Some of the best value low cost 2- and 3-star hotels in central London
This page showcases some of the top budget hotels in central London, including well-known chain hotels that offer basic amenities as well as charming local independent options.
However, if the lowest price is going to be your over riding factor for selecting accommodation then you’re probably best to start looking at alternative cheap bed and breakfast hotels.
Good value budget chains such as Premier Inn, ibis, Holiday Inn Express and Travelodge are the main hotels in London with Premier Inn and Travelodge the market leaders in terms of numbers.
Both Travelodge and Premier Inn may have two or three hotels within 5 minutes’ walk of each other. They are often found everywhere, even in the very heart of the City of London where most accommodation is of the full service 4 or 5-star category.
Much more so than the budget chain hotels, the independent 3-star grade hotels will include breakfast in the room rate. Indeed in many budget hotel areas it’s hard to differentiate between 3-star independent hotels and those graded as a bed and breakfast.
For hotel districts dominated by leisure travellers, the weekends are normally the most expensive time to stay.
Location
The location and the day of week you stay will have a big impact on the hotel rate you pay. Sunday night is the cheapest night to stay at most hotels in London. This rule applies in most areas right across the capital.
Business district
If the hotel is in a business district then the cheapest rates will be at the weekend. Primary business districts include: “The square mile” (City of London), Canary Wharf and areas such as Westminster.
South of the Thames
The hotel areas on the south side of the River Thames and near Tower Bridge often offer attractive discounts on rates during the weekends, as business travellers are typically away.
Bayswater
Bayswater known for Kensington Gardens, is an example of a leisure district where room rates are far lower during the working week than at the weekend.
Kensington
Kensington is one of the largest hotel areas for budget hotels. Room rates are comparatively stable all through the week but will see a slight softening at the weekend. Kensington is particularly convenient for those travellers using London’s main airport, Heathrow.
Explore our selection of cheap budget hotels
ibis London Earls Court Hotel 
Featuring Barnaby’s Kitchen offering an À la carte menu, as well as a daily carvery buffet.
The area boasts several pubs nearby including the George and Dragon, just a stones throw away. Here you can watch live sports and entertainment. The hotel provides convenient access to all of London, as it’s only a short stroll from West Brompton Underground station.
Recently updated, the stylishly decorated and comfortable rooms come equipped with a desk and tea/coffee making amenities.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Restaurant/ traditional bar • Breakfasts • 24-hr-reception • Special diet menus • Kids’ meals • Facilities for disabled guests
Nearest tube: 5-min walk to West Brompton
Enrico Hotel
Traditional, clean and comfortable hotel in a great location.
Situated only a brief stroll from Victoria train and coach bus station. Within walking distance to iconic landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace.
This welcoming, simple hotel provides a great starting point for your adventures in London. The area is filled with a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes to enjoy.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Family rooms • Single rooms • Laundry • Luggage storage • Airport shuttle
Nearest tube: 5-min walk to Victoria
West Cromwell Hotel
This small, family run hotel offers cosy bedrooms with private modern bathrooms and tea/coffee facilities. Rooms also feature a hairdryer, TV and telephone and there is a 24-hr front desk.
Located just 1-min walk from a 24-hour supermarket and 15-min walk from South Kensington museums.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Family rooms • Parking • 24-hr front desk • Tea/coffee facilities
Nearest tube: 5-min walk to Earl’s Court
Judd Hotel 
Want an elegant stay in a top location in London at an affordable price?
No wonder the Judd is one of the best sellers; set in a Georgian Crescent and oozing charm throughout, this hotel even includes a quality breakfast in the price!
During your stay, you can unwind in the peaceful gardens and enjoy the tennis courts nearby, with Kings Cross and St Pancras Rail stations only a short 7-minute stroll away.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Tea and coffee facilities • Family rooms available • 24-hr front desk • Full English breakfast included
Nearest tube: 7-min walk to King’s Cross St Pancras & Euston
Mabledon Court Hotel
Located exactly between Euston and Kings Cross Stations, this hotel is great for couples, offering simple, budget accommodation with full cooked English or continental breakfast.
The rooms come equipped with private bathrooms, televisions, telephones, hairdryers, and tea/coffee-making facilities, with some featuring lovely garden views. You can choose between single or double rooms, as twin rooms are not available.
