Visiting London for a bit? Welcome. With the average cost of a hotel at around £135 per night, you’re probably after some cheap London accommodation options. Luckily, there are lots of great places to stay on a low budget.
Hostels
Budget beds for the newbie backpacker and the seasoned budget traveller alike. Hostels can have a bit of a bad rep, but seek out rated ones and your checks will be rewarded.
Palmer’s Lodge, Swiss Cottage
A Grade II-listed Victorian building, close to Swiss Cottage tube and awarded a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence, the smallest dorms sleep 6, with the largest sleeping 28. There are private rooms for those who prefer not to share too. See rates.
YHA St Paul’s
A mix of dorms and private rooms in a central, historic area just a short stroll from the South Bank and Barbican, perfect if you’re just in town for a few days as plenty of landmarks and cheap eats are within easy reach. See rates.
Budget hotels
Easy Hotel
Easy come, easy stay at Easy Hotel from the people that quite possibly transported you to our fair city. There are Easy Hotels across London including King’s Cross, Old Street/Barbican, Paddington. Pro tip: you can save around a tenner per night if you stay a little further out in Croydon (handy if you’re travelling via Gatwick Airport)—and with regular trains into Victoria or London Bridge you can be in the centre of town in under 30 minutes. It’s cheap and cheerful, and basic so there is no food or drink available at the hotels but wifi is free. See rates for the Paddington branch.
Home away from home
Airbnb can be pricier here than other European or British cities, but there are still some decent places that won’t push the post-Brexit pound too far if living like a local is your thing, and off-season is probably your best bet for rates.
Couchsurfing, House-sitting and other cheap/free accommodation options
A good option for those who subscribe to the cheapo’s ‘free is better than cheap’ philosophy. The name is as literal as it sounds. Surfers crash out at hosts’ homes for free, the idea being you stay with locals, hang out and get a tips on how to get the most from your trip. Have a look at our article on finding cheap and free accommodation in London for details.
Alternatively, if you prefer to have more of a holiday apartment or house experience for free and you like pets, try house sitting. Like the sound of staying with cats in Catford, dogs in Dulwich or iguanas in Ilford? Read our handy guide to house sitting
Visiting for a short stay? Find out how to spend a cheap weekend in London for under £75
