Cheap lodging in London
 

Middle aged traveler looking for cheap digs for several days in June. Want to avoid youth hostels or beery places over pubs. Any ideas?

How about college dorms? June isn't slow season in London.

Would easyHotel suit you? Rooms from around £40 per night in June.

http://www.easyhotel.com/splash.asp?ReferURL=022

How about $70/night for a 4* hotel? Sound too good to be true? It's very much a reality if you make a priceline bid. I recently got a room at the Thistle Marble Arch for $60/night plus fees = $72. First go to www.biddingfortravel.com to get some advice on bidding, then give it a whirl. Be advised that hotels booked through Priceline are non-refundable and non-changeable.

If you're willing to stay in a dorm-type room in a B&B (not a hostel), check out the Arran House Hotel in Bloomsbury (www.london-hotel.co.uk). The regular rooms are not cheap, but the dorm rooms certainly are. And the location is excellent.

The Baden Powell Scout house in Kensington will take non-scouters and offers a secure, quiet situation. Some are dorm rooms, but there are also rooms for 2 and 4 people. Shower and/or tub is in room. Excellent location near 2 tube stops. Nothing fancy, hearty British breakfast included (love that fried bread), numerous restaurants and pubs nearby. Located directly beside the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Priceline.com is by far your best bet. In addition to biddingfortravel, there's also betterbidding.com Both will explain the bidding system and help you construct a bid.

Think June may be too early but a lot of the Uni residences in London serve as budget accommodation during rhe summer break. I stayed at two of the University of London places last August and they were great - you get your own room but shared bathroom. check www.hostelworld.com

Other than that I've done the Olivier Court Hotel in Earls Court (about 45 quid for a single with own very small bathroom - like if you are 6ft and overweight you might have a problem with it ... LOL).

I also like the Earls Court YHA - after all it's only somewhere to sleep - but if you are dead set against hostels then that would be out.

Best of luck.