Guide to affordable hotels in London

Mama Shelter in Bethnal Green is a design-led hotel with 194 stylish rooms and is the French mini chain's only London venture (so far). Each room is categorised into small, medium and large, each decorated individually in a seventies style. The bathrooms come with organic toiletries whilst the bedrooms include free in-room movies for when you want to enjoy an evening in. This effortlessly cool venue also has its own restaurant, bar, karaoke rooms, and live DJs spinning the freshest tracks. Meeting and events facilities are available here, too.

The Hoxton in Shoreditch is the hotel's first venture, located in a former carpark in the heart of buzzy Shoreditch – an area known for its colourful graffiti, quirky cafés and creative scene. It offers guests an affordable but luxurious place to stay right in the epicentre of the city, decorated in an open-house industrial style inspired by the unique surrounding streets. Every room has been thoughtfully designed, with nine concept rooms designed by local artists, which include things like neon signs and quirky additions like patterned pillows and funky wallpaper. The hotel has two on-site restaurants, including the coveted Hoxton Grill, a classic Chicago grill, bar and lounge, and spaces for meetings, parties, and events. The Shoebox room is small and cosy but offers great value for money.

Visit Mimi's Hotel for a lively stay in the middle of the West End, moments from the jazz-filled walls of Ronnie Scott's and the buzz of Chinatown. The hotel is filled with rich jewel tones and luxurious fabrics, and comfortable rooms, complete with amenities like underfloor heating, rainfall showers and Molton Brown toiletries. A variety of rooms are available, from mini rooms that still manage to squeeze in double beds and an en-suite (for those cutting back on the spending) to spacious Lux rooms with deep plunge bathtubs. There's also a buzzy boudoir-style cocktail bar, Hensons, with an enviable menu of wines, whiskies, gins and tequilas.

New Road Hotel is in a former textiles warehouse in Whitechapel and provides stylish but budget-friendly accommodation. The 79 rooms in this boutique space include amenities like flat screen TVs and rainfall showers. The facilities available include a restaurant, bar, social spaces, and facilities for meetings and hot desking.

The Bedford Hotel in leafy Balham is a bar, restaurant, hotel, and events venue that promises guests a comfortable and entertaining stay. The hotel was built in 1931 but has recently undergone a contemporary makeover; the decor is now quirky and colourful but still maintains much of its original charm. The 15 rooms are comfortable and modern, filled with vibrant artwork juxtaposed against an aesthetic, retro decor. It's a hub for live music and hosted early gigs for the likes of The Clash, Ed Sheeran and U2.

The Culpeper is a Spitalfields pub, restaurant, and hotel with a modern, rustic vibe. Its Commercial Road location is ideal for exploring Whitechapel and Shoreditch. Above the restaurant sit the stripped-back rooms, offering a cosy modern stay for guests. Expect soft throws and plenty of wooden surfaces to create a warm, relaxing, minimalist space. One of the main draws is the rooftop garden and dining area, which, although is primarily a space for air conditioning units and a mechanical plant, has been turned into one of London's only rooftop gardens. They harvest everything they grow to use in the restaurant menu, including herbs for the drinks.

Inhabit Hotel in Paddington is the city's first mindfulness hotel dedicated to relaxation and well-being. Each room is individually decorated, combining British design and minimal Scandinavian style. A café, library, boutique, and gym are all on-site for guests, and you can participate in regular wellness classes like pilates and yoga at this welcoming hotel.

At Hotel 55 in Ealing, you can escape from the hustle and bustle of Central London to more peaceful surroundings. The 26 rooms are modern and stylish, filled with unique artwork and extra touches, like butterfly sculptures above the beds. The hotel is decorated tastefully, with artwork front of mind; expect Pollock-style paintings and stand-out metal sculptures. Meeting facilities, a bar, and a quiet garden with a patio, table and chairs and a patch of grass can also be found here.

Twenty Nevern Square is a sophisticated and romantic hotel inspired by the British Empire's former colonies and based in an old Victorian townhouse moments from Earl's Court station. This intimate venue shows its unique character through an array of different design influences, including vibrant fabrics and designs inspired by the Middle East, India and East Asia. Some of the rooms have big wooden four-poster beds, and some have balconies, all kitted out with comfortable bedding for a good night's sleep. Parking, conference facilities and a bar are all available to guests.

The Belgrave spans four Georgian townhouses and offers a convenient base from which to explore London. You can walk to Pimlico in around five minutes or Victoria in a few minutes more – one of the city's main stations from where you can easily reach all over the city. The 73 rooms range from compact and low-cost singles to spacious signature rooms with king-size beds and added amenities, like robes and slippers. A continental breakfast buffet is available daily, with a la carte menu options available to add for a surcharge. The standard rooms are ideal for those looking to save a few pounds and aren't too fussy about having heaps of space.

