Becky is an avid rock climber and outdoor enthusiast and is now living in France as an expat. When she is not writing about travel gear and various destinations she has visited during her travels, you can find her playing with her two dogs.
London, London, London. A city that has been at the forefront of the modern world for centuries, claiming its rightful place next to other great cities such as New York and Paris! Although I live in the UK, London has never lost its appeal to me. I could do multiple city breaks there and I’d never get bored, there’s just so much to do and discover! Full of excitement and promise, this city draws people to it, but the question is always where are you going to stay? With an incredible amount of choice, we’ve compiled a list of our personal recommendations for the best hotels and hostels in London.
For a young and hip hostel in central London, head to St Christopher’s Inn Village. This inn is a typical London pub: a bit rough around the edges, but if you look closely you can appreciate this piece of history that has been lived in. The dorms here are basic but you have the necessary facilities such as plug sockets and private lockers. I’d recommend bringing your own padlock, however, as you will have to pay for one here otherwise. Obviously, staying in a hostel comes with a lot of fun! The venue hosts karaoke nights, fancy-dress parties and live music, or you can opt to just chill at the TV lounge or roof terrace. A free breakfast is included in the room rate and you are pretty much perfectly located for everything (plus you get a 25% discount in selected restaurants!). With everything you need at a budget price, it’s crazy fun and just plain cool to stay in these pub-digs!  (Prices start at $23 a night for a bed in a dorm)
Closest Tube Station: London Bridge (5-minute walk)
Another pub-dig, the award-winning Phoenix Hostel also satisfies the budget traveler who wants to have fun cheaply! The hostel has basic dorms with individual amenities and a great atmosphere all around. At The Phoenix Hostel, you’ll find a lively bar with music and a lot of friendly locals that almost have as much charm and character as the place itself. For cheap pints, a decent breakfast (for £2!), and a lot of laughs, this is the hostel to stay at! (Prices start at $19 a night for a bed in a dorm)
Awesome city vibes can be found at the Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage, but a slightly different one to the other hostels in central London. Palmers Lodge is perhaps more of an accommodation option for ‘grown ups’ on a budget. Meaning, if you want to have fun in a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer parties, this place is for you. Staying in a refurbished Victorian Grade II listed building, it is pretty strange to be surrounded by such elegance when you’re staying in dorms. The dorms are very basic, but each bunk is comfortable and has a privacy curtain. Plus you always have the option to upgrade here! With the vibrant theater scene and the Camden market close by, you’re experiencing both the old and new London in one. (Prices start at $20 a night for a bed in a dorm)
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What better way to kick off our affordable accommodation options than with the quirky Best Western London Peckham Hotel? Wow, that’s a mouthful! This crazy place is Only Fools and Horses themed (a British Comedy TV program), so expect to see bold colors, 60s-like psychedelic patterns and funny lines from the show painted on the walls! The rooms here are clean and spacious and just as character-full. Â As well as the amazing decor, this hotel is also part of an up and coming neighborhood, so take some time to explore and discover new and just as quirky places. (Prices start at $55 a night for a single room)
Closest Tube Station:Â London Bridge (10-minute train)
If you like the convenience and want a cool place for crashing out after a full day, the ibis Styles London Leyton will give you just that. While this is another themed hotel, this one is actually pretty random. Every single room is different, from bold colors, to London art, to movie-themed rooms with British characters (Harry Potter, James Bond, and Sherlock Holmes just to name a few!). Whichever one you get, all the rooms are sizeable, comfortable, and modern which is really all you need. The hotel itself offers a delicious continental breakfast and lounge bar, whilst also being located close to lots of shops and facilities. Stylish, modern and convenient! (Prices start at $80 a night for a standard double or twin room)
For an affordable stay slightly outside of the city center, Epsilon Hotel is a great value for money option. Located in the center of Stratford, the hotel is in a nice and cultural area, whilst still having quick links into the city. As well as its location, Epsilon also gets major points for staff! The place is practically known for its great service, right from small request all the way up to unforeseen instances where they go above and beyond. The whole hotel has beautiful decor throughout, finished with gray, brown, or green tones. This for some reason makes the whole place exude soothing and comfortable vibes which are nice. With comfortable beds and great food, you’ll be leaving this place satisfied that’s for sure. (Prices start at $70 a night for a deluxe single room)
Luxury in big cities often feels very business-orientated, but here at the Mondrian London, you seem to get both sides. This very modern hotel has incredibly sleek decor throughout, complete with top-notch facilities. You can spend your evenings at the riverside restaurant and cocktail bar, or the rooftop bar and terrace with incredible city views! If you want something different, how about the aqua spa or the cinema? Yes, they have their own! Â The awesomeness doesn’t end there either. The spacious and stylish rooms have the velvet and wood combo, complete with river views, marble bathrooms and rain showers, and a media panel that controls everything. Even with all of this, the hotel is in a prime location within walking distance to the main sites. Sounds perfect to me. (Prices start at $350 a night for a standard double room)
New, modern and great value for money, The Nadler Victoria is a popular hotel choice for travelers who want something special. Just 350 yards away from Buckingham Palace, you really are close to all the best bits of London: parks, theaters, tourist sites and an endless amount of local pubs and restaurants. The hotel is kept impeccably clean and the furnishings are simple yet fashionable. The same goes for the rooms which are well maintained and have modern bathrooms. The highlight of this hotel, is easily the staff. Regardless of whether this is the place for you, you will leave here feeling appreciated and well cared for. (Prices start at $210 a night for a small double room)
If you’re coming to London for music, art or just plain luxury, Intercontinental London is the place to be. Not only is it a mammoth of a hotel, but it is also connected to the O2 arena via a covered walkway! If that doesn’t make you feel special enough, the hotel gives you three restaurants, two bars (including a sky bar!) and amazing views of Canary Wharf and the River Thames in almost anywhere in the hotel. Obviously, with high-class facilities comes premium treatments from the on-site and out of this world food! What you don’t expect is just how good the staff are. With the plush rooms and the views that you get, you may not ever want to leave. (Prices start at $180 a night for a superior twin room)
Closest Tube Station:Â North Greenwich (5-minute walk)
Unfortunately, we’ve come to the end of London’s best accommodation options. Now all that is left to do is choose which one is for you, and to go and experience what  London has to offer!
Disclaimer: All photo credits and copyright belong to the establishments unless stated otherwise.
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