London might have a reputation for being a wallet-draining vortex, but don’t let that scare you away from a stylish stay! Gone are the days when “affordable” meant sleeping in a shoebox with questionable decor. Now, the city offers a dazzling array of chic digs that won’t make your bank account cry. Whether you’re vibing in the hipster haven of Shoreditch or soaking up culture on the South Bank, there’s a cozy corner just for you—without costing you an arm and a leg.
Picture this: all the best cheap hotels in London, offering delightful double rooms for under £200 a night! Yes, you read that right. So, toss your frugal fears aside and dive into this fabulous list of the best cheap hotels in London, where luxury and affordability coexist in perfect harmony!
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Snagging Style Without the Price Tag: Best Cheap Hotels in London
The Bedford, Balham: Where the Circus Meets Chic
Nestled just a five-minute stroll from Balham station, The Bedford is impossible to ignore with its eye-popping red lights. This isn’t just any pub; it’s a 15-room treasure trove of quirky charm and one of the best cheap hotels in London! With a circus theme that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a funhouse, the bold wallpapers and Instagram-worthy tubs in the rooms are perfect for your next social media flex—all starting from just £119 a night.
But wait, there’s more! This place has a history of hosting legends—think Ed Sheeran and Paolo Nutini before they became household names! You might even catch a rising star in the comedy scene—young Harry Hill and Frank Skinner once graced the stage here. With five buzzing bars offering everything from swing dancing to open mic nights, you’ll never be short of entertainment. Plus, who could resist half-price food on Tuesdays? So, if you’re hunting for the best cheap hotels in London that promise a good time, The Bedford should be at the top of your list!
citizenM London Bankside: Where Smart Tech Meets Smart Stays
Just a stone’s throw from South Bank and the foodie paradise of Borough Market, citizenM London Bankside is easily one of the best cheap hotels in London for tech-savvy travelers. Check-in? Done on an app. Hungry? Browse the canteenM bar menu—on the app. This place is basically a hotel and a gadget rolled into one!
All rooms at this hotel are identical: compact yet packing a punch with mood lighting, blackout blinds, and gloriously oversized king-size beds. Who said you need space when you’ve got all the sleep essentials? If you’re feeling social, head down to the stylish living room area, complete with Vitra chairs, iMacs, modern art, and a carefully curated collection of books—because what’s a good stay without a bit of literary flair? Perfectly fitting the criteria for the best cheap hotels in London, this place combines comfort and style without breaking the bank!
Breakfast is help-yourself, so you’re in charge of fueling up before your London adventures. If you’re seeking one of the best cheap hotels in London that’s as smart as it is stylish, citizenM is your high-tech hideaway at a cool £127 a night!
The Culpeper: Your Cozy Oasis in Shoreditch
Welcome to The Culpeper, where your pub, restaurant, and hotel dreams come true—all for just £165 a night! Nestled near the lively Spitalfields Market and Liverpool Street, this gem is one of the best cheap hotels in London for those who love a laid-back vibe.
Picture this: hearty comfort food like pie of the day and beer-battered fish and chips served in a light-filled pub that feels like your favorite cozy nook. Head upstairs to the bistro for a slightly fancier bite, if you’re feeling posh. The rooms are a rustic-luxe paradise, boasting wooden bedheads, tree-trunk tables, and snuggly throws that’ll make you want to hibernate.
And if you visit in summer, don’t miss the rooftop garden where your dinner ingredients are literally growing above you! So, if you’re on the hunt for the best cheap hotels in London with a chill vibe, The Culpeper is your spot!
ALSO READ: Best Fish and Chips in London: Tried these 8 Incredible Spots?
Inhabit Southwick Street: Your Soul-Soothing Sanctuary
If you’re seeking one of the best cheap hotels in London that prioritizes wellness, look no further than Inhabit Southwick Street! With a serene Scandi vibe, this hotel is like a spa day wrapped in cozy blankets.
The all-day menu, crafted by health-conscious wizards at Yeotown, promises to nourish your soul without sacrificing taste. Feeling snacky? The pantry is stocked with nutritious goodies—no more stale crisps here! And when you need a breather, the noise-free library is the perfect hideaway for some zen time.
Rooms range from the snug Sleeper (perfect for single travelers) to family-sized accommodations. You can even book into daily feel-good classes like yoga, Pilates, or guided nature walks in Hyde Park. So, if you want to unwind while enjoying one of the best cheap hotels in London, Inhabit is your go-to haven!
New Road Hotel: Your Stylish East End Retreat
Welcome to the New Road Hotel in Whitechapel, where industrial chic meets cozy comfort—all for just £99 a night! Housed in a former textiles factory, this New York-inspired gem boasts exposed brick walls and towering metal-framed windows that scream “Instagram me!”
Even the smallest rooms come equipped with a king-size bed—because why skimp on sleep? The loft room takes it up a notch with its very own hot tub on the roof! Social butterflies will love the games room with a pool table, a library for pretending to be studious, and a yoga studio for when you need to zen out.
Don’t miss the Chophouse restaurant, featuring halal steaks curated by none other than Marco Pierre White. So if you’re searching for the best cheap hotels in London for a fab East End escape, the New Road Hotel is calling your name!
