20 Cool London Hotels on a Budget
Fast-paced London has long been thought of as a trendsetter from fashion to design and music. It comes as no surprise then that it has a wide choice of trendy bases for its visitor. The city is not, however, renowned for being cheap and many of the London's best hotels come with a hefty price tag to match. With this in mind, our hotel experts have scoured the city to bring you a collection of cool London hotels on a budget. Selected on their location, design, amenities, and service there is no need to scrimp on quality when you are being cautious on price. Our collection includes design-led properties, central London stays, hotels with rooms under £100 per night, and even a hotel with Michelin-starred dining. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next break?
For the location
- The Resident Kensington is set in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's famously grand townhouses. Now converted into chic modern accommodation, interiors feature light rooms with high ceilings, bay windows and kitchenettes which are a good choice for longer stays.
- Z Shoreditch is well located just a short walk from Old Street station. Contemporary interiors offer unfussy and light accommodation with minimalist design. Added touches such as complimentary cheese and wine in the evenings make this a stand out choice for a central and affordable stay.
- Z Hotels at Gloucester Place is a collection of five townhouses located in London's smart Marylebone area. Cleanly designed minimalist rooms feature large sash windows, parquet flooring, and crisp white linen. Well positioned and very well priced making this an attractive stay.
- The Sydney House Hotel has recently had a chic makeover, upgrading the comfort of the beds, the quality of the linen, the smartness of the decor and the technology. Book this stay for the excellent location in Sydney Street, between Kings Road and Fulham Road, the gorgeous views from the roof terrace and the prices.
- The Rockwell Hotel is a townhouse turned contemporary independent hotel in West London. It's great value for its central location, landscaped garden and facilities. Modern, light rooms make the perfect base for exploring the city or visiting on business. Modern British dishes at the airy restaurant matched by a fine wine list complete the picture on this hip and refined stay.
For a hip stay
- London has three CitizenMs, these trendy, lux-for-less hipster pads are popping up to meet demand and it seems like there’s quite a demand for bijou rooms with all the mod. cons., trendy living, working, eating and drinking spaces. London’s three are CitizenM Shoreditch, CitizenM Tower of London and CitizenM Bankside. Bankside is a favourite, in a fantastic spot for the Tate Modern and picking up last-minute yard tickets to Shakespeare’s Globe or day seats at The National. The hotel itself has plenty of modern art, plus Vitra furniture and they serve food all day.
- Clerkenwell’s Zetter Hotel is youthful and bright; expect pop art and site-specific installations, plus fun details in the decor — all the 59 rooms are different, some more conservative than others. The cocktail bar is really something and there are lots of local companies involved with their supplies, from the toiletries to the pale ale.
For foodies
- The South Place Hotel is a cutting edge City hotel with a lively bar, a gym, a spa and super chic (and affordable) rooms and suites. However, it is the wide range of dining options on the roof terrace that make this an ever-popular spot. Whether you want refined British classics or Michelin-starred dining at Anglers Restaurant — this hip joint has you covered.
For business travellers
- The London Bridge Hotel is a stylish business hotel, which also offers great rates for leisure tourists. The decor is coolly monochrome and there are excellent facilities for business travellers — like three restaurants and a gym, but the location is also great for exploring London.
For a design hotels
- Town Hall is Bethnal Green's stark Edwardian municipal town hall turned into a cool design hotel with a heart. Contemporary rooms are bright and airy and some have their own kitchens. Highlights include an acclaimed modern restaurant, a pool and a spa on the glass top floor. They've also kept the tea lady, however, now she delivers cocktails! Undeniably cool.
For East London
- The Hoxton Hotel is cool in the way that much of East London is cool. Vibrant, stylish, fashionable and minimalist, with lots of unique details, The Hoxton is just like Hoxton, Hackney and Shoreditch. Expect bold wall colours, medieval fireplaces against bare brick walls, herringbone parquet, piles of books and vinyl — and the bar is cool too. Obviously. And it’s really great value.
For under £100 per night
- The Church Street Hotel in Camberwell has a colourful Mexican theme. Bright, cheerful rooms are full of character and thoughtful touches. Make sure you sample the to-die-for tapas, as well as the knockout cocktails in the Havana Lounge. Rooms start at around £90 per night.
