Affordable Places to Stay in London Cheap Hotel Accommodations

London is known for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, but that doesn’t mean you have to blow your travel budget on a hotel. Gone are the days when affordability meant sacrificing quality. Nowadays, there is a wide selection of good-value, stylish accommodations in London, whether you prefer to be in the vibrant atmosphere of Shoreditch or the cultural hub of the South Bank, in the suburbs, or in the heart of the city. Here are the best affordable places to stay in London, all priced under £200 per night.

1. The Bedford, Balham

Best for entertainment

Located just a five-minute walk from Balham station, The Bedford is a 15-room pub with boutique rooms. The vibrant circus theme downstairs and stylish interiors upstairs make for a charming and unique stay. The likes of Ed Sheeran, Paolo Nutini, and KT Tunstall have all performed in the club room before they became famous, making it a hotspot for new talent. With five bars, swing dances, open mic nights, and half-price food on Tuesdays, there’s always something happening at The Bedford.

Price: Room-only doubles from £119

2. citizenM London Bankside, South Bank

Best for smart technology

Situated just behind the South Bank and a few minutes’ walk from Borough Market, citizenM London Bankside is a smart hotel in more ways than one. With everything from check-in to browsing menus done on an app, this hotel offers a streamlined and tech-savvy experience. The rooms are compact but comfortable, featuring colored mood lighting, blackout blinds, and king-size beds. There’s also a help-yourself breakfast and a stylish living room hangout space with modern art, books, and iMacs.

Price: Room-only doubles from £127

3. The Culpeper, Shoreditch

Best for a laid-back vibe

The Culpeper is a pub, restaurant, and hotel all in one, located near buzzing Spitalfields Market and Liverpool Street. The menu offers comfort classics such as pie of the day and beer-battered fish and chips. The rooms have a rustic-luxe feel, with wooden bedheads, wicker lights, and cozy throws on the beds. During the summer, the rooftop is the perfect spot for dinner and drinks, with produce grown in the garden for the kitchen.

Price: Room-only doubles from £165

4. Inhabit Southwick Street, Paddington

Best for soul-soothing

Inhabit Southwick Street is an affordable hotel that focuses on wellness. With a tranquil Scandi feel, this hotel offers an all-day menu created by health food restaurant and retreat Yeotown. There’s also a pantry stocked with nutritious snacks and a noise-free library for relaxation. The rooms range from Sleeper to Family, and guests can also book feel-good daily classes such as guided nature walks, pilates, yoga, and morning meditation.

Price: Room-only doubles from £160

5. New Road Hotel, Whitechapel

Best for an East End escape

Housed in a former textiles factory in Whitechapel, New Road Hotel is a New York-inspired hotel with exposed brick walls and large metal-framed windows. Even the smallest rooms come with a king-size bed, and the best loft room boasts its own hot tub on the roof. Social spaces include a games room, library, and yoga studio. The Chophouse restaurant, helmed by chef Marco Pierre White, serves halal steaks, grills, and chops. Tower Bridge and the Tower of London are within walking distance.

Price: Room-only doubles from £99

6. The Buxton, Whitechapel

Best for rooftop garden views

Named after local anti-slavery campaigner Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, The Buxton is a characterful pub and hotel located on Brick Lane. The 15 rooms feature handwoven artworks, rugs, and blankets, as well as a selection of books chosen by a nearby bookshop. The ground-floor bar and restaurant serve British and European dishes made with seasonal produce. The highlight is the rooftop garden, where guests can enjoy stunning views of the City while savoring their meal.

Price: Room-only doubles from £150

7. Moxy London Stratford

Best for families

Moxy London Stratford has a loose sports theme and is located just a ten-minute walk from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The lobby and living room feature bicycle decor and silhouettes of athletes participating in various sports. Families will appreciate the table football, books, board games, and 24-hour grab-and-go options. The hotel’s location makes it a great base for exploring the South Bank, with attractions such as the Tower of London and Borough Market within easy reach.

Price: Room-only doubles from £89

8. The Rockwell, Kensington

Best for visiting museums

The Rockwell in Kensington is conveniently located near top museums and boutique shopping in Chelsea. The rooms have a classic look with floral wallpapers and oak furniture. The walled garden is perfect for alfresco summer drinks, and the restaurant serves an all-day brunch menu ranging from soups and salads to fish and chips and steak.

