The best budget hotels in London

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’s designed rooms that are bright and eclectic, with beautifully tiled bathrooms. A fine organic breakfast is served for £5, 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 start at £90, or £70 with a shared bathroom, and free Wi-Fi throughout.

Bright, modern (though possibly tiny) en suite rooms start at £50 at this family-run hotel. If you’re on a budget, and don’t mind sharing a bathroom, you could snaffle one from £34. On the plus side, the grand 19th-century terraced house is a stroll from Notting Hill and Hyde Park, there’s free Wi-Fi, and breakfast is included. After a park walk or West End matinee, there’s a lounge, with leather furniture, to relax in.

This family-run B&B set on a quiet corner that’s handy for both Bloomsbury and King’s Cross has basic rooms from £70, some with shared bathrooms. Standard rooms have en suite facilities, free tea and coffee, and cable TV. All have free and fast Wi-Fi, and prices include a full English breakfast. With St Pancras close by, it’s handy for the Eurostar and, unusually, there’s secure parking nearby too (from £20 – you need to call ahead).

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.

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 £75, 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. 

We love Qbic, 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, from £67, 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.

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 £99, inclusive of a full English, but for more space and privacy, check out StyloSuites, around the corner above a pub.

It’s not as stylish as the Qbic, Z or Hub, but with Tune, it’s all about convenient locations at keen prices – rooms begin at £57. The vibe in the five London branches – at Westminster, Liverpool Street, Paddington, Canary Wharf and King’s Cross – is non-fuss, with simple furnishings, and to keep costs low pretty much everything, aside from the bed, is an optional add-on, including Wi-Fi, towels, safes, and a late check-out. Computers are available in the lounge. 

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 flatscreen TVs, start from £75. 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. Continental breakfast is extra, at £9.50. There are five other branches in town.

With five branches in London, this hotel concept is popular. Starting from £69 per night, everything, from booking and checking in, to basic room controls – temperature, light, food orders, entertainment – is run from your phone or tablet app. Rooms are small but well-designed, with en suite showers, under-bed luggage storage, a mini desk and free Wi-Fi. And for cred, Tinchy Stryder recorded a track from one of the rooms here.