For a pub with rooms
- The Victoria Inn's cache of cool comes primarily from its location in Peckham. It's essentially a really popular local gastropub that offers 18 simple guestrooms. The location is great for cool cafes and bars and the atmosphere is very welcoming.
- The Tommyfield in Kennington is a chic pub with six bedrooms. The decor is simple, the pub is great, the location is good and there’s entertainment downstairs in the pub as well as food and drink.
- Wimbledon’s Dog and Fox is a stylish pub now offering accommodation in newly-and-quirkily renovated rooms. Friendly staff and luxurious beds give a relaxed atmosphere while the area is peaceful and residential. The restaurant offers a delicious food range and room rates are very reasonable.
- The Alma in Wandsworth is a Victorian pub turned boutique-y pub hotel. Clean and well-appointed rooms lend themselves to a comfortable stay. The bar and restaurant serve up traditional and hearty food and drinks, all for a reasonable price.
- Brook Green Hotel has a pub-like façade and interior, with boutique rooms upstairs, a cool cocktail bar downstairs and a handy west London location. Friendly service and excellent pub food complete the picture. A good value option with easy access to all London has to offer.
Still not sure where to book?
- Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in London,
- see if there's anything you fancy on our list of Great Value London Hotels - Cheap and Chic or on our list of Top 10 London Chic Hotels.
- Consider including the best boutique hotels in London in your search.
- Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.
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CitizenM Shoreditch London (Shoreditch) 216 rooms from AU$242
Local exploring - Ideally located for exploring London's trendy East End and great transport links to the rest of the city.Sights nearby - Walking distance from Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane.Restaurant - Open for food 24hours per dayLively - Hip and happening.
Check AvailabilityCitizenM's East London outpost in trendy Shoreditch. You'll find the usual "luxe for less": large comfy beds, stylish designer furniture, contemporary artworks and generally trendy vibe in the friendly and lively lounge/bar/restaurant area. Excellent value in a truly hipster part of town. See More
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CitizenM Tower of London City of London 370 rooms from AU$235
Value chic - With CitizenM's trademark chic interiors at great prices, it's a brilliant London stay for those on a budget.Local exploring - Fantastic location for exploring not just the Tower of London, but the rest of the city tooSights nearby - You're right next to the tube, so the whole of London is easilly accessible ontop of the sights on your doorstepViews - There are great views over the Thames, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London from the balcony
Check AvailabilityA budget stay just a stone's throw from the Tower of London. CitizenM's trademark offering includes rooms with stunning city views, 24 hour food, and funky interiors that are just perfect for hanging out! A good choice for both business and leisure travellers. See More
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The Zetter Hotel London (Clerkenwell) 59 rooms from AU$254
Families - The Zetter has a wide range of either interconnecting rooms or options that can accommodate extra beds and cotsLocal exploring - Centrally located for all over exploring of London.Views - If you book one of the rooftop suites, you'll get a private terrace with fantastic panoramic city viewsLocal markets - Borough Market is a great place to go in the weekend to browse the food stalls.
Recommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Fodors, Frommers, Good Hotel GuideCheck AvailabilityIn the heart of trendy Clerkenwell, this ultra-stylish hotel appeals to wannabe hipsters looking for a design-conscious cocoon in the heart of London's coolest quarter. See More
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London Bridge Hotel London (Southwark) 138 rooms from AU$225
Local exploring - Local exploring is made easy from this fantastically located hotel.Sights nearby - The view from the Shard, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London for medieval history.Local markets - Borough Market is a popular food market with Londoners and tourists alike.Restaurant - Londinium Restaurant open for breakfast and dinnerRecommended by - FrommersCheck AvailabilityStylish business hotel, popular with tourists, in prime Southwark river location offers gym facilities and modern features. Chic rooms are luxurious with all the needed mod-cons. Londinium restaurant offers British cuisine, or head to the Quarter Bar and Lounge for drinks and casual small plates. See More
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citizenM Bankside London (Southwark) 192 rooms from AU$261
Sights nearby - Very close to Tate Modern and the Millenium BridgeRestaurant - canteenM offers breakfast, lunch and dinnerLively - Hip and happening.Recommended by - TabletCheck AvailabilityTrendy, contemporary "luxury for less" hotel on London's Southbank. Ideal for arty types, with iconic Vitra furniture throughout, modern art on display and a stone's throw from the Tate. Tablets in every room for mood control and a host of other goodies thrown in with the price. See More
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Town Hall Hotel London (Bethnal Green) 98 rooms from AU$278
Designer - Designed by top architects RareSwimming Pool - 15m heated indoor poolRestaurant - Recommended.
Recommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Frommers, Kiwi Collection, Michelin TravelCheck AvailabilityClever redesign of a stark Edwardian municipal building into a cool design hotel with a heart. Viajante restaurant is a foodie favourite. See More
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The Hoxton Hotel London (Shoreditch) 210 rooms from AU$263
Local exploring - Check out the buzzy restaurants and bars, vintage shops and yummy food markets of East London.City Style - A understated yet chic hotel in hip Hoxton- home to artists, city slickers and students.Sights nearby - Nearby Liverpool Street is where you will find the Gherkin, the Shard and other skyscrapers that make up The City's skyline.Local markets - Spitalfields Market is a great place for food stalls, boutique shops and the early risers might catch the flower market.
Recommended by - Fodors, FrommersCheck AvailabilityThis stylish City hotel fits right in to the vibrant East London scene, with the perfect mix of style and attitude. Modern minimalist rooms with garden views and unique touches. The Hoxton Grill, a local favourite is well worth checking out. Unbeatable location. See More
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The Resident Kensington London (Kensington) 65 rooms from AU$216
Value chic - Self catering facilities can cut your costs in half, with no compromise on style or location.Local exploring - Proximity to centre of town and main attractions makes this a great stay for local exploring.Great walks - Hyde Park is a large space in the heart of the city and offers miles of walkways and trails for cyclists.Local markets - The Acklam Village Market is open every Saturday and Sunday, come rain or shine.Recommended by - Sawdays, FrommersCheck AvailabilityThe Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's famously grand townhouses are converted into streamlined, designer accommodation. Light rooms with high ceilings, bay windows and kitchenettes are a good choice for longer stays. Proximity to the tube network makes it prime location. See More
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Z Hotels at Gloucester Place London (Marylebone) 20 rooms from AU$160
Value chic - An affordable hotel, with minimalist style, in the heart of London.Great walks - Take long walks through scenic Hyde Park.
Check AvailabilityA collection of five townhouses located in London's smart Marylebone area. Cleanly designed rooms feature large sash windows, parquet flooring, crisp white linen and contemporary bathrooms. Well positioned and very well priced making this an attractive stay. See More
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Brook Green Hotel London (Hammersmith) 17 rooms from AU$224
Restaurant - Wide ranging menu from traditional pub grub to seared scallops!Sights nearby - Easy access to all of London's major attractionsTraditional
Check AvailabilityA pub-like façade and interior, with boutique rooms upstairs, a cool cocktail bar downstairs and a handy west London location. Friendly service and excellent pub food complete the picture. A good value option with easy access to all London has to offer. See More
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Z Shoreditch London (Shoreditch) 111 rooms from AU$131
City Style - Make the most out of Z Shoreditch's location to truly get to know LondonValue chic - Top accommodation in a superb spot and at great priceSights nearby - Head over to Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square or any number of other attractions the city has to offer!Great walks - Wander around this iconic city getting a feel for its unique atmosphere
Check AvailabilityZ Shoreditch is located in the heart of London, just a short walk from Old Street station. This modern property offers smart and unfussy accommodation at an attractive price. Lovely breakfasts served up (at additional cost). A fantastic base in the city. See More
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Dog & Fox London (Wimbledon) 28 rooms from AU$308
Families - Family-friendly bedrooms with extra beds available for all. Free for under two'sRestaurant - Tasty pub food using the freshest ingredientsSights nearby - Inc. Wimbledon Tennis ClubTraditional
Check AvailabilityWith characterful rooms above a buzzy ground-floor gastropub, this boutique hotel in chichi Wimbledon Village offers a capital stay within striking distance of central London – kids and dogs welcome. See More
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Sydney House Chelsea London (Chelsea) 21 rooms from AU$280
Local exploring - Outstanding location, within walking distance of several tube stops, plus a multitiude of major sights and museums.Romantic Break - Choose the romantic 'Top Room' with private rooftop garden, chic interiors and sweeping views of the city.Great walks - Spend a lazy afternoon in nearby Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens, ideal locations for walking and picnics.Restrictions on children - Children cannot be accommodated at this hotel.
