Cheap places in London to stay: Best Areas & Hotels

London is one of those cities you should experience at least once in your life.
At the same time, it’s also known for stretching travel budgets – especially when it comes to accommodation. Let’s be honest from the start: London isn’t cheap. But with the right strategy, you can find cheap places in London to stay that are safe, well connected and genuinely comfortable.

This guide focuses on cheap places in London that offer good value rather than just the lowest price. You’ll discover the best budget-friendly areas, affordable hotels and practical, experience-based tips to help you save money without sacrificing comfort.

No empty promises – just smart planning.

What does “cheap” really mean in London? (realistic prices)

Before we dive in, a quick reality check. Cheap accommodation in London works differently than in many other European cities.

Realistic price ranges per night (double room) – (Hotels in London usually price in GBP)

• Under £100 – rare, mostly far outside the centre or booked very early
• £100–150 – realistic sweet spot with good value
• From £150 – solid mid-range hotels or better locations

My personal rule is simple: I’d rather stay slightly outside the centre and sleep well than pay more for a tiny, stressful central room.

That’s why this guide focuses on location, transport connections and reviews, not just the cheapest price.

If you’re unsure what “cheap” actually means in London and how prices compare across accommodation, food and transport, this detailed cost guide helps put things into perspective: How expensive is London?

Best areas for cheap places to stay in London

London is huge – but extremely well connected. Staying outside Zone 1 can save you a lot of money without losing valuable sightseeing time.

Good to know: Not all budget hotels in London are listed on Booking.com. Chains like Premier Inn or Travelodge are often best booked via Expedia or directly.

Shoreditch – creative, lively & surprisingly affordable

Shoreditch is ideal if you want to experience modern, urban London. Cafés, street art and markets are everywhere – and prices are often more reasonable than in classic central areas.

Recommended budget-friendly hotels in Shoreditch:

• Z Hotel Shoreditch – Stylish boutique hotel with compact, modern rooms
• easyHotel London City Shoreditch – Very basic, clean and often significantly cheaper
• Point A Hotel London Shoreditch – Reliable classic for budget travellers
• hub by Premier Inn London Shoreditch – More comfort than typical budget hotels, often great deals

Paddington – excellent transport & solid prices

Paddington isn’t a wow-area, but it’s incredibly practical. Especially useful if you’re arriving from Heathrow or planning day trips.

Recommended hotels in Paddington:

• hub by Premier Inn London Paddington – Great value, modern rooms
• Point A Hotel London Paddington – Compact, clean and functional
• Premier Inn London Paddington – Reliable comfort at fair prices

Bloomsbury – central, calm & comfortable

Bloomsbury is one of the best areas if you want to stay central without paying Soho prices.
I stayed here myself and found it to be the perfect balance between location, calm atmosphere and comfort.

Why Bloomsbury works so well:

• Central Zone 1 location
• British Museum, Covent Garden and Soho within walking distance
• Often more space and comfort than trendier central districts
• Good value for comfort-oriented travellers

Recommended hotels in Bloomsbury:

• President Hotel London – Classic, calm and solid value
• Z Hotel Holborn – Modern, compact and very central
• St Giles London Hotel – Often excellent early-booking prices

Greenwich – relaxed, green & budget-friendly

Greenwich feels like a small break from the city rush. It’s historic, green and well connected by DLR, train and even river boats.

Recommended hotels in Greenwich:

• ibis London Greenwich – Solid classic with fair prices
• Premier Inn London Greenwich – Reliable and comfortable
• Holiday Inn Express London Greenwich – Breakfast included, stress-free
• Travelodge London Greenwich High Road – One of the cheapest options in the area

Stratford – modern, well connected & often a bargain

Stratford has changed massively in recent years. Today it offers modern hotels, green spaces and one of London’s best transport hubs.

Recommended hotels in Stratford:

• Travelodge London Stratford – Very budget-friendly
• Premier Inn London Stratford – Often great deals
• Holiday Inn Express London Stratford – Comfortable and reliable
• Moxy London Stratford – Trendy and youthful
• Roomzzz Aparthotel London Stratford – Ideal for more space or a kitchenette

Hammersmith – underrated but very practical

Hammersmith is a great choice if you want excellent transport connections without paying central London prices. With several Tube lines running through the area, you can reach most parts of the city quickly while staying in a more relaxed, local-feeling neighbourhood.

Recommended hotels in Hammersmith:

• Premier Inn London Hammersmith Shepherds Bush Road – Modern, reliable budget hotel with very comfortable beds
• Premier Inn London Hammersmith Talgarth Road – Slightly quieter location with fast Tube access into central London
• Holiday Inn Express London Hammersmith – Comfortable and straightforward, with breakfast included
• ibis London Shepherds Bush – Simple, modern and often one of the more affordable options nearby

How to save even more on accommodation in London

Often it’s not just where you stay – but how you book.

My proven tips:

• Travel mid-week if possible
• Avoid major events, holidays and school breaks
• Book early instead of hoping for last-minute deals
• Choose Zone 2 or 3 with strong transport links

A good rule of thumb: 20–30 minutes travel time into central London is completely normal – and often saves a lot of money.

Is it worth staying cheap & central in London?

Short answer: rarely.

Central hotels are expensive and rooms are often tiny. From experience, you’ll get more comfort, better sleep and better value by staying slightly outside the very centre – without noticeable time loss.

Final thoughts: cheap places to stay in London are possible – with a plan

Finding cheap places in London to stay isn’t a myth – it simply requires realistic expectations and smart planning.

If you’re happy to skip luxury extras, you’ll find accommodation that supports your trip instead of draining it.

And if you’re travelling solo or on a very tight budget, you’ll also find hostels and ultra-budget options in my detailed guide on where to stay in London (following soon!)

That way, you’ll end up with a place that truly fits your travel style, your budget and your expectations.

Frequently asked questions: cheap places to stay in London

Before booking your accommodation, these are the most common questions travellers ask when looking for cheap places to stay in London. The answers below help you set realistic expectations and choose the right area for your trip.

Is it really possible to find cheap places to stay in London?

Yes – with realistic expectations. Truly cheap hotels are rare in central London, but affordable accommodation with good value can be found in well-connected areas outside Zone 1. Location and transport links matter more than the lowest price.

What is considered cheap for a hotel in London?

A realistic budget for a double room is £100–150 per night. Prices under £100 are rare and usually require early booking or staying far outside the centre. Anything above £150 typically falls into the mid-range category.

Which areas are best to stay in London on a budget?

Some of the best budget-friendly areas are Shoreditch, Paddington, Bloomsbury, Greenwich, Stratford and Hammersmith. All offer strong transport connections and good value compared to central London locations.

Is it better to stay outside central London?

Yes. Staying outside the very centre usually means lower prices, quieter neighbourhoods and more comfortable rooms. Thanks to London’s excellent public transport, a 20–30 minute journey into central London is normal and well worth the savings

Ready to book smart?

Compare affordable hotels in London with good transport links and flexible cancellation options.

Note: This article is also available in German – helpful if you prefer reading in German or want to share it with German-speaking travel buddies. -> Read the German version

Where to stay in London – interactive hotel map

Want to explore hotels visually and compare prices for your travel dates? This interactive map lets you browse affordable hotels in the best areas to stay in London on a budget – all in one place.

• Filter by price, location and travel dates
• Compare hotels across different neighbourhoods
• Check availability in real time

Use the map to find the best-value option for your London stay.