For many, London is considered a point on the map where oligarchs, stars and the richest people in the world live, a place of concentration of respectable real estate, a center of world trade and finance, and simply the most prestigious, developed and cultural city. For tourists, it was and remains the capital of the British Empire, the heart of England and a place of a grandiose concentration of attractions of all eras, civilizations and directions. Like any tourist capital, the city attracts foreigners from all over the world, millions of tourists visit it every year and everyone faces the problem of where to stay in London.
London is definitely not a city for the poor. If in any other European capital you rent a decent double room for 50 euros, then here, for an amount even twice as large, you can count on a maximum of a room the size of a pantry, where it will be problematic and clearly cramped to fit together.
London hotels
Yes, London has obvious problems with living space, and it's stupid to deny it. But this does not mean that the heart of Britain consists entirely of hotels with cramped rooms, unsuitable for a comfortable stay. In a multi-million dollar metropolis, you can find housing for every request and taste, the only question is how much it will cost.
As a business and shopping center, the capital of England has hotels and hotel-type establishments of all levels, from small and economical, more suitable for overnight stays and short stays, to luxury complexes, the prices of which are scary to say aloud.
The most affordable option where to stay in London is campgrounds and hostels. If the former are found mainly outside the city or in the suburbs, hostels are available everywhere and mostly in the center. In London, in general, most of the hotels are located either in the central areas, or close to popular attractions, where tourists live and where there is a great chance of finding wealthy residents.
If you intend to visit the London open spaces in the summer, it is worthwhile to put an additional 30-50% of the budget into account in advance, they will certainly be needed, since at this time the prices in hotels reach a maximum - after all, it is the high season.
There is no off-season in London, but the smallest tourist flow is observed in January and February, when you can count on discounts, low prices, promotions and other loyalty programs.
But, even if you find a place that suits you in terms of price and service, do not rush to rejoice. To attract customers, many hotels are silent about 17.5% VAT and upon check-out you may be presented with an invoice that is much higher than you expected. The final cost of accommodation should be thoroughly negotiated in advance so as not to get into an awkward situation.
Not the most losing option - private apartments and apartments. Such accommodation is most suitable for groups of tourists of 5-6 people. And a small one-room apartment will cost less in terms of money than a hotel - 250 pounds a week is in any case more profitable than a week's stay in a hotel for two, three or more people.
Places for tourist accommodation
In addition to the level of the hotel, the guests of the capital face a much bigger problem - where to stay in London and in which of its districts to settle. Each one attracts with its own charm, history, infrastructure, atmosphere and specificity.
The main areas to look out for are:
- City.
- Greenwich.
- Islington.
- Paddington.
- Kensington.
- Kingston.
- Soho.
- Westminster.
- Bloomsbury.
City
The financial hub of the earth - this is how this small piece of London land can be called. And judging by the prices, the land is diamond, or at least gold. Here are the offices of international corporations, companies and other moneymakers. Not without expensive restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, all with the prefix "the best" and multi-valued price tags.
In addition to the commercial component, it is home to skyscrapers, high-rise buildings and experimental architecture. The City also has its own memorial arsenal, here, for example, the Tower of London, St. Peter's Cathedral, Shakespeare's Globe and the Thames embankment.
Hotels where to stay in the City of London: The Ned, The Z Hotel City, Apex City Of London Hotel, Dorsett City London, The Chamberlain, Club Quarters Hotel, St Paul's, Great St Helen Hotel, Apex London Wall Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square.
Greenwich
Another outstanding area, famous for the fact that it is here that the Zero Meridian is located - the starting point of all coordinates. He is accompanied by the Royal Observatory, Sevendrug Castle, Arena Concert Stadium, Etham Palace and the last high-speed sailing ship, Cutty Sark.
The former "Green Village", where the royal and dukes spent their holidays, is now a completely modern part of the city with a developed infrastructure. The area literally exudes elitism and the spirit of Old England.
Hotels: The Pilot Inn, Holiday Inn Express London Greenwich, Intercontinental London - The O2, Doubletree By Hilton London - Greenwich, Innkeeper's Lodge, Welland House, Premier Inn London Greenwich, Novotel.
Paddington
In spite of its historical brothers, which has grown relatively recently, the area has managed to acquire prestige no less than the historical quarters of London. Its central points are Paddington Station and Hyde Park. Apart from them, Paddington is full of beautiful streets and promenades, lovely mansions and shops with cafes and pubs.