Price: Room-only doubles from £95

9. Green Rooms, Wood Green

Best for creatives

Green Rooms is a social enterprise hotel for the arts, located opposite Wood Green tube station. With discounted rates for artists and creatives, this hotel features original art deco period detailing and a stripped-back, rustic aesthetic in its 26 rooms. The chef specializes in Japanese food, and the lobby hosts rotating art exhibitions, comedy nights, and live music events.

Price: Room-only doubles from £65

10. The Z Hotel, Covent Garden

Best for shopping and sightseeing

The Z Hotel Covent Garden stands out for its buzzing location in a red-brick house backing onto St Paul’s Church. The no-frills hotel offers compact rooms but ensures comfort with crisp linens and comfy beds. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast and complimentary cheese and wine in the evenings. The hotel’s prime location makes it perfect for shopping and sightseeing.

Price: Room-only doubles from £113

11. The Pilgrm, Paddington

Best for location

Located across the street from Paddington station, The Pilgrm is spread across four beautifully restored Victorian houses. The rooms feature charming white-tiled utilitarian bathrooms, Marshall Bluetooth speakers, a selection of books, and artwork on the walls. Communal pantries replace room service, and the Lounge offers brunch, coffee, and cocktails. The balcony-style terrace is a great spot for people-watching.

Price: Room-only doubles from £149

12. The Spread Eagle, Wandsworth

Best for stylish stays

The Spread Eagle is a grade II listed Victorian pub with rooms, perfect for those who want a memorable stay. The decor is a tasteful clash of bold wallpapers, velvet curtains, and vintage furnishings. The lively restaurant and well-stocked bar offer a cut above standard pub grub, and the Sunday roast is one of the best in London. The terrace is perfect for warm evenings with a refreshing Aperol in hand.

Price: Room-only doubles from £119

13. Novotel London Bridge, Southwark

Best for families

Novotel London Bridge is a family-friendly hotel just a ten-minute walk from London Bridge Tube station. It serves as a great base for exploring the South Bank, with attractions like the Tower of London and Borough Market nearby. The comfortable and spacious rooms offer excellent views of the Shard. The hotel also features a variety of breakfast options and a mood-lit bar for relaxation.

Price: Room-only superior doubles from £189

14. Mama Shelter London Shoreditch

Best for couples

Mama Shelter London Shoreditch is the perfect choice for couples looking for a design-centric hotel in the heart of Shoreditch. With its own restaurant, bar, gym, and karaoke rooms, there’s plenty to keep guests entertained. The cozy rooms offer all the necessary amenities, including a mini-fridge and a desk. Free movies, including X-rated ones, are included as part of the stay.

Price: Room-only doubles from £92

15. Room2 Chiswick

Best for sustainability

Room2 Chiswick is an eco-friendly hotel that prioritizes sustainability. With solar panels on the roof, 75,000 bees creating local honey, and energy from renewable sources, this hotel is committed to reducing its environmental impact. The decor features locally made pieces and carpets made from fishing nets. The hotel also has a café serving breakfast and light bites, as well as kitchenettes in the rooms.

Price: Room-only doubles from £109

16. The Distillery, Notting Hill

As the name suggests, The Distillery is a gin-themed hotel located on Portobello Road. With its own distillery, two bars, and gin and whisky workshops, this hotel is perfect for those who enjoy a drink. The three rooms on the top floor feature minibars stocked with gin, record players, and a selection of vinyl from a local shop.

Price: Room-only doubles from £132

17. The Westminster London, Westminster

Situated just down the road from Westminster, The Westminster London offers a prime location for exploring some of London’s most iconic attractions, including Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. The rooms are smartly designed to maximize convenience, with hidden showers and curved walls. The hotel also features two dining options, Bao Yum for casual meals and STK Westminster for fine dining.

Price: Room-only doubles from £165

These affordable places to stay in London offer a range of options for every traveler, from entertainment and smart technology to laid-back vibes and rooftop garden views. Whether you’re a family, a couple, or a solo traveler, you can find a budget-friendly accommodation that suits your needs. Enjoy your stay in the vibrant and diverse city of London without breaking the bank.

Note: Prices mentioned are subject to change and may vary depending on the season and availability.