Where to Stay in London
For most of my early trips back and forth to London I was lucky that I always had a place to stay, which was my boyfriend at the time’s house. Since then, I’ve had to get creative about staying in my favorite city and let me tell you what I’ve learned, London hotels are expensive, especially when you’re traveling solo. However, I’ve stayed at a lot of very cool hotels on a budget. Here are some recommendations:
Dean Street Townhouse (Soho)
Nestled in the heart of Soho, I stumbled upon this Soho House gem by accident in 2014 and it’s now my favorite place to stay if I can swing it. Soho House hotels are pricey, but I usually stay for a night when I find a good deal (Sundays/Mondays) and then stay somewhere else the rest of the trip.
Price: Depends. Can find good deal on certain days or last minute
The Pilgrim (Paddington)
I’ve stayed here with a friend and another time alone. It was so charming and very convenient location - right across from the Paddington/Bakerloo tube station.
Price: Very reasonable
Tip: If you decide to share a room with a friend, make sure it’s a close friend - the rooms are TINY, but really cute
The Ned (the City)
Once the HQ of Midlands Bank, Soho House owners fully restored the space and it now has 252 hotel rooms, nine restaurants/bars and so much more. You don’t have to leave the premises if you want to have rooftop brunch, layout by the pool on the roof or swim laps in the indoor pool, go to the spa, have dinner, bar hop, dance to live music, then go for a nightcap in the basement bar, “the Vault.”
Price: Depends on the day of the week and season. Usually on Hotel Tonight
Tip: Make the most of this place. There is so much to see and do inside
Kettner’s Townhouse (Soho)
One of the newer Soho House locations. 33-room townhouse in the heart of Soho, right around the corner from Dean Street Townhouse.
Price: Depends. I’ve found deals for a few nights during the week but not my whole stay
Artist Residence (Pimlico)
LOVED this place. The staff was super friendly, the decor is really cute, and there is a tiny bar in the basement. The location is quiet but great if you want to explore Chelsea/West End.
Price: It is usually out of my budget, but I needed a place to stay last minute this summer on a Saturday night and got a great deal on Hotel Tonight (which was ideal because this has been on my list for a while)
Ace Hotel (Shoreditch)
Great spot if you are looking to explore Shoreditch. The first floor lobby has a cute coffee shop with lots of seating to get some work done.
Price: Very reasonable
Tip: Bikes are included, so take one for a spin (head to the Columbia Road Flower Market early one morning), just keep to the left!
The Curtain Hotel (Shoreditch)
Newer/hot hotel in Shoreditch, probably because it’s unique place - bright colors, bold decor and has everything: cool restaurants/bars on premises (Red Rooster), club in the basement, rooftop pool.
Price: Reasonable. Found a deal online last minute
Tip: If you need to get a workout in, they have a very cool gym
The Culpeper (Spitalfields)
Quirky little place in Spitalfields. There are only 5 bedrooms. Would recommend if you want to spend a night out along Liverpool Street or in Shoreditch. Cute rooftop for bites & drinks
Price: Very reasonable
Tip: If you are terrified of mice this may not be the place for you
The Hoxton (Holborn)
I stayed here one night and checked in after a long day of drinking, so didn’t get to explore too much. Central location, large open lobby with bars/restaurants and seating to sit and work/have a coffee
Price: Very reasonable
Other London Locations: Shoreditch & Southwark
Nobu Hotel (Shoreditch)
Very cool hotel design. A bit dark, but very unique. They have a Nobu restaurant and sushi bar in the basement.
Price: Depends. Found a deal on a Sunday
Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel (Bloomsbury/Russell Square)
Located on Russell Square. Central location, and super convenient for walking to work if your office is in Mayfair
Price: Depends. Found a deal for one night