Where To Stay In London On A Budget
Wondering Where To Stay In London On A Budget? Check Out Imperial London Hotels For A Central Yet Affordable Stay.
Where To Stay In London
London is one of the world’s most exciting cities but it’s no secret it can be eye-wateringly expensive, especially when it comes to finding somewhere to stay in central London. So many “affordable” options end up miles out in Zone 3 or 4… or involve long Tube journeys before the day has even started.
If you’re looking for the best affordable hotels in London that still have a Zone 1 postcode, quick Tube access and a safe, walkable neighbourhood, Bloomsbury’s Imperial London Hotels are a great option. With six properties just moments from Russell Square station, you can put your budget towards food markets and historical tours, theatre tickets and day trips rather than splashing out somewhere to sleep.
Alder & Green shopfront with bunting, bicycles and flower boxes on a sunny London street.
Why Stay In Bloomsbury, London?
When it comes to finding the best affordable hotels in central London, location matters. Imperial London Hotels are all within a 2–5 minute stroll of Russell Square Underground Station (Piccadilly line) and walking distance to King’s Cross St Pancras, Covent Garden and Tottenham Court Road. That puts iconic London attractions like the British Museum, Covent Garden, Soho, South Kensington, South Bank and Westminster within 15–20 minutes.
Bloomsbury itself has a lot to offer than just convenience with lots of literary history, garden squares, bookshops and cafés without the premium price tags of Soho, Mayfair or Covent Garden around the corner. It’s relaxed, and quiet after dark: ideal for travellers who want to soak up London by day and recharge by night.
Imperial London Hotels At A Glance
| Hotel | Cost per night | Best for | Distance to Russell Sq Tube Station | Property Perks |
| Royal National Hotel | £103 | Families & groups | 2 min | Bacon-stacked breakfast buffet, the London Pub on the site and plenty of triple and quad rooms |
| City Sleeper at Royal National Hotel | £129 | Couples, small families & business travellers | 2 min | Exclusive Wing at Royal National + smart TV, connecting rooms. |
| Bedford Hotel | £127 | Garden lovers, solo travellers & dog-owners | 5 min | Botanica courtyard restaurant |
| President Hotel | £110 | Weekend city breaks | 4 min | Jazz Nights, Immersive Faulty Towers dining experience |
| Tavistock Hotel | £109 | Art Deco nostalgics | 4 min | Anglo-Indian Poppadom Indian Kitchen Classic British Pub – Woolf & Whistle |
| Morton Hotel | £169 | Boutique seekers & Dog-owners | 3 min | Literary design + Cosy Library Bar. Apartments for longer stays |
Family room with three beds, grey curtains, wall art and TV in the Royal National Hotel.
Royal National Hotel – Central Location Best For Families And Group Travellers
The Royal National is a family-friendly favourite, ideal for families and group travellers. Rooms range from singles and doubles to triples and family rooms, offering flexible options without stretching your budget.
Enjoy a hearty cooked breakfast at the Hotel, grab a pizza slice at Blooms Coffee and Pizza, or relax with a pint at The London Pub
Why it’s great value:
Moonraker mattresses for a comfy night’s sleep
Group offers for families and friends
Sunday Saver deals with up to 30% off
Check availability at the Royal National Hotel and book direct for our best rates.
Close-up of a modern hotel bed with teal headboard, bedside lamp, phone, power sockets and USB ports.
City Sleeper – Affordable Boutique Feel, Quiet Nights
An exclusive wing of the Royal National, best for couples or business travellers wanting easy access to trains going out of the city or a long weekend exploring the Capital without the high price tag.
• Blackout curtains
• Smart tech TVs & rainfall showers
• Private access entrance
Smart, stylish, central – check City Sleeper availability today.
Pet-friendly hotel lobby with a guest reading a newspaper on a green sofa with his dog on a lead, bag and lamps beside.
Bedford Hotel – Your Leafy Hideaway In Bloomsbury
Garden views, calming interiors and a little pocket of green right in the middle of London. Bedford Hotel is made for those moments when you just want a breather after a busy day exploring. It’s dog-friendly too, so your pup can join the adventure. At Botanica Restaurant, a floor to ceiling window-style restaurant with loads of daylight overlooking the courtyard garden, you can sit back with breakfast, have a slow afternoon tea, or refuel with a coffee (or glass of wine) before heading back out.
