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London. It’s a city full of dreams and history. But, let’s be honest, it can also be expensive. If you want to stay in london cheap, especially for your first trip, you’re in the right spot. I’ve visited this amazing city many times without spending a lot.
I’ve learned some helpful tricks. London is a big city. But if you plan well, you can have a great trip that doesn’t cost too much. This guide will show you where to look for good places to stay and what to expect.
Why is Finding a Place to Stay in London Cheap So Hard?
London is a very popular city. This means things often cost more, especially places to stay. Accommodation can take a big part of your travel money. Property is expensive here, and many people always want to visit. You might find that hotel rooms in London are very small.
This is common. Also, what “budget” means in London might be different from what you’re used to. But don’t worry! Knowing this helps you find a good, affordable place for your trip. I once thought £150 a night for a simple hotel was a lot. But I learned that’s often the price for a decent hotel in a good area.
Top Tips for Your Stay in London Cheap
Finding a place in London that fits your budget needs a good plan. From my trips, I’ve learned some good ways to save money.
💡Musa’s Money-Saving Tip: Look Outside Central London
Central London (called Zone 1) is easy to get around but expensive. I found good deals by staying in Zone 2 or even further out, near the end of a Tube (train) line. If you’re near good transport, you can still get around easily. Plus, you’ll save money. My stay in Belsize Park was great. It was quieter and felt more like a local area.
Think about well-known budget hotel chains. I’ve had good stays at Premier Inn and Travelodge. Their “hub by Premier Inn” rooms are smaller and often cheaper. I stayed at a hub near King’s Cross station. It was modern, clean, and very easy for getting the Tube.
Hostels are another great choice if you want to stay in london cheap. Hostels are not just for students. Many are good for people of all ages. You can often get a private room if you don’t want to share a dorm.
⚠️Event Alert: Check for Big Events!
London has many big events, like the London Marathon (usually in late April). When these events happen, hotel prices go up a lot, and it’s hard to find rooms. If you can change your travel dates, check London’s event calendar. This can help you avoid these busy and expensive times. My trip from April 24th to May 3rd, 2025, is during the marathon on April 27th. I know this will make things cost more.
Always check room details before you book. Some budget hotels, especially in older buildings, might not have air conditioning. Some might not even have windows. I had a bad experience at a Point A hotel once. The room wasn’t clean, and some rooms there didn’t have windows. If these things matter to you, make sure to check.
Good Budget-Friendly Areas: Where to Stay in London
Choosing the right area is important if you want to stay in london cheap and still be close to things on your first visit. Here are some areas I’ve stayed in or think are good options. London has great public transport, so most areas are easy to get to.
Other areas like Cricklewood (where I found a very cheap Travelodge), Islington (Angel, Upper Street), Southwark (near London Bridge), and Victoria also have different places to stay. Always check how easy it is to get to public transport from your hotel. This will help with your sightseeing plans.
Types of Cheap Accommodation in London
You have a few main choices when you want to stay in london cheap. Each type has good and bad points.
Budget Hotel Chains
These are often my first choice. They offer a good mix of price, comfort, and you know what to expect.
Small, modern rooms with good technology. My King’s Cross stay was great. Good for one or two people who don’t need a lot of space. They are in good locations, often near big transport stations. Book direct at Premier Inn Hub.
Simple, no-frills rooms, but clean and useful. My Cricklewood stay was very cheap. Often has rooms for families. Good for finding deals if you can be flexible about where you stay. Book at Travelodge.
Very small rooms, often without windows. You pay extra for things like TV. Their main goal is to be very cheap. Good if you just need a bed and plan to be out all day. Check easyHotel for options.
Hostels
Hostels have some of the cheapest beds in London. They are also great for meeting other people who are traveling.
A well-known chain. Clean, good facilities, and often private rooms too. Membership gives discounts (10% plus special deals). I think under 26s get even more off. Good for all ages. I stayed at the one near King’s Cross. Book at YHA London.
Lively hostels, often with bars. Popular with younger people. The London Bridge hostel is great for Borough Market and sights. Can be good if you book a small dorm room for your group. Visit St Christopher’s Inn.
Websites like Hostelworld and Hostels.com are good for comparing hostels. I suggest avoiding chains like “Smart” Hostels. My experience there was very crowded.
Aparthotels & University Stays
Aparthotels are like apartment-style hotel rooms. The Gate (where I stayed, near Aldgate) is an example. They offer studios or apartments with small kitchens. This can save you money because you can make some of your own meals. Prices were about £150-£200 a night when I stayed there.
🌍Summer Secret: University Rooms
In summer (usually June to September), universities like UCL (UCL Summer Residences) and LSE rent out student rooms. These rooms can be basic. But they are often in great central locations. This is a good way to stay in london cheap. It’s worth checking if you visit during university holidays!
When is the Best Time to Visit London for Cheaper Stays?
The time of year you plan your london first time visit can make a big difference to prices. Usually, the times just before or after peak season (these are called shoulder seasons) and off-peak months have better deals.
I really like May and June because the weather is nice and the days are long. My Christmas visit was wonderful with all the decorations, especially at Trafalgar Square. But if your main aim is to stay in london cheap, January or February might be your best time to visit london, even though it can be cold.
