comfortable, and well-located place to stay. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, these hotels allow you to save money on accommodation while enjoying everything London has to offer.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit London multiple times, and I always aim to find the best balance of price, comfort, and convenience. In fact, on my last trip to the city, I managed to snag a $76 per night stay in central London in July—proof that good deals exist if you know where to look!

❌ Who it’s NOT for: If you’d like luxury, spacious rooms, or a five-star experience, you won’t find that here. These are practical, no-frills options designed for travelers who want to save money on lodging.

How I Chose These Hotels

I researched these hotels exactly how I would for my own trip—with 50+ tabs open, checking Google Maps for transport and walking routes, and comparing reviews across multiple platforms. Plus, taking into my own personal experience of traveling to London. Each option was carefully vetted to ensure:

• Convenience: Close to public transportation and key attractions.
• Clean & Comfortable: Well-reviewed for cleanliness and overall guest experience.
• Affordable Year-Round: Hotel prices can fluctuate dramatically, but these hotels tend to stay budget-friendly.

If you’re open to hostels, those can be even cheaper, and quite a lot of fun. Especially for solo travelers or young couples who don’t mind dorm style, but I’ll cover those in a separate post.

Why Budget Travel in London?

London isn’t exactly known as a budget travel destination. If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest place to visit, there are plenty of other cities where your money will stretch further. But London is a dream destination for many travelers, and I believe this shouldn’t stop you from experiencing it.

Accommodation is often one of the biggest trip expenses, and finding ways to stay affordably means you can travel more often or for longer. Staying in more budget accommodation is my favorite way to save money on trips. I’ve always been a fan of London, it’s easily in my top five favorite big cities I’ve traveled to. Between the large parks, world-class museums, and public transport, it’s a city I love returning to.

On my last trip to London, to see Hamilton on the West End, I managed to find a centrally located hotel for just $76 per night—in July! That experience reinforced my belief that budget-friendly stays in London do exist if you know where to look.

What to Expect from Budget Hotels in London

Hotel prices fluctuate throughout the year and depending on season. I checked multiple months for each hotel below, but since I can’t check every possible date, some rates may vary—so don’t come for me if one of these hotels is a bit pricier on your chosen dates! That said, I’ve carefully selected hotels that generally remain budget-friendly throughout the year.

Before we dive into the list, let’s set realistic expectations for what “budget” actually means in London. While you can find ultra-cheap hostels or far-out accommodations, this list focuses on affordable yet comfortable hotels in well-connected areas. These are generally going to be the best places to stay for most people visiting London for site seeing.

💰 Pricing Reality Check

London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and that extends to accommodation. In real budget terms, here’s what you should expect:

• $90–$120 per night → This is the realistic range for a private room in a well-located, budget-friendly hotel.
• Rare deals under $80 → Occasionally, you can snag a lower price, especially during off-peak dates.
• Peak season increases → Prices tend to spike in summer and around major holidays. Honestly my favorite times to travel are shoulder and off seasons. London doesn’t really have this like a lot of other destinations, but February to April and October to November are generally the rule of thumb for more affordable prices.

🔄 The Trade-Offs

Let’s be real: budget hotels in London aren’t going to be spacious luxury suites. But if you go in with the right expectations, you’ll find a lot of joy in knowing you aren’t blowing your budget on a place to stay. Here’s what to expect:

✔ Smaller rooms – Space is at a premium in London, and most budget hotels have compact rooms. If you’re used to large American-style hotel rooms, be prepared for a tighter fit.

✔ Basic amenities – Budget hotels prioritize function over luxury. Expect essentials like a bed, clean bathroom, and Wi-Fi, but not necessarily extra perks like a gym or fancy decor.

✔ Shared bathrooms (sometimes) – Some of the lowest-priced hotels have shared facilities, but many on this list still offer private bathrooms. If that’s a deal-breaker for you, I’ll highlight which hotels have en-suite options.

✔ Older buildings – Many London budget hotels are in historic buildings, which can mean charm but also quirks (think creaky floors, small staircases or no elevator).

That said, every hotel on this list is well-reviewed for cleanliness, comfort, and location—so while they’re not fancy, they’ll still provide a solid night’s sleep after a day of exploring.

My Criteria for Selecting These Hotels

When choosing budget hotels in London, I followed strict selection criteria to ensure they offer the best balance of affordability, comfort, and convenience. Here’s what made the cut:

📍 Location: Easy Access to Central London

Every hotel on this list is within 30 minutes of central London. Staying too far outside the city can sometimes save money, but long commutes eat into your time and budget. I prioritized great locations that let you easily explore London’s top attractions.

⭐ Reviews: Well-Rated by Real Travelers

I filtered hotels based on:

✔ 7+ rating on Booking.com – Ensuring positive guest experiences.

✔ 4+ stars on Google – Cross-referenced for consistency.

I’m a sucker for reading reviews across multiple platforms. Every hotel here has strong, consistent reviews.

