LONDON: WHERE TO STAY Choosing a place to stay in London can
be difficult if you don't know the city. It is a huge area and
there are accommodation options everywhere. One way of deciding
maybe to work out what kind of time you want in the city. For
example for an ethnic experience of London yu may choose to
stay in Notting Hill. If you like to see the old crescents,
houses, and private parks you may like a place in Chelsea or
South Kensington. If working class London appeals try the East
End. If you like the company of other Australians, New Zealanders
and South Africans you'd probably pick Earl's Court or Shepherd's
Bush. Although a lot of your choice may also be limited by your
budget.
We have a policy of not listing places specifically on our site,
but if you want to email in we'd be happy to help you if this
page is not specific enough - england@backpackglobe.com
Hostels
Hostels remain the best option for the budget traveler in London.
There are seven (and possibly more now) members of Hostelling
International or Youth Hostels Association in the central London
area. To stay in these hostels you need to buy membership. Alternatively
you will be given a card and can pay an addition to the nightly
rate until you become a member. These hostels are located in
Carter Lane (tube: St Paul's), Bolton Gardens (Tube: Earls Court),
Wellgarth Road (TubeGolders Green), Holland Walk (Tube: High
Street Kensington), Noel Street (Tube: Oxford Circus), Salter
Road (Tube: Rotherhithe), euston Road (Tube: Kings Cross St
Pancras), High Beach (tube: Loughton) and Mill Lane (Windsor
and Eton Central station).
There are also a lot of independent hostels in London that are
littered throughout the city. We recommend you try our booking
engine on every page of our site as a good option. The prices
are the same as if you walked in off the street and you can
read reviews and compare prices before you book. Many hostels
are in the Earls Court area and Bayswater.
Student Accommodation
From the end of June until mid September and sometimes over
the Easter break you can stay in university halls of residence.
They are slightly more expensive than the hostels but you usually
get a single room, sometimes a double, with shared facilities
and breakfast. The London School of Economics has numerous options
but you can try any of the colleges.
B&Bs
Budget about 30/50 for a single/double with shared facilities
in London and 40/60 for private bathrooms. All come with fantastic
cooked breakfasts. In July, August and September prices can
be higher so book ahead too. Many B&Bs still don't take
credit cards. Ask also for a discount for off season or long
stays. Guesthouses are another option in the cities, usually
converted houses with half a dozen rooms. They are not as personal
than B&Bs but cheaper. Again we hope you will first consult
our booking
engine for options.
Other useful links include: Bed
and Breakfast.com Special
Places to Stay
Hotels
Hotels in the mid range start at 50/70 without private facilities
and 70/90 with your own bathroom. Some may offer a package stay
with transport so check into what your airline is also offering.
Chelsea and South Kensington will have slightly higher prices
for hotels. Again please consult our booking engine or email
us for advice. Bookhostels
(our partner) ITWG
(our partner)
Apartments
Families, groups or couples may prefer to rent a flat than stay
in a hostel or B&B or even a hotel. These allow you to cook
from home which is one way of saving money and can be very comfortable.
Try some of the following options: www.holidayapartments.co.uk
Long term accommodation
Many people come to London to work for a period and often look
for rental flats. Shared houses and flats usually offer
the best value but can become very crowded. We've all heard
stories of 5 people sharing 2 bedrooms! Rent varies from location
to location in the city. Places to look besides your own networks
include:
Loot - www.loot.com
TNT - www.tntmagazine.co.uk
Time Out - www.timeout.co.uk
Evening Standard - www.
standard .co.uk
