16 Of The Most Beautiful Budget Hotels In London For An Affordably Chic City Break

ELLE (UK)

16 Of The Most Beautiful Budget Hotels In London For An Affordably Chic City Break

Caroline Lewis

Posted: 5 December 2023 | Last updated: 5 December 2023

<p>The capital may have hundreds of eye-wateringly <a href="https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/travel/g23050000/the-best-luxury-london-hotels/">expensive hotels</a>, but there are also lots of budget hotels in London – and luckily these days that doesn’t have to mean scrimping on style.</p><p>Bargain rates <em>and </em>stylish design? We kid you not. Take Shoreditch’s <a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/mama-shelter-london.en-gb.html?aid=2200764&label=budget-hotels-london-intro">Mama Shelter</a>, which brings laid-back Parisian vibes to London’s coolest corner. Or your favourite local, <a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/princess-royal.en-gb.html?aid=2200764&label=budget-hotels-london-intro">The Princess Royal</a> in Notting Hill, with a menu so good, you won’t know where to start. </p><p>While you’re in town, you’ll want to see the sights – for a central setting, try <a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/royal-norfolk.en-gb.html?aid=2200764&label=budget-hotels-london-intro">The Pilgrm</a> in Paddington or <a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/z-covent-garden.en-gb.html?aid=2200764&label=budget-hotels-london-intro">Z Hotel Covent Garden</a>. </p><p>All of these budget hotels in London have great locations, whether you’re coming to town to see the iconic landmarks or are in search of the more creative quarters, like <a href="https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/culture/a30469211/portobello-market/">Portobello Market</a>. And if you're after a <a href="https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/travel/g38288357/romantic-hotels-london/">romantic hotel in London</a>, some of these have rooftop terraces to cosy up together, rooms with their own hot tubs and great restaurants for date nights.</p><p>You’ll be able to spend your days (and the money you’ve saved on your hotel) shopping in Seven Dials or Spitalfields, visiting a West End theatre or eating in some of the buzziest restaurants in the country. Budget-friendly activities include tracking down Shoreditch’s best street art or walking through the capital’s royal parks.</p><p>Here’s the <em>ELLE UK</em> edit of the best budget hotels in London…</p>

The Laslett

The capital may have hundreds of eye-wateringly expensive hotels, but there are also lots of budget hotels in London – and luckily these days that doesn’t have to mean scrimping on style.

Bargain rates and stylish design? We kid you not. Take Shoreditch’s Mama Shelter, which brings laid-back Parisian vibes to London’s coolest corner. Or your favourite local, The Princess Royal in Notting Hill, with a menu so good, you won’t know where to start.

While you’re in town, you’ll want to see the sights – for a central setting, try The Pilgrm in Paddington or Z Hotel Covent Garden.

All of these budget hotels in London have great locations, whether you’re coming to town to see the iconic landmarks or are in search of the more creative quarters, like Portobello Market. And if you're after a romantic hotel in London, some of these have rooftop terraces to cosy up together, rooms with their own hot tubs and great restaurants for date nights.

You’ll be able to spend your days (and the money you’ve saved on your hotel) shopping in Seven Dials or Spitalfields, visiting a West End theatre or eating in some of the buzziest restaurants in the country. Budget-friendly activities include tracking down Shoreditch’s best street art or walking through the capital’s royal parks.

Here’s the ELLE UK edit of the best budget hotels in London…

16 Of The Most Beautiful Budget Hotels In London For An Affordably Chic City Break

The Laslett

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<p>A classic London pub but with rooms for you to spend the night, the Princess Royal is Notting Hill’s newest stylish stay. The setting is hard to beat – the desirable postcode means you’ll be close to <a href="https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/culture/a30469211/portobello-market/">Portobello Market</a>. The four rooms have artfully clashing wallpaper and headboards, and there’s a garden to enjoy a glass (or three) of rosé on. There are lots of brilliant restaurants and bars in the neighbourhood, but you’ll be hard-pressed to beat the one you’re in – meals created by star chef Ben Tish include whipped nduja with fennel biscuits, English burrata with burnt peach and a house burger with Taleggio and aioli. Just make sure you save room for the doughnuts afterwards. </p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/princess-royal.en-gb.html?aid=2200764&label=budget-hotels-london">CHECK AVAILABILITY</a></p>

