London, being the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is one of the top tourist destinations in the entire world. It is a melting pot of art, culture, fashion, and society. That is why it should come as no surprise why the city has thousands of hotels and lodging establishments to cater to the sheer demand of people visiting the city.
There are London hotels that cater to the entire gamut of tourists, especially given that the London Development Agency says that the amount tourists spend in London amount to over £15 billion ($23.64 billion) annually. That is definitely a lot of tourists, and that entails a whole lot of revenue. London has all types of hotels that suit all sorts of needs and budgets, ranging from luxury hotels to more affordable bed & breakfasts and even backpacker hostels.
For those who have quite a lot of money to spare, there are only 3 can't-miss luxury hotels: The Ritz Hotel London in Piccadilly, Claridge's in Mayfair, and the Savoy Hotel located in central London's Strand. Staying at these opulent hotels entails a steep price-up to £1,000 (over $1,500) per night.
The prices of accommodations in London largely depend on the location. Those with a good measure proximity to the city's center and nearness to other landmarks and tourist attractions will of course tend to be more expensive. Even 2-star or 3-star establishments can fetch upwards of £150 (nearly $235) per night if the location is right in central London. This scales higher as the stars go up.
Cheaper accommodations can be had, however. As with other major metropolitan areas, London offers hostels and apartments that are highly cost-effective if a tourist isn't too particular about room size, quality of furnishings, and sharing with others (for groups). Sometimes, during the summer when school is out, certain university residence halls are made available for visitor accommodation. This is another option for those seeking budget accommodations.
Here's one good tip for visitors to London who want to save money on accommodations: more savings can be had by staying in a hotel somewhere farther from the central area of the city. Even if the costs of transportation are factored in, there's a big difference compared to the amount one would spend on hotel rooms near the center. What's more, tourists can get to see more places by staying in the periphery.
For those with cash, however, it is safe to simply say "go to town." It would be a shame not to experience the best of the best when it comes to London hotels. A night at The Ritz or at the Savoy would provide a memory to last a lifetime. Moreover, getting to rest and relax at these famous establishments, with all the lavish furnishings and high-end services and world-class dinners, can be an adventure in itself.
With the sheer number and variety of people visiting the UK capital of London year in and year out, it is only natural to have establishments that cater to every possible need of tourists and sightseers. It is only important to determine which aspects of London hotels to prioritize-cost versus convenience and comfort, among other things. Regardless, one should be able to have the vacation of a lifetime.