Best Cheap Hotels in London
Our expert guide compares the best cheap hotels in London, focusing on budget-friendly prices, practical locations, compact rooms, transport links, short stays, central access, and simple hotels that help keep London travel costs under control.
Whether you want a low-cost hotel near major sights, a compact room in the West End, a cheap stay near transport, a budget-friendly airport option, or a simple base for a short London trip, this guide helps you compare the strongest cheap hotel choices in London faster.
Quick Guide
What Makes a Cheap Hotel in London Worth Booking?
A cheap hotel in London is worth booking when it gives you a practical location, clean comfort, good transport access, and a simple stay without unnecessary extras. The cheapest hotel is not always the smartest choice if it adds long travel times, weak transport, or a location that makes sightseeing harder.
For most budget-conscious travelers, the best cheap London hotels are often compact, simple, and location-led. Rooms may be smaller, facilities may be limited, and the hotel may not feel luxurious — but a well-located budget hotel can still be a very smart choice for short city breaks, solo trips, theatre weekends, business overnights, and travelers who plan to spend most of the day outside.
The key point: cheap hotels in London work best when you choose them for location and transport first, then compare room size, reviews, cancellation terms, and whether the hotel fits your trip style.
Best Overall Cheap Hotel in London
Best for: budget-focused stays, transport access, short trips, simple comfort, and practical London travel
SUGGESTED HOTEL
Point A Hotel London Canary Wharf
Best Cheap Central London Hotel
Best for: West End access, theatres, sightseeing, short stays, and travelers who want a central base on a lower budget
SUGGESTED HOTEL
The Z Hotel Piccadilly
Best Cheap Hotel Near Transport
Best for: Underground access, rail links, short city breaks, Eurostar, and easy movement around London
SUGGESTED HOTEL
hub by Premier Inn London King’s Cross hotel
Best Cheap Hotel for West End Stays
Best for: theatres, Soho, Piccadilly, Leicester Square, short breaks, and compact central rooms
SUGGESTED HOTEL
The Z Hotel Strand
Best Cheap Hotel for Families
Best for: families, simple comfort, practical locations, transport links, and budget-conscious London trips
SUGGESTED HOTEL
Premier Inn London Blackfriars hotel
Best Cheap Hotel Near Heathrow
Best for: early flights, late arrivals, airport stopovers, short stays, and low-cost Heathrow access
SUGGESTED HOTEL
Moxy London Heathrow Airport
Top Picks: Best Cheap Hotels in London
Hand-picked cheap hotels in London, chosen for lower prices, practical locations, transport access, compact rooms, short-stay usefulness, West End access, airport convenience, and budget-conscious London trips.
Point A Hotel London Canary Wharf
Best for: budget-focused stays, Canary Wharf, short trips, business travel, simple comfort
Point A Hotel London Canary Wharf is a strong overall cheap hotel choice for travelers who want a simple, practical London base with good access to Canary Wharf and East London without paying for a full-service business hotel.
The Z Hotel Piccadilly
Best for: central London access, West End, theatres, short stays, budget-conscious trips
The Z Hotel Piccadilly is a strong cheap central London option if you want West End access, theatres, restaurants, Soho, Leicester Square, and Trafalgar Square close by while keeping the hotel choice compact and budget-conscious.
hub by Premier Inn London King’s Cross hotel
Best for: transport links, rail access, Eurostar, short stays, practical city breaks
hub by Premier Inn London King’s Cross hotel is a smart cheap hotel choice for travelers who want excellent transport access, simple modern rooms, and easy movement across London from King’s Cross and St Pancras.
The Z Hotel Strand
Best for: West End access, Covent Garden, theatres, short stays, compact central rooms
The Z Hotel Strand is a strong budget-conscious choice if you want a central London location near Covent Garden, the Strand, theatres, restaurants, and major sightseeing routes without moving into luxury pricing.
Premier Inn London Blackfriars hotel
Best for: families, Blackfriars, City access, South Bank, practical sightseeing
Premier Inn London Blackfriars hotel is a practical cheap family-friendly option if you want a straightforward hotel base with useful access to Blackfriars, St Paul’s, the City, South Bank, and central sightseeing routes.
Moxy London Heathrow Airport
Best for: Heathrow access, airport stopovers, early flights, late arrivals, low-cost stays
Moxy London Heathrow Airport is a useful cheap Heathrow option for travelers who want a simple airport-area stay, a more casual hotel feel, and lower-cost access before or after a flight.
ibis London Canning Town
Best for: Jubilee line, Canary Wharf, O2 Arena, East London, transport-focused budget stays
ibis London Canning Town is a strong cheap hotel choice if you want useful transport links toward Canary Wharf, North Greenwich, The O2, Stratford, and central London without paying central hotel prices.