The Buxton: Rooftop Views and Culinary Delights in Whitechapel
Welcome to The Buxton, where history and hip vibes collide on Brick Lane! Named after the 19th-century anti-slavery champion Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, this characterful pub and hotel is like the cool younger sibling of the Culpeper. For just £150 a night, you can enjoy one of the best cheap hotels in London while soaking in the rich tapestry of local culture.
The 15 pared-back yet functional rooms feature handwoven artworks and cozy rugs—perfect for post-sightseeing lounging. And if you’re a bookworm, you’ll appreciate the selection curated by the nearby bookshop Libreria.
But wait, there’s more! The ground-floor bar and restaurant whip up seasonal British and European dishes like pan-fried gnocchi and duck breast with beetroot puree. Plus, they cure their own bacon and grow herbs in the exclusive rooftop garden—offering killer views of the City. So, if you’re on the hunt for the best cheap hotels in London, The Buxton is your go-to for a stylish stay!
Moxy London Stratford: A Family Playhouse with a Sports Twist
Welcome to Moxy London Stratford, where your family can feel like Olympic champions without breaking the bank—rooms start at just £89! This hotel embraces its sporty vibe, with bicycles hanging on the walls and athlete silhouettes bringing the lobby to life.
Perfect for family bonding, you’ll find table football, books, and board games galore to keep everyone entertained. Plus, the 24-hour grab-and-go means you can stock up on snacks before conquering the nearby Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park—because who doesn’t need fuel for their adventures?
So, if you’re on the lookout for one of the best cheap hotels in London that doubles as a family fun zone, Moxy is the place to be!
The Cumberland: Rock Your Stay in Mayfair
Calling all music lovers! The Cumberland in Mayfair, formerly the Hard Rock Hotel, is a tune-filled retreat that starts at just £190 a night. With memorabilia plastered on every wall and vinyl record players in the rooms, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a rock ‘n’ roll paradise.
Catch live music nightly, ideally between 5-7 PM, when happy hour cocktails flow like a good power ballad. Satisfy your cravings with hearty American favorites at the Sound Bar—think sizzling fajitas and towering burgers, all topped off with sides of gooey mac and cheese.
Located just a hop, skip, and jump from Marble Arch Tube station and Oxford Street, this hotel is a prime contender for the best cheap hotels in London. So, get ready to rock out in style!
The Rockwell: Your Museum-Hopping Haven in Kensington
Welcome to The Rockwell, where Victorian charm meets modern convenience—all starting at just £95 a night! Nestled in the heart of west London, this hotel puts you right next to the city’s blockbuster museums and trendy boutiques in Chelsea.
Inside, you’ll find classic decor with floral wallpapers and oak furniture that could make even your grandma swoon. And don’t forget about the delightful walled garden, perfect for sipping summer drinks and pretending you’re in a Jane Austen novel.
With an all-day brunch menu that swings from soups and salads to classic fish and chips, this spot is a foodie’s dream. For those on the hunt for the best cheap hotels in London, The Rockwell is the perfect launching pad for your cultural escapades!
Green Rooms: Where Creativity Meets Comfort
Welcome to Green Rooms, the artsy haven that starts at just £65 a night! Located opposite Wood Green Tube station, it’s only 12 minutes to King’s Cross, making it perfect for those who fancy a quick jaunt into the heart of London.
This social enterprise hotel is a creative’s dream, offering discounted rates for artists and a rustic aesthetic with original art deco touches. You’ll find everything from shared bathrooms to private rooms that scream “Instagram me!” Chef Fan Yi from Oita’s Kitchen serves up delicious Japanese dishes that are sure to inspire your next masterpiece.
With rotating art exhibitions, comedy nights, and live music events, it’s no wonder this is among the best cheap hotels in London for those looking to mix culture with comfort!
The Z Hotel: Your Cozy Covent Garden Base
Welcome to The Z Hotel, where function meets fabulousness! Nestled in a charming red-brick house just a hop from St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden, this spot is a shopper’s dream and a sightseer’s paradise—all starting at £113 a night.
Sure, the rooms are compact (some even skip the windows—hello, cozy cave vibes!), but they come with crisp linens and oh-so-comfy beds that promise sweet dreams after a long day of exploring. Don’t miss the café serving up continental breakfasts and complimentary cheese and wine in the evenings—perfect for unwinding after a shopping spree.
The Pilgrm: A Victorian Haven in Paddington
Welcome to The Pilgrm, where old-world charm meets modern convenience, right across from Paddington station! Spread across four lovingly restored Victorian houses, this gem boasts reclaimed cast-iron radiators and mid-century armchairs that whisper “stay awhile.”
Rooms range from cozy bunks (no TVs, but who needs them when you have London to explore?) to charming retreats with Marshall Bluetooth speakers and artsy decor. Pro tip: snag a room at the back to escape the London street symphony.
Forget stuffy room service—communal pantries are the name of the game! And with brunch served until 3 PM, killer cocktails, and a people-watching terrace, it’s no wonder this is among the best cheap hotels in London.
