Inexpensive but nice hotels in London

I am a Londoner who feels quite protective towards tourists- particularly US ones who tend to pay quite a lot more for for everything than they need.

Accommodation will be your main expense in London. This is because most entertainment is free- far more than you could ever dream possible. Food generally also costs more than the US but cheap food is available.

Youth hostels are a great deal more comfortable than you probably imagen them to be, starting at about twelve pounds a night- sometimes including breakfast. Search under YHA for more information.

If this does not appeal to you (but check the site first) there are always family run bed and breakfasts. These are difficult to book before coming and they are only really cheap if you approach directly. Another bargain choice is JD Weatherspoon Lodges. This is a chain of pubs, selling real ale (not to be confused with the tasteless fizz you get from cans or bottles.) They also do a good English breakfast that is not included in the price.

Locations are a little strange as many of them are converted coaching houses and the like (pubs are big on history) but you can get a room for about forty two pounds a night. The downside to it is that you will be quite close to a pub. However, JD weatherspoons is as much a restaurant as a pub, selling authentic UK ‘grub’ (food) and there is no music played. This tends to attract a thoughtful bunch of customers who come for a quiet chat. Very cheap food and the chance to try the famous real ale of England. Quite different from anything else in the world.

No. I do not work for them!

Remember that the UK can be cheap- simply reverse your expectations. Every luxury is cheap or free while necessities are expensive. Many tourists assume that they must pay for entertainment. Not so- the UK Government spends about $9,000,000,000 a year on cultural programmers (including the Olympics). This should be enough for anyone.