Each of these has that special combination of nightly rates at a good value, great locations, high customer ratings and enough essential amenities to ensure that you have a restful night’s sleep. Throw in a free English breakfast and we’re sold!

Our London Guide

• Read all hotel reviews

• Read ways to save in London

8 best budget hotels in London

Need to catch an early train? Alhambra offers a convenient location in King’s Cross. Photo: Booking.com

Alhambra Hotel

17-19 Argyle Street
Average nightly rate for a double: £87

The King’s Cross is filled with guesthouses, but you’ll find a budget-friendly and charming option in the Alhambra Hotel. It’s an especially helpful pick if you are getting into London or leaving super early or late. Breakfast is included in the nightly rate, and amenities abound: there’s free Wi-Fi, safes, coffee and tea facilities, flat-screen TVs, and more. (Read review)

Simple and sweet is the name of the game at St Athans Hotel.

St Athans Hotel

20-24 Tavistock Place
Average nightly rate for a double: £90

Situated in historic Bloomsbury, the family-run St Athans Hotel offers simple one-star rooms (with shared or private bathrooms) at rock-bottom rates. Most of the hotel’s 45 guestrooms share facilities and feature a sink and no other in-room amenities. A few rooms are equipped with private facilities, as well as a TV. (Read review)

Enjoy lush park views from your room at MacDonald Hotel. Photo: Booking.com

MacDonald

45 – 46 Argyle Square
Average nightly rate for a double: £93

Just a short walk from the British Library, the MacDonald is well-located in King’s Cross. Rooms may not charm you with their design, but they are clean and quiet and include TVs, fans, and coffee/tea makers. We recommend the front-facing rooms, which overlook a park. (Read review)

LSE Bankside House is only available in the summer, but rates are a steal.

LSE Bankside House (Summer Only)

24 Sumner Street
Average nightly rate for a double: £102

The LSE Bankside House is a London School of Economics dormitory, one of several open to the general public during summer months. All are well-priced for London, and Bankside has an enviable location next to the Tate Modern. Its 560 rooms are available in single, double, triple, and quad configurations. (Read review)

For a traditional English B&B experience, book a room at Hotel Meridiana.

Hotel Meridiana

43-44 Argyle Square
Average nightly rate for a double: £116

Situated in a smart, old-fashioned townhouse, this family-run two-star hotel has the charm of a traditional English B&B. The 25-room property is located on Argyle Square, a quiet street near King’s Cross Station and the British Library. Rooms are simple, but the location is convenient and the low rates include a full English breakfast. (Read review)

Cherry Court is an excellent cheapo find around the corner from Victoria Station with friendly owners that really appreciate their customers. Photo: EuroCheapo

Cherry Court Hotel

23 Hugh Street
Average nightly rate for a double: £134

With just 12 rooms near Victoria Station, the Cherry Court Hotel is a sweet and simple pick. Guests can enjoy the back patio kitchenette for prepping simple meals, plus a fresh breakfast basket delivered to your room each morning. Rooms and bathrooms can be a bit small, but they are spotless and well-equipped. (Read review)

The Celtic Hotel in Bloomsbury is one of our favorite budget hotels in Europe.

Celtic Hotel

61-63 Guilford Street
Average nightly rate for a double: £140

The Celtic Hotel is one of our favorite budget hotels in all of Europe. It boasts lovely proprietors, great rates, clean rooms, and a central location next to Russell Square in the heart of Bloomsbury. In short, it’s hard to find anything to complain about (aside from the difficulty of booking a room!). (Read review)

Enjoy some quiet time in the courtyard at 72QT.

72QT

72 Queensborough Terrace
Average nightly rate for a double: £194

The Latvian Guest House, also known as 72QT, is a surprising and somewhat hidden budget hotel near Hyde Park in Bayswater, offering 16 simple but well-maintained guestrooms. Free cooked breakfast, Latvian touches, and cheap rooms all add up to an excellent London cheapo stay. (Read review)

More hotel recommendations

Want to read more of our hotel picks for London? Check out all of our listings here, or click to see hotels in South Kensington, Bloomsbury, near Victoria Station, Paddington Station, and near Hyde Park.

The post Best budget hotels in London for 2026 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

If you want to make the most of your trip to London, you’ll want to choose a home base that doesn’t break the bank. To make this task easier, we’ve added more budget hotels to our guide in popular neighborhoods across the city.

Here are four budget hotels in London that we’ve recently added to our guide.

