Guide to cool hotels in London on a budget

Mama Shelter is a chic hotel with 194 beautifully-decorated rooms featuring organic toiletries and complimentary in-room movies. The hotel's vibe is effortlessly cool, complemented by a restaurant with a menu of classic British dishes with a French twist, a lively bar, live DJs, karaoke rooms, and versatile spaces for meetings and events, including weddings. Rooms are playful, fun, and comfortable, and come in small, medium and large. The best bit? A stay here won't break the bank.

The Culpeper is more than just your quintessential East London pub with hotel rooms. Whilst many locals may be familiar with the ground-floor pub, the true gem lies at the top – a small rooftop that serves as a place to enjoy a drink and bite to eat, and as a garden where the kitchen team grow their own vegetables and plants. The harvest from these patches finds its way into the dishes and drinks served in the first-floor restaurant. Opt for the rooftop set lunch menu, with vegetarian options available, and relish cocktails garnished with ingredients cultivated just steps away from your seat.

Mimi's Hotel, located in the vibrant West End, is the perfect combination of sophisticated and stylish. The hotel is decked out in rich jewel tones and sumptuous fabrics, creating a luxurious vibe throughout. Choose from a variety of rooms, from singles to suites, all offering amenities like underfloor heating, rainfall showers, and air conditioning for a comfortable stay. Don't miss the lively cocktail bar for added fun.

Discover the contemporary elegance of CitizenM Hotel Tower Bridge, situated in the heart of London alongside the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London. Boasting a modern design, smart technology, and cosy communal areas, it provides an inviting stay near renowned London landmarks. Many rooms are positioned directly above Tower Hill station and offer breathtaking views of the legendary Tower of London. Elevating the experience, the 7th floor CloudM rooftop bar allows guests to enjoy cocktails against the stunning backdrop of the Tower and The Shard.

The Bedford is an iconic venue with roots tracing back to the 1930s, and has been thoughtfully refurbished into a hub of social activity featuring eclectic decor, a vibrant bar, and a cosy fireplace. The venue hosts live entertainment from comedy nights to musical performances, and boasts a menu of mouthwatering dishes and a varied selection of beverages. The Bedford in Balham is a welcoming destination for locals and visitors, conveniently located only five minutes from Balham station. It also houses 15 bedrooms for a comfortable night's sleep.

London's first mindfulness hotel, Inhabit Hotel, is just a short stroll from Paddington station and focuses on all things wellness. It boasts 88 individually-decorated rooms that blend British design with Scandinavian influences, each featuring hand-selected artwork, thought-provoking books and magazines, and the option to add your own bespoke scent. The calming decor, complimentary sleep kit, and a wooden lockbox for your phone further add to the comfort. The hotel also has a plant-filled café, pantry, noise-free library, gym, and boutique. Guests can also participate in various classes and workshops, from yoga and pilates to craft sessions and mindfulness events. 

Located in bustling Whitechapel, New Road Hotel is a cost-effective accommodation option perfectly situated for exploring East London. Occupying a former textile warehouse, this boutique gem offers 79 stylish bedrooms equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and peaceful rainfall showers. The hotel boasts a bar, restaurant, social spaces, and meeting and hot-desking spaces.

Marriott's line of budget-friendly boutique hotels provides comfortable lodging at an accessible price point, complete with standard in-room amenities such as TVs, ensuite bathrooms, and USB charging points. The Stratford location in East London means it's close to convenient transport links to other parts of the city. Beyond the well-appointed rooms, the hotel features a cocktail bar, meeting facilities, a relaxed lounge, and more.

Located in an old Victorian townhouse, The Rockwell is a pretty boutique hotel where each guest room oozes vibrant colours and character, providing a tranquil and inviting retreat. Complementing the cosy vibe, the hotel features a serene walled garden adorned with lush plants and comfortable seating. Guests can unwind in this peaceful setting with a refreshing drink or a delightful meal from the on-site bar and restaurant, offering an extensive menu of brunch dishes available throughout the day.

Green Rooms, a unique arts-focused hotel opposite Wood Green tube station, operates as a social enterprise with specially discounted rates for artists and creatives. The hotel's design marries original Art Deco period detailing with a raw, rustic aesthetic across its 26 rooms. Culinary delights unfold under the expertise of Chef Fan Yi from Oita's Kitchen, who specialises in Japanese cuisine. The lobby hosts rotating art exhibitions, whilst regular comedy nights and live music events contribute to this artistically-infused space's vibrant atmosphere.

The Pilgrm offers budget-friendly accommodation that blend modern style with traditional charm, drawing inspiration from restoration, sustainability, and classic British design, making it particularly popular amongst design enthusiasts. The 73 uniquely-crafted guest rooms, featuring options like bunks for one or two occupants, are decorated thoughtfully with leafy green plants. Much of the furniture is made in the UK using reclaimed materials. The Pilgrm reduces its environmental footprint by minimising plastic use, providing refillable and recyclable water bottles, and incorporating live plants instead of cut flowers throughout the property. Guests can enjoy the art-laden lounge and terrace, serving a diverse menu, including a brunch menu.

room2 Chiswick Hometel combines homely comforts with the convenience of a hotel in a contemporary setting. The thoughtfully-decorated rooms are kitted out with modern amenities, cater to both short-term travellers and long-term residents, and offer a welcoming environment for all. The Hometel's hospitality approach is evident in its commitment to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, featuring communal spaces designed for both work and relaxation.

Located on the outskirts of the iconic Smithfield Market, Fox & Anchor is not only a traditional British boozer but also a charming boutique hotel with six cosy rooms packed with character. Set atop the pub, these rooms offer a unique and comfortable stay that won't break the bank. The traditional bar area is a haven for those seeking a classic pub experience, providing a welcoming space to enjoy a drink or indulge in hearty British cuisine - particularly renowned for its delicious breakfast offerings.

Wilde Aparthotels Paddington, inspired by Oscar Wilde, is designed for the modern traveller, where each apartment is a sanctuary of urban living, equipped with modern amenities and kitted out with tasteful decor. Inside, you'll find bespoke artwork adorning the walls and Irish crafts dotted around. Although there's no restaurant, you can enjoy breakfast bags delivered to your room in the morning, filled with yoghurt, berries, pressed fruit juice from Devon, fruit and, if you're feeling extra indulgent. a pastry. Located in the buzzy Paddington neighbourhood, Wilde Aparthotels provides convenient access to London's iconic landmarks and business districts.

Well-located near King's Cross station, The California is a style-conscious but still affordable hotel. It's modern and trendy with uniquely-designed rooms but it comes without all the extra bells and whistles. Rooms include helpful amenities like tea, coffee, and bottled water. This place strives to keep prices low and to run sustainably so expect a simple stay with striking aesthetics.

Staying at Good Hotel won't cost the earth but offers you cool accommodation. This unique hotel floats on the water close to ExCeL London. There's a sustainable veggie and vegan restaurant on-site and the hotel invests its profits back into communities by supporting the local economy and its own global foundation. The comfortable rooms have great views and are a celebration of minimalist Dutch design.