At Rockwell East, you can enjoy a stay in a stylish aparthotel in the heart of East London, just a short walk from the Tower of London. The rooms here have a real home-away-from-home feel, making them ideal for a longer stay in the city. Guests can book a variety of sophisticated apartments with modern furnishings and everything you need to feel at home, with easy access to public transport.

Investing all of its profits back into communities, Good Hotel is a unique not-for-profit floating hotel with a waterfront location and rooftop terrace offering panoramic views over the Thames. Inside, it's a Scandi-style dream; think low-hanging lightbulbs, origami-inspired lamp shades and industrial strip lighting. The rooms are comfortable and modern, all with river views and decorated in a minimalist Dutch design. They're small but have everything you need for a pleasant stay, including your own bathroom with a door that bends back to transform into a shower screen. Meeting spaces, a sustainable plant-based restaurant and a summer rooftop terrace can also be found at the hotel.

The Corner Hotel is an affordable hotel in the heart of East London that's committed to sustainability. The unique rooms take the form of pods, with organic toiletries, water-saving rainfall showers and plush comfortable beds. Every room is different, with bespoke fixings and recycled furniture. Guests can also enjoy a meal at the kitchen and bar or book meeting rooms, co-working, and office spaces.

The Pilgrm, a short walk from Paddington Station, is all about sustainability and restoration, complete with an authentic British design. Each room is original, filled with leafy plants, a recommended pile of magazines and books and unique bespoke fixtures. The hotel also has a lounge and terrace where you can enjoy drinks or a meal at The Lounge, including a tasty brunch served from 8 am - 3 pm all week.

The Rockwell is a boutique hotel inside a beautiful Victorian terrace in West London, just a ten (or so) minute walk from places like The Design Museum and Holland Park. Inside, you'll find a range of relaxing rooms, from single standards (ideal for those on a budget and staying short-term) to mezzanine suites. All rooms are brimming with colour and character, which is no surprise since the hotel is a part of Design Hotels, which has 300 independent, design-driven hotels worldwide. There's also a walled south-facing garden with lush plants and seating where guests can enjoy a peaceful moment away from the busy city streets. Food and drinks are available all day from the hotel bar and restaurant, including all day brunch.

The Windmill offers a classical English experience with impressive views of Clapham Common on one side and a strip of the area's best bars, restaurants and cafés on the other. The hotel has recently undergone a modern refurbishment but has maintained much of its old-world charm – walk through the front door into a pub, and you'll be met with a cosy fireplace and a flurry of tail-wagging dogs who are also welcome to stay in any of the dog-friendly rooms that come with dog beds and tempting treats. There are 42 bedrooms, all of which are pretty roomy for London, all decorated in a rustic style with quirky lighting fixtures. All-day dining is available at the hotel restaurant, featuring a menu of pub classics, vegan dishes and hearty homemade comfort food. There's also a burger shack in the garden.

Point A in Canary Wharf is a budget hotel that provides comfort and convenience right in the centre of the city's financial district. The peaceful location means it's ideal for access to the City and for those working in Canary Wharf and surrounding areas. You'll find modern rooms with comfortable beds, mood lighting, power showers, and flat-screen TVs. Reliable wifi is also available throughout the hotel.

Staycity Greenwich offers a charming stay away from the busy city centre but within easy reaching distance. It's right near Greenwich Park, one of London's prettiest green spaces with an epic view over the skyscraper-peppered skyline. It proudly hosts the iconic Cutty Sark and serves as the home of the Prime Meridian of the World – it's where Greenwich Mean Time comes from. Each room features its own open-plan kitchen, creating a cosy and homely atmosphere that makes it feel like you're at a second home, making it an ideal choice for extended stays.

The Victoria Inn provides an affordable stay on trendy Bellenden Road in Peckham, right around the corner from the iconic Frank's and other hip spots like the Bussey Building. There are fifteen rooms to book, ranging from standard doubles, twins, superior doubles and feature doubles, decorated in modern hues with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. Pay a visit to the pub downstairs, which has a vibrant atmosphere and serves seasonal British food, including a traditional Sunday roast.

Located just off Brick Lane, The Buxton is a stylish hotel and bistro with 15 pared-back, modern rooms. The rooms are small but utilise space effectively – think high beds for optimum under-bed storage and walk-in bathrooms. Each room boasts unique artwork and a curated choice of books about the East End to read. Guests here also have exclusive access to the roof terrace with striking panoramic views of the city.

Snoozebox offers guests a unique, convenient and cheap stay in London with its range of rooms located in converted shipping containers. This award-winning hotel is comfortable, providing guests with social and outdoor spaces and 24-hour food and drinks. Snoozebox is a cosy and affordable base for exploring what the city has to offer.