More London tips:
• Follow these 25 tips for a much better trip to London
• 10 ways to save on dining out in London
• 20 free museums in London

The welcoming Melbourne House Hotel.

Melbourne House Hotel

Neighborhood: Victoria Station
Doubles from $134

The three-star Melbourne House Hotel offers affordable accommodations near the Victoria Railway Station and a 20-minute walk from Westminster Abbey.

The en suite rooms feature basic hotel decor and are spotless. There are plenty of amenities, including flat-screen televisions, coffee/tea makers and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is also included in the already low nightly rate.

Book a budget stay at the Melbourne House Hotel.

Rooms at the Central Hotel feature unique decor.

Central Hotel

Neighborhood: King’s Cross
Doubles from $159

The two-star Central Hotel benefits from a great location just a 15-minute walk from The British Museum and a few minutes from the King’s Cross and St Pancras stations.

The guestrooms feature red bedding and simple framed artwork, although some rooms feature vibrant wall murals. Each room comes with an impressive list of amenities, such as flat-screen televisions, free Wi-Fi and kettles. There are both shared and private bathrooms available. Some rooms have balconies for just a bit more money, and breakfast is included in the rate.

Find an affordable room at the Central Hotel.

The Sidney Hotel London-Victoria features modern rooms packed with amenities.

Sidney Hotel London-Victoria

Neighborhood: Victoria Station
Doubles from $158

The three-star Sidney Hotel London-Victoria is located in a charming building with a location near the London Victoria station and just a 15-minute walk from Buckingham Palace and the Royal Court Theater.

The rooms are a bit smaller here, but each one is adorned in stylish, contemporary decor. There are all the creature comforts of home, too: private bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, air conditioning, kettles and more. A basic breakfast is included in the room rate.

Enjoy a stylish stay at the Sidney Hotel London-Victoria.

Situated near the train station, Angus Hotel offers spotless rooms in a convenient location.

Angus Hotel

Neighborhood: King’s Cross
Doubles from $150

The two-star Angus Hotel is conveniently located just a short stroll from the King’s Cross and St Pancras train stations.

The rooms, which are decked out in blue from top to bottom, include standard amenities such as private bathrooms, kettles, flat-screen televisions and kettles. Breakfast isn’t available here, but there are many charming cafes in the neighborhood.

Rest your head at the convenient Angus Hotel.

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Luckily there are plenty of great freebies on offer, if you know where to look. Here are five of our free favorite London cultural attractions, along with nearby affordable hotels.

1. Museums: So many, so free!

Okay, we’re breaking our own numbering scheme from the off. Most of London’s main museums and galleries are completely free to enter, and it’s impossible just to pick one favorite. But, rather than direct you towards the British Museum or the National Gallery, which will probably be on any cultural itinerary anyway, let us highlight a few of the lesser known gems that are well worth a visit.

Related: 20 free museums in London

First up is the Sir John Soane’s Museum – the eccentric 19th-century home, museum, and gallery of an architect. On the first Tuesday of each month, there’s even a special candle-lit evening.

Or try the Wallace Collection, for a seriously impressive collection of art and decorative arts housed in a historic townhouse. This fall, also look out for the Museums at Night event, taking place from October 27 to 29 for special events inside these historic buildings.

Nearby budget hotels: Celtic Hotel and Ridgemount Hotel both put you just steps from the British Museum and within a 10- to 15-minute walk of Sir John Soane’s Museum.

2. Theatre: The Scoop

Theatre for free is a little harder to come by in London, although there are plenty of ways to get hold of discounted tickets. (Read our tips to find cheap and free theater tickets.) However, the happy exception to that rule is The Scoop, located outside City Hall. It comes alive in the summer, but events keep going until the end of October. Check the calendar for upcoming performances.

Nearby hotels: Premier Inn London Southwark Borough Market is about a 15-minute walk away from The Scoop along the Thames River.

3. Art: First Thursdays

On the first Thursday of each month, 150 galleries in the East End open their doors, offering events, talks and private views. Doing a gallery crawl is a great way to spend an evening getting to know this vibrant district. You can use the map available at the Whitechapel Gallery to navigate your way.

Nearby hotels: Ibis London City and Qbic London City are both located close to Whitechapel Gallery, so you can explore the art walk just steps from your hotel.

4. Music: Union Chapel

Finding world-class music for free in London is a lot easier than you’d think. We’ve done a round-up of the best places to find classical music here. However, for music of all genres, we’d recommend a visit to the beautiful Union Chapel on Upper Street in Islington. Their Daylight Music Saturday events host two hours of free music, from a diverse and exciting range of acts.

