5 Best London hotels on a budget
11th Apr 2019 Travel
A trip to london doesn't have to be eye-wateringly expensive. Here's how to enjoy the best of the capital without spending the big bucks
The humble staycation is a chance to explore, relax and indulge somewhere on your very own shores, but one very often born out of a desire to save the expense of a traditional holiday abroad.
As we all know, London has its fair share of extremely decadent residences, but you don’t always have to spend at the absolute top end for a memorable stay.
With so much to see and do, it is the perfect city to re-acquaint yourself with without the hassle of passports checks and baggage allowances. Here are five hotels in the city that provide an excellent sleep (and more) without maxing your credit card.
The Good Hotel, from £149
If your trip to the capital is set to take in the O2 arena or waterside attractions, you simply cannot go wrong with a stay at The Good Hotel, just a cable car or short tube ride away from all the Greenwich action.
Intimate and friendly from the very off (with the most affable concierges of the week), the quirky exterior gives way to a vast social space akin to a stylish living room, full of places to work, eat and socialise. Breakfast is served in a leisurely fashion from 7-11am on weekdays, chockfull of continental meats, cereals and pastries to encourage that home-away-from-home atmosphere.
Taking things upstairs, the bedrooms are sizeable for one, if potentially a little intimate for non-romantic couples, with only frosted glass separating the bathroom. Upgrade to a water view room to experience the true beauty of the space; with calming views and a worry doll propped upon your pillow, it’s hard to envisage a more peaceful nights sleep.
It’s not just the interiors of the Good Hotel that are impressive—with a keen dedication to “giving back” to communities both local and international, 5 GDP of every direct booking is donated to their NGO partner in Guatemala, and the Good Training programme works to offer long-term unemployed locals with hospitality training. With very few brands like them in the city, this is a company you can feel very positive about spending your money with.
Artist Residence, from £187
For a celebratory stay, consider heading to Pimlico for the Artist Residence. Just ten rooms large, this boutique chain has earnt an abundance of plaudits for it’s Brighton residence, and has spared none of it’s colourful charm in it’s sumptuously decorated rooms, each with bespoke artwork that carries through to the winding staircases and narrow lobby.
If you can stretch to it, opt for The Grand Suite, with a huge bedroom and bathroom, with roll top tub, separate shower and array of luxury cosmetics. Smell is a surprising selling point here—from the impossibly soft, fresh bedsheets to the floral diffusers, everything is delightfully fresh and soothing. If only there was an onsite spa!
Nonetheless, relaxation continues downstairs in the lower quarters, where you can dine in the Cambridge Street Kitchen, or hold court in the snug, the perfect space to sup some of the restaurants signature cocktails. Just be sure to rise in time for breakfast—the truffled scrambled eggs with salmon are easily amongst the tastiest in the city.
Roomzzz Stratford, from £85
Prefer the autonomy of a self-catering sleep? Roomzzz Stratford is the perfect destination for shopaholics, just a 15-minute walk away from Westfield Stratford, as well a variety of convenient tube and bus stations.
Stretching eight stories high, Roomzzz real selling point is the views—admirable from every floor, they come into their own on the top-floor Design Suites, with decked rooftop terraces that allow a 280-degree observation of the city and all it’s landmarks. Space is very much the bonus of thus accommodation—you could easily host friends in advance of an evening out, or soak up the summer sunshine with snacks purchased from the local market.
Bathtubs are unfortunately not standard here, but the shower is powerful, the bed soft and the kitchen well appointed with hob and microwave (plus downstairs 24hr shopping pantry, a perk for any little extras you might have forgotten). Ideal for independent travellers or those looking to get work done on the move, this is definitely an affordable option.
The East London Hotel, from £75
Small but perfectly formed, The East London Hotel is a great base for museum fans and fitness fans alike, located directly opposite The V&A Museum of Childhood and adjacent to York Hall Leisure Centre. The perfect meeting point between hands-on hotel service and self-guided visit, check yourself in using their lobby ipads before lingering in the entrance cafe, or head straight upstairs to find your room styled in clean, minimal chicness.
Despite it’s paired-back aesthetic, every detail has been thought of to ensure comfort. From the tiny lights that pop out of the bedframe to allow night-time reading, to the simple light switch function by the door that tells staff if you’re ready to be disturbed or not, convenience is key, and despite the bustling street below, you’ll feel safe and secure within their walls.
Although the onsite restaurant only serves food throughout the day, hungry evening bellies are well catered for by an impressive choice of eateries along the same road as the hotel. Our pick would be The Japanese Canteen, offering sumptuous ramen soups and bao buns that can be eaten in or taken back to your room.
The Hoxton Shoreditch, from £149
For those seeking a stay worth photographing, The Hoxton knows style. Everything from the key cards to the free paper bag you can leave outside your room to redeem a complimentary breakfast is impeccably designed, adding a touch of style to what is a very functional, charming and hectic hotel.
Unlike most hotel lobby bars, the Hoxton is a destination all of itself, offering a slice of London atmosphere without having to leave the building. Part restaurant, part workspace, it’s a haven for Shoreditch’s creative types and social butterflies.
Sample a cocktail (or four) until 2am or jump in the photo booth, knowing you’re only ever a lift ride away from a comfortable nights sleep with the option for midday lie-in. Staff are also amongst London’s friendliest, ensuring that no personal request is left unanswered no matter the hour.