The British Museum is just a 15-minute walk, while the British Library is only 3 minutes away.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Lift • Breakfast included • 24-hr front desk • Single rooms available
Nearest tube: 5-min walk to Euston & King’s Cross St Pancras
Classic Hyde Park Hotel
Guests love the location of this affordable hotel, set in a grand town house on a quiet tree-lined avenue, just 100 metres from Paddington Station.
Rooms are elegant in style with traditional furnishings, and have flat-screen, multi-channel TV and facilities for making tea and coffee.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Single/family rooms • 24-hr front desk • Luggage storage • Parking • Daily housekeeping
Nearest tube: 5-min walk to Paddington
Central Hotel
This family-run hotel enjoys a great location in Camden, just a 3-min walk from King’s Cross and St Pancras.
Bedrooms are contemporary with some featuring quirky murals. Unfortunately there is no breakfast option at but there are plenty of coffee shops, pubs and cafe’s that serve breakfast in the area.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Family and single rooms • Walking tours • Luggage storage • Tea/coffee facilities • Vending machine
Nearest tube: 3-min walk to King’s Cross St Pancras
Astoria Hotel
The Astoria is a Neo-Georgian building situated on a tree-lined street, less than half a mile north of Hyde Park. A good budget choice, the Hotel provides a concierge service, plus free Wi-Fi throughout.
Rooms at the Astoria are individually decorated using contemporary furnishings and pastel colours. All come equipped with an en suite bathroom and flat screen TV, as well as tea/coffee making facilities and a work desk.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Triple rooms • Concierge service • 24-hr front desk • Tour desk • Tea/coffee maker • Private paid parking onsite • Currency exchange
Nearest tube: 1-min walk to Paddington
Arriva Hotel
Just a 6-min walk from King’s Cross station, this friendly and very popular hotel with its own garden is located in the vibrant Camden area; Regent’s Park just a 10-min walk away. A range of international restaurants are within easy walking distance of the hotel.
All rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV and cable channels. The private bathroom is equipped with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. There is a tickets service at the 24-hr front desk.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Single, double/twin, triple rooms & quad rooms • 24-hr front desk • Garden • Cable TV
Nearest tube: 6-min walk to King’s Cross St Pancras
Alhambra Hotel
A good budget choice right next to King’s Cross station and St Pancras International. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building, and there is a 24-hour reception desk.
Rooms are clean and bright with flat-screen TVs, Tea/coffee maker and hairdryers. Some lower rate rooms have shared bathrooms.
The hotel is located close to all the major attractions, Oxford Street and West End Theatres.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • 24-hr reception • Family and single rooms available
Nearest tube: 2-min walk to King’s Cross St Pancras
Apollo Hotel Kings Cross
This budget hotel is in a great location for exploring, just a 1-min walk from Kings Cross St Pancras Rail Station.
Featuring elegant and modern rooms, at a very reasonable rate.
Situated under a mile away from the sophisticated Bloomsbury and the British Museum, this area boasts a diverse selection of restaurants and bars nearby.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Tea/coffee facilities • Non-smoking rooms
Nearest tube: 1-min walk to King’s Cross St Pancras
The Crestfield Hotel
In central London, less than 300 metres from London King’s Cross Railway Station and St Pancras International Railway Station, the Crestfield Hotel offers comfortable rooms at great-value rates.
This hotel features a terrace and a bar, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring London or simply for some leisurely downtime.
All of the simply decorated compact rooms have TVs, hairdryers and tea/coffee facilities. Kings Cross theatre is a couple minutes’ walk away.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • 24-hr reception • Bar • Single and family rooms available
Nearest tube: 3-min walk to King’s Cross St Pancras
Angus Hotel
Angus Hotel right near Kings Cross Railway Station and St Pancras Tube Station offers a warm welcome at an affordable price! Set in an elegant Georgian building, this popular bed and breakfast offers rooms set over 5 floors.
Rooms feature a flat-screen TV, safe, and tea and coffee making facilities. The lively Camden Town is just 1 mile away and offers markets and live music venues.
Facilities include • Free high speed Wi-Fi • 24-hr reception • Single and family rooms available
Nearest tube: 1-min walk to King’s Cross St Pancras
Hotel Meridiana
Overlooking Argyle Square, just 150m from King’s Cross station. Guests praise the helpful staff at the Meridiana, a family-run hotel offering budget rooms.