Nearby hotels: Alhambra Hotel and Crestfield Hotel are both just a block from King’s Cross St. Pancras, where you can hop the Tube one stop to Union Chapel.

5. Free talks

To really expand your mind on a trip to London, drop in on one of the many talks taking place around the city. University College London hosts lunchtime snippets of their latest research, free for anyone to drop in, while London School of Economics hosts an amazing array of speakers from around the world.

Competing with the universities is Conway Hall, which has a long history in hosting talks and debates, many of which are free.

Nearby hotels: Astor Museum Inn and Seven Dials Hotel are both within walking distance of London School of Economics and Conway Hall.

Your culture tips

Any great culture on the cheap tips of your own? Let us know in the comments. Find more great budget hotel deals in our London hotel guide.

The post London’s High Culture on No Budget: Free concerts, art, and theater appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here are five London stays that offer valuable extras, along with the cleanliness and value for money that makes them recommended Eurocheapo stays.

More London hotel tips:
• The 5 best cheap hotels in London
• Best budget hotels in London
• London hotels in Central London: 5 Cheap stays

1. An elevator in a historic building

Now, in an American hotel you’d probably take an elevator as a given rather than a perk, but they’re something of a rarity amongst London’s budget hotels. That’s because most of the hotel are housed in historic buildings: charming, yes, but not always the most practical.

A good budget exception is the Meininger Hotel. It’s located in Baden Powell House and shares a building with the Scouting association, so you still get a bit of character as well as an elevator. And it’s brilliantly located for the attractions of South Kensington, such as the Natural History Museum and the V&A.

Related: Cheapo guide to South Kensington’s hotels, restaurants and bars

Arosfa Hotel has a lovely garden to relax in before or after a long day on the town. Photo: EuroCheapo

2. A charming garden

London can be a frantic city and you’ll want somewhere to stay that’s suited to some proper rest and relaxation. Sitting out in a garden, enjoying a gentle spring morning or English summer’s day, or even a sunny fall evening is one of the simple pleasures of British life. Space is at such a premium it’s comparatively rare to find hotels with gardens in the city centre.

The Arosfa Hotel offers a garden, complete with a canary, while being right in the heart of London. The Ridgemount Hotel is another favorite with outdoor space.

Sitting down to a free dinner at YMCA Indian Hostel. Photo: Courtesy of the hotel

3. An authentic (and free!) Indian dinner

Breakfast comes as standard in many London hotels, but dinner too?

You get both in your room rate (starting at around $82 for a double) at the YMCA Indian Student Hostel. The food is served cafeteria-style and its traditional Indian cuisine consistently wins praise from guests, while the communal tables are a great way to meet fellow travelers. Its location, near Tottenham Court Road, leaves it well placed should you want to wander out for a post-dinner drink.

Aled Rees and his family have run the Ridgemount Hotel in Bloomsbury since the ’60s. Photo: Frances Ambler

4. Friendly and helpful hosts

This is a very important perk for us at Eurocheapo, and our reviews always flag up where you get hosts who will go over and beyond to make your stay run smoothly. Our London favorites include The Celtic Hotel (you can read our Q&A with proprietor Rosanna Marazzi here) and Ridgemount Hotel (we spoke to them too).

Do get in touch if you stay somewhere especially welcoming that we haven’t written about yet: we’re always keen to make new friends!

Enjoy unique touches right down to the decor at the Latvian Guest House. Photo: Courtesy of the hotel

5. Something completely different…

One of the best things about London is how international it is: surveys estimate that over 100 different languages are spoken in the city aside from English. This blend of cultures is every bit as London as the red buses.

So with this in mind, we’d recommend a stay at the Latvian Guest House: Latvian pinewood furnishings, Latvian beers served in the club bar and even a Latvian-style supper available on Friday and Saturday: who knew you could enjoy a taste of Latvia while staying in the heart of London?

The post London Hotels: 5 budget stays with special perks appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Over the years the building has been home to many different things, most recently an indoor “theme park” complete with adrenaline pumping rides, arcades and some truly tacky shops. It may not have been the classiest address in town, but it certainly offered shelter to many an adolescent teenager on their first date in London.

Now the French hotel operator, Accor, has announced ownership of the building and is soon to begin work on transforming it into the largest budget hotel in London’s West End. Sitting under the Ibis brand, the hotel will be named the Ibis Styles Piccadilly Circus and will house a whopping 583 rooms.

