About hotels in London
London hotels are priced heavily by Tube zone: Zone 1 (Westminster, Soho, the City) costs the most but you walk to most sights. Zones 2–3 near a good Tube line can be markedly cheaper for only a 15–20 minute ride.
Rates move with events and seasons, so the cheapest booking site varies. Most genuine savings come from member prices and advance, non-refundable rates rather than coupon codes.
Best areas to stay in London
- West End & Westminster — Zone 1, walk to most sights — central but the priciest.
- South Bank — Riverside, near the London Eye and Tate Modern, still central.
- King's Cross & Shoreditch — Excellent transit and better value than the West End.
Local booking tips
- Book near a Tube station in Zone 1–2 to balance price and travel time.
- Advance non-refundable rates are often 10–15% cheaper if your dates are fixed.
- Compare booking sites — London prices vary more than you'd expect.