12 Affordable Hotels in London England That Are Amazing

Let me be perfectly honest with you. My first trip to London, fresh out of university, was a lesson in budget accommodation despair. I stayed in a place where the “en-suite” was a plastic shower curtain next to the bed and the window looked out onto a brick wall. I vowed never again. Since then, after countless visits and eventually living here, I’ve made it my mission to find the sweet spot—those amazing hotels in London England that don’t require you to take out a second mortgage.

The secret to London isn’t finding the cheapest bed; it’s finding the best value. It’s about location, character, and those little touches that make a hotel feel like a discovery, not just a place to crash. This list is the result of my years of sleuthing. These are the hotels in London that I recommend to my friends and family, the ones that prove you can have an incredible, comfortable, and memorable stay without blowing your entire budget on your room. Forget cramped and dingy; let’s talk about affordable and amazing.

1. The Z Hotel in Soho: The Perfectly Located Cube

Location: 17 Moor Street, London, England, W1D 5AP
Good ★★★

If your London dream is to be in the heart of the action, surrounded by theatres, restaurants, and a buzzing atmosphere, The Z Soho is your spot. This is the hotel I book for friends who want to step outside and immediately feel London.

The Vibe: Chic, compact, and incredibly clever. The rooms are small (this is a “cabin hotel”), but they are brilliantly designed with large, comfy beds, huge smart TVs (with free on-demand movies), and en-suite wet rooms. It feels more like a stylish pod than a cramped room.

Free Wifi
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
24-hour front desk
Key card access
Private bathroom

Why It’s Amazing & Affordable: The location is unbeatable for the price. You’re a stone’s throw from the neon lights of Piccadilly Circus, the theatres of the West End, and the cool cafes of Soho. They also offer a fantastic free cheese and wine reception every evening for guests—a perfect, budget-friendly start to your night.

The Neighborhood (Soho): Electric, vibrant, and historic. You’ll find everything from late-night jazz clubs to classic pubs and some of the best food in London.

Best For: Solo travelers or couples who plan to be out exploring from dawn until dusk and just need a cool, comfortable, and centrally-located base.

Book a room with an internal window for the best rate. You won’t miss the view, I promise.

Pro Tip

Amazon Must-Have: A compact, packable duffel bag is perfect for a stay here, as storage space is smart but limited.

2. Point A Hotel, Liverpool Street: The City Sleeker

Location: 13-15 Folgate Street, London, England, E1 6BX
Very good ★★★★

For a sleek, tech-forward stay on the edge of the trendy East End, Point A Liverpool Street is a consistent winner. It’s one of my go-to recommendations for a modern, no-fuss, and surprisingly stylish stay.

The Vibe: Futuristic and efficient. The lobby feels like a cool co-working space, and the rooms, while compact, feature mood lighting, super-comfy beds, and powerful rainforest showers. It’s all controlled by a tablet in your room.

Free Wifi
Air conditioning
Breakfast available
Parking
Non smoking
24/7 front desk

Why It’s Amazing & Affordable: The price is remarkably low for the level of design and tech you get. It’s located right next to a major Tube station (Liverpool Street), giving you instant access to the entire city. Spitalfields Market and the Brick Lane food scene are just a short walk away.

The Neighborhood (Shoreditch/Spitalfields): The epicenter of cool. Think street art, vintage markets, incredible curry houses on Brick Lane, and some of London’s best nightlife.

Best For: Tech-savvy travelers, couples, and solo visitors who appreciate good design and want to explore the hip East End.

Download the Point A app before you go for a smoother check-in process.

Pro Tip

3. The Premier Inn Hub by Tower Bridge: The High-Tech Haven

Location: 159 Tower Bridge Road, London, England, SE1 3LP
Very good ★★★

Don’t let the “Premier Inn” name fool you. The “Hub” brand is their answer to the modern, compact hotel, and the Tower Bridge location is arguably the best of them all. I was genuinely impressed by how smart this place is.

