HOTELS, B&BS AND HOSTELS - London - page 319

Budget chain hotels
Chain hotels have pretty much got the budget hotel market sewn up. B&Bs may be able
to offer a more personal touch and more character in the decor, but the franchises are of-
ten in unbeatable central locations. Although they will never really be more than per-
functory places to stay, on the whole they can be guaranteed to provide clean if anonym-
ous rooms.
Bumping along at the bottom are easyHotel ( www.easyhotel.com ) , whose prices start
at just £33 for an en-suite double - if you want a window, TV use or room cleaning, it's
extra; there are branches in Victoria, South Ken, Paddington, Old Street and Earl's
Court. Serious bargains can also be had at the Tune chain, which works in a similar way,
offering minimal rooms in Westminster, Liverpool Street, Paddington and King's Cross (
www.tunehotels.com ). Travelodge has some very handily situated hotels; rooms are
unexciting, but if you book online well in advance, en-suite doubles can cost less than
£60. Premier Inn is generally considered a cut above Travelodge (and it doesn't have
quite the online bargains); the rest of the chain gang aren't worth considering as you can
get better value elsewhere.
BLOOMSBURY
ALHAMBRA HOTEL
17 Argyle St King's Cross St Pancras 020 7631 4115, www.alhambrahotel.com . MAP
Clean, friendly, budget hotel a stone's throw from St Pancras. Cheapest rooms have shared
facilities and there's no lift, but breakfast and wi-fi are free. £85
AROSFA HOTEL
83 Gower St Goodge Street or Euston Square 020 7636 2115, www.arosfalondon.com . MAP
Fifteen en-suite B&B rooms. Some are tiny, but it's clean, comfy and reliable. Full break-
fast and free wi-fi in the lounge. £115
CLINK 261 HOSTEL
261-265 Gray's Inn Rd King's Cross St Pancras 020 7833 9400, www.clinkhostels.com . MAP
A clean and friendly boutique hostel in a converted office block near King's Cross station,
with laundry and kitchen facilities. Breakfast included. Private rooms available. Dorms
from £17; doubles £60
CLINK 78 HOSTEL
78 King's Cross Rd King's Cross St Pancras 020 7183 9400, www.clinkhostels.com . MAP
This party hostel has funky decor, some pod beds, and plenty of period features from the
days when it was a Victorian courthouse - you can even stay in one of the old cells. Break-