Check AvailabilityA pretty and chic little grade II listed townhouse in the popular residential borough of South Kensington. Compact, modern rooms at attractively affordable prices and prime positioning for Chelsea shopping. Breakfast only restaurant, however there are plenty to try nearby. See More
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South Place Hotel City of London 80 rooms from AU$282
Foodies - Roof top Michelin star restaurant.Roof terrace - Trendy roof top bar with views.Views - Great views from hotelCity Style
Recommended by - TabletCheck AvailabilityA super trendy hotel with cutting edge design in East London. Michelin star restaurant on the roof top, lively bar, gym and spa, and uber chic rooms and suites with all the mod cons. A great choice for a taste of London's more quirky side. See More
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The Tommyfield London (Lambeth) 6 rooms from AU$224
Restaurant - Fresh and tasty English pub food.Quirky - Live comedy on Thursdays.Local markets - Good for local colour.Restaurant with rooms
Check AvailabilityBrand-new bedrooms set in a fashionable pub just 10 minutes from central London via tube. Excellent pub menu, recently opened accommodation and evening entertainment including stand-up comedy make this an enticing property for those seeking London chic without a huge price tag. See More
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Church Street Hotel London (Camberwell) 31 rooms from AU$169
City Style - A totally unqiue experience with quirky and meticulously thoughtout design, bold colours and unique charm.Value chic - Excellent value for money- top quality service, decor, cuisine and vibes for a reasonable price tag.Local markets - Borough Market on the weekend is a fantastic food heaven with stalls from all over Europe and places to catch a quick bite.Great walks - South London is full of parks, walk ways and beautiful buildings full of history.
Recommended by - I Escape, Fodors, Good Hotel GuideCheck AvailabilityThis wonderfully vibrant Mexican themed hotel is a shining light in Camberwell. Bright, cheerful rooms are full of character and thoughtful touches. Make sure you sample the to die for tapas, as well as the knockout cocktails in the Havana Lounge. A new wave of affordable and stylish hotels. See More
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The Alma London (Wandsworth) 23 rooms from AU$280
Sights nearby - Close to Battersea Arts Centre, and good transport links to all of London's main atractionsGreat walks - Explore the iconic Kew GardensFull of characterLively - Hip and happening.Recommended by - Good Hotel GuideCheck AvailabilityA Victorian pub/hotel set within a quiet London district in striking distance of south, west and central London. Clean and well-appointed rooms lend themselves to a comfortable stay. The bar and restaurant next door serve up traditional and hearty food and drinks, all for a reasonable price. See More
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The Rockwell Hotel London (Kensington) 40 rooms from AU$272
Value chic - With double rooms starting from just £145 per night, it's great value for moneyLocal exploring - Location Location Location!Local markets - Earls Court is home to a local market as well as boutique shops and independent cafe.Sights nearby - Natural History Museum welcomes visitors with the skeleton of a dinosaur.Recommended by - I Escape, Tablet, Good Hotel GuideCheck AvailabilityTownhouse turned contemporary independent hotel in West London is great value for its central location, landscape garden and facilities. Modern, light rooms make the perfect base for exploring the city or visiting on business. Modern British dishes at the airy restaurant matched by a fine wine list. See More
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The Victoria Inn, London London (Peckham) 15 rooms from AU$207
Foodies - For those after a modern British East End experience the gastropub downstairs offers just thatLocal exploring - Affordable accomodation just 5 miles from Central LondonSights nearby - Visit Dulwich Park or the free Horniman Museum and GardensGreat walks - Peckham Rye Park
Check AvailabilitySet above a traditional Victorian Inn - a gastro pub located in Peckham, for a different kind of stay. Great pub food, a lively and popular bar and simple, stylish bedrooms. Located in this vibrant borough, there are many trendy bars, restaurants and clubs nearby. See More
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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh
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