The Vibe: A high-tech cocoon. The rooms are even smaller than The Z Hotel, but the use of space is genius. You control everything—lighting, temperature, blackout blinds, and even the “Do Not Disturb” function—from a panel by the bed or a smartphone app. The bed is incredibly comfortable, and the powerful shower is a delight.

Free Wifi
Self-parking available
Buffet breakfast
24-hour front desk
Non smoking
Self-parking

Why It’s Amazing & Affordable: The value is staggering. For the tech, the comfort, and the absolutely stellar location just a 5-minute walk from Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, the price is almost unbelievable.

The Neighborhood (Tower Bridge): Majestic and historic. You’re surrounded by iconic landmarks, with the South Bank’s food markets and cultural attractions just across the bridge.

Best For: Travelers who want a futuristic, efficient, and incredibly comfortable sleep pod in a prime tourist location.

Use the app to pre-set your room temperature before you arrive back for the day.

Pro Tip

Amazon Must-Have: A portable power bank is a lifesaver for keeping your phone charged while using it as your room remote and for navigating the city all day.

4. The Resident Covent Garden: The Apartment-Style Oasis

Location: 51 Bedford St, London, England, WC2R 0PZ
VIP Access Luxury Exceptional ★★★★

When you want more space and the ability to self-cater without the price tag of a serviced apartment, The Resident is your answer. It feels like a well-kept secret in the heart of the theatre district.

The Vibe: A chic, residential-style sanctuary. Each room feels like a small studio apartment, featuring a stylish kitchenette (with a fridge, microwave, Nespresso machine, and even a dishwasher), a comfortable seating area, and a really lovely, warm design aesthetic.

Free Wifi
Air conditioning
Daily housekeeping
24-hour front desk
Family rooms
Room service

Why It’s Amazing & Affordable: You get so much more for your money here. The ability to make your own breakfast or have a late-night snack saves a fortune on eating out. It offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets right outside your door.

The Neighborhood (Covent Garden): Theatrical and lively. Home to the Royal Opera House, street performers in the piazza, high-end shops, and an endless choice of restaurants and pubs.

Best For: Families, couples on a longer stay, or anyone who appreciates having their own space and kitchen facilities.

Request a room on a higher floor for a quieter experience and potentially a lovely view over the London rooftops.

Pro Tip

Amazon Must-Have: A collapsible water bottle is perfect for filling up at your room before a day of sightseeing.

5. The Generator Hostel, Bloomsbury: The Social Superstar

Location: 37 Tavistock Place, Russel Square, London, England, WC1H 9SE
Good ★★★

Now, hear me out. If you think hostels are just for 20-year-old backpackers, the Generator will change your mind. It’s a design-led, social hub that offers both private rooms and dorms, and it’s one of the most fun hotels in London uk for the budget-conscious.

The Vibe: A funky, industrial-chic social club. There’s a buzzing bar, a cool lounge area, games, and regular events. The private rooms are simple but clean, modern, and very comfortable, offering a great balance of social energy and private space.

Free Wifi
Dog-friendly
Bar and lounge
24-hour front desk
Buffet breakfast
Family rooms

Why It’s Amazing & Affordable: The price for a private room is fantastic, and the social atmosphere is included for free. It’s a great way to meet other travelers. The location in Bloomsbury is also brilliant—close to the British Museum and a short walk from the West End.

The Neighborhood (Bloomsbury): Academic and literary. It’s a beautiful, slightly quieter area known for its garden squares, universities, and connections to writers like Virginia Woolf.

Best For: Solo travelers, groups of friends, and young-at-heart couples looking for a social experience and a great deal.

Even if you’re in a private room, spend some time in the common areas to soak up the energy.

Pro Tip

Amazon Must-Have: A good pair of compact travel headphones is key for tuning out in a dorm or enjoying music in your private room.

