Where to Stay in London (for Every Budget)

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Finding accommodation in London doesn’t have to break the bank. Few people can afford to rent a penthouse in Kensington, but, realistically, how much time would you be spending there anyway? London offers an abundance of things to do, from galleries and museums to immersive tours and wild nights out. So picking the area first and the accommodation second is key to deciding where to stay in London.

This article shares our four favourite London neighbourhoods along with budget, mid-range and premium accommodation options for each. We’ll be focussing on hotel accommodation instead of self-catered apartments, but if you prefer the independence of self-catering, check out Airbnb or Booking.com.

Camden (North London)

A bohemian haven with a rebellious spirit, Camden Town has long been the stomping ground for music lovers, street food aficionados, and alternative culture enthusiasts. Known for its iconic markets, this area brims with quirky shops, vintage finds, and global cuisines that span Jamaican jerk chicken to vegan bao buns. 

There are few better ways of spending a Saturday afternoon than taking a walk along the Regent’s Canal and ducking into its craft beer pubs, where you can take your pint and sit by the canal (on one of those rare sunny British summer days). Camden Lock Market is also a must, with dozens of stalls and boutiques selling quirky souvenirs. In the evening, catch some live music at legendary venues like the Jazz Cafe off Camden High Street or Roundhouse, just north of the Camden Market, near Chalk Farm.

Getting around London from Camden Town is a breeze. Camden is on the Northern Line, with quick connections to central hotspots like Leicester Square and London Bridge, and excellent bus routes to King's Cross and beyond.

Bustling Camden Market stalls with vendors and international food showcasing vibrant London market culture and diverse shopping experience during Carpe Diem Tours London cultural exploration and food tour adventure

Camden Market is a top place to spend an afternoon browsing stalls, ducking into pubs, and indulging on international food

Budget Accommodation in Camden

Smart Camden Inn Hostel offers the most bang for your buck, with prices from as little as €29 per night. This hostel is located close to Camden Market and offers clean, comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi and a communal kitchen. 

Mid-Range Accommodation in Camden

Starting from €103 per night, and situated within a historic Victorian building, the Camden Enterprise Hotel features elegant and modern rooms and is conveniently located near Chalk Farm Underground Station, making it easy to access other parts of London. It also has a pub downstairs for anyone wanting a cheeky nightcap. 

Premium Accommodation in Camden

You can’t beat the Camden Lock Holiday Inn for location, given its scenic views of the waterfront and close proximity to the Camden Market. Since it’s part of the Holiday Inn chain, you can expect excellent service, comfortable rooms and great breakfast options. 

Soho (West End)

Synonymous with London’s sex, drugs and rock‘ n’ roll scene, Soho is home to the city's most eclectic mix of theatre, nightlife, and dining. By day, the beating heart of the West End is hopping with locals and visitors ducking into its independent coffee shops and boutique stores. By night, it’s a bohemian rhapsody of cocktail bars, jazz clubs, and some of London's trendiest restaurants.

Culture vultures will love the proximity to world-class theatre productions, while foodies can revel in the tantalizing aromas of Chinatown. Located at the crossroads of several Underground lines, including the Piccadilly, Central, and Northern Lines, Soho offers unbeatable access to the rest of London, making it a perfect base for exploring the city.

Oh, and Soho is also where we start our famous London Tipsy Tour. Just saying 👀

Budget Accommodation in Soho

The three-star Z Hotel Soho offers comfortable rooms in a prime location near Tottenham Court Road and Shaftesbury Avenue. Its modern amenities and complimentary cheese and wine in the evenings make it a great choice for budget travellers looking for convenience and comfort. Prices start from €73 per night. 

Mid-Range Accommodation in Soho

Mimi's Hotel Soho features stylishly decorated rooms with a cosy atmosphere. Located close to the vibrant nightlife and dining options of Soho, this boutique hotel provides an excellent base for exploring the area while offering modern comforts and attentive service. Book direct for the best prices. 

Premium Accommodation in Soho

Situated on Leicester Square, the five-star Radisson Blu Edwardian Hampshire Hotel boasts elegant rooms and high-end amenities, including a restaurant and bar. Its central location makes it ideal for accessing major attractions, theatres, and Soho’s bustling nightlife. Expect to pay a premium for such luxury and location, however, with rooms starting from €250.