Related: Affordable hotels near Piccadilly Circus

Although not due to open its doors until 2017, the hotel will offer Cheapos a much more affordable place to stay for such a coveted part of London, with rooms costing between £100-£150 per night including breakfast. Guests will be able to walk to London’s most famous theaters, shops, restaurants and bars within minutes and really soak up the atmosphere of being in the thick of city life.

The announcement fits in with the hotel’s aggressive plans for UK, with a goal to increase its current 208 UK properties to 300 by 2018.

For more news and tips on budget travel in London check out our blog.

The post London’s biggest budget hotel to open in West End appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

While hotels near to some of the city’s biggest landmarks are often more expensive, if you’re short on time, it’s worth weighing up the cost of traveling when you stay further out of town. You may find it’s just as well to stay nearby the places that are top of your to-do list. Here are five hotels that combine comfort with wallet-friendly prices—all within walking distance of London’s most popular sights.

Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace

Guests enjoy cute rooms, a great location and a full English Breakfast included at Luna & Simone. Photo: EuroCheapo

Hotel: Luna & Simone Hotel
Doubles from £100 per room per night

Accommodation right next to these most iconic of London landmarks does not generally fall into a Cheapo’s budget, but if you’ve got your heart set on living near the Queen for just a few days, check in at the Luna & Simone Hotel in nearby Pimlico and you’ll be just a 15-minute stroll away. The hotel is basic and, while not the world’s cheapest, it’s definitely good value for this part of town. The rooms boast simple décor, en suite bathrooms and flat screen TVs and are all immaculately clean.

Kensington’s Museums

The rooms are simple at easyHotel, but the prices make up for any lack of perks. Photo: givingnot@rocketmail.com

Hotel:  easyHotel South Kensington
Doubles from £30 per room per night

If you’re willing to totally scrimp on luxuries (and a window), grab a room at the easyHotel in South Kensington and you can explore one of London’s most well-heeled areas without splurging. As with the low-cost airline from the same family, easyHotel will charge you extra for just about anything, but its unrivaled location means that savvy travelers can spend their days exploring the city’s best museums (The V&A, Science Museum and Natural History Museum are just around the corner), while Hyde Park and the Royal Albert Hall are also just a short walk away.

Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge

This location near Borough Market and Tate Modern is hard to beat for the price. Photo: EuroCheapo

Hotel: Premier Inn London Southwark
Doubles from £100 per room per night

If dipping into beautiful Borough Market for breakfast, lunch and dinner is your idea of London heaven, book in at the brilliantly located Premier Inn London Southwark. Being an affordable hotel chain means that, while you miss out on the quirks of an independent B&B, you will get comfort, cleanliness and a great price in a fabulously iconic location. So drop those bags and get exploring—you’ll have everything from Southwark Cathedral and a lovely stretch of the River Thames, to bustling Borough Market and London’s newest skyscraper, The Shard, all on your doorstep.

Related: A Cheapo’s Guide to Southwark’s restaurants, hotels and bars

British Museum

A hostel for ages 18-35, Astor Museum Inn is just around the corner from the British Museum. Photo: EuroCheapo

Hotel: Astor Museum Inn
Doubles from £70 per room per night

If getting a firsthand glimpse of the varied artifacts on show at the British Museum is a must, you can’t get much closer to the door than the Astor Museum Inn. This laid back hostel does have a guest age limit; 18-35, but if you pass that initial test you’ll find you can get a really good value bed for the night. Private twin rooms are available, or spend even less and opt for a dorm room bed. The communal kitchen means you can save on food costs too (check out our guide to London supermarkets for inspiration), but do be prepared for noise resonating from the popular TV lounge.

West End

Stay close to all of the theater action at this cozy and friendly hotel. Photo: EuroCheapo

Hotel: Seven Dials
Doubles from £105 per room per night

If you’ve come to London to explore the West End and plan to catch some shows while you’re there, the Seven Dials Hotel is the perfect place to stay. The hotel squeezes a fair few beds and rooms into its vertical town house layout (there are lots of stairs!), but when you step outside onto lovely Monmouth Street, you’ll soon realize you couldn’t get a much better or more buzzy location in the capital for this price. The shops and restaurants of Covent Garden are all around and you can take your pick of London’s best theaters, all just a few minutes’ walk away.

Related: How to find free and cheap theater tickets in London

For more ideas on where to stay in London, check out our London hotel guide.

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A budget guide to the City of London

When it comes to accommodation, the choices are also blossoming and becoming increasingly boutique, but there are still plenty of affordable staples that will place you at the heart of the action and a short stroll home at the end of the night.