6. The Citadines Barbican, Holborn: The Serviced Apartment Gem

Location: 7-21 Goswell Road, London, England, EC1M 7AH
Excellent ★★★★

For longer stays or for those who truly want to spread out, Citadines offers the consistency and space of a serviced apartment chain, but in fantastic locations. The Barbican branch is my top pick.

The Vibe: Functional, spacious, and reliable. The studios and apartments are clean, modern, and come with a fully-equipped kitchenette. It’s not the most glamorous place, but it provides incredible value and comfort for an extended trip.

Free Wifi
Air conditioning
Private parking
Family rooms
Pet friendly
Fitness center

Why It’s Amazing & Affordable: You get a separate living and sleeping area, which is a rarity in this price range. The weekly rates can be particularly good. Its location is perfect for exploring the City of London, St. Paul’s, and the unique Brutalist architecture of the Barbican Centre itself.

The Neighborhood (Barbican): A fascinating mix of ancient and modern. You’re in the historic financial district, surrounded by sleek skyscrapers and the stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral, right next to one of the world’s most iconic examples of Brutalist architecture.

Best For: Families, business travelers, or anyone staying in London for a week or more who needs space and kitchen facilities.

Book directly on the Citadines website, as they often have promotions and long-stay discounts.

Pro Tip

Amazon Must-Have: A small, portable travel kettle and mug set can be a nice addition if you’re a tea or coffee purist, though the apartment will provide basics.

7. The Strand Palace Hotel: The Grand Dame on a Budget

Location: 372 The Strand, London, England, WC2R 0JJ
Wonderful ★★★★

If you’ve ever wanted the feeling of a classic, grand London hotel without the grand price tag, the Strand Palace is your spot. It’s a large, historic hotel that has been thoughtfully modernized.

The Vibe: Art Deco grandeur meets contemporary comfort. The lobby is stunning, with its original 1930s features, and the rooms have been recently refurbished to a high standard. It feels like a step back in time with all the modern amenities you need.

Free Wifi
Air conditioning
Full breakfast
British restaurant
24-hour fitness center
Bar and lounge

Why It’s Amazing & Affordable: For the location—on the Strand, equidistant from Covent Garden and the South Bank—and the sheer scale and history of the place, the prices are remarkably reasonable. It gives you a taste of the luxury hotels london are known for, at a fraction of the cost.

The Neighborhood (The Strand): Classic and theatrical. You’re surrounded by historic theatres, close to Trafalgar Square, and a short walk across Waterloo Bridge to the London Eye and Southbank Centre.

Best For: Travelers who want a traditional, “proper” hotel experience in a prime central location.

Amazon Must-Have: A foldable umbrella is a non-negotiable for London, no matter the forecast.

8. The easyHotel, South Kensington: The Bare-Bones Bargain

Location: 14 Lexham Gardens, London, England, W8 5JE
Good ★★★

This is the most budget-conscious option on the list, and it’s not for everyone. But for the sheer rock-bottom price in an incredibly expensive neighborhood, easyHotel deserves a mention. It’s the no-frills airline model applied to hotels.

The Vibe: Minimalist in the extreme. The rooms are tiny, often windowless (you pay extra for a window), and the decor is… orange. But they are clean, secure, and have private en-suite pod bathrooms.

Free Wifi
Air conditioning
Garden
Adults only
Key card access
Baggage storage

Why It’s Amazing & Affordable: The price. It allows you to stay in the swanky postcode of South Kensington, home to the Natural History, Science, and V&A Museums, for the cost of a takeaway meal for two elsewhere. You are truly paying for a clean, safe bed and a great location.

The Neighborhood (South Kensington): Affluent and cultural. A beautiful area with world-class museums, elegant streets, and close proximity to Hyde Park.

Best For: Extremely budget-focused travelers, backpackers, or anyone who literally only needs a place to sleep and shower.

Pay for the “room with a window” upgrade. It’s worth it for your sanity. Also, pack light, as the rooms have very little space for luggage.

