8 Budget Places to Stay in London: Hotels, Airbnbs, Studios
We all know searching for places to stay in London is no easy task, especially when you want to stick to a budget.
But just because I want budget or more affordable options doesn’t mean I want to skimp on comfort. And if possible, I want to avoid shoeboxes.
That’s why I’ve put together these budget places to stay in London to make your search easier.
I’ve included a variety of stays in London, from hotels to apartments, to fit your travel-home style.
Overall, these options are affordable, convenient, and cozy stays in London. Some are truly on the cheaper side, while others are a bit more expensive, but still affordable by London standards for what you get.
Disclosure: Some links to products and recommendations are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you).
My Experience with Budget Stays in London
I’ve been to London a few times, typically staying in Airbnbs or with friends.
I loved the Airbnbs I stayed in and connected well with the hosts, so I want to share and support what they offer travelers in London.
When I find budget-friendly places to stay, though, comfort and convenience are still a huge priority. I don’t want something just because it’s “cheap” for London.
And with my stays in London, I think I’ve nailed it.
Of my visits, I’ve stayed in Hackney, Plaistow, Mitcham, Marylebone, Kilburn, and Holborn. So sometimes quite far out, and others very central.
I feel lucky I’ve gotten to know so many areas of London and get around the rest of the city quite a bit!
As for hotels and apartment-style stays, these are some of the best in London. And they’re all conveniently located, beautifully designed, and affordable (ish).
I spent over 2 months in London and was always out exploring different areas, so with each stay I’m also sharing my own lil’ nuggets about each neighborhood.
London Budget Travel Tips
Since you’re here looking for London budget stays like hotels and apartments, I’m sure you’re down for more money-saving tips? Here are a few other guides to see how you can save even more money and still have an amazing London trip.
- Go City London Pass: Bundle together London attractions. This can save some real money when used right!
- Get the BritRail Pass for UK train travel. If you’re planning to visit other cities, this pass can save you so much compared to individual tickets.
- Find free and cheap things to do in London to mix with your splurges.
How I Define London Budget Stays
In this list, I’m including my favorite budget stays that run as low as about $100/night, while others, especially on weekends or in peak season, can go up to $300/night.
Finding a budget place to stay in London will still usually feel “expensive”, especially during the busier seasons, and if you want something more central and spacious.
I’m defining these best budget London places to stay by what they offer for the price, and all of them are rated at least 8/10.
Overall, every place in this list is “affordable” for London, while still highly rated and conveniently located.
London Hotels Breakdown
Here’s a quick selection of the London budget places to stay if you’re short on time, with a map pinning their locations (minus the Airbnbs).
Cheapest London Stay ➡️ Nox Kilburn Studio Aparthotel
Most Affordable Rooms in Hackney ➡️ Ulas’ Airbnb
Most Central but More Expensive Studio & Apartments ➡️ Locke at Broken Wharf
Spacious Lofts in Shoreditch ➡️ Crashpads Mini Lofts
Most Affordable Traditional Hotel ➡️ The Edwin Hotel
Budget-Friendly Hotels, Apartments, & Airbnbs in London
These are my favorite budget places to stay in London, from Airbnbs to hotels.
Crashpads Shoreditch Mini Lofts
Location: Spitalfields. Between Liverpool Street, Whitechapel, and Shoreditch High Street stations
Budget: Starting at £100, typically closer to £150+
Reserve a room: Booking
This mini loft in Shoreditch got my attention so quick. The location, cute interior, and apartment feel?
This is where I’d stay if I wanted loads of London’s food and bars at my fingertips. Spitalfields Market & Brick Lane Beigal Bake are two worth visiting, among exploring everything else!
If you’re sensitive to noise while sleeping, this might not be the best option because it’s right along Shoreditch’s busy streets. It can be a bit noisy, especially on weekends.
The connectivity to the rest of London is also very convenient from here,
Neighborhood tip: This budget place to stay in London is also near the Spitalfields City Farm, where you can hang out with sheep, donkeys, and more cute farm animals. It’s a peaceful spot in the busy Spitalfields neighborhood, and you can support the farm!
Budget-Friendly Hackney Airbnb near Victoria Park
Location: Hackney, near Cambridge Heath overground & Bethnal Green tube
Budget: Starting $100/night
Reserve a room: Ulas’ Rooms in Hackney
Of all the best budget places to stay in London, Ulas’ Airbnb is king. If you’re on a tight budget, his rates are pretty consistent.
When I stayed in October, it was $100/night, which felt like a steal for a spacious room with plenty of storage.
The London Airbnb also has a shared kitchen and dining area with a terrace overlooking the street.
The only downsides are the shared bathrooms and the back rooms, where trains consistently pass. I slept alright, but it can be quite loud sometimes. You can also check for rooms in the front of the building.
Neighborhood tip: Victoria Park is about a 10-minute walk from this London Airbnb. I loved walking in this park, especially in the fall when the leaves were turning color. There’s a food market every Sunday from 10 AM to about 3/4 PM.
