Planning a trip to London? Brilliant choice! Have you ever tried hunting down cheap accommodation in London? You know it can feel like searching for platform 9¾ at King’s Cross — tricky, but magical when you find it!
Whether you’re visiting the city for the first time, returning to explore more hidden gems, or using it as a base for nearby adventures, this guide will help you score a comfy stay without blowing your budget.
📌 Top tips for booking cheap accommodation in London?
💡 Book early: The earlier you book, the better chance you have at nabbing cheap accommodation in London.
💡 Stay slightly outside the tourist core: Zones 2-3 (like Camden, Greenwich, or Stratford) offer great transport links but lower prices.
💡 Check Welcome2.London: This fab resource not only helps you find cheap accommodation in London? But also connects you with hidden gems, free events, and local deals. It’s a must-bookmark for savvy travelers!
💡 Mix it up: Don’t overlook hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels — some of the best cheap accommodation in London. It is found where you least expect.
🏨 15 Cheap Hotels in London That’ll Save Your Wallet
Ready? Let’s explore places where you can stay without breaking the bank!
1️⃣ Smart Hyde Park View
Set moments from the greenery of Hyde Park, this spot is ideal if you like your mornings with a side of fresh air. Offering free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and an onsite bar and restaurant, this hotel mixes comfort with convenience.
2️⃣ Safestay London Kensington Holland Park
Imagine staying inside one of London’s loveliest parks! This hotel is situated within a stunning historic building in Holland Park. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, a cozy bar, and a restaurant without leaving the grounds. Its central yet peaceful location makes it a hidden gem for cheap accommodation in London.
3️⃣ St Christopher’s Inn London Bridge – The Village
This is a prime pick for foodies and culture lovers. Located near Borough Market and The Shard, it offers free Wi-Fi, a lively bar, restaurant, and even parking—a great base to explore South Bank’s treasures while sticking to your budget.
4️⃣ Generator London
This hip hostel-like location, situated near King’s Cross, is an excellent option for both casual travelers and Harry Potter enthusiasts. A bar, restaurant, and some access facilities will allow you to relax and mingle between adventures. The addition of its smoke-free policy contributes to its comfort.
5️⃣ London Backpackers Hostel
Perfect for solo travelers and backpackers hunting cheap accommodation in London? This property keeps it simple with free Wi-Fi and a child-friendly, smoke-free environment. A solid choice if you want to meet fellow adventurers!
6️⃣ NX London Hostel
In search of one of the most budget-friendly accommodations in the city? NX London Hostel can offer customers a breakfast, a restaurant, and a full-service laundry. This facility provides parking and air conditioning, making it a hassle-free option to spend less money on accommodation while exploring London.
7️⃣ Travelodge London Central City Road
This chain is reliable and gives a good value to the City core. It is pet-friendly, features a bar and restaurant, and provides parking spaces. Do you seek reliable and affordable housing in London? And have a business-neighborhood feel, then this might be your place.
8️⃣ Wombat’s City Hostel London
Wombat is trendy and fun, a favourite of budget-savvy travelers, and is located near Tower Bridge, offering free Wi-Fi, a bar, and parking provisions. The cultural environment qualifies it as a premier destination for individuals seeking more than a night’s sleep.
9️⃣ Travelodge London City
This hotel is renowned for its comfortable rooms and excellent service, offering amenities such as air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a friendly staff. It features a bar, restaurant, and conveniently located rooms, making it a good choice for affordable accommodation.
🔟 Smart Russell Square
This is a dream of a low-budget traveller who is located close to the British Museum. The hotel is a non-smoking establishment with complimentary WiFi, air conditioning, and parking. It is Spartan accommodation in an excellent position.
1️⃣1️⃣ St Christopher’s Inn Greenwich
This inn is situated in maritime London and offers complimentary Wi-Fi, a lively bar, and a restaurant. It provides a family-friendly and smoke-free atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for affordable accommodation in London. That doesn’t mean deprived of charisma.
1️⃣2️⃣ No.8 Seven Sisters
For the true bargain hunter, this simple hotel includes free Wi-Fi, parking, a bar, and pet-friendly rooms. A basic choice, but one that ticks the box if keeping costs down is your top priority.
1️⃣3️⃣ Queen Elizabeth Hostel & Pub
A classic London experience — stay above a pub! This quirky hostel offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and the warm atmosphere of a traditional British watering hole. It’s a fun and affordable option if you’re looking for cheap accommodation in London.
1️⃣4️⃣ Phoenix Hostel London
This hostel strikes a balance between good vibes and affordability. Enjoy breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a bar, and restaurant facilities, all in a smoke-free setting—a solid pick for meeting other travelers while saving money.