Courtesy of the hotel

The Princess Royal, Notting Hill

A classic London pub but with rooms for you to spend the night, the Princess Royal is Notting Hill’s newest stylish stay. The setting is hard to beat – the desirable postcode means you’ll be close to Portobello Market. The four rooms have artfully clashing wallpaper and headboards, and there’s a garden to enjoy a glass (or three) of rosé on. There are lots of brilliant restaurants and bars in the neighbourhood, but you’ll be hard-pressed to beat the one you’re in – meals created by star chef Ben Tish include whipped nduja with fennel biscuits, English burrata with burnt peach and a house burger with Taleggio and aioli. Just make sure you save room for the doughnuts afterwards.

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<p>Yet another super-cool stay for the streets of Shoreditch, Mama Shelter is unmistakably French (which only makes it even cooler). It has everything a hipster needs, including a rooftop terrace, bold interiors and eye-catching artworks on the ceilings, as well as mismatched lampshades and pineapples adorning the tables. <br>Shoreditch’s rowdy nightlife is just outside, but the perfect night out starts with cocktails at the bar in the garden and some out-of-tune singing in the hotel’s karaoke rooms.</p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/mama-shelter-london.en-gb.html?aid=2200764&label=budget-hotels-london">CHECK AVAILABILITY</a></p>

Courtesy of the hotel

Mama Shelter, London Shoreditch

Yet another super-cool stay for the streets of Shoreditch, Mama Shelter is unmistakably French (which only makes it even cooler). It has everything a hipster needs, including a Garden Terrace Bar, bold interiors and eye-catching artworks on the ceilings, as well as mismatched lampshades and pineapples adorning the tables.
Shoreditch’s rowdy nightlife is just outside, but the perfect night out starts with cocktails at the bar in the garden and some out-of-tune singing in the hotel’s karaoke rooms.

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<p>The Locke group has sets of stylish apartments all over the country, as well as in Munich and Berlin. There are a couple in the capital, including on Tower Bridge Road and Leman Locke in Aldgate. In the Dalston edition, you’ll be temporary locals in one of London’s hippest ’hoods. <br> <br>The new restaurant, Seoul in a Bottle, serves Korean family recipes; and the aparthotel also has a workspace, a coffee shop and, naturally since this is East London, a microbrewery. </p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/kingsland-locke.en-gb.html?aid=2200764&label=budget-hotels-london">CHECK AVAILABILITY</a></p>

© Ed Dabney

Kingsland Locke, Dalston

The Locke group has sets of stylish apartments all over the country, as well as in Munich and Berlin. There are a couple in the capital, including on Tower Bridge Road and Leman Locke in Aldgate. In the Dalston edition, you’ll be temporary locals in one of London’s hippest ’hoods.

Restaurant Kraft Dalston serves up German beer and food inspired by Latin America and Japan; and the aparthotel also has a workspace, a coffee shop and, naturally since this is East London, a microbrewery.

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<p>Close to Hyde Park, as well as Notting Hill and Marylebone, this Paddington hotel is the perfect place to base yourself during a trip to the capital. The renovated Victorian building now houses a regularly changing art collection, a cosy lounge that’s perfect for some laptop time and a cocktail terrace overlooking the bustling streets below.<br> <br>The decor features bold blue carpets, repurposed radiators and lots of plants, as well as wrought-iron railings and glossy parquet floors.</p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/royal-norfolk.en-gb.html?aid=2200764&label=budget-hotels-london">CHECK AVAILABILITY</a></p>

Courtesy of the hotel

The Pilgrm, Paddington

Close to Hyde Park, as well as Notting Hill and Marylebone, this Paddington hotel is the perfect place to base yourself during a trip to the capital. The renovated Victorian building now houses a regularly changing art collection, a cosy lounge that’s perfect for some laptop time and a cocktail terrace overlooking the bustling streets below.

At the Pilgrm, the decor features bold blue carpets, repurposed radiators and lots of plants, as well as wrought-iron railings and glossy parquet floors.