Pro Tip

9. The Tempting Goodge Street Hotel

Location: Brook House, Torrington Place, London, England, WC1E 7HN
Excellent ★★★

This is a newer boutique hotel that has been generating a lot of buzz for its fantastic location and stylish approach at a reasonable price. It feels like a hidden find.

The Vibe: Boutique, colorful, and quirky. The design is playful and modern, with thoughtful amenities and a friendly, personal touch that you don’t always get in larger chain hotels.

Free Wifi
Breakfast available
Non smoking
24-hour front desk
No pets allowed
Parking

Why It’s Amazing & Affordable: It captures the feeling of a more expensive boutique hotel but keeps its prices accessible. The location in Fitzrovia is perfect—a stone’s throw from the British Museum and the restaurants of Soho and Bloomsbury, but on a quieter, charming street.

The Neighborhood (Fitzrovia): A delightful mix of media hubs, great pubs, and excellent restaurants. It’s central but has a lovely neighborhood feel.

Best For: Couples and solo travelers looking for a hotel with personality and a prime, walkable location.

Amazon Must-Have: A good city guidebook can help you discover the hidden gems in this wonderful neighborhood.

10. The Holiday Inn Express, Southwark: The Reliable Chain with a View

Location: 103-109 Southwark Street, London, England, SE1 0JQ
Excellent ★★★

Sometimes, you just want predictability and a free breakfast. The Holiday Inn Express Southwark delivers exactly that, but in a location that is pure gold for a tourist.

The Vibe: Clean, modern, and consistent. It’s a familiar international chain, so you know exactly what you’re getting: a comfortable, no-surprises stay.

Free Wifi
Air conditioning
Bar and lounge
Parking available
Free cribs/infant beds
Private parking

Why It’s Amazing & Affordable: The free breakfast (including hot items) saves you time and money every morning. The location is phenomenal, just a short walk from the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Borough Market. Some rooms even have stunning views of the Thames and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

The Neighborhood (Southwark): The cultural heart of the South Bank. You’re immersed in London’s best walking area, with galleries, theatres, and food markets right on your doorstep.

Best For: Families and travelers who appreciate the consistency of a known chain and want a great base for exploring the South Bank.

Book a higher-floor room facing the river for a chance at that iconic London view.

Pro Tip

Amazon Must-Have: A packable daypack is perfect for carrying layers and souvenirs as you explore the South Bank.

11. The The Hoxton, Holborn: The “It” Hotel Vibe (Splurge-Worthy Affordable)

Location: 199 – 206 High Holborn, London, England, WC1V 7BD
Wonderful ★★★★

Now, let’s talk about the cool kid. The Hoxton is arguably the hotel that kicked off the trend of stylish, affordable boutique stays. It’s at the higher end of “affordable,” but for the experience, it’s worth every penny.

The Vibe: Effortlessly cool, cozy, and social. The lobby is a destination in itself, filled with people working on laptops, meeting for coffee, or having cocktails. The rooms (called “Shoebox,” “Cosy,” etc.) are beautifully designed with retro touches, great amenities, and a curated mini-fridge with free water and milk.

Free Wifi
Room service
Restaurant
24-hour front desk
Laundry
Bar

Why It’s Amazing & Affordable: You feel like you’re staying in one of the top hotels in london. The atmosphere is electric, the design is impeccable, and the location is brilliant. While not “cheap,” it offers a luxury-adjacent experience for a mid-range price.

The Neighborhood (Holborn): On the border of Bloomsbury and Covent Garden. It’s a central legal and academic district by day, with fantastic transport links and easy access to everything.

Even if you don’t stay here, pop in for a coffee or a drink in the lobby to soak up the vibe.

Pro Tip

Amazon Must-Have: A stylish crossbody bag fits right in with the Hoxton’s aesthetic and is perfect for keeping your belongings secure while out and about.

