Visitors to London, England, have an unrivalled choice of accommodation, although in most cases hotels in this capital city are usually pricey. When choosing lodging in London, do carefully consider your options and decide whether it is important to stay in the heart of the city, or if price and comfort is a more defining factor. Proximity to underground tube stations may also affect your decision.
The cheapest hotels in London may be basic, but they are certainly popular and there is a great demand for this category of lodging, especially during the busy months of July and August. Therefore, booking budget accommodation well in advance is essential, particularly if you are a solo traveller.
Camping is clearly not feasible in London, although there are a number of camping sites within commuting distance of the city, such as the Abbey Wood Caravan Park, which resides to the south of the River Thames and to the east of Greenwich. Much more popular are the city's plentiful YHA youth hostels, which include the City of London Hostel on Carter Lane, the Earl's Court at Bolton Gardens, and the Hampstead Heath on Golders Green. There is also a reliable hostel located on Euston Road, close to the St. Pancras train station.
Independent hotels, guest houses and small B&Bs are in great supply all over central London, and lodging rates tend to closely follow seasonal demand. Therefore during the quiet winter months (outside of Christmas), it is often possible to take full advantage of discounts, particularly around the Victoria and Pimlico districts, the latter of which is well-placed for the Tate Britain art gallery at Millbank.
Hotels in the Bloomsbury area are within easy reach of the British Museum and the West End 'Theatreland', where the biggest venues include the London Palladium, the Apollo Victoria Theatre, the Royal Opera House and the Lyceum Theatre.
In the trendy Southwark neighbourhood, the County Hall Travel Inn Capital on Belvedere Road is worthy of consideration and this popular hotel was actually formerly the residence of the Greater London Council. Decent accommodation is also to be found within the districts of Bayswater, Chelsea, Covent Garden, Holland Park, Knightsbridge, Marylebone, Mayfair, Notting Hill, Paddington and South Kensington.
