London is an expensive city to stay in compared to the rest of the UK (though it did drop from 13th to 16th in the Mercer Global Cost of Living Survey 2009). However, there are ways of finding discount hotel beds and cheap accommodation in London.
London Hotel Discount Voucher Codes
Voucher codes have become increasingly popular in the UK since the onset of the financial crisis. A range of sites such as myvouchercodes.co.uk offer discounts on both hotel brands and reservation sites. A simple code is supplied to enter when booking.
Booking Hotels Through Airlines
It can be undeniably irritating to have to scroll through all the options for travel insurance, carbon offsetting, car hire and the like when booking a flight on easyJet, but airlines often run special offers and discounts with partner hotels that may be worth a look. Some airlines also let travellers use their air miles to contribute to or pay the cost of hotel accommodation.
Last Minute London Hotel Deals
If booking late in the day, sites such as lastminute.com and superbreak.com run special discount hotel offers. However, budget hotels and hostels at the lower end of the accommodation scale are best booked in advance due to high demand.
Bed and Breakfast Accommodation in London
The inclusion of a hearty full English breakfast can tip the balance in favour of a B&B (only a light lunch is required after a hearty plate of bacon, eggs, toast, beans, tomatoes and mushrooms first thing in the morning). Bed and breakfast guest houses are typically small, family-run establishments. This site has a list of B&Bs by postcode.
Youth Hostels in London
Once the reserve of backpackers and travellers on a shoestring, the British Youth Hostel (run by the Youth Hostel Association) has undergone something of a revamp. There are now several four-star hostels in central London catering for individuals and families. The new four-star London Central youth hostel near Oxford Street is absolutely modern and very comfortable, with excellent facilities such as a 24-hour café-bar. Membership of the YHA costs £15.95 per year; non-members pay a supplement of £3 per night. Prices for accommodation in a dorm start from £20 at London Central and St Pancras; £18 at Earls Court, Holland Park, Oxford Street; and £16 at St Pauls and Thameside. Budget hotels creeping into the hostel category can be found on hostelworld.com and hostelbookers.
London Hotel Sites
LateRooms runs special offers, free nights and discounted hotel deals.
Off To London is an online travel guide with hotel reservation service, special offers and information on restaurants, attractions and events.
Last Minute London has a handy search engine that selects hotels near Tube stations.
LondonNet has a good selection of budget hotel accommodation.
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