The Fox & Goose Hotel, Ealing
Best for: West London, repeat visitors, Heathrow access, quieter stays, budget-conscious trips
The Fox & Goose Hotel is a strong cheap West London option if you want better value outside the busiest central areas. It suits repeat visitors, west London trips, Heathrow access, and travelers who prefer a quieter base with lower prices.
Explore London Cheap Hotels by Travel Style
Use these guides to compare cheap hotels in London by stay style — from central budget hotels and transport-friendly stays to West End hotels, family-friendly budget options, Heathrow airport hotels, and cheaper bases outside the most expensive central areas.
Best Overall Cheap Hotels in London
Best for: budget-focused stays, practical comfort, short trips, transport access, and lower-cost London travel.
Top picks: Point A Hotel London Canary Wharf, The Z Hotel Piccadilly, ibis London Canning Town
Best Cheap Central London Hotels
Best for: sightseeing, West End access, short stays, theatres, restaurants, and travelers who want central access on a lower budget.
Top picks: The Z Hotel Piccadilly, The Z Hotel Strand, Premier Inn London Blackfriars hotel
Best Cheap Hotels Near Transport
Best for: Underground access, rail links, Eurostar, airport connections, short stays, and easy movement around London.
Top picks: hub by Premier Inn London King’s Cross hotel, ibis London Canning Town, Premier Inn London Blackfriars hotel
Best Cheap Hotels for West End Stays
Best for: theatres, Soho, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, short breaks, and compact central rooms.
Top picks: The Z Hotel Piccadilly, The Z Hotel Strand, The Z Hotel Covent Garden
Best Cheap Family-Friendly Hotels in London
Best for: families, simple comfort, practical rooms, transport access, sightseeing, and budget-conscious city breaks.
Top picks: Premier Inn London Blackfriars hotel, Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo, The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
Best Cheap Hotels Near Heathrow
Best for: airport stopovers, early flights, late arrivals, short stays, and lower-cost Heathrow access.
Top picks: Moxy London Heathrow Airport, Premier Inn London Heathrow Airport Terminal 4, ibis London Heathrow Airport
Featured Cheap Hotels in London
A closer look at the best cheap hotels in London, with more detail on location, transport access, compact rooms, practical comfort, room count, budget usefulness, and why each hotel works well for a lower-cost London stay.
Point A Hotel London Canary Wharf
Best for: budget-focused stays, Canary Wharf, short trips, business travel, simple comfort
Point A Hotel London Canary Wharf is a strong overall cheap hotel choice for travelers who want a simple, practical London base with good access to Canary Wharf and East London without paying for a full-service business hotel.
BEST PART
Good budget-friendly positioning for Canary Wharf, Docklands, and East London business or short-stay trips
KEEP IN MIND
Choose it for practical price and location rather than spacious rooms or full-service hotel facilities
The Z Hotel Piccadilly
Best for: central London access, West End, theatres, short stays, budget-conscious trips
The Z Hotel Piccadilly is a strong cheap central London option if you want West End access, theatres, restaurants, Soho, Leicester Square, and Trafalgar Square close by while keeping the hotel choice compact and budget-conscious.
BEST PART
Excellent central location value for travelers who want West End access without paying luxury hotel prices
KEEP IN MIND
Choose it for location and compact efficiency rather than large rooms or extensive facilities
hub by Premier Inn London King’s Cross hotel
Best for: transport links, rail access, Eurostar, short stays, practical city breaks
hub by Premier Inn London King’s Cross hotel is a smart cheap hotel choice for travelers who want excellent transport access, simple modern rooms, and easy movement across London from King’s Cross and St Pancras.
BEST PART
Very useful transport value for rail arrivals, Eurostar trips, short stays, and Underground access
KEEP IN MIND
Choose it for compact practicality and transport access rather than a traditional full-size hotel experience
The Z Hotel Strand
Best for: West End access, Covent Garden, theatres, short stays, compact central rooms
The Z Hotel Strand is a strong budget-conscious choice if you want a central London location near Covent Garden, the Strand, theatres, restaurants, and major sightseeing routes without moving into luxury pricing.
BEST PART
Excellent central value for Covent Garden, Strand, West End, and theatre-focused short stays
KEEP IN MIND
Choose it for location and price control rather than spacious rooms or a resort-style hotel experience
Premier Inn London Blackfriars hotel
Best for: families, Blackfriars, City access, South Bank, practical sightseeing
Premier Inn London Blackfriars hotel is a practical cheap family-friendly option if you want a straightforward hotel base with useful access to Blackfriars, St Paul’s, the City, South Bank, and central sightseeing routes.