Shoreditch (East London)

Shoreditch is all about the nightlife, with bars and clubs galore and a hipster edge that remains effortlessly cool. Famous for its street art – including works by Banksy – the area is a living, breathing canvas. Dive into Brick Lane for its famous curry houses and vintage shops or browse the trendy stalls of Spitalfields Market, just a stone’s throw from the district of Whitechapel

Historic Woodin's Shades pub exterior in Shoreditch London showcasing traditional British pub architecture and authentic local dining experience during Carpe Diem Tours London food tour and cultural exploration

Shoreditch's Woodin's Shades - perfect for proper pub grub

For nightlife, Shoreditch has it all from rooftop bars to hidden speakeasies. This district thrives on its quirky personality, making it ideal for travellers who want a trendy, artsy vibe with plenty of Instagram-worthy spots. Shoreditch High Street Overground and nearby Liverpool Street station offer excellent connectivity, with the Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan Lines just a short walk away.

🔍Staying near Shoreditch? Join our immersive & investigative Jack the Ripper Tour

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Budget Accommodation in Shoreditch

The Z Hotel Shoreditch offers rooms from €61 per night (if booked in advance) and boasts a great location within The Bower, a vibrant dining and retail space next to the Old Street roundabout. With Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market on your doorstep, and Shoreditch High Street just 10 minutes away, you can’t go wrong.  

Mid-Range Accommodation in Shoreditch

Shoreditch’s three-star Point A Hotel features cosy, kitted-out rooms with an airline vibe and signature mood lighting, perfect for a steamy city break in Shoreditch 😉 Venture out of your room and you’ll have a guest atrium with skylights where guests can work, dine and socialise. Book online for the best rates (roughly €109 per night).

Premium Accommodation in Shoreditch

Converted from a former warehouse, the five-star Boundary Hotel boasts a bar brasserie, a rooftop terrace bar (perfect for surveying the mayhem of Shoreditch’s nightlife play out below) and elegant and extremely comfy rooms that feel more like a well-off friend’s home than a city-centre hotel. Prices start from around €200 per room. 

Richmond (South West)

For visitors to London looking for a slower pace of life, Richmond, a leafy retreat on the outskirts of London feels – quite literally – like a breath of fresh air. Sandwiched between the expansive Richmond Park to the south — the scene of one of the GOAT early Youtube clips — and Kew Gardens to the north, Richmond’s riverside setting and expansive green spaces make it perfect for a quieter London sojourn. 

Stroll along the River Thames, explore the charming high street with its quaint shops and pubs, or visit the historic Ham House (€18.50 entry). Richmond is ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a serene escape while staying within easy reach of central London. 

With its District Line Underground station and swift National Rail services, Richmond offers quick access to places like South Kensington and Waterloo, so despite being far from the centre you’re not completely cut off.

Budget Accommodation in Richmond

With rooms starting from €46 per night, the Travelodge London Richmond Central offers basic yet comfortable three-star accommodation and all the essential amenities. It is conveniently located near Richmond Underground Station, making it easy to explore the area or commute into central London for some mainstream sightseeing.

Mid-Range Accommodation in Richmond

Situated along the Thames riverfront, the boutique Bingham Riverhouse hotel offers stylish rooms with stunning views. It has a bar and restaurant on-site, providing a relaxing atmosphere for guests, and is easily within walking distance of Richmond Park and other local attractions. Prices start from €193 per room.

Premium Accommodation in Richmond

The four-star Richmond Hill Hotel blends eighteenth-century Georgian charm with modern comfort and amenities. It is situated right on the border of Richmond Park, while still being close enough to Richmond town centre and all its amenities. Prices generally start from €200 per night, with special deals available if you book directly.

Make the Most of London with Carpe Diem Tours

Our London Tours offer the most authentic way to explore the UK capital. Our licensed guides are tested and trusted on TripAdvisor, and we’ve selected them because of their passion for their city.

🍲 Feeling peckish? Get a real taste of London on our Borough Market Food tour.

🍻 Looking to meet other travellers on a fun night out? Check out our London Tipsy Tour.

🪄 Heed the summons of the Ministry of Magic by joining our Harry Potter Walking Tour.

🗡️ Want to immerse yourself in Whitechapel's dark history? Join our investigative Jack the Ripper Tour.

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Alexander Meddings
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Alexander Meddings is a professional copywriter and postgraduate in Roman history from the University of Oxford. After graduating with his MPhil, he moved to Florence and then Rome to carry out his research on the ground and pursue his passion at the source. He now works in travel, as a writer and content consultant, and in education as a university lecturer and translator.
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