Phoenix Hotel offers modern and comfortable accommodation in Notting Hill, decorated in a timeless and classic style. 125 rooms are available to suit different travellers, from solo visitors on a budget to families, all elegantly decorated and recently refurbished. A stay here bases you right in the heart of the city's action but far away enough that you'll feel relaxed post-exploration. You're within walking distance to Hyde Park and many of the West End's top restaurants – try Farmacy or Sunday in Brooklyn for brunch.

Kip is a hip Hackney hotel that's a great base for visiting East London on a budget. Rooms here are affordable and modern, with smart TVs and striking monochrome colour schemes. A range of rooms are available, from singles to family rooms and rooms with bunks that are ideal for groups of friends.

The W14 Hotel in Kensington is located in four Victorian townhouses and is ideally placed for exploring London - you can even buy tickets to major attractions at the hotel. You'll discover warm and professional service, as well as simple yet comfortable guest rooms with rainfall showers and plump beds. There's also a garden and rooftop terrace, which is perfect for winding down after exploring the city. 

Lancaster Gate Hotel occupies a prime location close to Hyde Park, providing affordable stays in a central area. The rooms have a classic style with bursts of colour, with various room sizes available for different needs and budgets. Guests can order room service from the internationally-inspired menu or enjoy food and drinks in the restaurant and bar.

Ridgemount Hotel is a family-run business set in an elegant Georgian Terrace in the leafy borough of Bloomsbury, close to some of the city's top underrated museums, like Sir John Soane's Museum, The Postal Museum and The Foundling Museum. Rooms come in different sizes, ranging from single for solo travellers to family rooms. Although you're in the heart of the city, when you need some peace, you can enjoy the hotel's secluded private garden or the comfortable lounge.

The Whitechapel is housed on the original grounds of a textiles warehouse and offers a comfortable base right near the happenings of the East End. Expect a smart contemporary style with a black, red, and white colour scheme throughout, decorated as a homage to the hotel's industrial past. The rooms range from singles and king-size to full-blown apartments, so you can choose one to fit your budget and travel needs.

Montana Hotel in the affluent borough of Kensington has recently been refurbished, featuring traditional English decor with classic English charm. There are 55 rooms that come in a range of sizes, from singles to triple and quad rooms. They all come equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay, including international TV channels. Guests can enjoy room service or head to the hotel bar and lounge. There's also a traditional and authentic Indian restaurant on-site that's been open since 1984.

Aptel East has all the essentials for a comfortable and enjoyable stay on Commercial Road, a ten-minute stroll from Whitechapel station and right around the corner from Spitalfields Market. The rooms are set up as apartments, meaning they are great for longer stays and for those seeking a home-away-from-home vibe. Guests can choose from a variety of room sizes, ranging from cosy standard studios to spacious family rooms with an outdoor terrace.

Situated on the southern side of Hammersmith Bridge, this charming English pub in Barnes is more than just a place to sink a pint; you can also stay in any of their seven cosy rooms. The interior boasts a lively pub, inviting guests to enjoy drinks well into the night or a bite to eat from their classic British menu. With a range of seven rooms to choose from, varying from snug doubles to spacious doubles with extra space, visitors can find a comfortable and budget-friendly haven to rest and rejuvenate.

The Ship Rooms is a boutique hotel located near renowned city attractions, like the Tate Modern, Tower of London and Churchill War Rooms. Though there are only six rooms, they're all stylish and comfortable, boasting vibrant accents and snazzy wallpapers. Enjoy a bite to eat at the nearby Mercato Metropolitano, a sustainable market offering a diverse range of culinary treats, from street food to fresh produce.

Shoreditch Inn is located in the heart of East London, in an area renowned for its vibrant street art, incredible restaurants and bustling creative scene, and grants guests an affordable stay in one of the best parts of the city. The accommodation is modest but comfortable, decorated in a simple and neutral way. All of the rooms are equipped with useful amenities to make your stay more pleasant.

Garden Court Hotel is based in a listed 19th-century Victorian building in Notting Hill, right on the edge of the pretty Kensington Gardens Square. The rooms are modest but still relaxing, decorated in an understated style in different options, from single to deluxe queen-size rooms. Plenty of amenities are available, too, to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

At The California you can stay in design-conscious surroundings with great transport links for an affordable price. Every room has a unique design and the options range from rooms for solo guests to rooms and suites for families. Rooms come with useful amenities and breakfast is available but the hotel keeps prices low by being a no-frills establishment.

Mowbray Court Hotel is situated in a listed Victorian building in Earls Court, conveniently close to the Tube station. It features air-conditioned rooms equipped with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a kettle, all complemented by en-suite bathrooms stocked with complimentary toiletries. This budget, family-friendly hotel also offers a continental buffet breakfast. Thanks to its location, it's a great choice for guests looking to explore London and its major attractions.