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of reasonably priced, high-quality hotels that regularly offer good deals and bargain rates. Leaders in this field are places like the Hoxton—which even makes a handful of rooms available for £1 per night, if you’re lucky enough to snatch one. The swanky Dean Street Townhouse also offers one of its rooms at a permanently low £95-a-night rate. There’s also a clutch of new budget boutique hotels that are a real step forward for the city—places like Stylotel and the Church Street Hotel, which have both been making heads turn for their small-is-beautiful approach, eye for stylish detail, and down-at-home comforts. The downside is that these places tend to be a little out of the way, but that’s often a price worth paying.

A newly attractive alternative are hotels in the Premier and Millennium chains, which offer sleek, modern rooms, lots of modern conveniences, and sales that frequently bring room prices well below £100 a night.

At the budget level, small bed-and-breakfasts still dominate, although most are quite battered and basic. An alternative to that is the easyHotel chain, with its tiny, bright orange “pod” rooms. There’s also the more sophisticated (and more expensive) base2stay, which falls somewhere between budget and moderate.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

WESTMINSTER AND ROYAL LONDON

Neighborhood Vibe: This historic section, aka “Royal London,” is home to major tourist attractions like Buckingham Palace.

Pros: Central area near tourist sites; easy Tube access; considered a safe area to stay.

Cons: Mostly expensive lodging options; few restaurants and entertainment venues nearby.

ST. JAMES AND MAYFAIR

Neighborhood Vibe: Traditional, old money; a mixture of the business and finacial set with fashionable shops.

Pros: In the heart of the action; some of London’s best hotels are found here.

Cons: Pricey part of town; the city-that-never-sleeps buzz makes peace and quiet hard to come by.

SOHO AND COVENT GARDEN

Neighborhood Vibe: A tourist hub with endless entertainment on the streets and in theaters and clubs—it’s party central for young adults.

Pros: Buzzing area with plenty to see and do; late-night entertainment abounds; wonderful shopping district.

Cons: The area tends to be noisy at night; few budget hotels; keep your wits about you at night, and watch out for pickpockets.

BLOOMSBURY, HOLBORN, HAMPSTEAD, AND ISLINGTON

Neighborhood Vibe: Diverse area that is part bustling business center and part tranquil respite with tree-lined streets and meadows.

Pros: Easy access to Tube, and 15 minutes to city center; major sights, like British Museum are here; buzzing nightlife in Islington.

Cons: Busy streets filled with honking trucks and roving students; the area around King’s Cross can be sketchy—avoid it at night.

THE CITY AND SOUTH BANK

Neighborhood Vibe: London’s financial district, where most of the city’s banks and businesses are headquartered.

Pros: Central location with easy transportation access; great hotel deals in South Bank; many major sights nearby.

Cons: It can be as quiet as a tomb after 8 pm; many nearby restaurants and shops close over the weekend.

EAST END

Neighborhood Vibe: Increasingly trendy area east of the town center, with a great arts scene.

Pros: Great for art lovers, shoppers, and business execs with meetings in Canary Wharf.

Cons: Still a transitional area, parts of Hoxton can be a bit dodgy at night; 20-minute Tube ride from central London.

KENSINGTON, CHELSEA, AND KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Neighborhood Vibe: This is one of London’s most upscale neighborhoods and a center of Pros: London’s tourist universe. A glittering galaxy of posh department stores, boutiques, and fabulous hotels.

Pros: Diverse hotel selection; great area for meandering walks; superb shopping district. London’s capital of high-end shopping with Harrods; easy Tube access; gorgeous architecture.

Cons: Depending on where you are, the nearest Tube might be a hike; residential area might be too quiet for some. Few budget hotel or restaurant options; beware of pickpockets.

NOTTING HILL AND BAYSWATER

Neighborhood Vibe: