The 12 best budget hotels in London: Low-cost stays in the capital

A polished hotel from a brand that knows what it’s doing, the relatively new Hyatt Place London City East (catchy name, huh?) is a bona-fide bargain. Just off the eastern end of Brick Lane, the location’s great for exploring east London, and everything here is slick and well-run, with rooms starting at around £100.

Time Out tip: Make sure you book a table at Zoom East – whether you decide to stay here or not. The costolette di Agnello (grilled lamb cutlets with lamb croquettes and lamb jus) is excellent. 

We love The Corner, and this one has more than 170 modular rooms, with comfy beds, decent showers, and a shabby-chic East End location. The DIY operation – self-service check-in and the free snack continental breakfast – keeps prices low prices, but there are lobby staff on hand, a hangout lounge with games, and a park view for a few quid more. There is free Wi-Fi and affordable parking too, and this branch is handy for Brick Lane and Aldgate East tube.

Decor: Modern vibe.
Location perks? Conveniently located in Whitechapel. 
Budget range? Well priced.

Andalay Andalay! This Mexican-themed family-run hotel in the heart of Camberwell is fun, funky and friendly, thanks to the work of craftsman José Raido, who designed rooms that are bright and eclectic, with beautifully tiled bathrooms. A fine organic breakfast is served, there’s an honesty bar, with an impressive range of rums, in the colonial-style Havana lounge, and staff can happily recommend local eateries. Single rooms come with a shared bathroom, and free Wi-Fi throughout.

Decor: Boutique chic.
Location perks? In the heart of Camberwell. 
Budget range? So affordable for Southeast London.

With its free Wi-Fi, on-site bar and glitzy furnishings, the Motel One in the City is one of the more luxurious budget hotels around. Single rooms start at just £169, which really isn’t much considering the location and facilities on offer. And the Motel One isn’t just cheap in the price of its rooms. Guests should certainly be making the most of exclusive discounts at nearby restaurants – some of which amount to a whopping 50 percent off.

Decor: Glitzy glamour. 
Location perks? Nestled in London's financial hub. 
Budget range? A great deal for a central stay. 

If you’re after a classic hotel, head to this Bloomsbury stalwart, occupying two Georgian townhouses overlooking Cartwright Gardens which, along with nearby tennis courts, are available for use by guests. Common areas are elegantly stylish, while comfortable, homely rooms feature everything you’d expect in terms of amenities, including free Wi-Fi. The hot buffet breakfast is free too. Nearby sister hotel Jenkins, offers even cheaper options.

Decor: It's giving wealth. 
Location perks? Walking distance to Kings Cross and Euston stations. 
Budget range? A great price.

In the heart of bustling Dalston, this modern family-run B&B is located in a converted printing press warehouse. In a stylish loft space four stylish, modern en suite rooms, from £95, have free Wi-Fi and Nespresso facilities. Guests have free run of the cool shared dining room-lounge area, with a kitchen on hand for your free self-service breakfast. The courtyard garden is a plus, and the location is great for cafés and restaurants. 

Decor: Contemporary charm. 
Location perks? Walking distance from East London's vibey Dalston. 
Budget range? An absolute steal. 

It’s all in the name: beyond the 19th-century exterior, there’s plenty of futuristic design here, including aluminium panelling and stylish lighting. Clean and modern rooms have en suite pod bathrooms, and there’s free Wi-Fi throughout. For hanging out with your mates, a ‘StyloLounge’ has sofas and flatscreen TVs. Rooms start at £129, inclusive of a full English, but for more space and privacy, check out StyloSuites, around the corner above a pub.

Decor: Futuristic fun. 
Location perks? Steps away from Paddington Station.
Budget range? Very affordable.

Set within 12 converted Georgian townhouses, Z Soho is a total bargain for this central location. Stylish en suite rooms, with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, start from £105. The upsides are the organic wool mattresses and duvets, and free cheese and wine between 5pm and 8pm, but rooms are small, some are windowless, and there’s no decent storage space. There are five other branches in town.

Decor: Compact luxury.
Location perks? In the heart of the West End. 
Budget range? Suuuuper affordable for central. 

This one’s a bit out of the way, but it’s not that far from proper central London. Wood Green tube is under 20 minutes from the West End and half an hour from the City. If you can bear the (not that inconvenient) travel time, you can find yourself a bunk bed in a dorm room at Green Rooms for just £30. In a spectacular art deco building and with loads of on-site events and restaurant pop-ups, it’s a great find for anyone not wedded to staying in zones one and two.

Decor: Artsy vibes.
Location perks? Up North – London-style.
Budget range? Practically free.

With Happy Land, it's in the name. This adults-only stay situated in a quiet neighbourhood in North West London is great for those who like a home-from-home kind of stay to relax and unwind after whizzing through your daily itinerary. Style-wise, this place is decked out in full boho glam, with wooden floors, earthy tones, coral blues, potted plants and a tonne of space for both luggage and lounging. Each unit has its own private bathroom, while some have access to a terrace with a garden view. Get into the city in 40 minutes tops via the Thameslink. You'll be pretty smug over the price too.   

Decor: Very boho farmhouse. 
Location perks? Got a bike? Happy Land also has a place to store bicycles. 
Budget range? A pretty good deal. 

Zedwell Greenwich is a rare gem in our books – it's a calming, modern lifestyle hotel, that captures all the sophistication and swagger of London, that is, minus the busyness and the hefty price tag. Featuring window-free rooms with mood lighting, and comfy cocoon beds to help you zero in on your surroundings and forget the world outside – think of it as a little detox. When you need a change of scenery or a space to work, there's an open-concept communal space decked out with tropical plants and lots of green – it beats the dreary concrete surroundings. 

Mood? Minimalist haven.  
Location perks? Soundproof rooms for a good night's sleep and good travel links to the city via Cutty Sark. 
Budget range? Another three-night steal for under £300. 

Okay, so you're hoping to stay somewhere cheap, cosy, and fairly close to the centre even though you booked last minute? That may feel like a tall order for the bustling London, but don't worry we've got you. Situated in West Hampstead just moments from the tube station, 198 Studios offers guests a stylish, comfy and spacious green and gold-themed studio with a private bathroom, a kitchenette and even a microwave, all for an affordable price. Stylish too. How's that? 

Decor: Modern chic. 
Location perks? If you want to do London for cheap, you've lucked out with the kitchenette and cooking utensils. 
Budget range? A cheap and cheerful typical four-day trip to London under £300.