Where to stay

The modern lounge area makes the Qbic Hotel an affordable home base to explore The City. Photo: EuroCheapo

Qbic London City
42 Adler Street, London E1 1EE
Tube: Whitechapel or Aldgate East
Read our full review
Website

A new arrival on the London hotel scene, Qbic is a great budget option for business and leisure travelers alike. Located just opposite Aldgate East station at the end of Brick Lane, it’s perfect for exploring East London.

The rooms are all built around the revolutionary Qbic pod formation which comprises a double bed, TV, bathroom, bedside tables and lamps and wardrobe, but you pay more for a window with a view. Rooms are clean, compact and very comfortable, but you’ll probably want to spend most of your time in the uber cool lounge area, which feels like the designer living room you always wished you could afford.

Related: Does Qbic London City manage to be both chic and cheap?

Ibis London City
5 Commercial Street, London E1 6BF
Tube: Aldgate East
Read our full review
Website

The Ibis offers what you would expect from an established hotel chain; comfort and cleanliness in a good location. While the design is nothing to write home about, the prices are always very reasonable and you will be guaranteed a good night’s sleep and attentive staff on hand all the time. Rooms come with phones and flatscreen TVs and all have private bathrooms. The hotel also boasts a modern bar and restaurant with decent value food—great for a snack after a long flight, but there are plenty of more inspiring places to explore nearby if you’re looking for a more memorable dinner (carrying on reading for ideas…).

What to see

Whitechapel Gallery
77-82 Whitechapel High Street, London E1 7QX
Tube: Aldgate East

A great gallery that offers lots of free (and some paid for) modern art exhibitions ranging from sculpture and painting to photography and unique installations. If your visit falls on the first Thursday of the month, be sure to head to the gallery’s First Thursdays, which sees over 150 spaces in the area open their doors until 9pm with free events, exhibitions and talks throughout the night.

Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS
Tube: Barbican

Europe’s largest performing arts center is housed in an iconic building slap bang in the middle of the City of London. Everything from film screenings and theater to concerts and exhibitions take place here and, sadly, it is often missed off the tourist agenda. Some things are free and some are paid for, so check the website in advance and work out what you want to see to make the most of your visit.

Related: Our favorite free art galleries and museums in London

Spitalfields Market
65a Brushfield Street, London E1 6AA
Tube: Liverpool Street

Located just behind Liverpool Street you’ll find a creative and quirky market that contrasts wildly with the suits that inhabit this corner of London during the week. Spitalfields is home to artists, vintage clothes stalls, accessories and unique homeware, as well as plenty of tasty food. Sunday to Friday sees the Traders Market take place, or alternatively time your visit with the Saturday Style Market.

Eating and drinking

Brick Lane Brasserie
67 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL
Tube: Aldgate East or Whitechapel

You can’t visit The City without sampling one of Brick Lane’s legendary Indian restaurants. As tower blocks and offices give way to ethnic restaurants and supermarkets, so you’ll find yourself marveling at another of London’s fantastic contrasts. Brick Lane is absolutely jam packed with curry houses, many of which vie for your attention as you walk down the road and, while some of them serve up more questionable food than others, you can’t stay in East London without experiencing it once. My personal favorite is the Brick Lane Brasserie—which serves up familiar curries and some more unusual options if you fancy branching out. Make sure you negotiate before you sit down, because most places throw in a few free beers with your meal.

Box Park is a rotating selection of shops and eateries housed in shipping containers. Photo: Matty Ring

Box Park
2-10 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6GY
Tube: Shoreditch High Street

This self proclaimed “pop up shopping mall” made out of shipping containers has become less pop up and more of a permanent structure next to Shoreditch High Street train station over the last couple of years. However, the shops that reside within it do change regularly and upstairs there are lots of fun eateries and bars. Cottons Rum Shack is a particular favorite for a Caribbean cocktail in the summer months.

All Star Lanes
95 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL
Tube: Shoreditch High Street

For burgers, shakes and some good old bowling and karaoke, All Star Lanes is the ideal place to let off steam after a grueling day in the office or a long day sightseeing. A filling meal in the form of a generously sized burger starts form £9.50, while bowling costs between £6.95 and £8.95 per person per game, depending on the day and time.

Nightlife

For late night drinks try Vibe Bar on a nice evening as the huge outdoor terrace is a great place to soak up the last of the sunshine, or head to Brick Lane staple, 93 Feet East, for DJs and live music Wednesday through to Sunday. Wednesday nights also play host to “Mundo Lingo” an intercambio style multilingual event for foreigners and locals to meet new people and practice language skills.

