For many budget travelers, finding great London hotel deals is crucial. The room rates alone might scare some when planning such a trip. The prices for a single room are high.
How steep?
In London, like many world capitals, a fairly soft room can cost several hundred dollars a night. Even a bed in dorm-style hostels can cost upwards of $ 100 / day.
Many people never exceed these prices. They scrape the city off their plans without even conducting a London hotel search. Then they look at those who go with envy. They might even see them as snobs for talking about their trips to London.
There is no need to be in that first group, and there is no reason to pay high prices in London either.
London on a budget
Hostelworld searches in London are a good way to start planning a trip on a tight budget. A typical query there will show dozens of hostels, like the Astor Kensington, where dorm-style beds start at around $ 25 / night and you’re just steps from the Gloucester Road tube stop (ages 18-35 only) .
Now a word about Bed and Breakfasts in Britain: they are usually not charming charming, full of antiques. These are often inexpensive accommodations, at least more often than in the United States.
Families rent rooms to supplement their income. The bathroom is often down the hall. Photo albums and exercise equipment can be stored under the bed for the night.
These are wonderful places to save money and mix with the local culture. The people who run them often know their neighborhoods and surrounding areas better than any guidebook writer.
A good database to find rooms or apartments for rent is Airbnb.com/London.
There is no “front desk” or concierge, but good conversation and a lovely breakfast are often part of the deal.
If you venture into the English countryside or Scotland, the costs often drop. In those locations, you may need to rent a car to take advantage of such accommodations.
If you’re willing to pay a little more, there are also hotels that offer good value.
Close to Heathrow Airport, the Radisson Blu Edwardian offers good value at room prices that are generally less expensive than what would be charged in central London for facilities of similar quality.
Another site with a range of price selections is LateRooms.com. You can find some selections in the budget category for less than £ 80 / night. There are also places to rest here for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. A small consolation: you will be pleased to know that taxes are included in these quotes.
For those who wish to stay in one of the best hotels in the world, The Claridge Hotel offers a timeless weekend special. You pay £ 540 ($ 704 USD) per night. Budget room? Barely. But you could easily pay that amount these days for a fairly standard four-star room in London, Paris, or New York. A one-time splurge to be sure, but one you probably won’t forget. Fortunately, all taxes are included in that rate.
There is no place like home
If hotels and hostels don’t make you happy, why not rent someone’s empty flat (apartment)? Studios 92 offers rates in London that are sometimes competitive with budget hotels and hostels.
If you have a larger group staying at least a week in London, check out The London Connection. They offer apartments in a variety of neighborhoods and are based in Ogden, Utah. They say that allows them to coordinate trips from both sides of the Atlantic.
Finally, if you don’t have enough money to rent, how about an exchange? Click on HomeExchange.com and read about how they establish members with other members in order to “exchange” vacation homes. It’s not for everyone, but if you can agree to the terms, you can greatly eliminate accommodation costs and make large-scale travel affordable.
