Budget London Accommodation

Staying in London is expensive. There's no getting around that unpleasant fact. Hotels in London can eat up your travel budget very quickly, even the "inexpensive" ones. Prices are cheaper as you get further away from the major attractions of central London, but the further out you stay, the more of your sightseeing time is eaten up by travel. As good as London's transport systems are, you don't want to spend half your time staring out the window of an underground train or bus.

There are other options, though, if your pockets give new meaning to the term "threadbare". London has a variety of budget accommodation - some of it aimed specifically at youth and student travelers. If you are willing to forego a few amenities - like en-suite toilets and baths, you can cut your costs considerably. Here's some options for you to consider:

Many London colleges and university open their student dormatories to travelers when school is not in session. Some of these student residences are operated as bed and breakfast, and some as self-catering apartments. There are often family rooms available, though often there is a low age restriction. Some of these schools are:

The University of Westminster (numerous campuses around Greater London), phone +44 020 7911 5000

City University Finsbury Residences, Bastwick Strett, EC1V 3PE, +44 020 8477 8811

Cartwright University Halls, 36 Cartwright Gardens WC1H 9BZ, +44 020 7388 3757

King's College London, 3rd Flr, Strands Bridge House, 138-142 Strand, London GB, WC2R 1HH, Tel: +44 20 7848 1700, fax: +44 20 7848 1717, email: vac.bureau@kcl.ac.uk

There are also numerous youth hostels scattered about. Be aware that although there are hostels affiliated with the Youth Hostel Association, several are independently operated and will not accept a YHA membership card for discounted rates. Here are a few chosen hostels:

Holland House Youth Hostel, Holland Walk. Kensington, London. W8 7QU, Tel: 0870 770 5866 from inside the UK, Tel: +44 ( 0 ) 20 7937 0748 from outside the UK

Hampstead Heath Youth Hostel, 4 Welgarth Road, Golders Green, NW11 7HR, Phone Within UK
0870 770 5846, Outside UK (+44) 20 8458 9054, Fax: (+44) 20 8209 0546, Email: hampstead@yha.org.uk

Earl's Court Youth Hostel, 38 Bolton Gardens, SW5 0AQ, Phone: Within UK 0870 770 5804, Outside UK, (+44) 20 7373 7083, Fax: (+44) 20 7835 2034. earlscourt@yha.org.uk

In some cases budget hotels can be even cheaper than hostels. Here's a few that truly deserve their "budget" tag:

Astor Quest Hotel, 45 Queensborough Terrace, London, W2, Tel: 0171 229 7782 Fax: 0171 727 8106

Astor Museum Inn, 27 Montague Street, WC1B 5BH, Tel: 0171 580 5360 Fax: 0171 636 7948 - Note: this hotel is directly opposite the British Museum.

Boka Hotel, 33 - 35 Eardley Crescent, SW5 9JT. Tel 800-695-8284

and if you REALLY want a cheap stay, try the Tent City in Acton. a tent-covered hostel operating from June-September. There are beds and shared showers, and the prices are rock-bottom. Old Oak Common Lane, East Acton, W3 7DP +44 020 8743 5708

The best source of information for budget accommodation in London is the "London Accommodation for Budget Travelers" booklet put out by the British Tourist Authority. You should be able to obtain a copy from any BTA office in your country of residence, or through your local travel agent.

Budget London Accommodation on the Web: Check out our own London hotel guide, where you can browse hotels by price as well as rating and location.