Special treat

Heron Tower
110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
Tube: Liverpool Street

If you do feel like splurging, save your pennies for an unforgettable trip up the 40-storey Heron Tower. Here you’ll find the British-inspired Duck and Waffle, and the internationally renowned Sushi Samba, both of which will set you back a good £13 for a cocktail, but if you really want to get a bird’s eye view of The City from the heart of it, this is most certainly the place to do it.

The post A Budget Guide to the City of London appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Once thought of as pretty seedy, Kings Cross has cleaned up its act, and its central, canal side location make it a real winner when choosing a home base for your trip. The many connections from the train station (including the Eurostar to Paris) make it extra convenient for traveling, as well.

Location aside, the area’s offering when it comes to nightlife and dining is also vastly improved from what it once was and definitely worth spending an afternoon or evening exploring. Here’s where to start:

Where to stay

YHA St Pancras
79-81 Euston Road
Doubles from: $76 to $126

When compared to other YHA properties, the Kings Cross branch feels much more like a smart budget hotel than a sprawling hostel. Choose from dorm accommodation or a two, four, five or six-bedroom—perfect for couples or groups. Rooms are decorated simply but inoffensively, and they’re perfectly comfortable for relaxing in after a long day of sightseeing. As the hotel is located on quite a busy road, light sleepers may wish to request a room at the back. There’s a modern cafe/bar, where you can get food at very reasonable prices and a great TV lounge—a real draw for sleepy travelers.

The Princess is a friendly, low-cost place to stay with free breakfast that puts you very close to the Tube and St. Pancras train station. Photo: EuroCheapo

Princess Hotel
35-37 Argyle Street
Doubles from: $93

For something with more character and privacy, check in at the pretty Princess Hotel. This 32-room guesthouse is family run and perfect if you’re after a traditional B&B experience. Rooms are simple with hints of floral, and you get breakfast included in the room rate, so you can fuel up at the start of the day. All rooms come with a flat-screen TV, hairdryer and you can opt for either a shared or private bathroom.

Related: See the complete list of EuroCheapo’s budget hotels in Kings Cross.

What to see

Kings Place: Music + Art + Restaurants
90 York Way
London N1 9AG

This modern arts centre is worth a visit just to see the beautiful building and canal views, and if you have time to stay awhile, you won’t be disappointed. There is an ever-changing program of events ranging from contemporary art exhibitions and masterclasses, to live music and spoken word. The space houses three galleries—Pangolin London sculpture gallery, Kings Place Gallery and the Guardian Gallery, which is linked to the offices of the Guardian newspaper (also housed in the building) and is free to enter. Many of the other activities do have an entrance fee, but these are often greatly reduced if you buy online in advance, so do check the website.

Wellcome Collection
183 Euston Road
London NW1 2BE
Admission: Free

This unique space prides itself on being a destination for the “incurably curious”, and it certainly sets itself apart from other galleries and exhibition centers. Founded by Sir Henry Solomon Wellcome, it aims to present science in a totally new way by exploring the connection between medicine, life and art in the past, present and future. Check out the Collection’s free events, tours, exhibitions and special collections.

Note: The space is currently undergoing renovations, so not every room is open to the public, but there is still plenty to see and do.

Related: Another major attraction in the area is the British Library, the largest in the world holding over 150 million volumes.

Eating and drinking

Kerb – Food trucks and stalls
Granary Square,
London N1C

If the sun is shining head to one of Kings Cross’ newest public spaces, Granary Square, and feast on the array of lunchtime bites on sale from the Kerb food trucks and stalls between midday and 2 PM Monday to Friday. In the summertime, Kerb will also be setting up shop on the third Saturday of each month until October from 11 AM-5 PM, so grab a spot on the canal side steps and tuck in. Choices range from life changing burgers and tasty tacos to spicy curries and comforting mac and cheese.

Somers Town Coffee House
60 Chalton Street
London NW1 1HS

A lovely pub with secret private rooms accessed via a bookcase, Somers Town Coffee House offers a relaxed afternoon sampling cask ales and incredible British tapas—anywhere that offers pigs in blankets is a winner if you ask me! If you’ve got room, give one of the lovely cakes a go too; they are pure sugary goodness and a great opportunity to try some traditional British desserts.

