Hotels

As a resident of London I rarely stay in hotels; recommendations are welcome here. However there are a number of websites listing and offering bookings in London hotels, such as Hotelguide.net - they have often negotiated different discounts, so have a look at a range of sites. A quick link to a selection of London hotel guides is here.

If you are looking for a name you recognise, Holiday Inn list their London hotels.

One personal recommendation is St Giles Hotel, on the corner of Tottenham Court Road. The location is handy for Oxford Street and Soho, the bar is lively and the rooms were of a good standard. Prices vary depending on seasonal offers.

Hostels

One great, cheap hostel in Central London is The Generator. Prices start at ten pounds per night, with locker and free breakfast. It also has internet facilities, a games room, bar, and the vibe is good!

YMCA list all their hostels on their website.

Astor Hostels and St Christophers also have a number of hostels in London.

Lodgings

Over the summer months, Universities often let out their hall rooms for a low rent. If you're interested in this, try approaching a University near to where you want to stay.

Short term lets or lodgings (for example, on a weekly basis) can also be arranged in holiday periods - check out Loot for available rooms.

Emergency Accommodation

If you are normally resident in London and have become homeless, you should go to the offices of your local council and ask to see someone. Explain that you are homeless. They have a duty to see you, and home you. In the meantime, you may wish to reserve a place in a hostel, if you can afford to do so.

Centrepoint has an excellent page on finding emergency accommodation, with useful phone numbers.