💰 Affordability: Budget-Friendly Year-Round

Hotel prices fluctuate, but I focused on places that stay reasonably priced throughout the year. Some hotels skyrocket in price during peak seasons, but the ones listed here tend to remain within the budget range of $90-$130 per night.

Understanding London Neighborhoods & Locations

Why Location Matters in London

London is huge—staying in the right location can make or break your trip. Yes, you can find cheaper hotels farther out, but long commutes waste time and money. That’s why every hotel on this list is in a well-connected, central area—so you can explore easily without spending an hour on the Tube each way.

🚇 London Transport & Zones: What You Need to Know

• London is divided into fare zones (1-9). Most major attractions are in Zones 1-2.
• Staying in Zones 1-2 = Easy access to sights, shorter travel times.
• Staying in Zones 3+ = Sometimes cheaper hotels, but higher transport costs and longer commutes.

💡 Pro Tip: Public transport in London is great, but if you’re visiting for 4 days or less, staying central saves time and money. Longer trip? You may be fine staying slightly farther out.

🏠 Should You Stay Outside Central London?

It depends on your trip length & budget.

✔ If you’re staying for 5+ days, going slightly outside Zone 1 could save you money.

✔ If this isn’t your first time in London, you can stay further out or in a different neighborhood than last time.

🚨 BUT: If you stay too far out, your daily Tube rides can cost £5-£10 per day round trip—so factor that in when comparing prices!

📌 Key Takeaways

✔ Short stay (under 4 days)? Stay central.

✔ Want nightlife? Shoreditch is great.

✔ Need Heathrow access? Paddington is ideal.

✔ Tight budget? Staying slightly farther out can help, but don’t go too far. and honestly, in my research things weren’t nesacarily THAT much cheaper if you can get one of the really good rates at one of the budget hotels below.

The 10 Best Budget Hotels in London

Each of these hotels balances affordability, location, and comfort, making them some of the best value stays in London. Below, you’ll find key details like price range, location highlights, and pros/cons to help you decide. These are in no particular order.

1. Z Hotel (Holborn or Shoreditch)

💰 Price: $90–$150 per night

📍 Location: Multiple locations, including Holborn or Shoreditch

Z Hotel is a great no-frills but stylish option in prime locations. The rooms are very compact, but they’re well-designed with modern touches like rainfall showers and smart TVs. The Holborn location is ideal for first-time visitors who want to be close to major attractions, while Shoreditch is better for those who enjoy a trendy, creative vibe.

Pros: Stylish, modern, excellent locations.

Cons: Rooms are tiny, so not ideal if you need space.

Bathroom: Attached

2. Hub by Premier Inn (Shoreditch, West Brompton, or Marylebone)

💰 Price: $55–$125 per night

📍 Location: Multiple locations, including Shoreditch, West Brompton, and Marylebone

Hub by Premier Inn offers smart, compact rooms with high-tech features like app-controlled lighting and under-bed storage. It’s designed for efficiency, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers who don’t need extra space. As you can see below, they aren’t on booking sites, just

Pros: Good value, modern design, great locations.

Cons: Rooms are small and may feel too minimalist for some.

Bathroom: Attached

3. MacDonald Hotel

💰 Price: $70–$120 per night

📍 Location: King’s Cross

If you prefer a cozy hotel over a big chain, MacDonald Hotel is a solid option. It’s simple but clean, located near King’s Cross Station, making it convenient for getting around the city.

Pros: Great location and value.

Cons: Not modern or stylish—rooms are basic.

Bathroom: Shared or Private options

4. LSE Bankside House

💰 Price: $104–$147 per night

📍 Location: South Bank, near Tate Modern & Borough Market

Used as student housing during term, LSE Bankside House is an unbeatable deal when it operates as a budget hotel. The location is super central, and while the rooms are no-frills, they’re clean and functional.

Pros: Excellent location, budget-friendly, good for solo travelers.

Cons: Basic rooms—not a typical hotel experience.

Bathroom: Shared or Private options

5. Zedwell Underground Tottenham

💰 Price: $90–$170 per night

📍 Location: Leicester Square

Zedwell is a hotel designed for sleep—literally. The rooms are soundproofed, minimalist, and windowless, making them ideal for those who want a quiet escape from London’s busy streets.

Pros: Super central, quiet, great for light sleepers.

Cons: No windows in most rooms, which some may find claustrophobic.

Bathroom: Attached

6. Charlotte Guesthouse

💰 Price: $60–$130 per night

📍 Location: West Hampstead

Charlotte Guesthouse is a cozy, traditional B&B with a welcoming feel. It’s slightly outside the center, but still well-connected by Tube. If you prefer a charming, homey stay over a modern hotel, this is a great pick.

Pros: Cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, good for longer stays.

Cons: Not walking distance to main sights, so factor in Tube travel time.

Bathroom: Shared or Private options

7. 72QT

💰 Price: $75–$145 per night

📍 Location: Bayswater (near Hyde Park)

A hidden gem that feels more like a guesthouse than a hotel, 72QT is laid-back and comfortable, offering a good value stay near Hyde Park.

