Best London Budget Hotels

Guests feel like in-the-know locals while staying at the Locke, located across from Millennium Bridge and within walking distance of top sites like St. Paul’s Cathedral and Shakespeare’s Globe. Contemporary design is the name of the game, as common areas are outfitted with neutral color schemes, pops of pastels, plant life, and industrial touches like exposed beams. Rooms are equally understated but fully equipped with Smeg kitchen appliances, smart TVs, and rainfall showers with Kinsey Apothecary toiletries. Entry-level rooms are aptly named Micro Studios (at 200 square feet), while higher-level suites offer more space (320 square feet), panoramic views of the Thames, and even washer-dryer units.

Guests can be found mingling in the first-floor coworking space, or at the all-day cafe, Shaman, which offers specialty coffee, cocktails, and a menu of healthy—but never boring—dishes. There’s also a boutique selling candles, skincare, and gifts sourced from independent designers.

The New Road Hotel is the passion project of three brothers who restored the textile factory where their father once worked and transformed it into a high-design hotel in 2011. Located in the neighborhood of Whitechapel, not far from the Tower of London, the hotel offers well-appointed rooms with earthy colors, exposed brick, 49-inch flat-screen TVs, and rainfall showers. While the entry-level pocket room is small, the thoughtful design makes the most of its space. The loft room, on the other hand, is truly luxurious, complete with its own private rooftop hot tub.

Guests have several sought-after amenities at their disposal, including a yoga and fitness studio on the roof, and a swanky bar with an impressive wine selection and elevated comfort food. Mr. White’s English Chophouse, the handsome restaurant helmed by celebrated chef Marco Pierre White, serves up carnivore-friendly cuisine, with grass-fed beef as the star of the menu.

The quaint brick townhouse of Twenty Nevern Square is set on a quiet street near Earl’s Court, directly across from a lovely neighborhood park. Couples will appreciate the 20-room hotel’s small size, which makes for top-notch service and a relaxed ambiance.

Guest rooms range in style from European grandeur (gilded mirrors, mahogany furnishings, jewel tones) to Middle-Eastern opulence. The Ottoman suite is adorned with turquoise-and-gold fabrics, crystal chandeliers, and colorful tilework. All rooms offer plush bedding and white marble bathrooms, though some are more tasteful than others, with private terraces, standalone tubs, and hand-carved four-poster beds. Common areas are similarly whimsical, including the sky-lit conservatory, where continental breakfast is served.

Guests have much of London at their disposal while staying at Novotel, which is well-positioned in between multiple Underground lines. Families are well taken care of here, starting with the rooms, which offer 55-inch LCD-TVs, minibars, coffee makers, and plenty of space and bed configurations (such as double and sofa beds) for families.

Other family-friendly amenities include room service, an indoor pool and sauna, and a fitness center. An all-day restaurant is a convenient option when dining out is not in the cards for little ones, with crowd-pleasing dishes like fish tacos and burgers, along with a full kid’s menu. Parents will appreciate the international dishes and impressive wine and cocktail list.

The Hoxton is not the cheapest option on this list, with rooms starting around $210, but it competes with some of London’s best, and far pricier, hotels. Surrounded by galleries and boutiques in the Brooklynesque neighborhood of Shoreditch, the Hoxton prides itself on its creative spirit, with rotating art exhibits, concept rooms decorated by local designers, and industrial touches throughout.

Guests stay in ultra-modern yet homey accommodations, complete with parquet flooring, velvet headboards, and large windows letting in plenty of natural light. Extra touches include retro-style Roberts Radios and Blank toiletries in the monochrome bathrooms. The all-day Hoxton Grill serves excellent American fare, but the real star of the show is the Maya rooftop, boasting authentic Mexican flavors and a buzzy atmosphere.

With several vibrant hostels across Europe, the Generator brand regards itself as “the new generation” of hostel accommodations. The London location is no exception, boasting decor inspired by the city’s street art scene, a buzzy bar with live music, and cozy accommodations.

Guests stay in shared dorms or private rooms, which are designed with the Generator’s unmistakable graphic wallpaper and bright colors. Private rooms are equipped with towels and toiletries, plus a desk and chair, which are special amenities considering the hostel’s low price. The Generator’s location makes exploration a breeze, and there is plenty to do in the surrounding area. On-site, guests can be found mingling in multiple common spaces, including a retro-style bar with a pool table and local beers, and a cafe, with communal tables and a hand-painted piano. There’s also a game room with foosball, mural-covered walls, and even a double-decker bus.

The Belgrave is located in a stately white townhouse typical to its location in Southwest London. The setting near the tony shopping district of Chelsea cannot be beaten, and it is within a 30-minute walk to Harrods and Buckingham Palace. 

The hotel is clean and classic in design, with black-and-white photography, floral wallpaper, and jewel-toned furniture. Standout amenities include the impressive daily breakfast—including American-style pancakes for a taste of home—and a helpful concierge.