BEST PART
Good practical location for families who want City, Blackfriars, St Paul’s, and South Bank access
KEEP IN MIND
Choose it for reliable practicality rather than boutique atmosphere or luxury facilities
Moxy London Heathrow Airport
Best for: Heathrow access, airport stopovers, early flights, late arrivals, low-cost stays
Moxy London Heathrow Airport is a useful cheap Heathrow option for travelers who want a simple airport-area stay, a more casual hotel feel, and lower-cost access before or after a flight.
BEST PART
Good low-cost Heathrow option for airport stopovers, late arrivals, and short practical stays.
KEEP IN MIND
Choose it for airport-area value rather than central London sightseeing convenience
More Cheap Hotels in London to Consider
These additional hotels are worth comparing if you want more low-cost London hotel options, including compact central stays, airport hotels, East London bases, Victoria alternatives, and practical choices for short trips, theatre breaks, or budget-conscious city travel.
The Belgrave
Best for: Victoria access, Pimlico, couples, short city breaks, transport links, and practical central stays
The Belgrave is worth comparing if you want a polished but still practical base around Victoria and Pimlico. It works well for travelers who want easy transport, a quieter central feel, and access to Westminster, Chelsea, and central London without choosing a large luxury hotel.
The Z Hotel Soho
Best for: Soho, West End access, theatres, nightlife, restaurants, and compact central rooms
The Z Hotel Soho is a useful cheap hotel alternative if you want a compact central base close to Soho, theatres, restaurants, and West End nightlife. It is best for short stays where location matters more than room size or full-service facilities.
easyHotel London City Shoreditch
Best for: ultra-budget stays, Old Street, Shoreditch, short trips, solo travelers, and basic city access
easyHotel London City Shoreditch is worth considering if price control is the main priority and you only need a very simple place to sleep. It works best for short stays, solo travelers, and visitors who are comfortable with a basic room setup.
Travelodge London Central City Road
Best for: Old Street, City access, budget-conscious work trips, short stays, and practical transport
Travelodge London Central City Road is a practical option if you want a cheaper base near Old Street, the City, Shoreditch, and East London transport links. It is best for travelers who want simple accommodation and useful access rather than hotel character or luxury facilities.
Premier Inn London City (Aldgate) hotel
Best for: Aldgate, City access, Tower Hill, short stays, business travel, and practical budget trips
Premier Inn London City (Aldgate) hotel is a good alternative if you want a practical cheaper base near Aldgate, Tower Hill, the City, and East London transport links. It works well for budget-conscious travelers who want reliable location value without paying central luxury prices.
Holiday Inn Express London Heathrow T4
Best for: Terminal 4, early flights, late arrivals, airport stopovers, and simple practical stays
Holiday Inn Express London Heathrow T4 is worth comparing if your trip is focused on Heathrow and you want a straightforward, lower-cost airport hotel near Terminal 4. It is more useful for flight logistics than for central London sightseeing.
London Cheap Hotel Booking Tips
Choosing a cheap hotel in London is mostly about avoiding false savings. A low nightly rate can look attractive, but the best cheap hotels usually combine a manageable price with useful transport, a practical area, and a room setup that fits a short city trip.
Do not choose only by the lowest price
The cheapest hotel is not always the best cheap hotel. If the location is weak or transport is inconvenient, you may lose time and money every day. A slightly more expensive budget hotel in a better area can often be the smarter choice.
Prioritize location over extra facilities
For most budget trips, location matters more than hotel extras. If you plan to spend most of the day sightseeing, working, shopping, or visiting attractions, a simple hotel in the right area can be better than a bigger hotel far from where you need to be.
Stay near transport whenever possible
Cheap hotels work best when they are close to the Underground, Elizabeth line, major rail stations, or useful bus routes. King’s Cross, Blackfriars, Canning Town, Canary Wharf, Heathrow, and selected West End areas can be practical depending on your trip.
Expect compact rooms in central budget hotels
Many cheap central London hotels have smaller rooms than travelers expect. This can be fine for one or two nights, solo trips, couples, and theatre breaks, but check room size carefully if you are traveling with large luggage, children, or need more space.
West End budget hotels are best for short stays
Cheap hotels around Piccadilly, Soho, Covent Garden, and the Strand are useful if you want theatres, restaurants, nightlife, and sightseeing close by. They are usually best for short stays where location matters more than facilities.