The bedrooms feature central heating, a TV and tea/coffee facilities. Some rooms have private bathroom facilities, and a wake-up service is available.
Visitors are just a short walk away from a variety of restaurants, bars, and the charming area of Bloomsbury with its elegant squares, bookshops and fascinating Museums.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • TV • Tea/coffee facilities • Single, twin/double, triple & family rooms
Nearest tube: 2-min walk to King’s Cross St Pancras
Wardonia Hotel
A good value hotel located within 5-min walk of both London King’s Cross St Pancras International Station. Situated in a quiet street offering a peaceful hotel experience. The Bloomsbury Theatre and the Shaw Theatre are within 1 mile with plenty of restaurants nearby.
The rooms are designed for comfort and include ensuite bathrooms, along with standard amenities and a wake-up service upon request. Certain rooms also offer views of the city.
Facilities include • Single and family rooms available • Luggage storage • 24-hr front desk • Tea/coffee facilities • Flat-screen TV
Nearest tube: 3-min walk to King’s Cross St Pancras
Premier Inn Kensington (Earl’s Court)
This impressive hotel combines excellent accommodation, location and fantastic value. On-site, you’ll find a bar and restaurant. Furthermore, the option to enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast before heading out to discover the local attractions.
The rooms are clean, contemporary, and well-maintained, equipped with all the modern amenities you would anticipate from a leading hotel chain.
It’s conveniently situated near the Natural History Museum, Albert Hall, Science Museum, and the vibrant West End theatres.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Family rooms • Restaurant • Air-con • Parking on site • Bar • 24-hr front desk
Nearest tube: 2-min walk to Earl’s Court
St Giles London 
For a budget hotel, this one packs in a lot of facilities! Beneath the St Giles is London’s largest health and fitness facility, where you can have discounted access to a pool and wellness centre, with optional paid for massages.
Rooms have tea and coffee facilities, tv and safe. It is an easy walk to Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus and the theatres.
Facilities include • Cheapest rates midweek • 3 restaurants and a bar • Table tennis • Casino • Soundproofed rooms • Free Wi-Fi
Nearest tube: 2-min walk to Tottenham Court Road
London Toolkit recommends booking this hotel for competitive prices, plus…
- Two complimentary guided walking tours – Royals and Landmarks Tour plus The Wizard Walk which explores iconic landmarks from the Harry Potter films
- Vox City App
Elysee Hyde Park
This well-known hotel is located between Paddington and Bayswater, offering contemporary air-conditioned rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs, in-room safes, and tea/coffee-making facilities.
Directly across from the hotel is the renowned Mitre pub, and the surrounding street boasts a variety of cafes, restaurants, and other convenient amenities. Hyde Park and many of London’s top attractions are just a short distance away.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Family rooms • 24-hour front desk
Nearest tube: 2-min walk to Lancaster Gate
The Z Hotel Victoria
Contemporary rooms featuring artisanal beds. Enjoy complimentary Sky Sports and Movies on the 40” HD TV. Clever design allows this compact hotel to offer everything you’d need. Nice touches include complimentary cheese and wine in the evening.
Ideally situated for exploring London, with Buckingham Palace just a 5-minute walk away.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Restaurant • 24-hr front desk • Accessible rooms • Air-con
Nearest tube: 5-min walk to Victoria
Sidney Hotel London Victoria
The Sidney Hotel is a beautiful Victorian structure located on a peaceful street, just 800 meters from London Victoria Station. It is also conveniently near popular London landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and Westminster.
Featuring contemporary, well-lit rooms spread across six floors, equipped with Hypnos beds, private bathrooms, double-glazed windows, and 32-inch LED TVs with Freeview.
A bright and spacious brasserie offers a complimentary continental breakfast. Bar Dada features an extensive selection of drinks and snacks, all set against a backdrop of contemporary furnishings and wooden flooring.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Family rooms • 24-hr front desk • Bar • Lift • Luggage storage
Nearest tube: 10-min walk to Victoria
The George Hotel
Located in the center of the elegant Bloomsbury area. This comfortable hotel, nestled among the lush greenery of the well-loved Cartwright Gardens.
