Cheap hotels in London: how to find a good price

What cheap means in London

London hotel prices vary a lot by area, day of the week and time of year. A hotel that looks cheap per night can cost more once you add travel, breakfast or fees, so compare the total cost of the stay, not only the nightly rate.

Areas to consider

• Near the main stations. Hotels around King's Cross, Euston, Paddington and Victoria are close to rail and Underground links, which suits short stays.
• Stratford and east London. Stratford has Underground, Overground and Elizabeth line links and is a short ride from the centre.
• Canary Wharf and the Docklands. These are mainly business hotels, so at some of them weekend rates are lower than weekday rates.
• Outer zones. Hotels in zones 3 to 6 are often cheaper per night. Check how long the journey into the centre takes and what it costs each day.
• Near the airports. Useful for early flights or late arrivals around Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City. Check whether there is a shuttle and whether it costs extra.

Ways to keep the cost down

• Compare weekdays and weekends. Business areas can be cheaper at weekends, and leisure areas cheaper midweek.
• Avoid big event dates. Concerts, football and major exhibitions push prices up across the city.
• Check whether breakfast is included, and what it would cost separately.
• Compare the total including taxes and any fees.
• Book early for school holidays and the busiest weeks of the year.
• Read recent guest reviews for cleanliness and noise, not only the star rating.

Count the travel cost

London's Underground, buses and trains use contactless or Oyster fares with daily caps, so a longer journey costs more each day, but only up to the cap. A hotel that saves a little per night but adds an hour of travel each way may not be the better deal. Check the journey to wherever you will spend your days.

Check before you pay

• the cancellation and change terms for the rate you are given
• whether the price is per room or per person, and for how many nights
• any city, resort or service charges not included in the headline price
• the exact location, including the walk from the nearest station

Hotel types to compare

• Budget hotel chains. Simple, consistent rooms, often near stations. Check the size of the room and whether breakfast is included.
• Independent small hotels. Often more character, and more variation in quality. Recent reviews matter most here.
• Aparthotels. Serviced apartments with a kitchen, which can work out well for longer stays or families.
• Business hotels at weekends. Some drop their prices when business travellers go home, so check weekend rates.

Get a quote

Tell us your dates, the number of guests and the area you want, and an agent will come back with options and what each price includes. Call Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm or use the form on this page. No payment is taken on the form.