Use airport hotels only when flights matter most
Cheap Heathrow hotels can be very useful for early flights, late arrivals, airport stopovers, and short work trips. But they are not ideal if your main plan is central London sightseeing, because daily travel time can reduce the real value.
Quick tip:
For cheap hotels in London, choose the area first, then compare price. A good cheap hotel should keep your trip simple, reduce transport stress, and give you a practical base without forcing you to pay for luxury facilities you will not use.
Explore More London Hotel Guides
Planning a budget-focused London stay? Use these guides to compare cheap hotels, value hotels, central areas, family-friendly stays, airport hotels, transport-friendly bases, and practical London hotel options before you book.
For official city planning information, visit Visit London and Transport for London.
Best Hotels in London →
Best Value Hotels in London →
Best Hotels for First-Time Visitors in London →
Best Family Hotels in London →
Best Hotels in Canary Wharf →
London Travel Guide →
Find quick answers to common questions about choosing the best cheap hotels in London, including where to stay on a budget, how to avoid poor-value hotels, and what to check before booking.
FAQs About the Best Cheap Hotels in London
What is the best cheap hotel in London overall?
Point A Hotel London Canary Wharf is a strong overall cheap hotel choice if you want a simple, practical London base with good access to Canary Wharf and East London without paying for a full-service business hotel.
What is the best cheap central London hotel?
The Z Hotel Piccadilly is a strong cheap central London option if you want West End access, theatres, restaurants, Soho, Leicester Square, and Trafalgar Square close by while keeping the hotel choice compact and budget-conscious.
What is the best cheap hotel near transport in London?
hub by Premier Inn London King’s Cross hotel is a smart cheap hotel choice for travelers who want excellent transport access, rail links, Eurostar access, and easy movement across London from King’s Cross and St Pancras.
What are the best areas for cheap hotels in London?
Good areas for cheap hotels in London include King’s Cross, Blackfriars, Canary Wharf, Canning Town, Paddington, Victoria, Earl’s Court, Hammersmith, Stratford, and selected West End locations if you are comfortable with compact rooms.
Are cheap hotels in central London worth it?
Yes, cheap central London hotels can be worth it if you mainly need a clean, compact, well-located room for a short stay. They are especially useful for theatre trips, solo travel, weekend breaks, and visitors who plan to spend most of the day outside.
Are cheap hotels in London usually small?
Many cheap hotels in London, especially in central areas, have compact rooms. This is normal for lower-cost central stays. Always check room size, bed setup, luggage space, and whether the room has a window before booking.
What is the best cheap hotel near Heathrow Airport?
Moxy London Heathrow Airport is a useful cheap Heathrow option for travelers who want a simple airport-area stay before or after a flight. Holiday Inn Express London Heathrow T4 is also worth comparing if Terminal 4 access matters.
Should I choose a cheap hotel or a value hotel in London?
Choose a cheap hotel if your main priority is keeping the nightly rate low. Choose a value hotel if you want a better balance of price, location, comfort, transport, and overall usefulness. In London, a value hotel is often smarter for longer stays or first-time visitors.
What should I check before booking a cheap hotel in London?
Check the location, nearest transport station, room size, recent reviews, cancellation policy, luggage needs, airport access, and travel time to the places you plan to visit. A cheap hotel in a poor location can quickly become poor value.
Is it better to stay outside central London to save money?
It can be better to stay outside central London if the hotel has strong transport access and fits your itinerary. Areas like Canning Town, Canary Wharf, Ealing, Hammersmith, Stratford, or Heathrow can work well for specific trips, but they are not always better for sightseeing-heavy stays.
Final Verdict: Are Cheap Hotels in London Worth Booking?
Cheap hotels in London can be worth booking if your main priority is keeping accommodation costs low while still staying in a practical location. The best cheap hotels are usually simple, compact, and transport-focused rather than luxurious, but they can work very well for short stays, solo trips, theatre breaks, airport stopovers, and travelers who plan to spend most of the day outside.
A cheap hotel is not always the same as a good-value hotel. If the location is weak, the room is too small for your needs, or the transport adds too much daily travel time, the lowest price may not be the smartest choice. But if you choose carefully, London has useful budget-friendly options in central areas, transport hubs, East London, Canary Wharf, and Heathrow.
Best overall choices
Start with Point A Hotel London Canary Wharf if you want the strongest overall cheap hotel option with practical East London and Canary Wharf access. Choose The Z Hotel Piccadilly for central West End convenience, hub by Premier Inn London King’s Cross hotel for transport access, The Z Hotel Strand for theatre and Covent Garden stays, Premier Inn London Blackfriars hotel for family-friendly practicality, and Moxy London Heathrow Airport for a low-cost Heathrow stay.