London: Where to Stay


Hotel Rooms
  • Hotel rooms in London are small with barely enough room to walk around the bed.
  • Most rooms do not have their own private bathroom in the room.
  • Most rooms are meant for two people, but some sleep three (triples).
  • Single = Queen/King size bed
  • Twin = two single beds
  • Triple = a double bed and a single bed
  • "3's" = three single beds
  • A budget single or twin room is often over £60 per night.

Budget Hotel Chains
  • Easy Hotel
  • Ibis
  • Premier Inn
  • Travelodge
  • Tune

Major Hotel Chains
  • Best Western
  • Comfort Inn
  • Double Tree Hilton
  • Hilton Hotels
  • Holiday Inn Express
  • Holiday Inn/Crowne Plaza
  • Marriott
  • Novotel
  • Park Plaza
  • Radisson
  • Thistle/Guoman

Neighborhoods
  • Most tourist attractions are located in central London (Zones 1 & 2). 
  • It is best to stay within the "yellow circle line" on the Underground/Tube map.
  • Anything further out in the zones will cost you time and money on transportation.
  • The city center will have the most expensive rates. Stay 3-4 underground stops from the city center for cheaper rates (Bloomsbury, Kensington, Paddington/Lancaster Gate).
  • Areas to consider:
  1. Bayswater
  2. Earl's Court
  3. South Kensington
  4. St. Pancras/Kings Cross
  5. Victoria Station
  6. Waterloo/South Bank

Kings Cross/St. Pancras Station
  • Kings Cross and St. Pancras stations are located across the street from one another.
  • Both major hubs have several rail lines that intersect, providing easy access to all of London.
  • Budget accommodations are easy to find in this area.
  • St. Pancras station is the first major Thameslink stop coming from Luton airport.
  • There are no main attractions in the area, but it is a good home base.
  • Great location if flying into Luton airport.

Victoria Station
  • A central location and major transportation hub, making it great for sightseeing.
  • Many tours begin at Victoria station.
  • The only long distance bus station.
  • Not the cheapest area for accommodations, but not the most expensive.
  • Cheaper room rates during the work week.
  • Great location if flying into Gatwick airport. Direct trains.

Airports
Gatwick
  • If you have a late arrival or early departure, stay near the airport.
  • Most trains stop at Victoria station.
Luton
  • If you have a late arrival or early departure, stay near the airport.
  • Most hotels are within a 15 minute walk of the airport.
  • Most trains/buses stop at either St. Pancras or Victoria station