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^Top 5 Affordable Hotels to Stay in London: To Buckingham Palace

While travelling is on a halt, planning for when it’s allowed is a smart thing to do. We care for your safety, please take precautions and consider this article as suggestions for future travels.

If one were to think of great cities of the world with great hotels, the list would probably be comprised of  New York, London, Abu Dhabi, Naples, Zurich, and Paris to name a few. However, no place is as adept at combining old world charm and new world comfort as London. With the passing of Prince Philip (Duke of Edinburgh), a visit to the Buckingham Palace is in order.

London and New York are famous for high priced real estate being reflected in the cost of a hotel. However, London gives so much for the dollar or pound. So, if you are planning a trip to London, here are the Top 5 affordable hotels to stay in London (among thousands).

Malmaison

For those with children, walking into the lobby has just a sense of being in a nightspot. However, the directional lavender lighting and modern motif is simply a statement counter to the building’s 17th century exterior. The rooms are modernly elaborate and very appropriate for family visitors, your kids can comfortably play their online games and portable consoles as they please. It’s free for kids 3 and under, while a little fee for an extra bed for older kids isn’t so bad.

The Square Suite however, is a sultry room, which features a four-person cedar hot tub.  For a reasonable rate, the suite has a touch of “James Bondish”.

The food from the restaurant is great, however frugal patrons may find it a little overpriced compared to offerings in nearby food establishments.  The service is as fine and attentive as British can be. The hotel is located right next door to the Smithfield Market, and a  short walk to the Museum of London. And the kids can actually around the Chartersquare’s gardens.

Hotel Indigo – Tower Hill

Tucked a little out of the hustle and bustle, this could be a personal favorite. This hotel is large enough to carry great amenities, yet, cosy enough to be reminiscent of an executive apartment. One detects a bit of British humor that the Indigo Hotel has a huge red lobby, and the predominant color is red throughout the hotel. Most rooms are king sized bed, with a few doubles, so groups travelling here, keep this in mind. Every room sports a 32 inch Led, or plasma TV, iPod dock, and old charm wood floors with the most beautiful throw rugs. Also,  up to two children under 18 years old can stay free when sharing a room with 2 adults (based on availability).

The hotel restaurant offers mainly Italian cuisine from full menu items to pizza. For those with children under 13 f-ree breakfast, lunch, and dinner when an adult orders from the table d’hôte/à la carte menu. Located in a pleasant neighborhood just outside the business district, there are plenty of food options close by. Local subways are also on short distances, giving access to virtually any part of the city.

DoubleTree by Hilton London – Westminster

This is the least expensive hotel on the list; however it certainly is not the least. The hotel was a brand new rebuild/refurbish/rebrand in 2010. The decor is somewhat of an art deco/1970s fusion. Do not be afraid, this is beautifully and tastefully accomplished. All rooms are very comfortable, but if you cut in line, you can probably get a room on the upper floors with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Thames.

Amenities include free internet, flat screen TV, and wired for business travelers. There is also a weight room and workout facility. The food is decent; however, there is a charge to bring it up to your room. The hotel is located right next to the Tate Gallery, and the underground station is a short walk away.

London Bridge Hotel

This hotel is a beauty of a deal, that sits right in the shadow of the tallest building in Europe. The hotel building is circa 1900, but certainly modern and attractive. For families with older teens, this is the place, after a long walk and going about gawking at things, simply relaxing, playing a simulation game or two until one dozes off is perfect. Every room is warm and spacious. However, the Pièce de résistance is the adjoining apartments that sleep 6. The décor is warm lighting and earth tones, elegantly stylish, not staid at all.

The food is an eclectic mix of British cuisine, very well prepared and reasonably priced. The hotel location is most likely the most diverse of this group, with numerous museums and galleries of every ilk, a short walk to the Borough Market, and views of the river Thames.

Citadines London Holborn – Covent Garden

This is the best offering for families with young children, and a mouthful to say if you are lost. This hotel does not have any rooms. It holds 192 apartments. The décor is a very clean and comfortable contemporary, in earth tones, highlighted with bright reds and autumn colors. Amenities include a complimentary continental breakfast (a must for families with children), complimentary fruit and drink package, large furnished kitchen areas and 2 fluffy and stuffy bathrobes.

The hotel has no restaurant; however snacks and sandwiches can be purchased in the lobby. There are plenty of food establishments close by.  The hotel is in close proximity to the theatre and opera districts, and of course, a short walk to the Holborn Underground station.

Top 5 Affordable Hotels to Stay in London Takeaways

If you are planning to visit London, you may check these amazing hotels. I am sure that visitors will find this collection of hotels as they will find London, a striking mix of comfort and practicality. Depending on which area you would like to explore, there’s an affordable yet comfortable hotel you can book for you and your family.

Find hotels that are easily accessible from transportation areas, has a good population of restaurants, stores, and of course, in a neighborhood where you’d feel safe.

Remember, your vacation should be relaxing and memorable, and while you often stay on short hours in your accommodation, it should be cosy, fun, and homey to come back to.