London is the most visited city in the United Kingdom, where a diverse set of people, culture, and religion all blend harmoniously in order to make up a great city. Rich in history, London is considered as one of the most popular tourist destinations in world.
Known as the largest city and capital of the United Kingdom and England, London is positioned at the River Thames where its population, at current, is more than 14 million! One of the busiest cities in the world, this great city is full of history and culture, satisfying anyone’s craving for knowledge. In fact, just the thought of a country having an existing royal family is enough to pique a person’s curiosity, thus, the need to explore such a place arises.
Other than the Royal Family, London can be associated with the names of Sherlock Holmes, Charles Dickens, Daniel Defoe, and the Beatles. Plus, let us not forget, the great William Shakespeare! This city is home to many fine artists and it is even considered as world’s capital of classical and popular music. A number of Orchestras and concert halls are found in London such as the Royal Albert Hall, Barbican Arts Centre, and the Royal Festival Hall.
Shopping is always one of the things you can do when you travel, unfortunately London is not a place you can do bargain shopping in. This is primarily because of high prices and the high exchange rate. You can go to Harrods at Knightsbridge in West London, Covent Garden and Bond Street for their well known designer stores such as Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Cartier, and Fred Perry.
Although London is not particularly a cheap place to go to since tourists usually fall as victim of price inflation near the major tourist attractions, especially when it comes to food, it is still one of the highly visited locations in the world. It’s an advantage to know and learn more about the place you will go to so that you’ll see all the attractions they can offer and you can enjoy your stay rather than concentrating on how much your wallet is losing.
Here is a list of affordable hotels to stay in while enjoying your stay in this magnificent city.
1. CENTRAL PARK HOTEL
LOCATION: 49/67 Queensborough Terrace London,
W2 3SS, United Kingdom
This is a three star hotel located in Central London, near the beautiful Kensington Gardens and serene Hyde Park. It is accessible to the quiet Bayswater residential area, Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Aside from this, it is also easy to get around the city of London through the Bayswater and Queensway Stations.
Fashinable shops, botiques, the famous Whiteley’s shopping center, and sophisticated restaurants are just near the hotel. Moreover, the hotel consists of 262 rooms and has a wonderful venue for special occasions such as wedding receptions and banquets. Accommodations for business conferences and meetings can also be provided at this hotel’s 2 conference rooms. Thus, the Palace Suite can hold a small business meeting of 6 up to 12 guests and the Park Suite can hold up to 120 delegates.
Room Amenities
The rooms are charming and relaxing in the eye. In fact, it has its own spacious bathrooms. Styled with light maple furniture, along with complimenting decorations, the rooms radiate tranquility and peace. It is also furnished with a phone, television, wireless internet priced for only GBP 5.00 per hour and continental breakfast. Room service is available from 11:00 AM up to 9:00 PM. The rate in this hotel is GBP 58.00 a night.
Hotel Amenities
* Restaurant
* Bar
* 24-Hour Front Desk
* Newspapers
* Safety Deposit Box
* Heating
* Luggage Storage
* Room Service
* Meeting/Banquet Facilities
* Laundry and Dry Cleaning
* Currency Exchange
* Tour Desk
* Fax/Photocopying
* Wireless internet available in the rooms – costs GBP 5.00 per hour.
* Parking not available
* Pets not allowed
2. BLAKEMORE HOTEL
LOCATION: 30 Leinster Gardens, Bayswater, Westminster, W2 3AN London
The location of the Blakemore hotel is one of its main attractions as well. Just a few miles away from several tourists’ spots such as Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace and the Buckingham Palace, the hotel adds to the enthusiasm of being one of the premier establishments in the city. The convenience of finding a cab, taking a bus, or riding the train in order to explore the city is just marvelous and effortless in this location. Aside from providing a hassle free place to stay in, the reasonable rate it offers is definitely tempting.
Moreover, the hotel offers conference suites that can accommodate meetings from small to medium sized ones, even up to a maximum of 80 persons. Each suite is peaceful, bright and air-conditioned, equipped with telephone and internet connections and is spacious enough to give the occupants a relaxing set up. Plus, proficient and qualified staffs are at your service 24/7. They can cater to any needs of the group so as to make your stay a memorable one.
Room Amenities
With a total of 164 rooms, and several choices to choose from, each room package includes a continental breakfast. This is only with the exception of the Executive single room. Equipped with a telephone, television, and a private bathroom, each hotel room can access the internet wirelessly for only GBP 10.00 for 24 hours.
Room Rates can range from £ 64 to £ 110 a night. Vat and service charges are included also.