• Five-minute stroll to Russell Square Tube
• Dog-friendly rooms and a relaxed, welcoming vibe
Slow the pace in Bloomsbury – book your stay at Bedford Hotel today.
Crisp white bedding with a London mural headboard, patterned curtains and a cup on the bedside table in the President Hotel.
President Hotel – Great Value
The President keeps things simple: a warm welcome, comfy rooms, and a location that makes exploring London easy. Step outside and you’re already in the heart of Bloomsbury, with the British Museum just around the corner and Covent Garden a short walk away. If you are tired from all the travelling, go to the in house Atrium Restaurant and Bar for some nice food and relaxed drinks. On Fridays, they host Jazz Nights with top Jazz artists, it’s worth a visit!
It’s the kind of place where you can drop your bags, feel at home, and get straight to making the most of your trip.
• Central location without the Central London price tag
• Immersive Faulty Towers Dining Experience
• Four-minute walk to Tube
Book your stay at the President Hotel for affordable, reliable and centrally located London accommodation.
Compact double room with lit wood headboard, white bedding, desk with kettle, wardrobe and mirror in Tavistock Hotel.
Tavistock Hotel – Timeless Charm In Bloomsbury
Overlooking a beautiful Tavistock Square Gardens, this hotel has that mix of character and comfort. The Art Deco touches on its history, inside it is relaxed and welcoming, the kind of place where you can wind down after a day in the city. With an Anglo Indian inspired cuisine at Poppadom Indian Kitchen you will not have to travel much for delicious food.
It’s only a short walk from the West End, the British Museum, and Russell Square Tube, so the best of London is right on your doorstep.
Why it’s great value:
- Overlooks one of Bloomsbury’s prettiest garden squares
- Art Deco style with a cosy, lived-in feel
- Easy walk to theatres, museums, and shops
Step back in time (without breaking the bank) at Tavistock.
Cosy double room with carved headboard, patterned wallpaper, sash windows, ottoman bench and warm lighting in Morton Hotel.
Morton Hotel – Affordable Boutique In Bloomsbury
Morton Hotel is a boutique hotel for travellers who want a stay with a little more personality. Apartments, suites and bedrooms are inspired by Bloomsbury’s literary past that will take you to the 1900s. The Library Bar here is ideal for intimate drinks and calm evenings after a day of sightseeing. A popular choice with US travellers seeking affordable boutique hotels in London.
Why it’s great value:
• Calm, elegant interiors
• Three minutes walk to the Tube
• Cosy Bar for quieter afternoons or late nights
Book your stay in the heart of Bloomsbury at the Morton Hotel.
- Stay Longer, Save More: up to 20 % off 3-night stays
- Sunday Saver: 30 % off Sunday nights
Simple 3-Day London Itinerary From Imperial London Hotels As Your Base
Day 1
Check in and drop your bags. Stroll just five minutes to the British Museum, then wander Bloomsbury’s leafy squares and bookshops before tucking into dinner at Poppadom Indian Kitchen – sharing plates, street food and curries (of course) right on your doorstep.
Pro Tip: Skip the main entrance queue at the British Museum and head for the Montague Place entrance round the back – locals use it to slip in without the crowds.
Day 2
Head into Covent Garden for a spot of shopping and street performances, then lose yourself in the West End’s theatres. Wrap up the evening with cocktails and pints at The London Pub, a proper Bloomsbury local with a buzzing beer garden.
Pro Tip: Take your food break at Seven Dials market for food stalls serving food from around the world.
Day 3
Squeeze in a last wander – perhaps Russell Square’s gardens or a peek into the hidden lanes around Holborn – before checking out. With our free luggage room until departure, your London story doesn’t have to end too soon.
Pro Tip: If you’ve got a spare hour, wander down to Lamb’s Conduit Street near Russell Square. It is full of independent shops, cafés, and hidden bars. It’s a quiet slice of London life away from the usual tourist trail.
Ready To Explore London Without Overspending?
Each of our six Imperial London Hotels has its own character, from boutique charm to great-value comfort, all set within the Bloomsbury neighbourhood. With central London on your doorstep, you’ll have more time (and budget) to spend on the adventures that matter most.
Compare rooms & deals at Imperial London Hotels – Book Now!