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<p>If you’re in search of a budget hotel in London in the heart of the city, try Z Hotel Covent Garden, which overlooks the famous piazza. It’s ideal for theatre-lovers, since you’ll be within a swift walk of the West End, as well as the shops of Seven Dials, museums, and some of the best restaurants and bars in town.<br> <br>The hotel is right next to St Paul’s Church, with a view out across the rooftops from many of the rooms. </p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/z-covent-garden.en-gb.html?aid=2200764&label=budget-hotels-london">CHECK AVAILABILITY</a></p>

Courtesy of the hotel

Z Hotel Covent Garden, West End

If you’re in search of a budget hotel in London in the heart of the city, try Z Hotel Covent Garden, which overlooks the famous piazza. It’s ideal for theatre-lovers, since you’ll be within a swift walk of the West End, as well as the shops of Seven Dials, museums, and some of the best restaurants and bars in town.

The hotel is right next to St Paul’s Church, with a view out across the rooftops from many of the rooms.

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<p>This budget London hotel between Hoxton, Islington and Shoreditch is as unconventional as its area, with artworks that range from graffiti to royal portraits, colour-pop doors in homage to Notting Hill and a restaurant that riffs on the classic British pub. <br> <br>The hotel has collaborated with Jealous Gallery to showcase the work of London artists, so you’ll be able to enjoy some culture without even stepping out of the front door. </p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/nhow-london.en-gb.html?aid=2200764&label=budget-hotels-london">CHECK AVAILABILITY</a></p>

Courtesy of the hotel

Nhow London, Islington

This budget London hotel between Hoxton, Islington and Shoreditch is as unconventional as its area, with artworks that range from graffiti to royal portraits, colour-pop doors in homage to Notting Hill and a restaurant that riffs on the classic British pub. Nhow London welcomes dogs too, so you can bring your four-legged friend to enjoy some afternoon tea with you and relax with some canine pampering.

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<p>The Bedford in Balham is a Grade II-listed public house that was built in 1931. The venue has hosted comedy nights and gigs by Ed Sheeran; and its Sunday roasts are said to be among Balham’s best. <br> <br>There are 15 bedrooms – with Hypnos beds, rainfall showers and roll-top bath tubs – five bars and a restaurant with vegan and vegetarian options on the menu. Other famous faces to have once graced the Club Room include Sam Smith, Eddie Izzard and Michael McIntyre. </p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-bedford-pub-and.en-gb.html?aid=2200764&label=budget-hotels-london">CHECK AVAILABILITY</a></p>

© Johnny Stephens

The Bedford, Balham

The Bedford in Balham is a Grade II-listed public house that was built in 1931. The venue has hosted comedy nights and gigs by Ed Sheeran; and its Sunday roasts are said to be among Balham’s best.

There are 15 bedrooms – with Hypnos beds, rainfall showers and roll-top bath tubs – five bars and a restaurant with vegan and vegetarian options on the menu. Other famous faces to have once graced the Club Room include Sam Smith, Eddie Izzard and Michael McIntyre.

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<p> This boutique hotel, set in a former textile factory, is in Whitechapel, but it could be in New York. Original industrial accents include exposed brickwork and high windows (meaning lots of natural light, a bonus in the Big Smoke). For the ultimate city retreat, book a Loft room with its own terrace and hot tub. <br> <br>The East London locale is close to Whitechapel Gallery, Leadenhall Market (AKA Diagon Alley from Harry Potter), St Katharine Docks and the Tower of London. </p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/new-road.en-gb.html?aid=2200764&label=budget-hotels-london">CHECK AVAILABILITY</a></p>

Courtesy of the hotel

New Road Hotel, Whitechapel

This boutique hotel, set in a former textile factory, is in Whitechapel, but it could be in New York. Original industrial accents include exposed brickwork and high windows (meaning lots of natural light, a bonus in the Big Smoke). For the ultimate city retreat, book New Road Hotel's Loft room with its own terrace and hot tub.

The East London locale is close to Whitechapel Gallery, Leadenhall Market (AKA Diagon Alley from Harry Potter), St Katharine Docks and the Tower of London.

