As many of you know, I love London. It has been one of my favorite cities in Europe since I was a child, and I’ve visited it countless times over the years. However, finding an affordable hotel in a central location can be challenging. Over the years, I’ve stayed in several different hotels across the city, ranging from basic budget options to more comfortable stays.
These three hotels aren’t luxury properties. Instead, they’re budget-friendly options that I would genuinely consider staying at again because they offer a good balance between price, location, and convenience. When choosing budget-friendly accommodation in London, it’s important to remember that affordability often comes with a few compromises. The key is finding places that offer good value without sacrificing location.
1. Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
If location is your top priority, this would probably be my first choice.
The biggest advantage of Zedwell is that you’re right in the heart of London. Step outside and you’re within walking distance of Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Soho, Covent Garden, and Trafalgar Square. If seeing a West End musical is on your London bucket list, you’ll struggle to find a better location. Many of London’s most famous theaters are just a short walk away. This hotel is suited for adult travelers, and travelers with older kids, I would not recommend if you have kids under 10, and need to spend more time in your hotel room.
During my stay, I found it ideal for spending long days exploring the city without wasting time on transport.
Price
- Low season (January-March): £90-£140
- Shoulder season (April-May, September-November): £130-£190
- Peak season (June-August, December): £170-£250+
What I liked
- Exceptional central location
- Walking distance to many major attractions
- Modern and minimalist design
- Great for short city breaks
Things to know
- Rooms are compact
- The hotel focuses on simplicity rather than luxury, but everything feels clean and modern
- Best suited to travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring London
Best for: First-time visitors and weekend travelers who want to stay in the center of everything.
2. Keystone House
Located next to King’s Cross and St Pancras, Keystone House is one of the most convenient budget hotels I’ve stayed in.
The location makes arriving and leaving London incredibly easy. Whether you’re arriving from Heathrow, Gatwick, or even by Eurostar, King’s Cross is one of the best transport hubs in the city.
I found this location particularly useful because I could quickly reach almost any part of London by Underground.
I also think Keystone House is a great option if you’re only spending a night or two in London before continuing your journey. Being so close to King’s Cross and St Pancras makes travel days significantly less stressful. For adult travelers and travelers with older kids (10+).
Price
- Low season: £80-£120
- Shoulder season: £110-£160
- Peak season: £150-£220+
What I liked
- Excellent transport connections
- Easy access to King’s Cross and St Pancras
- Practical choice for budget-conscious travelers
- Good base for exploring different parts of London
Things to know
- Rooms are basic and not particularly modern, but they cover the essentials
- You’re paying primarily for the location and convenience
- Not a luxury experience
- No breakfast included
Best for: Travellers who want easy transport connections and a practical base for sightseeing.
3. Park Avenue Bayswater Inn Hyde Park
Bayswater is one of my favorite areas for finding affordable accommodation in London.
While it isn’t as central as Piccadilly Circus, it offers a quieter atmosphere while still being well connected to the city center. Being close to Hyde Park is also a major advantage.
I enjoyed staying here because it felt slightly removed from the busiest tourist crowds while still offering easy access to London’s attractions.
Price
- Low season: £70-£120
- Shoulder season: £100-£170
- Peak season: £150-£250+
What I liked
- Close to Hyde Park
- Good Underground connections
- Generally more affordable than many central areas
- Pleasant neighborhood atmosphere
Things to know
- Some attractions require a short Tube journey
- Less lively than Soho or Covent Garden
- Better suited to travelers who prefer a quieter base, including families traveling with younger children
Best for: Visitors looking for good value and a calmer area to stay.
Which Hotel Would I Choose Again?
If I were visiting London for the first time, I would probably choose Zedwell Piccadilly Circus because the location is hard to beat. Being able to walk to so many of London’s attractions saves both time and money.
If convenience and transport connections were my priority, I would choose Keystone House near King’s Cross. It’s hard to beat if you’re arriving by train or planning to travel onwards.
For travelers looking for a quieter stay close to Hyde Park, Park Avenue Bayswater Inn offers excellent value in one of London’s most pleasant neighbourhoods.
No matter which option you choose, all three hotels prove that it is still possible to find affordable accommodation in London without staying miles away from the attractions.
FAQ
Is it possible to find affordable hotels in central London?
Yes, but you’ll usually need to compromise on room size, luxury amenities, or hotel facilities. In my experience, location is often the most important factor for a short trip to London.
What is the best area to stay in London for first-time visitors?
Areas such as Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Soho, and Westminster are excellent choices because you’ll be close to many of London’s main attractions.
Is King’s Cross a good area to stay in London?
Absolutely. King’s Cross offers some of the best public transport connections in the city and is a great base for sightseeing.
Is Bayswater a good area to stay in London?
Yes. Bayswater offers a quieter atmosphere than central London hotspots while still providing easy access to major attractions via the Underground.
How much should I budget for a hotel in London?
London is one of Europe’s more expensive cities, so even budget-friendly hotels can cost more than travelers expect. It’s often worth paying a little extra for a central location, especially if you’re only visiting for a few days.
Leave a Reply