Where to Stay in London: 6 Places to Stay with a Local Host

A trip in London is the ultimate city break and with so many flights and airports to choose from, it's usually possible to nab a bargain if you want a weekend or more away in this city.

While getting yourself to London is pretty straightforward, choosing the right kind of accommodation is a bit more of a challenge. In such a big city, location is key and affordable accommodation can be hard to come by.

Happily we have some top hosts located throughout the city so that you can get an affordable stay in a great location. London is very much a city of neighbourhoods so it's important to think of where you want to go and what you want to do and choose a host that compliments this.

1Jo in Bloomsbury

The neighbourhood of Bloomsbury, close to the British Museum, King's Cross railway station and the picturesque Russel Square is the perfect place for a first-timer in London to base themselves. Our host Jo's home is located just a stone's throw from the Russel Square tube station, which links directly the Heathrow Airport on the Piccadilly line.

Jo is a yoga enthusiast and from €88 per night you can share in her zen and discover central London. Still not convinced? Valentina from Italy stayed with Jo in May 2016 and here's what she had to say.

Jo is the perfect host: very friendly and willing to help you out with everything you may need. It is such a pleasure to be around her that sometimes you wonder whether you'd better go exploring the city or rather enjoy her positive and stimulating company...

2 Katherine in Pimlico

Katherine's beautiful period home is located in the neighbourhood of Pimlico, close to the ever-enchanting Tate Britain Gallery. Located close to Victoria train station, Katherine's home has fantastic transport links to all the top site in the city as well as being in the ideal location for anyone for fancies a walk or a run along's London's famous Southbank.

Katherine's homestay is so good, it's even the place of choice for our CEO Alan Clarke to stay when he's on business in London, telling me

I had a fantastic Homestay experience with Katherine. Her home is in the perfect location in Pimlico, close to Victoria, Westminster and central London."

3 Jacqui in Camden Square

Psychotherapist Jacqui lives in the vibrant neighbourhood of Camden Town, which is a must-see location for any music lover. Jacqui's home is located only minutes from the singer Amy Winehouse's former home.

As well as the copious amounts of bars and venues showcasing the best of London's live acts. Camden is also known for its picturesque canal and its sprawling market which is roughly ten minutes from Jacqui's homestay. With prices from only €34 per night, this is one of the cheapest ways to get a private room in Camden, or any part of the city.

4Kate in Westminster

Westminster host Kate and her teenage son William live in a stylish flat in the heart of London. Their home is in walking distance of all the major sites including Westminster Palace, the Tate Britain and even Buckingham Palace and weather-permitting, you can watch the world go by in the nearby Green Park and St. James' Park.

Prices at Kate's homestay start from €47 per night and with 22 guests leaving her a five-heart review, you know that she's a hosting pro. One former guest Douglas, who stayed with Kate in October 2014 said,

"I don't have a bad word to say about Kate's lovely, hospitable home, nor her hosting skills. The entire place is warm, comfortable and relaxed. Kate will go out of her way to make sure everything's okay without being at all intrusive. If you're travelling alone and would like a welcoming environment and host, I cannot recommend Kate and her son more! Not one complaint!"

5Danny in Holloway

With 26 reviews on his profile and an easy-going warm welcome for any host, Danny is a top notch host, and a snatch at €45. Danny's home is a dream for any football fans, being located only minutes from the famous Emirates Stadium, home to Arsenal Football Club.

Danny's Victorian home is tastefully decorated and is shared with his friendly cat Bean. As well as being ideally located for any guests going to the Arsenal football games, Danny's home is on a direct line to all of London's major attractions including Covent Garden, Leicester Square and his former guests have nothing but praise for this London homestay. And if you need one final bit of convincing, Kevin from Canada stayed for three nights with Danny in his homestay and wrote him the following review:

Danny is a first-rate host. Everything was as advertised and he makes you feel like his place is your home away from home. It felt more like staying with a friend than a stranger, and I hope to return one day.

6Marcus in Waltham Forest

If you are looking for something quieter for your trip to London, it may be worth staying a little further out in from the central hub of the city. London, as I mentioned is a city of distinctive neighbourhoods and moving from one to the other is a great way to see how Londoners really live.

Marcus and his partner Emily live in the leafy suburb of Waltham Forest in the north east of London, close to Leytonstone tube station on the Central line. Their homestay allows you easy access to central London, while giving you a relaxed space where you can chill out. Lovers of the outdoors will love this area for its green spaces including the beautiful Lee Valley Nature Reserve and nearby Olympic Park.

Zouheir from Morocco is one of the 11 reviewers on Marcus' profile in praise of his host writing,

Having never home stayed before, I was unsure to expect but it turned out to be an excellent experience which I highly recommend.I had a wonderful time in Marcus & Emily’s house. They are very welcoming and helpful and made my stay so easy.

Are you inspired to stay with a London host?

Browse our listings to find the host that's right for you.

Homestays in London

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