London Notting Hill

Notting Hill isn't an ideal place to find budget accommodations—although there are many beautiful residences, travelers short on funds aren't welcome to stay in many of them. Prices hover around £80-120 for doubles. Nearby Bayswater is a much better bet for the penny-pinching traveler.

Bowden Court, 24 Ladbroke Rd. (020 7727 5665; www.lhalondon.com) This four-floor hostel is just about the only budget-friendly option for people looking to stay in Notting Hill, but luckily, it's close to all the action. In the basement lies a clean and spacious dining room. The food is decent but not terribly healthy. Also in the basement are a laundry room, study room with computers, and TV room. Bathrooms are communal. Notting Hill Gate. Exit north, take a right onto Pembridge Rd., and turn left onto Ladbroke Rd. Lockers £1 per day, £3.50 per week, £10 per month. Laundry: washers £3; dryers £1. 2-bed dorms £25; 3-bed £23.50. Singles £28-29; doubles £52. Weekly 2-bed dorms £114; 3-beds £94.50. Weekly singles £159.50-179.50; doubles £250. Breakfast M-F 7am-8:15am; Sa-Su and bank holidays 9:30-10:30am. Dinner M-F 6:30-8pm. Lunch Sa-Su and bank holidays 12:30-1:30pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Has internet.
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The Portobello Gold, 97 Portobello Rd. ( 020 7460 4910; www.portobellogold.com) Your life has been incomplete until you discover the Portobello Gold. While expensive, the Portobello Gold has such a good location that it might be worth it—not to mention access to a roof terrace complete with a putting green. Rooms are small but well kept. They might be noisy, since the pub is downstairs, but residents get a special fixed price menu at the pub, as well as an included continental breakfast. If you've come to London but don't actually want to leave your building, this is your deal. Notting Hill Gate. Exit North, turn right onto Pembridge Rd. and left onto Portobello Rd. Doubles £80-£100; 4-poster bed, capacity to fit 3 mattresses on floor £135; apartment £180. Stay over 7 days and get a discounted rate. Takes credit cards. Has internet.

The Abbey Court Hotel, 20 Pembridge Gardens (020 7221 7518; www.abbeycourthotel.co.uk) If it's raining out—which is likely—cuddle up with a good book in a spacious, clean, and comfortable room at the Abbey Court Hotel. The centrally located hotel boasts a sunlit breakfast room and a lavish lounge that feels properly British. Notting Hill Gate. Exit South. Singles, doubles, and four poster rooms available, but prices change on a regular basis, so be sure to call ahead. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Has internet.

The Gate, 6 Portobello Rd. ( 020 7221 0707 ;www.gatehotel.co.uk) At the top of busy Portobello Rd., The Gate enjoys the luxury of a centralized location, while maintaining the relative solitude of less active areas. The rooms are simple, with thick carpets and clean facilities. Notting Hill Gate. Exit North, take right on Pembridge Rd., left onto Portobello Rd. Wi-Fi £10 for your stay. Singles week night £60, weekend £70; doubles £85/95; doubles lux £95/105; triples £115/135. No wheelchair access. Has internet. Air conditioned.

Notting Hill Hotel 2 Pembridge Sq. ( 020 7727 1316 ; www.nottinghillhotel.com ) If you've been traveling for weeks and you are self-conscious about your body odor, stay here—the smell got here hours before you did, and no one will blame you for it. The only appealing thing about this place is its location; the rooms are in disrepair, and aren't that large. Still, if this is your only option, it's very close to the action on Notting Hill. Notting Hill Gate. Exit North, take right on Pembridge Rd., turn right at Pembridge Sq. Notting Hill Hotel will be on your right. Breakfast included. Midweek rates: singles from £50; doubles or twins from £60; family room for 3 from £80. Weekend and holiday rates: singles from £55; doubles or twins from £70; family rooms for 3 from £90. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access.