Set in an elegant 19th-century manor house, Palmers Lodge is a far cry from the usual London hostel. Interiors are impressive and period features are very well maintained, though some areas can feel a little dark and can lack a sociable vibe. Privacy curtains in bunks are a real plus, and the nearby Tube station provides easy access to the city center. Rates are pretty good for a London hostel, though if you'd prefer somewhere more central, check out the YHA Central London.

The 129-room, lower-middle-range Citadines Barbican offers contemporary apartment-style accommodation a two-minute walk from the Barbican tube station. Note that while the property is accepting guests, it's undergoing renovations until May 2017. Its modern studios and one-bedroom apartments come with kitchenettes, dining areas, and en-suite bathrooms, plus flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi is free. Note that rooms have few electrical sockets and guests must dispose of trash. Free tea and coffee is available 24 hours in the lobby, and breakfast is available for a fee. There are a business center and laundry facilities on-site for guests, and travelers appreciate its proximity to the vibrant dining and nightlife scene. For a more traditional hotel feel with a restaurant and fitness center, consider the nearby (but pricier) Apex Temple Court. 

The 265-room Euro Hotel Queens is convenient for travelers with work or other commitments in South London's Crystal Palace area, but it's far too removed from the center of London to make it appropriate for tourists. This run-down budget hotel has clean, simple rooms, some with good views of South London, but its biggest selling point is its low price tag. However, if you're on a shoestring budget, you can still find good deals much closer to town; the Clink78 Hostel, for example, has affordable private rooms and is much more convenient to London's sights.

Housed in a partially-preserved Victorian building on a quiet street just off the main-strip madness, Park Grand London Paddington's classically chic style blends both past and present. This 158-room hotel is geared heavily toward business travelers, but its undeniably convenient location to several tube stations and London Paddington National Rail station make it ideal for many types of travelers. Compared to its nearby sister property Park Grand Hyde Park, this hotel has slightly more spacious rooms, a few more features, and a dash of extra style for around the same price.

This hip boutique hotel owned by the high-profile D+D restaurant group exudes stylish luxury, with impeccable design elements and dark, sexy public spaces. The boutique's interiors, which were designed by the prestigious Conran + Partners, offer unique touches such as edgy artwork created specifically for the hotel. With its professional and friendly service and Michelin-star restaurant, it’s hard to find fault with South Place Hotel -- except maybe the hefty price tag.

The 30-room London Town Hotel is a decent two-pearl property in Earl's Court. The underground station is just one minute away on foot and the area has numerous restaurants, shops, and bars. Rooms are basic, bland, dated, and have no air-conditioning, but prices are low and rooms are fine for a simple place to crash at night. Wi-Fi and breakfast are included and there's a guest lounge with free hot drinks. A garden and a terrace are highlights of the property. More modern rooms at a similar price point are available at the BEST WESTERN The Boltons just down the road.

This 119-room upper-mid-range hotel is located on a quiet street within the busy transit hub of Paddington Station. The Victorian building is outfitted with modern decor, providing visitors with a fluid mix of old and new. Standard-sized rooms give guests a tight squeeze while upgrades to Club units are more spacious and can include extras. Although only a 10-minute walk to Hyde Park, the hotel's immediate area is lacking in attractions and is not ideal for travelers who want walking access to restaurants, shops, and bars. Still, the Park Grand is convenient for those with early morning departures from London Paddington, just a few minutes away.

Travelers who care little about a hotel's exterior or lobby might be satisfied by a stay at the Holiday Inn Mayfair. Rooms are contemporary and chain-like. In terms of location, it offers equally convenient access to the more business-oriented areas of Green Park, and the more recreational areas of Piccadilly and Berkeley Street. In a city where traffic can be gnarly and cabs are expensive, having the tube just outside the lobby is certainly a huge asset. The bounty of fine dining options just outside the hotel and the perk of having major sites like Buckingham Palace less than a 10-minute walk away is also very redeeming.

The Park Grand Paddington Court London offers a prime location just down the road from Paddington Station, one of London's oldest and most iconic stations. A mid-size, mid-range hotel, the Paddington Court London is one of many properties in the area of the same size and standing. Its great location is a definite plus, but the very small rooms (and bathrooms) and limited public space (with only a small bar and eating area) are drawbacks.

The 183-room Point A London Liverpool Street is no-frills -- though they do pull off hip-on-a-budget interiors pretty well. Rates are low, especially for this trendy part of East London -- though basic services like luggage storage and late and early check-in will cost extra. Windowless rooms take prices even lower, though they may make some people feel claustrophobic. All in all, for guests who just want a good-value, clean, and comfortable place to sleep in Zone 1, this is a great option -- but for more features, check rates for a private room at YHA London Central.