The area is filled with Victorian architecture from the 19th century, and there are also modern buildings with apartments, apartments and of course hotels. The city center is just a stone's throw away by tube and London's famous bass.
Hotels: Hilton London Metropole, Prince William, Byron, Queens Park, Royal Eagle, Berjaya Eden Park, The Castleton, Belvedere Hotel, Stylotel, Commodore.
Islington
The most fun and funky neighborhood to stay in London. Its streets are home to a myriad of pubs, bars and restaurants. The contrast to them is made by theaters, galleries, cinemas, concert halls, so that among the London inhabitants, the area is listed as cultural and even bohemian.
Football fans will be interested in the fact that the Arsenal club is based here. There are many historical buildings in the area, albeit without world names, but very beautiful and worthy of attention.
Hotels: Hilton London Angel Islington, The Z Hotel Shoreditch, Thistle Barbican Shoreditch, M by Montcalm Shoreditch, Crowne Plaza London Kings Cross.
Kensington
Prestigious area in West London, one of the royal and historic districts loved by their Majesties and Highnesses. This can be evidenced by the finding here of Kensington Palace and the adjacent gardens of the same name, many stately mansions and estates. It houses the Victoria and Albert Museum and the city's most beautiful green artery, the charming Holland Park.
The area is filled with stunning English architecture. There are many examples of Victorian and other buildings, interspersed with famous English red brick houses. Pastoral paintings dilute the modern buildings of the Olympia exhibition complex - the venue for the most important events in the world.
Hotels: Mowbray Court Hotel, Dreamtel London Kensington, Ambassadors, Oxford, Avni Kensington, Hilton London Olympia, Radisson Blu Edwardian, Vanderbilt, K + K Hotel George, Holiday Inn London Kensington High St.
Kingston
One of the royal districts, albeit located away from the center. Tourists may be interested in Kingston by affordable housing prices and mesmerizing panoramas of the Thames, on the banks of which it is located.
The guests have at their disposal several hundred shops, several theaters, galleries, historical and thematic exhibitions, a huge number of bars and restaurants, hotels and hostels where to stay in London. Kingston is known for its lively nightlife, which gives a reason to take a closer look at it.
Hotels: Warren House, Brook Kingston Lodge, Antoinette Hotel Kingston, Miter, Bosco, The White Hart, The Bull and Bush Hotel Kingston, The Kings Arms, Premier Inn London Kingston.
Soho
A young area, where all lovers of fun and party are sure to find themselves. Looking for a minute, you can disappear for a week, falling into a carnival whirlwind of parties, parties, concerts, festivals, fashion shows, tastings and just soulful pub gatherings. Plus, Soho is close to the central mastodons of London history. The symbol of Soho is the immortal Piccadilly street. Here you can stumble upon Chinatown or colorful ethnic restaurants and shops.
Hotels: Courthouse Hotel London, Victory House, The Z Hotel Soho, The Piccadilly London West End, W London Leicester Square, Luxury Royalty Mews.
Westminster
The main excursion district of London and the most royal of its districts, members of the royal family can most often be seen here. The area is home to Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, the symbol of London - Big Ben, Westminster Cathedral and, of course, the symbol of Windsor power - Buckingham Palace, which needs no introduction.
Hotels: Holiday Villa, Central Park, Enrico, Belvedere, The Gresham, The Alexandra, Astor Victoria Hostel, Park Grand Paddington Court, DoubleTree by Hilton London - Westminster.
Bloomsbury
Spread out on the north bank of the Thames, Bloomsbury can be considered a youth quarter due to the universities and accompanying hostels located on its territory, youth parties, bars, hostels. The area is one of those where you can stay in London inexpensively and with all the comfort - around the most beautiful squares, squares, boulevards and pubs, shops and studios.
It is in Bloomsbury that the holy of holies of tourists and scientists - the British Museum is located. The local streets are characterized by an abundance of 18th century architecture, Georgian buildings and Victorian mansions.
Hotels: St Giles London - A St Giles Hotel, WestEndStay Mylady, Thistle Holborn, The Kingsley, Holiday Inn London Bloomsbury, Radisson Blu Edwardian, Radisson Blu Edwardian Bloomsbury Street, DoubleTree by Hilton London - West End, The Montague On The Gardens.