Pros: Peaceful, good value, nice residential location.

Cons: Limited availability—books up fast.

Bathroom: Shared or Private options

8. W12 Rooms

💰 Price: $95–$140 per night

📍 Location: Shepherd’s Bush

If you’re looking for a boutique hotel feel on a budget, W12 Rooms delivers. It’s stylish, well-decorated, and near shopping and entertainment, including Westfield London.

Pros: Boutique-style design, good location, affordable for the style.

Cons: Not as central—good transport links, but not walkable to main attractions.

Bathroom: Attached

9. The Captain Cook

💰 Price: $80–$123 per night

📍 Location: Fulham

A hotel above a pub that delivers on charm. The Captain Cook is cozy, welcoming, and has a fantastic pub downstairs. If you want a stay with personality, this is it.

Pros: Unique, cozy, and great for a more local experience.

Cons: Not as central – 15min walk to nearest underground station.

Bathroom: Shared or Private options

10. Green Rooms

💰 Price: $96–$115 per night

📍 Location: Wood Green

An artsy, affordable hotel that supports creatives, Green Rooms has a cool, minimalist vibe. It’s a little farther from central London, but great for those who don’t mind a commute.

Pros: Affordable, cute, and creative atmosphere.

Cons: Farther from the city center.

Bathroom: Shared or Private options

Bonus: EasyHotel London South Kensington (Cheapest Private Room in Zone 1)

💰 Price: $60–$113 per night

📍 Location: South Kensington

This is the consistently cheapest private room you’ll find in Zone 1, but there’s a catch—the rooms are tiny. If you don’t mind the bare-bones experience, it’s hard to beat the price and location.

Pros: Super cheap for the area, great location.

Cons: Extremely small rooms, no real amenities, mixed reviews.

Bathroom: Attached

Map of the Best Budget Hotels in London

Tips for Finding the Best Deals on London Hotels

London’s best budget hotels book up fast, so getting a great deal requires a little strategy. Here’s how to find the lowest rates and maximize your budget:

Book Early for the Best Prices

Budget hotels in London sell out quickly, especially in summer and around holidays.

Travel in Shoulder Season for Lower Rates

London doesn’t have a true “off-season,” but February–April and October–November tend to be less expensive for hotels than peak summer or December.

Use Booking.com Genius Discounts

If you book hotels often, Booking.com’s Genius loyalty program is worth it. It’s free to join, and members can get great discounts. They also have discounts for mobile bookings, so always book on the app.

Compare Prices Before Booking

Check Booking.com, but also visit the hotel’s official website—some hotels offer direct booking discounts or perks like free breakfast or flexible cancellations.

General London Travel Tips

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it’s time to make the most of your trip. London is a big, fast-paced city, but with the right tips, getting around and enjoying your stay will be much easier.

Getting Around London

• Walking is your best friend – If you’re staying central, you’ll be surprised how much of London you can explore on foot. Some of the best parts of the city—like Covent Garden, Soho, and Westminster—are best experienced by walking.
• Use the Tube (London Underground) for longer distances – It’s fast, efficient, and often quicker than taking a taxi or bus. Using your contactless credit/debit card gives you the best fares.
• Avoid taking taxis – you really don’t need to.

Save Money on Transport

• Use contactless payment (or get an oyster card) – Single tickets are expensive, but Oyster/contactless fares are capped daily, making it the cheapest and easiest way to use public transport.
• Use Google Maps – Google maps is one of my favorite apps to take use of while traveling. It includes public transportation so it will map out the best routes in real time.
• Walk if your trip is short – Central London is more compact than it seems, and many major sights are within a 15–20 minute walk of each other.

Budget Eats

• Don’t overlook supermarkets – Chains like Tesco and Sainsburys, have meal deals (~£3–£6).

Free & Affordable Attractions

• Most major museums are free – The British Museum, National Gallery, and Tate Modern are world-class and don’t cost a penny.
• Parks & views are free, too – Walk along the South Bank, explore Hyde Park, or check out the view from Sky Garden (free, but book in advance).

How to Make the Most of Your Budget Trip to London

By now, you’ve got everything you need to book a budget hotel in London. But here are a few final things to keep in mind to actually make this trip work on a budget:

• Lock in your hotel early. If you see a good price, book it. London hotel rates rarely drop at the last minute, especially for budget-friendly places.
• If you’re staying central, plan to walk a ton. Some of the best parts of London are best seen on foot.
• Use contactless payment for public transport. It’ll save you money on transport, and is also just way easy—fares are automatically calculated and capped.
• For food, don’t underestimate supermarkets. A quick meal deal from Tesco or Sainsbury’s will save you a surprising amount over a week.
• Make use of the free stuff. Museums, parks, and even skyline views (like Sky Garden) don’t have to cost anything.

At the end of the day, London isn’t the cheapest city, but If you’re smart about your stay, you can enjoy the city without spending a fortune.

I had a blast putting this guide together, and I hope it helped you find somewhere to stay for your trip to London!

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