London has an endless choice of accommodation, but it is also one of the most expensive cities in Europe to stay in. Choosing the right area matters: a cheap hotel far from the Tube can cost you hours and money in travel. Here is how to find your way between neighbourhoods, types of accommodation and budgets.
What it costs
Indicative prices per night, varying greatly with the season and major events:
- Hostels: from about £25-50 for a dorm bed, more for private rooms.
- Budget hotels and B&Bs: £90-150 for a double.
- Mid-range hotels: £150-250.
- Luxury hotels: from £400 upwards, including some of the most famous historic hotels in the world.
The most expensive periods are summer, Christmas and the weeks of big events (Wimbledon, concerts, the Marathon). Book well ahead and compare refundable and non-refundable rates.
The best areas for a first visit
- Westminster and the South Bank: near Parliament, the London Eye and Big Ben; perfect for doing everything on foot, but quiet in the evening.
- Covent Garden, Soho and the West End: in the heart of theatres, restaurants and nightlife; expensive and sometimes noisy.
- Bloomsbury: elegant, central and calmer, near the British Museum, with many mid-range hotels in Georgian houses.
- King's Cross and St Pancras: very handy for Eurostar and connections to Luton and Gatwick, revamped in recent years.
- South Kensington and Kensington: near the great museums and Hyde Park, residential and safe.
- Paddington and Bayswater: lots of B&Bs and budget hotels, with a direct link to Heathrow.
Areas for saving money
- Earl's Court and Victoria: well connected and with cheaper hotels.
- Shoreditch and Hoxton: for those after bars and alternative nightlife.
- Southwark and London Bridge: near Borough Market and the Tower.
- Canary Wharf and Greenwich: at weekends business hotels cut prices sharply, and the DLR and Elizabeth line reach the centre in minutes.
- Stratford: modern, with many new hotels and the Elizabeth line.
Other types of accommodation
- Apartments and short lets: convenient for families and long stays; in London short lets of entire homes are legally limited to 90 nights a year.
- University residences: in summer many universities offer single rooms at good prices in central locations.
- Rooms in homes or shared flats: for longer stays, for work or study (see living in London and housing and rents).
Tips
Always check the distance to the nearest Tube station and the fare zone. London rooms are often small, especially in historic buildings, and a full English breakfast is not always included. Many hotels ask for a credit card as a guarantee. For transport see getting around London and for neighbourhoods London's neighbourhoods; back to the London guide.