Hotel Amenities
* 2 Hotel Restaurants – Wellington Restaurant on the lower ground floor and the Rossetti Restaurant along the Conservatory located at the ground floor
* Rossetti Bar
* 24-Hour Front Desk
* Safety Deposit Box
* Heating
* All Public and Private spaces non-smoking
* Meeting/Banquet Facilities
* Laundry and Dry Cleaning
* Tour Desk
* Fax/Photocopying
* Wireless internet in the entire hotel GBP 10.00 per 24 hours
* No guest parking available
* Pets are not allowed.
3. SHAFTESBURY PREMIER LONDON HYDE PARK
LOCATION: 78 – 82 Westbourne Terrace, W2 6QA London
The Shaftesbury is suitably located near major transport links which would include the Paddington Tube, Heathrow Express, Lancaster Gate Tube station, and Bayswater Road. Recently renovated, the now fully air-conditioned hotel will undeniably provide you with a first class stay without hurting your budget.
Room Amenities
A wide range of rooms are available in this hotel. This is from spacious executive rooms to single standard rooms. Stylishly designed with comfort in mind, each room will be able to provide the air of tranquility and ease. Since the rooms are provided with free 24 hour broadband access to the internet, interactive television, telephone, and a coffee maker, this will surely make your stay in this hotel, pleasurable. Thus, the room rates would range from £ 75 to £179 a night.
Hotel Amenities
* Restaurant
* Bar
* 24-Hour Front Desk
* Newspaper
* Non-Smoking Rooms
* Family Rooms
* Safety Deposit Box
* Heating
* Luggage Storage
* All Public and Private spaces non-smoking
* Air conditioning
* Room Service
* Airport Shuttle
* Laundry and Dry Cleaning
* Ironing Service
* Shoe Shine
* Car Rental
* Tour Desk
* Fax/Photocopying
* Wireless internet is available within public areas and is free of charge
* Public parking is possible on site and costs GBP 25.00 per day
* Pets are not allowed.
4. HENRY VIII
LOCATION: 19 Leinster Gardens London, W2 3AN, United Kingdom
This hotel is situated in classy Bayswater, just a few minutes walk from the Victoria and Albert museum. Hence, this hotel is perfectly located for tourists who want to see the sights and sounds of London. Keen on offering the guests with a superb, relaxing, and memorable stay, guests can enjoy the indoor pool and sauna for free as well.
Furthermore, the hotel is along the vicinity of the Underground train stations of Bayswater, Queensway, and Lancaster Gate Tube. This is convenient for guests who would like to tour any key areas in London such as Hyde Park, Oxford Street, and Theatre Land.
Room Amenities
This is a newly renovated, with 106 bedrooms and a welcome tray to greet you. Plus, your stay in Henry VIII will definitely as splendid and as calming as you presume it to be, especially after a full day of sightseeing around London. The rooms are even equipped with a telephone, television, and wireless internet that cost only an additional GBP 5.00.
This beautiful hotel’s room rates would range from £ 79 for their single room and £ 89 for a twin room. Thus, breakfast buffet, VAT, and service charges are already included.
Hotel Amenities
* Bar
* 24-Hour Front Desk
* Non-Smoking Rooms
* Safety Deposit Box
* Heating
* Luggage Storage
* All Public and Private spaces non-smoking
* Sauna
* Indoor Swimming Pool
* Room Service
* Meeting/Banquet Facilities
* Business Centre
* Laundry and Dry Cleaning
* Ironing Service
* Fax/Photocopying
* Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms and costs GBP 5.00 per hour
* No parking available
* Pets are not allowed
Furthermore, when you visit London either on a business trip or with your whole family for a vacation, you can visit the region’s well loved places and attractions. The following should be at the top of your “must see” and “to do” list:
Must see list:
1. Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Palace of Westminster
2. St James’ Park
3. Buckingham Palace
4. Trafalgar Square
5. The London Eye Located on the South Bank of the Thames
6. Tower Bridge Located by the Tower of London.
7. The Tower of London. Located at south east of the City
8. St Paul’s Cathedral, in the City
9. Hyde Park
10. Kensington Gardens
To do list:
1. Visit museums and galleries. The following do not charge entrance fees:
* Tate Modern
* Tate Britain
* British Museum
* National Gallery
* National Portrait Gallery
2. Open top bus tour
* The Original Tour +44 (0)20 8877 1722
* The Big Bus Company +44 (0)20 7233 9533
3. London Duck Tours +44 (0)20 7928 3132
4. London Walks +44 (0)20 7624 3978
5. New London Tours (by foot) +49 30 510 50030