The Edwin Hotel: Classy London Budget Hotel
Location: Earl’s Court, nearest to Earl’s Court & West Brompton tube stations
Budget: $130-$300/night depending on season
Reserve a room: Booking / Hotels
What I love about the Edwin Hotel is that it’s cute, compact, and includes breakfast. Yep, an affordable London hotel with free breakfast? It’s nothing too special but can save you a few bucks.
Some rooms are less spacious than I prefer, but you can still hang out in the garden and the backyard terrace. This is the type of London hotel to book when you plan to be out most of the day, but still want somewhere cozy and private to rest.
Neighborhood tip: Being right by Earl’s Court station means direct access to London on the District Line! Plus, this area is close to museums like the Prince & Albert Museum & The Museum of Natural History.
Jitaku by The Residence: Conveniently Located London Stay
Location: Aldgate, near Aldgate & Aldgate East tube stations
Budget: about $200+ per night.
Reserve a room: Booking
Jitaku is one of the pricier aparthotels in my London budget hotel list. That said, it’s a decent deal for London, especially with its location and inviting interior design.
Jikatu offers studios to two-bedroom apartments, all of which appear quite spacious (we love that).
My favorite aspect of this aparthotel is the kitchen. There’s actual counter space and a small dining table.
Neighborhood tip: This apartment-style stay is in a walkable area of London with Spitalfields, the Tower of London, and Leadenhall Market within a 15-minute walk.
Nox Kilburn: Affordable Aparthotels
Location: Kilburn, near Brondesbury and Kilburn stations.
Budget: ~$150-250/night
Reserve a room: Booking
For the best bang for your buck in London, with your own bathroom and a kitchenette, don’t skip NOX aparthotels in Kilburn. Of all the budget places to stay in London in this list, this is one of the most consistently affordable options.
It’s in Kilburn, so you’ll need to take public transit into the city, but the overground and underground are literally right there, just a few minutes’ walk.
There’s even a room with a jacuzzi, so if you want a romantic getaway without the hefty price tag, this is an easy choice!
Neighborhood tip: I actually cat-sat right by this hotel! The neighborhood is local and lively, with a nearby park and grocery spots.
The Mercure Hotel Bankside: Near Borough Market
Location: Southwark, near Southwark and London Bridge stations
Budget: ~$220+ night depending on season
Reserve a room: Booking / Hotels
The Mercure Hotel Bankside is one of the best budget London hotels on this list for a more upscale, but affordable stay.
And it’s really got a traditional hotel feel compared to other budget London hotels in this list.
It has a gym, an on-site French bistro, and a spacious lobby with cushy seats for when you’re waiting with the whole group.
And don’t get me started on the location! I love exploring Southwark, and popular spots like Tate Modern, the Shard, and Borough Market are all within walking distance.
Neighborhood tip: Southwark is one of my favorite spots for a walk along the Thames with historic spots along the way. I highly recommend a walk from the hotel down the Thames all the way to Westminster Abbey.
Locke at Broken Wharf: Studios & Apartments on the Thames
Location: Central London on the Thames. Between Blackfriars, Mansion House & Cannon Street stations
Budget: $150 upwards of $350, depending on season and days
Reserve a room: Booking / Hotels
Locke at Broken Wharf was an immediate yes for me when I saw it. Maybe because green is my favorite color, and the interiors here use it beautifully.
They have studio rooms and apartments, many with Thames River views and sunlight. Some studios are more tucked away, though, so double-check your reservation just in case.
While this one is more “expensive,” if you want to treat yourself to a cozy and stylish space with great view options, it’s still affordable compared to a lot of other hotels in London.
Neighborhood tip: This is one of the most central budget places to stay in London on this list and is quite walkable. It’s also quite busy, so my favorite quiet place to go nearby is the Inner Temple Garden, usually open from 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM.
Thomas’ Airbnb
Location: Plaistow, 15-minute walk to Plaistow tube station
Budget: depends on stay length
Reserve a room: View Listing
Thomas’ place is one of the best London Airbnbs for longer stays. It’s located in Plaistow, in Zone 3, with bus and tube access into the city.
I really loved my stay here because the host, Thomas, is so considerate, and the other guests basically became my roommates during my month-long stay.
I had the largest front room upstairs, which was incredibly spacious for London. That’s why I chose to stay here: it was the largest room I could find at a reasonable price.
The main downsides are that it takes about 17 minutes to walk to the tube, and then about 20-30 minutes to get into London.
Neighborhood tip: I personally wouldn’t stay here in the winter because walking to the tube would be very cold and uncomfortable. You can take a bus to Plaistow Station, but the cost will add up quickly.
Save These Budget Stays in London
If these hotels and studios inspired you but you aren’t ready to book yet, bookmark this post or paste the link into your planner!
If you found this London budget hotels article helpful, check out my other London lists and guides!
More London articles with my favorites ⬇️
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