London has a reputation for being one of the most expensive cities in the world to visit and live in. The best choice of hotel usually involves its proximity. The best budget hotels tend to be in areas like Bayswater, Victoria and Kensington. Victoria is the more ideal location because of its proximity to London's airport and rail networks. Most luxury hotels tend to be found in areas like Park Lane and Mayfair. Therefore people may prefer taste over cost, or people may prefer cost over luxury.
The top 5 budget hotels that offer good hotel deals in London include the following:
Hoxton Hotel, Hoxton - This is luxury-free, which people may prefer. The hotel is very much back to basics - bar, restaurant, WiFi and more than 200 rooms. There are also shower rooms that are clean and with doubles priced at £59 with breakfast thrown in, it is a great example of comfort at a low cost.
Base 2 Stay, Kensington - A low cost experience, but stylish in its own way. It offers good beds, quality showers and reasonably priced broadband and phone connections. Rooms come with kitchen spaces, which is great if you do not want to spend all your time dining out.
Piccadilly Backpackers, Piccadilly - A 700-bed hostel in the centre of London, it has great showers, laundry facilities and an internet cafe. The best rooms on the third level have been rebranded as part of the Hostel Art project. There are also dorms in a Japanese style, ranging from just £12.
The Queen's Park Hotel - A large Victorian-era structure in Queensborough Terrace, offering a Victorian experience without the modern luxury of the Langham Hotel. One thing it will guarantee is a good night's sleep and is good value for its heritage.
The Henley House Hotel, Earl's Court - Located in a hidden side street and near Earl's Court Station with comfortable and well equipped rooms. Also look out over the gardens. It has a welcoming atmosphere and breakfast is served in the conservatory, which gives a hint of luxury.
These are in marked contrast to luxury hotels of London which give a feeling of exclusivity to people who can afford them:
The Montcalm, Park Lane, Marble Arch - This is the newest luxury hotel in London. It has a fresh and contemporary design priding itself on luxury and comfort, and this is reflected in the contemporary designs of the bathroom and bedrooms. Also has a spa, swimming pool and gym, and two high-quality restaurants within it. It is in the heart of London, which means you are close to luxury shopping centres like Oxford Street, Marble Arch and Park Lane.
The Dorchester Hotel, Mayfair - A hotel in the heart of Mayfair, overlooking Hyde Park. A contemporary twist on a 1930s character is the height of luxury. Its beautifully designed rooms are notably spacious. The restaurants and bars within it attract the wealthiest of society. The newly-transformed Dorchester Spa offers a truly pampering experience.
The Langham Hotel, Regent Street - This historical Victorian-styled hotel has been newly restored. It has 380 luxury rooms, 15 function rooms, and Palm Court which spawned the birth of afternoon tea. This hotel has entertained royalty, celebrities and high society types since 1865, when it opened as the first Grand Hotel in Europe. Its reputation sets it apart from other hotels, priding itself on heritage values.
The Ritz, Piccadilly - For over a century, this has been one of the most popular and well-known luxury London hotels. Home to many guests like intellectuals, glitterati and celebrities since 1906, The Ritz offers five types of suite with period interiors, and five banqueting rooms for any important event.
Claridges, Mayfair - Known for stunning design and service to match. This sophisticated hotel is known for hosting celebrities, afternoon tea and fine dining. It is both glamorous and elegant and attracts and provides true luxury.
There is marked contrast between luxury and budget hotels. The five budget hotels allow people of any background to enjoy London at a good price and are situated in areas which have access to the centre of the city. These are better value in terms of somewhere to stay than luxury hotels that are more likely for business trips and wealthier people. If you are staying in London for a few days then budget hotels are a good way of saving costs and being able to appreciate the sights of England's capital. These hotel deals make visiting the capital more affordable.