Page 288 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - London

286  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

Travelodge and Ibis also have
affordable rooms in key locations
in the capital. For basic yet con­
temporary rooms, Tune has
several hotels. Premier Inn offers
competitive “saver rates” when
booking through their website.

Budget Accommodation
Despite the high cost of many
London hotels, budget
accommodation does exist.
Opulent bathroom at The Goring (see p290) While private accommodation
and chain hotels offer cheap
Self-Catering Flats
Deposits may be requested and rates with good amenities,
Many agencies offer self­ cancellation fees imposed. hostels are another inexpensive
catering accommodation in TripAdvisor and Roomorama option, particularly for those
flats, usually for stays of a week also offer similar holiday rentals. travelling alone. Dormitory
or more. Prices, depending on The Bed & Breakfast and accommo dation and youth
size and location, start at about Homestay Association (BBHA) hostels can be booked through
£300 per week. Some luxury is an umbrella organization for Visit London’s hotel reservation
apartment complexes are fully several reputable agencies centre at Victoria Station for
serviced, so you don’t need to whose properties are inspected a small fee plus a refundable
cook, shop or clean. Bridge regularly. Uptown Reservations deposit. Some private hostels
Street Global Hospitality has arranges B&B stays in interesting, near Earl’s Court charge little
over 550 London apartments in London homes that have been more than £10 a night for a
smart locations. It caters mainly chosen for their welcome, sec­ dormitory bed with breakfast.
for corporate and professional urity and comfort. Prices start at The London Hostels Association
travellers, but its properties can £125 per night for a double has a selection of reasonably
be rented for short­term lets room. It works in tandem with priced accommo dation through­
whenever they are available. Wolsey Lodges, a nation wide out central London. The Youth
The Landmark Trust rents consortium of distinctive private Hostels Association (YHA) runs
accommodation in historic or homes, often of historic or six hostels in London. There is no
unusual buildings. These include architectural interest, offering age limit, though non­members
a house in Hampton Court (see individual hospitality. pay a joining fee. Of the seven,
pp260–63) and two in a pretty two are located in the heart of
18th­century terrace in the City: Chain Hotels London. The Oxford Street hostel
one of these was the home of is actually in Noel Street, Soho,
the late Poet Laureate, Sir John Though they can lack character, while the London St Paul’s hostel
Betjeman. A booklet of Landmark chain hotels offer some of the is located near St Paul’s Cathe­
Trust properties is available for a best­value accommodation in dral (see pp152–5). One of the
charge via their website. town. Some also offer particular most popular hostels is Holland
facilities; Novotel, for example, House, a Jacobean mansion
caters for both business guests in Holland Park. The easiest
Staying in Private Homes
and families. Other good­value way to book a bed online is
A number of agencies organize chains include Express by through the Hostelling
stays in private homes; several Holiday Inn and easyHotel. International (HI) website,
are registered with Visit London.
Prices depend on location,
starting at around £25 per person
per night. Sometimes you will
enjoy family hospitality, but this
isn’t guaranteed, so enquire
when you book. Many private
homes are situated on the
outskirts of the city, so consider
travel costs when planning your
trip; depending on the length of
your stay, these are still often the
more affordable option.
Airbnb offers accommodation
for one night’s stay or longer in
private homes in London. Imaginative dining suite at W (see p288)

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