The rooms are spacious and filled with natural light, featuring an ensuite bathroom. They are equipped with satellite TV offering on-demand movies, a work desk, and a tea/coffee maker.
Guests can enjoy a complimentary English cooked breakfast, in the spacious dining room.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Tea and coffee facilities • Family and single rooms available • Garden • Full English breakfast included • Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Nearest tube: 5-min walk to Russell Square
Phoenix Hotel
The Phoenix Hotel is Just a 5-min walk from Hyde Park, with easy access to various public transport options.
This hotel offers spacious rooms and continental and full English breakfast.
Guests have rated it highly for both location and friendly staff. You can relax in the cosy lounge bar, with snacks and drinks. A good value choice.
Additionally, the neighbourhood boasts a vibrant atmosphere, featuring excellent restaurants just a short stroll away.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Lounge/bar • Tea/coffee maker • 24-hr front desk • Single and triple rooms • Good breakfast
Nearest tube: 3-min walk to Bayswater
Fairway Hotel
For more than 50 years, The Fairway has been a family-owned establishment providing affordable lodging in the center of London.
Just a short 5-minute stroll from Kings Cross and St Pancras Stations, this location is conveniently situated near all the main attractions. The British Library is just a 2-minute walk, and you’ll also find Bloomsbury nearby, filled with shops and restaurants.
Rooms feature a TV tea/coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi. A traditional full English breakfast is included in the rate.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Full English breakfast • Currency exchange • Tea/coffee facilities
Nearest tube: 2-min walk to King’s Cross St Pancras
Garden Court Hotel
Situated in a great location in Kensington Gardens Square. Close to Hyde Park and Portobello Market, this family-run hotel is situated in a grand Victorian terrace.
Rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, featuring ensuite bathrooms and Freeview TV, with some offering lovely views of the gardens in the square.
Relaxing tastefully decorated lounge and great service from the owner! An optional breakfast can be included in the price.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Room service • Kitchen • Parking • 24-hr front desk • Tea and coffee facilities • Single, double, triple & family rooms • Luggage storage
Nearest tube: 5-min walk to Bayswater
Comfort Inn Victoria
Located just a five-minute stroll from Victoria rail and underground stations, this charming hotel is a fully renovated Georgian-style townhouse.
Rooms with air conditioning boast elegant decor, satellite television, and private bathrooms. For those who prefer to cook for themselves, there are options that include a kitchenette and microwave.
The hotel is ideally situated for discovering the various attractions and landmarks of London. You’ll find boutique shops and restaurants just a short stroll away.
Facilities include • Free high-speed Wi-Fi • Kitchenettes • Lounge • Satellite TV • 24-hr reception • Tea/coffee facilities
Nearest tube: 5-min walk to Victoria
St Athans Hotel
This small friendly, family-run hotel offers good value accommodation within walking distance of Euston, St Pancras and Kings Cross stations.
The rooms are tastefully furnished in a simple yet elegant style, and there is a cosy lounge area where guests can unwind. To save even more, consider choosing a room with a shared bathroom.
St Athans is just a quick bus ride from the West End, where you’ll find a variety of shops, theatres, and Madame Tussauds.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • 24-hour front desk • Single, double, triple & quadruple rooms • On-site coffee house • Board games
Nearest tube: 3-min walk to Russell Square
London House Hotel
Just a short walk from Hyde Park, this consistently well-reviewed hotel is made up of five inter-connected Victorian-era buildings.
The hotel exudes elegance and spaciousness that extends from its luxurious lobby to the stylish rooms. Continental breakfast is available.
Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, a mini fridge, electric kettle and flat-screen TV.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Ticket service • Shared lounge • Tea/coffee maker • Concierge service • 24-hr front desk • Family rooms available • Vending machine
Nearest tube: 5-min walk to Bayswater
NOX Paddington
NOX Paddington boasts modern rooms with free Wi-Fi. Leafy Hyde Park can be reached after a 5-minute walk.
Featuring stylish décor, each of the air-conditioned room features tea and coffee making facilities and colourful furniture. The modern bathrooms have a hairdryer and free toiletries.
There are numerous bars and restaurants within a 5-minute stroll of the property.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Family rooms • 24-hr front desk • Air-conditioning • Daily housekeeping
Nearest tube: 3-min walk to Paddington