Hey Idoyle! There are literally hundreds of great, cheap places to stay in London. Here’s what I would recommend :

The Astor Hyde Park Hostel is only $21/night (including breakfast) and it’s right by Hyde Park, Paddington Station and Portobello Rd. If you have the International Student ID Card (ISIC) you get a free beer when you check in! This is a good area to stay in as it’s easy to get to Heathrow from here, and food/beer is a bit cheaper in the neighborhood.

The biggest party hostel is the Generator, near King’s Cross station and the British Museum. It’s $32 for a dorm bed (breakfast included again, as well as the same free-beer-with-ISIC special). This is a very lively place in a central spot. Stay here if you want a guaranteed good time, but don’t expect to get much sleep.

The most central is the Piccadilly Backpackers, $35/night, a fun little art-themed hostel right in the bustling Piccadilly Circus. This is going to be the best place to stay for location, as many of the most popular tourist attractions are nearby.

Let me know if you want to book any of these—I’m one of STA’s UK specialists and I’d love to help you with your trip. Cheers!

There are so many great options in London—one of the best-known hostels is the Generator—it’s a very big hostel in a fantastic location—Russell Square, right in the center of London. The Generator has room options from twin to 12 or more in a room. There’s always a lot going on there and they have a bar with a great happy hour special, too. Tip: if the bathrooms/showers on the upper floors get crowded, use the ones on the ground floor—they are larger and rarely have lines. Another great option is St. Christopher’s Village in the Southwark area—10 minutes by Tube to central London—they also have a bar and a hot tub on the roof. We have other places throughout London, as well, in Bayswater, King’s Cross, and Picadilly Circus. Let us know if there’s anything we can help you with. Jengwu gwu@statravel.com

Good info from everyone. Umm hostels are EXTREMLY HARD TO BOOK IN LONDON!!! Mark my words!!!!! The good ones are ALWAYS taken, especially if you are doing the live-by-the-seat-of-your-pants type trip like i did. I stayed in a GREAT hostel in Swiss Cottage called Palmer’s Lodge. Free internet, comfy beds..I think its only 15 quid a night or so (30 american). Another great one is called…St. Christopher’s in Greenwich. It isn’t to far of a train ride, and the place is very historical. Check out hostelworld.com for hostel info though!!