Where to stay in London on all budgets

Finding where to stay in London can be a little challenging, with several different neighbourhoods, with their own personality, and hundreds of hotels, hostels, apartments, and unique accommodation options to choose from.

So how do you choose the ideal spot that’s safe, stylish, central, and within your budget style?

We’re going to break down the best areas to stay in London, affordable hostels, hotels and unique places to stay, from a couple who have lived, stayed and explored London over the years.

Let’s find you the ideal spot to stay, that fits your budget and gives you some peace of mind that will be comfortable and safe.

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What makes London’s neighbourhoods so unique?

One of the best things about London is that every neighbourhood is so different.

Let’s face it, London is one big city, with a mix of culture, colour and vibrancy. One minute you could be walking down a street with grand Victorian townhouses and the next it turns into neon lights shining from every direction and street art.

That is what makes this city so special.

Every neighbourhood has a different rhythm, and its own price tag, but that’s what makes it all exciting when you try to decide where to stay in London.

You need to stay somewhere that’s safe, walkable, and well-connected, which is ideal if this is your first visit to the city.

So, if you’re looking for energy and buzz, then stay in central London, if you want somewhere that’s less crazy, peaceful and affordable, then go a little farther out.

The key is choosing the right place that fits you, your safety, comfort, your budget, and the experience you want to have.

Best areas to stay in London

After spending time living in London for two years and visiting different parts of the city, we’ve learnt that some areas strike a perfect balance between safety, convenience and value for money.

These are our recommended areas, that are suitable for female travellers.

Westminster

Westminster is the ideal spot, that’s centrally located with the likes of Westminster Abbey right on your doorstep, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and just a short walk or tube journey to the London Eye, Horse Guards Parade and Buckingham Palace.

We stayed in a mid-range hotel that was clean, compact, and super convenient.

Westminster is a little more expensive compared to neighbourhoods that are further from the main sights, but it makes it easy and convenient to get around if you are short on time in London.

The city of London

This is the main historic heart of London, and where it all began, when the Romans made it the capital.

This is where cobbled streets, towering skyscrapers, and public parks rolled into one.

It’s one of the cleanest, and safest parts of London.

Notting Hill

Notting Hill is an affluent area in London, with bright colourful doors, and large townhouses. Think of the movie Notting Hill and you’ll walk down these quiet streets.

It isn’t the cheapest area to stay in London, but if you’re looking for flower markets and quaint coffee spots, then Notting Hill will make your heart happy.

It’s definitely one of the more relaxed parts of West London, which would be perfect for couples or anyone who wants that Instagrammable charm.

If you want to dive deeper into what makes each area unique, then check out our full guide on the best neighbourhoods in London.

Choosing the right place to stay in London

London offers all types of experienced stays, from hostels, hotels, private apartments with Airbnb, to unique places, like staying on a Yacht.

If you are on a super tight budget or travelling solo, then hostels are a fantastic way to save money, while meeting like minded travellers.

Book into an all-female dorm, with secure lockers and check the reviews, especially from other females.

If you don’t mind paying a little bit more money for your own private space with a private bathroom, then a mid-range hotel might be a suitable option.

While on the other end of the scale, if you have the money to spend, you could easily stay in some of the most luxurious and well-known hotels. This is where you’ll get the 5* treatment, but normally at a price tag.

And finally, Airbnb’s are perfect if you’re looking to live a local lifestyle and dive into the British culture. You can choose between a room in a house or flat, to an entire private apartment, or house.

It’s about finding the right place to stay in London, that’s going to be comfortable, safe and with easy transport links to the main sights.

Best places to stay in London

We’ve stayed in some lovely hotels in London, whether they’re luxury or mid-range, and we are sharing our recommendations, so you have a comfortable and safe stay.

Premier Inn

You honestly can’t go wrong with staying in a Premier Inn, when visiting London, whether for the first or your fiftieth time.

What we love about staying in a Premier Inn is that you can find a hotel in nearly every neighbourhood in London. We’ve stayed in several, mainly the Premier Inn Hubs, which are by the same chain, but a little cheaper and basic.

We’d recommend the Premier Inn hub in Westminster. It is safe; it has everything you’ll need for a one-night stay or a few. They’re clean and compact and within walking distance of the main attractions and transport links.

We’ve also stayed in a Premier Inn at Bank. Which is located within the heart of the City of London. Again, a prime location for the top tourist attractions such as St Paul’s Cathedral, The Monument and our favourite hidden gem St Dunstans in the East.

It’s very safe, affordable, clean and more spacious, but slightly more expensive than a Hub by Premier Inn.

With both, you do get the optional extra for breakfast.

We’ve stayed in a few other Premier Inn’s in other cities in the UK and would highly recommend them for their affordability.

You can check rates and availability, with Premier Inn.

A double bed, with several chairs in the room, overlooking the bright blue sea from the windows. — One of the rooms we stayed in

Travelodge

Travelodge is another great mid-range option, that’s safe, comfortable and with several hotels dotted around the capital and across the country.

We will always book between Travelodge and Premier Inn for affordable stays.

We’ve stayed at the Travelodge in Vauxhall and The Oval. Both are close to transport links, while still in the heart of the city.

You can choose between bed and breakfast, or just room only.

And the staff are friendly; the hotel and rooms are clean and ideal if you want your own private space with a private bathroom.

You can check rates and availability with Travelodge.

The Tower Hotel

If you are looking to spend a bit more money to stay in the heart of London, with epic views of Tower Bridge, then The Tower Hotel, is the ideal spot.

Now, it isn’t cheap for a room with a view, but if you’re planning a short romantic weekend in London, then why not splurge a bit of cash on something with more bells and whistles.

We loved our little romantic stay, with modern and bright rooms; we had a partial view of Tower Bridge, and it felt safe and peaceful.

You’re in a prime location, with St Catherine’s Docks just behind, for an afternoon stroll. Tower Bridge is right on the doorstep, and The Tower of London is just minutes away.

Add a bit of love, with a romantic meal in one of their many restaurants, or book a table with views of Tower Bridge, while you enjoy their classic afternoon tea experience.

This is the perfect place to stay in London, if you are travelling as a couple, or prefer luxury travel.

You can check rates and availablity with The Tower Hotel.

A four poster bed, covered in mosquito nets. — A four poster bed

Conclusion

Choosing the right place to stay in London is essential, as it will shape your whole experience.

If you are travelling solo or on a tight budget, then the right neighbourhood and accommodation will make your trip feel effortless, comfortable, and safe.

It’s not about finding a bed for the night. It’s finding a place that helps you feel confident, makes you feel at home, and turns your trip into one to remember.

If you’re looking for tips on how to stay safe while travelling, then check out our full guide of helpful tips to feel safe travelling.

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