Where to stay in London on the cheap

Friday, 20 May 2011 10:27 AM

Planning a stay in the UK's cosmopolitan capital is an exciting endeavour - but the expensive side to travelling in London can be a worry. However, by choosing cheap hotels you can easily cut down the cost of your break - and perhaps even have a little bit more to spend on seeing all the incredible attractions.

Hotels in London come in all shapes and sizes and you'll find that you don't always need to fork out a high price to stay somewhere close to all the action.

Indeed, there are plenty of cheap hotels in London situated in the heart of the city, so you can be close to all the hottest clubs, the most exciting attractions and multiple transport connections.

So, where are the best places to stay during your travels? You'll find that there are a number of 3 star hotels in London that offer everything you need during your stay.

The Holiday Inn in Oxford Circus, for example, is a 3 star establishment nestled right in the centre of the city, close to the likes of Bond Street and Buckingham Palace. Indeed, you'll find both locations are within easy walking distance from here.

This elegant-looking Edwardian building is ideal for budget breaks in the capital - however, you may well find that with so much going on in the near vicinity that you won't actually spend long in your room at all!

Another 3 star establishment close to some of the city's key attractions is the Lancaster, which is situated in Russell Square. The hotel is perched in a quieter area of the buzzing West End, while still being tantalisingly close to Covent Garden and Oxford Street.

This hotel is packed full of Georgian period features, such as marble fireplaces, making it a great choice if you want to get a taste of the city's past. It's also the ideal base to explore some of the best attractions - such as the fabulous British Museum - or to take in a West End show.

If you're keen to stay in an independent establishment during your London adventure, however, St Giles could be a great choice. The largest independent hotel in Europe, St Giles has a huge 670 rooms. Perched between Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road, it's also in a perfect location to put you right in the heart of the action.

Meanwhile, a stay in the Holiday Inn Express at London Victoria is another option that will allow you a bargain break, pairing economic prices with an ideal central location.

Of course, you'll want to maximise the savings you get from selecting cheap accommodation by seeing some of the capital's greatest free attractions.

There are plenty of stunning galleries to stroll round free of charge, such as the Tate Modern and the Tate Britain. However, bear in mind that some of the temporary exhibitions within these do require a paid-for ticket.

Another great thing to do is visit some of the countless iconic buildings the capital is home to, such as the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

And while a night out unfortunately won't be for free, hitting the town is an essential during your stay. Indeed, London is famed for its incredible nightlife and by staying in cheap hotels in the city, you'll find you are close by to some of the best venues.