Caravan
1 Granary Square
London N1C 4AA

I could eat at Caravan any time of day, but if I had to choose just one meal I’d go for brunch. On the weekends you’ll have to fight for a table (or sip a cocktail patiently at the bar) as they don’t take reservations, but I promise you it’s worth the wait. During the week you’ll find yourself rubbing shoulders with the arty students from Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design, as their swanky new school is housed in the same building. The menu is truly original, with more traditional breakfast favorites flavored up with soutsouki sausage or fresh sourdough bread. It’s also one of the best places in London to have a coffee, all of which is roasted onsite (and smells incredible).

Camino
3 Varnisher’s Yard
London N1 9FD

For tasty tapas and lovely cocktails, Camino is my top pick. The courtyard out front is a fun place for an outdoor drink in summer, while indoors the lively tapas restaurant and bar are buzzing all year round. There are also some great value deals—head down for lunch on a weekday and get two tapas for £6.75, while weekends welcome in a cocktail, wine and beer happy hour from 5-8 PM. If you fancy a dance, there are live DJs on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and you never have to pay an entrance fee.

Treat yourself to a drink at the spectacular bar inside the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel. Photo: Gary J Wood

Special treat

Booking Office Bar
Euston Road
London NW1 2AR

While it’s unlikely any Cheapos will be resting their heads for the night at the five-star St. Pancras Renaissance hotel, you’ll thank yourself forever if you afford yourself a drink in the bar. This beautiful gothic masterpiece was originally a hotel designed by George Gilbert Scott and opened by Queen Victoria in 1873. When the hotel closed in 1935 the space was used as station offices until a huge restoration project began in 2011 to turn it into what it is today and restore it to its luxurious former glory.

If you’re just visiting, head to the Booking Office Bar (housed in the original station booking office) and prepare to be wowed by the space and the truly fabulous Victorian-inspired cocktails and punches. You’re looking at £8.50 and £9.50 for the cheapest glass of wine or cocktail, and if that proves too much, you can always opt for something softer while you drink in the surroundings.

The post London: A cheapo neighborhood guide to Kings Cross appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But don’t fret! There are still some great hidden gems in the city center where it’s possible to bag a bed (and a window) in a private room for £100 or less per night. Even better, many of these spots offer the personal experience of a unique B&B that the big chains can’t provide. Peak times like school summer holidays, Easter and Christmas may see prices fluctuate above this, but in general, rates at these great little guest houses will come in under budget.

Stay in a smashing location for only £55 at the Latvian Guest House. Photo: Courtesy of hotel

Latvian Guest House (aka. 72 QT)

Doubles from £85 per night
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This cute Bayswater guest house is well located for exploring London’s museums and Hyde Park. It’s housed in a traditional Georgian building, and the spotless rooms are decorated simply with hardwood floors and neutral décor. 15 rooms have shared bathrooms, and there is one ensuite family room, but when you’re staying in a location like this from £55 per night for a single room and £85 for a double, sharing a shower is honestly a small price to pay in London terms. The hotel is very calm and quiet—perfect if  you’re really looking to relax after a day exploring the city. Added extras include free Wi-Fi and a tasty cooked breakfast, all of which make this a top budget choice.

The back gardens at Crestfield Hotel are a fantastic perk for a low price. Photo: EuroCheaop

The Crestfield Hotel

Doubles from £50 per night
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London’s Kings Cross is awash with fancy hotels, small B&B’s and youth hostels, all of which offer travelers a convenient location from which to explore central London and also further afield, by using the extensive rail connections at both Kings Cross and Euston stations. The Crestfield Hotel is ideally located just over the road from the station, which has changed enormously in the last few years as part of a big project to redevelop the area with bars, restaurants, offices and luxury flats. The hotel boasts 52 rooms and shared bathroom singles start from £50 per night, while ensuite doubles start from £65. All guests have access to Wi-Fi, a continental breakfast, the hotel’s pretty back garden and bar. Rooms have had a bit of lift in décor in recent years and now feature warm yellow walls, blue duvets and homely floral curtains.

With a welcoming staff, comfy rooms, free Wi-Fi and breakfast, the Princess Hotel’s value is hard to beat Photo: EuroCheapo

Princess Hotel

Doubles from £55 per per night
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Just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Crestfield, you’ll find the Sicilian-run Princess Hotel. It’s a friendly, comfortable place to stay and, with rates from £55 for a shared-bathroom double and £75 for an ensuite double, you can’t really go wrong. Rooms are fairly simple, with peach and cream colored walls and floral bedding, but guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and a choice of cooked or continental breakfast in the morning.