12. The Royal Lancaster London: The Regal View Master

Location: Lancaster Terrace, London, England, W2 2TY
Luxury Exceptional ★★★★★

Perched right on the edge of Hyde Park, the Royal Lancaster London is a legendary hotel that offers a different kind of London experience. It’s not tucked away on a quaint side street; it stands with confidence, offering some of the most breathtaking park and city views of any hotels in london england. While it leans towards the higher end of the scale, it consistently offers value that far surpasses many of its luxury competitors, making it an “affordable splurge” for a special trip.

The Vibe: Timeless, elegant, and surprisingly relaxed. From the moment you walk into the spacious, light-filled lobby, you feel a sense of classic British hospitality. It has a magnificent mid-century modern heritage, but everything feels fresh and contemporary. The atmosphere is refined without being stuffy—you see both business travelers and families enjoying afternoon tea.

Free Wifi
3 restaurants
Private Parking
Family rooms
Bar
Fitness center

Why It’s Amazing & Offers Great Value: The views. Oh, the views. Waking up to see the sprawling greenery of Hyde Park and the Serpentine lake from your window is an experience in itself. For the location—directly opposite the park and a short walk from Marble Arch Tube station—and the sheer quality of the service and amenities, you get a five-star experience that often costs significantly more at other luxury hotels london is famous for. It feels like a true occasion without the astronomical price tag.

The Neighborhood (Lancaster Gate): Serene and sophisticated. You have the 350 acres of Hyde Park as your front garden, perfect for a morning run or a leisurely stroll to Kensington Palace. The upscale shopping of Oxford Street is just a 10-minute walk away, yet the area itself feels peaceful and residential.

Best For: Travelers celebrating a special occasion, couples seeking a romantic getaway with park views, and anyone who wants a classic, full-service luxury hotel experience without the extreme premium.

Amazon Must-Have: A high-quality travel jewelry case is perfect for keeping your valuables organized and safe when bringing your finest pieces for a special stay here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the best area to stay in London for first-time visitors?

A: For sheer convenience and being in the middle of the action, I’d recommend the West End (Covent Garden, Soho, Leicester Square). You’ll pay a premium, but you can walk to many major sights. For a great balance of value and location, look at South Bank or Bloomsbury.

Q2: How far in advance should I book my hotel?

A: As soon as you know your dates! London is busy year-round. For the best prices and selection, try to book 3-6 months in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season (June-August) or around holidays.

Q3: Are these cheap hotels in london uk safe?

A: Absolutely. All the hotels on this list are in safe, well-trafficked areas and are established, reputable businesses. As with any major city, practice common sense, but you should feel perfectly secure in these accommodations.

Q4: What’s the best way to get from the airport to my hotel?

A: It depends on the airport and your budget.

• Heathrow: The Elizabeth Line or Heathrow Express are the fastest options to central London. The Tube (Piccadilly Line) is much cheaper but slower.
• Gatwick: The Gatwick Express train is direct to Victoria Station.
• Stansted/Luton: Both have dedicated express train services. National Express coaches are a cheaper, slower alternative.

Q5: Is it worth getting an Oyster Card or using a contactless bank card?

A: Yes, 100%. The easiest way to pay for all London public transport (Tube, bus, river boat) is by using a contactless debit/credit card or your phone. The system automatically caps your daily and weekly fares, so you never pay more than you need to. An Oyster Card is also an option, but contactless is generally more convenient for tourists.

London doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive. The city is filled with smart, stylish, and surprisingly affordable hotels in London england that provide a fantastic base for your adventures. The key is to prioritize what matters most to you: a killer location, a social vibe, a bit more space, or cutting-edge tech.

By choosing one of these amazing and affordable hotels, you’re not just saving money on your room—you’re freeing up your budget for what really makes a London trip unforgettable: a front-row seat at a West End show, a delicious meal in a historic pub, or that special souvenir from a classic London market. Happy travels