Accommodation will always be one of your biggest travel expenses…but what if it wasn’t? What if you could reduce the cost of your accommodation to zero while still enjoying the comforts of home? That’s what house swaps promise. House swaps have been around for decades. It was the entire premise of the movie The Holiday (starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet). They became all the rage but then were soon eclipsed by sites like Airbnb. But as travel prices skyrocketed post-COVID, more and more people have turned back to house swaps as a means of saving money while they travel while still getting a local experience (but without the hassle of an Airbnb). House swaps are exactly what they sound like. You sign up, list your home, and then swap with someone else in another city. They stay in your place and you stay in their place. The biggest and most popular platform for swaps is HomeExchange . And, in this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know to get started with a house swa...
Posted: 5/30/24 | May 30th, 2024
London is one of my favorite cities in the world. I’ve been visiting regularly since 2008 and never get tired of exploring the city. There are tons of amazing (and free) museums, a lively pub culture, and an incredible food scene that keeps me coming back for seconds.
But as much as I love the city, it’s very spread out. The neighborhood you stay in (and the hotel you pick) will greatly impact your trip. And, as one of Europe’s most visited cities, there are a ton of hotels to choose from here. It’s almost overwhelming.
To ensure you pick a great hotel, here’s my list of the best hotels in London. They’re the places I stay at when I visit so you know they’re worth your money!
1. Citadines Barbican London
Located close to the train station in the heart of the city, I think this four-star hotel offers excellent value for its location. The hotel has both classic rooms as well as apartment-style rooms with kitchens that are perfect for groups or families. The rooms are bright and warm, with soft tones, hardwood floors, wooden furniture, and comfy beds. They also boast a flatscreen TV, electric kettle, desk, reliable Wi-Fi, and lots of outlets near the bed so it’s easy to charge your stuff. They have great soundproofing so you can get a decent sleep too. The bathrooms are spacious and have excellent water pressure (a big plus for me) and include complimentary toiletries.
There’s no breakfast included, but there’s free coffee in the lobby and there are tons of restaurants nearby (the hotel is right in the center of the city after all). There’s a gym on-site too. It’s one of the better affordable choices in the Square Mile.
2. Counting House
The Counting House is an iconic English pub with 15 luxury rooms above it. While the pub has opulent, historic décor, the spacious rooms are all sleek and modern, embracing a mix of light colors and wainscoting. The simple but chic rooms include a flatscreen TV, iPhone dock, Nespresso machine, Wi-Fi, AC, and super king-sized beds. The bathrooms are just as well-appointed, with lots of light and excellent rainfall showers. The best part though are the huge beds. They have most comfortable beds you’ll ever sleep in here, thanks to the Egyptian cotton sheets and 1800 pocket sprung mattresses.
I also love the breakfast here (and the food in general). A full English breakfast is included, and they have a mouth-watering seasonal menu at the pub, including classic handmade pies that are to die for. If you want a unique, posh stay in the center of the city, stay here.
3. London Lodge Hotel
This bright Victorian townhouse is located in Kensington. A three-star hotel, staying here feels like you’re staying in a historic B&B. It features rooms that are each uniquely decorated with bright colors, patterned carpeting, and vintage furniture. Each room also has a small flatscreen TV, desk, minibar, and electric kettle. The bathrooms are bright and have a much more modern design than the rooms, including features like mirrors with integrated lighting and huge rainfall shower heads.
A full English or continental breakfast can be included, and while there are no other amenities here (no gym, no spa) there is private parking. You’re also just a short 15-minute walk to iconic sights like Hyde Park and the Natural History Museum.
4. The Ampersand Hotel
The Ampersand is a luxury five-star boutique hotel next to the South Kensington station. Each beautiful room has a different theme, like music or astronomy, and if you’re staying on the top floor, the rooms have incredible views of the city. Rooms feature lots of natural light from the large windows, as well as pops of color in the form of comfy armchairs and colorful throw pillows that brighten up the space. Each room also includes a coffee/tea maker, desk, flatscreen TV, and convenient outlets near the bed (something I appreciate). The bathrooms are bright and airy, with open rainfall showers, comfy bathrooms, and complimentary toiletries. Some also have bathtubs.
I really like that they serve a posh afternoon tea in the drawing room, a quintessential British experience. They also have a gym, a games room, and a delicious Mediterranean restaurant on-site. The breakfast, which can be included, has a lot of variety (including eggs, meat, and bread). If you want that classic British hotel experience, stay here.
5. Mimi’s Hotel Soho
Located in Soho, this stylish four-star hotel features small rooms to help keep things affordable (some rooms don’t even have windows). That said, the rooms are comfortable, tasteful, and (because of their small size) perfect for solo travelers. The cozy rooms boast perks like floor heating, filtered water, hardwood or parquet floors, and really nice tiled bathrooms (with rainfall showers). The flatscreen TVs include satellite channels, and the rooms also include a Nespresso machine. The breakfast is pretty simple, with just coffee and pastries, but there are lots of places to eat nearby if that’s a concern.
The hotel’s on-street bar, Henson’s, gets really busy at night (and there are lots of pubs around the neighborhood too). The hotel is well soundproofed though so you can still sleep well here. It’s a great, central spot.
6. Strand Palace Hotel
A four-star hotel in Covent Garden (just east of Soho), this hotel has been around since the early 1900s. All of its rooms are built around six inner courtyards (if you want a quiet space, ask for a room overlooking the interior). Rooms are stylish and have a contemporary design, with abstract art on the walls and lots of natural light. The standard double rooms include AC, a flatscreen TV, a complimentary minibar, and a Nespresso machine. They also have smaller rooms with single beds if you’re traveling solo and want to save some money.
The sizable and luxurious lobby has an elegant Art Deco design. There are two bars on-site serving cocktails (as well as afternoon tea), as well as a gym and restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast that features a lot of variety. It’s just a short walk to Trafalgar Square too.
7. Oakley Hotel
Located in a Victorian building just a few blocks from Chelsea Embankment along the Thames River, this three-star hotel is the most affordable option in this high-end neighborhood. While the décor is a bit dated, with lots of floral patterns on the wallpaper and carpet, everything is homey, clean, and comfortable. Rooms have pretty basic amenities, such as a flatscreen TV, electric kettle, and a wardrobe or closet. The bathrooms are a bit dated too (and some rooms have shared bathroom facilities), but the water pressure in the showers is decent.
A continental breakfast is included, featuring toasts, beans, eggs, and granola. Overall, it’s a no-frills property perfect for budget travelers.
London is one of my favorite cities in the world. But it’s a sprawling city with a lot to see and do. That means picking the right hotel and neighborhood is important. By choosing one of the hotels from the list above, you’ll be sure to have an amazing and comfortable visit.
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Book Your Trip to London: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
For suggested places to stay, check out this list of hostels.
And, if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of London!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Safety Wing (best for everyone)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want a Guide?
London has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks. They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company!
Want More Information on London?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on London for even more planning tips!
Photo credits: 2 – Citadines Barbican Hotel, 3 – Counting House, 4 – London Lodge Hotel, 5 – The Ampersand Hotel, 6 – Mimi’s Hotel Soho, 7 – Strand Palace Hotel, 8 – Oakley Hotel.
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https://ift.tt/7w2154E May 30, 2024 at 06:48PM
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