Enjoy an upscale location for a tiny price at Notting Hill Gate Hotel. Photo: Courtesy of hotel

Notting Hill Gate Hotel

Doubles from £69 per night
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If you dream of reenacting your favorite scenes from Notting Hill, then this basic B&B is the very best value you’ll find in such a luxurious corner of the capital. All the rooms in the hotel have ensuite bathrooms, which gains it a big tick from travelers in search of a bit more privacy without breaking the bank. Rooms are clean and quite modern and neutral in décor, with wooden floors and the occasional pop of color on the wall or in the bedding. A big bonus is that Wi-Fi and continental breakfast are included in the room rate for all guests.

Bloomsbury beckons just outside your door at St Athans Hotel with super cheap rooms. Photo: Courtesy of hotel

St Athans Hotel

Doubles from £61 per night
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It’s not the most beautiful hotel in the world, but St Athans is slap bang in the middle of Bloomsbury—London’s literary district—and offers some of the lowest prices we’ve seen. The British Museum is on the doorstep and the shops of Oxford Street and buzzy bars and restaurants of Charlotte Street are also nearby. The hotel is family run, personal and friendly and, while room décor is pretty basic, you can be guaranteed it will be clean. Double rooms with shared bathrooms start from £61, and if you’re after an ensuite, this will set you back £76 per night. The rates don’t include breakfast, but Wi-Fi is included.

More London Hotels

Find more affordable hotel options throughout London on our website and check out our General FAQ for more information on London hotels.

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But, while the picturesque townhouses may give off an air of permanence, change is underway. Aled Rhys of Gower Street’s Ridgemount Hotel mentioned it in an interview with us: many of the once independently owned hotels are being taken over by chains.

While chains are included in EuroCheapo travel guides and can often offer convenient and well-priced options, the site is a strong champion of keeping it independent and personal. Not only does it make for a nice bit of variation from identikit interiors and breakfast, but also, when you stay with owners who know and love the area, the visitor leaves the city with so much more than the usual selection of picture postcards.

Smaller hotels offer charming perks like this homey breakfast room at Ridgemount Hotel. Photo: EuroCheapo

Changes in ownership

Nowhere is this more apparent than on Gower Street. After speaking to Mr. Rhys, and reading a review of another Gower Street hotel that had recently changed hands to its apparent detriment, I stopped by some of the hotels on the street, to see how the area was shifting for myself. I spoke to the receptionist in one of the hotels that has changed ownership in the last couple of years. While she was friendly and professional, the differences between here and the Ridgemount, just a few hotels away, were obvious. She had only been working for the hotel for a few months (all the staff members of the Ridgemount have worked there for at least five years), and couldn’t tell me anything about the history of the hotel (compare this to the detailed information given on the Ridgemount’s website).

Of course, any new business takes a while to bed in and establish roots but—from this visit alone and with the owner nowhere to be seen—this hotel felt very much to be run as simply a business concern, in comparison to the personal touch embedded in the family and independent establishments that we champion here at EuroCheapo.

The rooms at Luna & Simone, a 3-star family-run gem on Belgrave Road, offer plenty of character and detail unlike their corporate competitors. Photo: EuroCheapo

The downside of chains

The hotel business in London is changing—Mark Desira of Luna & Simone spoke about the rapid growth in the number of hotels in his area of the city near Victoria—and accommodation, whether independently owned or part of a chain, should also change to meet the demands of the 21st century traveler. However, it would be a pity if this occurred at the expense of their personality.

London, and the UK as a whole, seems to encourage the growth of chains: There are certain restaurants and shops you’ll see over and over again in the city and beyond. Many are good, but it undeniably brings a dull predictability to any high street. It would be a pity if this also happened with the city’s accommodation. It’s London in particular where, in comparison to other cities and especially the States, rooms are both smaller and more expensive. For the visitor, that makes individuality, personality and all those added extras even more valuable.

Cherry Court is an excellent cheapo find around the corner from Victoria Station with friendly owners that really appreciate their customers. Photo: EuroCheapo

Supporting the small hotels

For now, at least, there are plenty of hotels all over London that still pride themselves on the personal touch, from the Ridgemount and Luna & Simone mentioned above, to the Cherry Court and the Celtic Hotel. All boast of their returning visitors, testament to the value added by the personal touch. EuroCheapo continues to celebrate and support independent hotels and hostels, as well as giving honest reviews of the big boys.

If you do stay somewhere worth writing home about on your travel and adventures in Europe—do remember to write to us, as well, to tell us all about it. We’re always looking for new cheapo-worthy hotels to add to the website.

The post In praise of London’s independent hotels appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.