There are many ways of finding affordable accommodation in London… thousands of websites, hundreds of possible hotels and bed and breakfasts. This can seem overwhelming (and exhausting to search through). Here are some tips to help you locate the best deals.

Start wit the thitd-party sites. These travel experts rank the hotels and inns according the costs, the quality, and how far they are from major landmarks or key areas (you type in what place you are interested in seeing). This can at least give you an idea of what kind of places you may find and how much you can expect to pay. They also give you a way of comparing the features and prices of different accommodations.

Unfortunately those sites give the standard rates, and are not updated regularly to show discounts or promos. For that, visit the websites of the hotels you are interested in. You can also send a query letter to the customer service email to ask about their off-season rates, which are normally not published.

But remember that prices are not the only factor in choosing a hotel. It may be dirt-cheap, but the accommodations may be so uncomfortable and inconveniently located that you won’t enjoy your stay at all. Look at the ratings and customer reviews. Also see if the prices that are listed include all the fees. Be sure to factor things like cost of traveling from your hotel to other parts of the city, and the price of food. It may be more cost-effective to spend a little more on a hotel that is located near budget restaurants.

Don’t forget to look for promos, and even ask for them. Email the hotel. Avail of lowest-rate guarantees. You may also get good discounts by booking well ahead of time, but be sue to read the advance-purchase or cancellation policies. You can also ask if they have a rate for senior citizens, if you are one.

Also look into book discounts, where you get several coupons that will save you money on resraurants and hotels. This is particularly useful for frequent travelers, or if you are traveling off season. For example, some rates only apply if you are coming at a time when the hotel has an occupancy rate of less than 70%.