London is a bucket-list destination for millions of tourists annually. From famous icons such as the Tower of London and Big Ben to top museums, theatres, and restaurants, there is no lack of activities to do in the British capital. But let’s be honest — London is pricey. The good news is that you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to have a comfortable stay in the city, thanks to the wide range of Budget-Friendly Hotels in London that offer comfort, convenience, and value.
Whether you’re a backpacker, student, budget-conscious family, or solo traveler, there are plenty of Budget-Friendly Hotels in London that offer convenience, comfort, and great service. In this guide, we’ve compiled the top 5 value-for-money hotels in London that provide excellent service, excellent locations, and clean, cozy rooms — without breaking the bank.
1. Z Hotel Shoreditch – Value for Money in East London
Location: Old Street, East London
Price Range: £70–£120 per night
Best For: Couples, solo travelers, and business travellers
Z Hotels is a well-loved boutique hotel chain famed for its small but ingeniously constructed rooms, and Shoreditch is no exception. This hotel, close to Old Street Station, has convenient access to the tech area of Shoreditch, lively night-life, hip cafes, and innovative street art.
Modern amenities like a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and en-suite bathrooms are included in each room. Though the rooms are small, they are made cozy with space-saving solutions.
Highlights:
- Evening cheese and wine for free
- Walkable distance to Brick Lane and Liverpool Street
- Quiet, stylish, and excellent value for central London
Why it’s in the Top 5: Great location, trendy style, and subtle luxury touches that make a huge difference to price-conscious travelers.
2. Point A Hotel London – Kings Cross
Location: Kings Cross
Price Range: £60–£110 per night
Ideal For: Tourists, single travelers, and train passengers
For unbeatable transport links, try Point A Hotel Kings Cross. Only 5 minutes on foot from King’s Cross and St Pancras International stations, it is an ideal choice for passengers arriving via Eurostar or looking to travel across the UK for the day.
The bedrooms are clean, sleek, and plain. They aren’t massive, but they include Hypnos beds, power showers, and smart TVs. The minimal decor maintains the chic and tidy ambiance.
Highlights:
- Excellent location with six tube line access
- Affordable prices at any time of year
- Helpful, friendly staff and breakfast options
Why it’s in the Top 5: Exceptional location, good facilities, and perfect for discovering London with no long travel times or extortionate prices.
3. The Hub by Premier Inn – Westminster Abbey
Location: Westminster, Central London
Price Range: £75–£125 per night
Ideal For: City breaks and first-time visitors
The Hub by Premier Inn is a futuristic take on budget hotel space. This innovative hotel idea marries tech and design in compact but incredibly efficient rooms. Staying at the Westminster Abbey branch places you in the very center of London, mere steps away from Big Ben, Parliament, and the London Eye.
Every room has touchscreen lighting, air conditioning, under-bed storage, and even mood lighting. The clean, minimalist design and high standards of cleanliness make it feel more upscale than your typical budget hotel.
Highlights:
- Unbeatable location close to top tourist spots
- App-controlled room amenities
- Great value for such a central postcode
Why it’s in the Top 5: High-tech, high-comfort stays at a low price — ideal for frugal tourists.
4. The Corner London City (Formerly Qbic Hotel)
Location: Aldgate East, East London
Price Range: £80–£130 per night
Ideal For: Eco-friendly tourists and artists
The Corner London City is not a typical hotel — it’s an eco-hotel. From its previous incarnation as Qbic, the hotel has made a name for itself on sustainability, contemporary design, and value for money. Within minutes of Brick Lane and the Tower of London, it’s well positioned to explore the bohemian culture of East London.
Every room has offbeat décor, extremely comfortable beds, mood lighting, and rain showers. The hotel also has eco-initiatives such as solar power, water-conserving showers, and refillable toiletries.
Highlights:
- Green and sustainable ethos
- Funky interiors with Instagram-perfect design
- Great on-site café and co-working spaces
Why it’s in the Top 5: Trendy, eco-friendly, and surprisingly cheap for its level of comfort and style.
5. Clink78 Hostel – Budget Meets History
Location: King’s Cross
Price Range: £30–£90 per night
Ideal For: Backpackers, solo travelers, and young groups
Looking for a budget-friendly hostel with a bit of character? Clink78 is a fun and social hostel set in a former courthouse where The Clash once stood trial. The building has been creatively repurposed into a vibrant and youthful accommodation spot with dorms and private rooms.
Clink78 boasts a lively communal area, a self-catering kitchen, a licensed bar, and even complimentary walking tours. With its central location and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a favorite with social travelers who want to mingle without forking out central London hotel rates.
Highlights:
- Free Wi-Fi and complimentary city maps
- Dorms and private en-suite rooms on offer
- Nightly events and social spaces
Why it’s in the Top 5: Rich in character, fun atmosphere, and the lowest rates for a central London stay.
Budget Hotel Booking Tips for London:
Below are some clever tips to help you save even more:
- Book Early: London hotels become popular quickly, particularly during summer and holidays. Booking early will provide you with the best prices.
- Flexible Dates: Traveling mid-week is usually less expensive than traveling at weekends.
- Use Price Comparison Websites: Sites such as Booking.com, Agoda, or Hostelworld allow you to compare prices and see genuine reviews.
- Use Zone 2 Areas: If you don’t mind a short tube journey, places like Camden, Hammersmith, or Stratford provide lower-priced rooms.
- Check for Free Extras: Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, or early check-in can help you save on extras.
Final Thoughts
London doesn’t have to be a wallet-drainer. These five Budget-Friendly Hotels in London prove that you can stay comfortably in prime locations without overspending. Whether you prefer the tech-savvy design of Hub by Premier Inn, the boutique charm of Z Hotel, or the social energy of Clink78, there’s an option for every kind of traveler.
So go ahead — book your trip, save on a place to stay, and splurge on what matters most: enjoying all the wonder London has in store.