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© Andrew Horwitz

Moxy London Stratford, East London

The Moxy brand has affordable stays all over the world, including North America – its Chelsea edition in New York is a particular highlight. In Stratford in East London, guests can expect good value, sleek design and top eco credentials. The bar is open around the clock for late-night cocktails and there are communal areas to hang out in if you’re feeling sociable. It’s right next to Westfield for shopping and dropping, and you’ll also be in prime position for exploring the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and reliving the summer of 2012.

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<p>Another budget hotel in London that began life as a traditional boozer, the Spread Eagle is in a listed building in Wandsworth. The classic Victorian pub has 21 bedrooms, with period features such as etched glass, reclaimed wooden floorboards and brass fixtures. It’s nostalgic in the best possible way. The menu has all the old British favourites on there, but it’s not stuck in the Seventies: the prawn cocktail has been joined by dishes such as burrata with heritage tomatoes and plant-based burgers.</p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/spread-eagle-greater-london.en-gb.html?aid=2200764&label=budget-hotels-london">CHECK AVAILABILITY</a></p>

Courtesy of the hotel

The Spread Eagle, Wandsworth

Another budget hotel in London that began life as a traditional boozer, the Spread Eagle is in a listed building in Wandsworth. The classic Victorian pub has 21 bedrooms, with period features such as etched glass, reclaimed wooden floorboards and brass fixtures. It’s nostalgic in the best possible way. The menu has all the old British favourites on there, but it’s not stuck in the Seventies: the prawn cocktail has been joined by dishes such as burrata with heritage tomatoes and plant-based burgers.

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Courtesy of the hotel

Hart Shoreditch

Hart is on Great Eastern Street in Shoreditch, making it a budget London hotel for bargain-hunting hipsters. Naturally, there’s a workspace for hanging out with your MacBook at. For something a little more substantial than a flat white, stick around for lunch or dinner at the Latin American restaurant Mostrador.

On your doorstep are the shops of Redchurch Street (officially one of the best shopping streets in the world), the restaurants of Brick Lane and some of London’s best nightlife. It’s also an excellent idea to set off on a street-art tour, since there are some incredible graffiti artists at work in the neighbourhood.

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Edmund Dabney

Bermonds Locke, Bermondsey

Sister property to Kingsland Locke (with a few more siblings scattered around the capital and indeed the Continent), Bermonds Locke is on Tower Bridge Road. The location means you’ll be perfectly placed for strolls along the South Bank, trips to Borough Market and all of the renowned restaurants around the corner on Bermondsey Street.

There’s a workspace and coffee shop in the lobby should you be here to work and play, and an events calendar in keeping with the brand’s ethos as a community hub.

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Booking.com

CitizenM London Bankside, Southwark

Also enjoying a prime position close to the river is CitizenM London Bankside, which is close to sights such as Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral and Tate Modern. As the name suggests, it’s also near the banks of the Thames and it’s just a 10-minute walk from London Bridge station.
The hotel has a canteen, but this close to Borough Market, you’ll be spoilt for choice with every kind of street food imaginable and a hard to beat buzz.

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Booking.com

Green Rooms, Haringey

A little away from the action, Green Rooms is close to Wood Green Tube station in North London – from King’s Cross, journey time is a swift 12 minutes. It’s especially appealing for artists and anyone working in a creative industry, who are given a discount here.
The rooms are a little on the rustic side, and some have shared bathrooms, but if you like the sound of a social-enterprise hotel, it has a real community vibe, with regular art exhibitions, comedy nights and yoga classes.

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Nicholas Worley

Inhabit Southwick Street, Paddington

The Inhabit on Southwick Street in Paddington is the brand’s flagship. It’s a budget-friendly London hotel with impressive sustainability credentials – it has been accredited with B Corp status as well as a Green Key award.
If the city’s left you feeling a little frazzled, simply head to the hotel’s meditation pod or sauna. It’s pet-friendly, with Hyde Park ready to let your pooch run wild. And it’s just around the corner from Paddington station, which makes it ideal for anyone arriving by rail.

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