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Set in a former police barracks, the decor makes the most of the bunk beds and dim lighting. The Internet café provides handy brochures. The Generator Bar has cheap drinks and a rowdy crowd, and the Fuel Stop cafeteria provides inexpensive meals. There are singles, twins, and dormitory rooms, each with a washbasin, locker, and free bed linens. Prices run from around £20 to £35 per person. Pros: funky, youthful attitude; great location. Cons: bar is crowded and noisy; party atmosphere is not for everyone. TripAdvisor: “fun if you are under 20,” “awesome for meeting people,” “good security in rooms.” | MacNaghten House, Compton Pl. off 37 Tavistock Pl., Bloomsbury | WC1H 9SE | 020/7388–7666 | www.generatorhostels.com/london | 214 beds | In-room: no a/c, no phone, no TV. In-hotel: restaurant, bars, Internet terminal, parking (paid) | MC, V | Breakfast | Russell Sq.

Grange Blooms Hotel.

££–£££ | Part of the reliable Grange hotels chain, this white Georgian town-house hotel offers a pleasant home away from home in a building just around the corner from the British Museum. Rooms are not too tiny by London standards, and those in the back of the hotel look out onto a leafy green garden. Decor in public areas is a bit stuffy with bright carpeting, curtains, and sofas, but only in a pleasant, traditional way. Service is excellent, with a concierge and porter always on hand to help. You can get good deals by booking in advance through the Web site, and on the whole, it’s good value for the money. Pros: great location; good prices if you book early. Cons: bathrooms could use an upgrade; outdated decor. TripAdvisor: “staff were friendly and helpful,” “bathrooms nice and clean,” “very clean yet very small.” | 7 Montague St., Bloomsbury | WC1B 5BP | 020/7323–1717 | www.grangehotels.com | 26 rooms, 1 suite | In-room: no a/c, Internet. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, some pets allowed | AE, DC, MC, V | Russell Sq.

Harlingford Hotel.

££ | The Harlingford is by far the sleekest and most contemporary of the Cartwright Gardens hotels; bold color schemes and beautifully tiled bathrooms enliven the family-run place.Bedrooms aren’t big, but they’re sleek, quiet, and comfortable. Public rooms are similarly small but perfectly appointed. With space for four, the quad rooms are a good choice for traveling families. For those who tire of eggs and sausage every morning, breakfast includes a choice of fresh croissants and 10 kinds of cereal. Pros: good location; friendly staff; wider breakfast choice than many small London hotels. Cons: rooms are quite small; no elevator. TripAdvisor: “staff are friendly and helpful,” “clean and warm,” “rooms are larger than most hotels.” | 61–63 Cartwright Gardens, Bloomsbury | WC1H 9EL | 020/7387–1551 | www.harlingfordhotel.com | 43 rooms | In-room: no a/c, Internet. In-hotel: bar, tennis court | AE, DC, MC, V | Full breakfast | Russell Sq.

Jenkins Hotel.

£–££ | This small, moderately priced hotel has a classic Georgian exterior that belies its simply designed interior. The old-fashioned but pleasant enough budget hotel is simple and homely. Bedrooms are decorated in traditional color schemes—creams and blues with walnut furniture and heavy floral curtains—though bathrooms are miniscule. Pros: good location for theaters and restaurants. Cons: thin mattresses; very small bathrooms; cheaper rooms have shared bathroom; lots of stairs but no elevator. TripAdvisor: “quiet yet handy,” “great base for exploring London,” “quite charming and clean.” | 45 Cartwright Gardens, Bloomsbury | WC1H 9EH | 020/7387–2067 | www.jenkinshotel.demon.co.uk | 14 rooms | In-room: no a/c, safe, refrigerator, Internet | MC, V | Breakfast | Russell Sq., King’s Cross, Euston

Morgan Hotel.

££ | This family-run Georgian row-house hotel is a handy option for those traveling on a budget—but don’t expect many bells or whistles; rooms are basic but attractive—some, though not all, are even quite spacious—but the best are the little apartments (£170–£240), which give you a bit more space to move around in and have a tiny kitchen. Downstairs,