Capital savings: staying in London for less

London is one of the world's most exciting cities, but is it possible to find reasonably-priced accommodation there? Polly Lamer finds cheap and charming places to stay in the capital

The best B&Bs in town
Self-catering accommodation
Cheap hotel chains
Centrally-located hostels
Independent hotels

The best B&Bs in town
What could be more elegant than the house in Knightsbridge where writer Virginia Woolf was born in 1882 and spent her childhood? Once also home to statesman Sir Winston Churchill and situated in a quiet close, it costs £75 per night for a double/twin room, including breakfast served in the sitting room. It's one of dozens of bed and breakfast properties on the books of B&B agency, At Home In London. It's one of several such agencies offering an en suite room (plus breakfast) for two or more guests in private homes for less than £95 per night. Depending on location and type of accommodation, the agencies' prices start from £19 per person.

The B&B is a particularly British way of enjoying good, comfortable accommodation with a home-from-home feeling. Many of these establishments provide a great contrast to the bustling city. Agencies such as Bed & Breakfast GB, Host & Guest, Uptown Reservations and Welcome Homes have lists of accommodation in small guest houses or with families. Some are centrally located and others are in accessible suburbs.

Home cooking
Self-catering apartments are ideal for those on a budget. West London's Clarendon House Apartments, 30 minutes by tube from Piccadilly Circus, has fully-equipped flats from around £475 per week. Westminster University Halls of Residence offer self-catering summer stays in central locations such as Victoria, Waterloo and the City (plus charming Highgate - one of London's 'villages' near Hampstead Heath). Prices start at £22.50.