Key Things to Know for Your First London Visit
Your london first time visit will be very exciting! Here are some useful things I learned:
Getting Around London from Your Accommodation
London’s public transport is very good. This makes it easy to explore, even if you stay in london cheap a bit far from the city centre.
The best way to travel long distances. Use an Oyster card or contactless payment. Can get very crowded at busy times, so try to avoid those if you can. The Night Tube runs on some lines on Fridays and Saturdays. The TFL GO app is great for planning your trips.
Slower than the Tube but good for seeing the city from above ground. The “Hopper fare” lets you take many bus journeys in one hour for one price. Many bus routes run all night. Also accepts Oyster card or contactless payment.
A nice way to travel on the River Thames. It connects important places by the river. You get great views of famous buildings. Not the cheapest, but a fun ride. Pay with Oyster/contactless or book on the Thames Clippers website. Can be faster than you think for some trips across the river.
More Money-Saving Tips for London (Besides Accommodation)
Once you’ve found where to stay in london cheap, here are a few more ways I’ve saved money:
- Supermarket Meal Deals: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, M&S often sell a sandwich, snack & drink for about £4-£5.
- Ethnic Food Areas: Try areas like Whitechapel (Lahore One for curry where you can bring your own drink) or Chinatown.
- Food Markets: Borough Market (can be expensive but good quality) or smaller local markets. Boxpark and Mercato Metropolitano are fun.
- Buffets: Royal Nawab Pakistani buffet was £29 but all you can eat. Good for a big meal. Check Royal Nawab.
- Free Museums: British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, Science Museum, Natural History Museum are all free to enter.
- Sky Garden: Free entry but you must book tickets early for amazing views.
- Theatre Tickets: Use TodayTix for “rush” or “lottery” tickets. I got top seats for £25!
- Walking Tours: Many free walking tours (you give a tip at the end) explore different parts of London.
- Charity Shops: (Like thrift stores) Great for finding unusual items and good deals. Many locals shop here.
- TK Maxx: Sells famous brand clothes at lower prices. It can be a bit of a search, but worth checking.
- Primark: Very cheap clothes (fast fashion). The one on Oxford Street is very big.
- Sales: January sales are well-known. Also look for sales in the middle of seasons.
FAQs: Your Questions on How to Stay in London Cheap
What is the very cheapest way to stay in London?
A: Usually, a bed in a hostel dorm room is the cheapest. Booking a place far from the city centre or visiting in the quietest part of winter (January/February) can also mean lower prices for all types of places to stay.
Is it better to stay in central London or further out to save money?
A: Staying further out (Zone 2 or 3) is generally cheaper for your room. But, remember to add the cost of daily travel. If you plan to spend most of your time in central London, the money you save on your room might be used up by higher travel fares and longer travel times.
How early should I book a place to stay in London?
A: For the best prices and choices, especially if you want to stay in london cheap during busy times or big events, it’s good to book 3-6 months before your trip. For quieter times, you might find good deals nearer to your travel date. But popular cheap places can still get booked up.
Are there any areas I should avoid when looking for cheap stays in London?
A: London is generally safe. But if you find super cheap hostels in areas that are not well-lit or easy to get to by transport, be a bit more careful. Always read recent reviews about safety and cleanliness, especially if a price seems too low to be true. I once had a bad experience with a “Smart” hostel brand because it was too crowded.
Can a family of four stay in London cheap?
A: Yes, but you need to plan carefully. Look for family rooms in budget hotel chains like Premier Inn or Travelodge. Another idea is to book a private 4-bed dorm room in a YHA or a similar family-friendly hostel. This can save a lot of money. Aparthotels with small kitchens can also help you save on food costs.
Are there any “tourist traps” I should watch out for when looking for cheap stays?
A: Yeah, some places might look cheap online but then they’re miles from anywhere you actually want to be, or the pictures are super old. Always check recent reviews and the actual location on a map before you get too excited about a “bargain.”
What’s the deal with breakfast in cheap London hotels – is it usually included?
A: It really depends. Some super budget places won’t include it, or they’ll offer a very basic one for extra. Others, like some Premier Inns, do a pretty good paid breakfast. If it’s important for your budget, always check what’s offered before you book.
If I’m travelling solo, are hostels my only real cheap option in London?
A: Not necessarily! Hostels are great for solo folks and often cheapest, but also look for “single rooms” in budget hotels or places like YHA. Sometimes university rooms in summer are good for solo travellers too. You’ve got a few choices besides just a dorm bed.
Do prices for cheap London stays change a lot even within the same week?
A: Oh, for sure. A room on a Saturday night can cost way more than the same room on a Tuesday, especially in popular spots. If your dates are a bit flexible, playing around with your arrival and departure days might show you some surprising price drops.
Is it worth paying a bit more for a cheap hotel that’s right next to a Tube station?
A: I’d say most times, yes! Being close to a Tube station saves you so much time and hassle, especially after a long day of walking. Even if it’s a few quid more per night, the convenience often makes up for it, and you might save on taxi or bus fares too.