1️⃣5️⃣ ibis budget London Whitechapel – Brick Lane
Explore vibrant East London with this clean, budget-friendly hotel as your base. It offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, pet-friendly rooms, parking, and a restaurant. Ideal for foodies keen to dive into Brick Lane’s famous curry houses!
Cheap accommodation in London? Doable!
London doesn’t have to drain your wallet. From hostels to budget hotels, this list of 15 places proves it’s possible to stay central, comfortable, and affordable. The key? Book early, stay flexible, and use resources like Welcome2.London to find those hidden gems.
And remember — pair your cheap accommodation in London? With Chauffeurz Premium Services for a trip that’s smooth, stylish, and oh-so-London.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What part of London is the cheapest to stay in?
If you’re looking for cheap accommodation in London? Your best bet is to stay slightly outside the tourist-heavy areas of Zone 1. Places like Stratford, Greenwich, Wembley, Seven Sisters, and Ilford often offer significantly lower rates while still being well-connected to central London by public transport. These areas give you access to affordable hotels, hostels, and guesthouses — plus a more local London vibe!
❓ Where is the cheapest place to rent in London?
The cheapest affordable places to rent in London are typically located in outer boroughs. Barking and Dagenham, Hounslow, Croydon, and parts of Sutton and Havering tend to have the most affordable rental prices. These areas offer lower costs while still providing reasonable commutes into the city, making them popular with budget-conscious renters.
❓ Which is the cheapest place to live in London?
When it comes to overall living costs (rent, groceries, and transportation), areas such as Bexley, Havering, Barking and Dagenham, and Croydon are often among the most affordable places to live in London. These boroughs offer more affordable housing, and day-to-day expenses tend to be lower than in central London or trendy inner-city neighborhoods.
❓ Is Airbnb or a hotel cheaper in London?
The answer depends on your stay length and group size! For short stays, hotels and hostels often work out cheaper, especially if you’re looking for affordable accommodation in London. Many budget hotel chains offer competitive nightly rates, and you’ll usually get included amenities like breakfast or daily cleaning.
However, for longer stays or if you’re travelling as a group, Airbnb can sometimes save you money, particularly if you’re happy to keep up a little further out and self-cater. Always compare both options, and don’t forget to check fees and cleaning charges on Airbnb, as these can add up!
❓ What is the best cheap accommodation in London for students?
The best cheap accommodation in London for students includes a mix of university halls, private student housing, and shared flats. Many students opt for providers like Unite Students, Chapter, and Scape, which offer affordable, secure options with excellent facilities. If you’re looking for something even cheaper, consider flat sharing in Zones 2-4 or student-friendly hostels like Generator London or Smart Russell Square. These give you central locations without sky-high prices.
❓ Where can international students find the cheapest accommodation in London?
International students can find the cheapest accommodation in London by exploring university-managed halls in outer zones, shared student flats, or private student hostels. Areas such as Ilford, Barking, Stratford, and Hendon offer budget-friendly rents and reliable public transportation. Many students also stay temporarily in affordable hostels when they first arrive before securing long-term housing, sites like Welcome2.London can help you compare affordable student options.
❓ What options are available for student accommodation in London?
London offers a wide range of student accommodation — from luxury en-suite studios to budget-friendly shared flats. You’ll find purpose-built student buildings with gyms and study areas, traditional university halls, and countless flat-share opportunities. To balance affordability and convenience, many students choose areas just outside the city centre that are well-served by public transport. Remember, if you’re looking for affordable accommodation in London as a student, it pays to start searching early!
❓ Where can I find cheap student accommodation in central London?
Finding affordable student accommodation in central London can be challenging, but not impossible. Focus on older university halls, student hostels, and shared flats. Places like Smart Russell Square, Generator London, and Wombat’s City Hostel London offer dorm-style or budget private rooms within easy reach of major attractions and universities. Booking early and being flexible with your room type (for example, opting for shared bathrooms) can help you snag a deal.
❓ What are the best cheap hotels in central London?
Some of the best cheap hotels in central London that combine value and location include:
✅ Smart Hyde Park View – Close to Hyde Park, great for sightseeing
✅ Generator London – Near King’s Cross, ideal for transport connections
✅ Travelodge London City – A reliable budget chain in the business district
✅ Wombat’s City Hostel London – Trendy hostel with a fun social vibe near Tower Bridge
✅ Smart Russell Square – Perfect for museum lovers on a budget
These hotels and hostels are excellent, offering affordable options for visitors seeking budget-friendly accommodation in London without compromising on location.
