I’ve stayed in hundreds of hotels around the world -these are my favourites in the UK for less than £50 each a night
BEING the Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor, I’ve stayed in hundreds of hotels in the past decade – and have 53 countries under my belt.
But despite visiting some of the world’s best luxury accommodation, some of my favourite across Britain won’t break the bank at all.
Here are my seven favourite UK hotels which cost less than £50 per person per night.
Telegraph Hotel, Coventry
One of the more unique hotels I’ve stayed at is Telegraph Hotel in the former offices of the Telegraph newspaper in Coventry.
Walking into the hotel, which opened in 2021, feels like stepping back into the era of Man Men, with mid century decor harking back to the 1950s.
And it’s the little touches such as a clippings of the Coventry Evening Telegraph on the walls, as well as the beautiful rooftop bar that really make it special.
The food is divine as well, at the Forme & Chase restaurant – I recommend the crab crumpets.
Even better, it’s right in the centre of Coventry making it a great spot to explore the city further.
BEST FOR? Journalism lovers who will be in their element learning about the history.
Rooms start from £85 a night, working out to £42.50 each.
The Alan, Manchester
I often visit Manchester to see friends, so I’ve stayed at my fair share of hotels in the city.
One of my favourites is The Alan, a design hotel in the centre of Manchester which feels more like an architectural project than a hotel.
The bathrooms are adorned with dark pink tiles and stylish brass features, while the bedrooms have white stone coffee tables and glass coffee mugs.
It’s modern too, each with a Google Nest “smart concierge” for any help, rather than the traditional phone.
The intimate bar was an unexpected highlight, with amazing small plates such as butterbean hummus, charred lamb breast and a deconstructed Snickers for dessert.
BEST FOR? Architecture fans who love an Instagrammable hotel.
Rooms start from £62 a night, working out to £31 each.
Mama Shelter, London
The trendy Mama Shelter hotel chain first launched in Paris in 2008 – followed by their only UK branch in 2019 in Shoreditch.
The zany interiors from garish lights to patterned armchairs mean it is certainly one of the most unique hotels in the UK.
While the room choices are simple – with just a small, medium or large – the designs are anything but.
Expect multicoloured carpets, fun prints and toiletries saying “Mama Loves You,” and even free movies on demand (as well as some more X-rated ones for adults).
The hotel restaurant is French-English fusion, serving everything from fish and chips to salmon spring rolls with small plates from £4.50.
And there are even karaoke booths you can rent onsite.
BEST FOR? Couples who want a fun stay in the capital city.
From £92.50 a night, working out to £46.75 a night.
Mollies Motel, Bristol
Mollies Motel is one for the American Diner lovers.
I’ve been lucky enough to stay at both the Bristol and Oxfordshire branch, and there are plans for one to open in Manchester.
Built off the side of a busy motorway, they are a step up from a roadside motel, being artfully designed by the team behind Soho House.
By that I mean GHDs and Dysons in the room, fancy Cowshed toiletries and a tuck shop selling treats including Tony’s Chocolonely and even branded mugs.
The restaurant leans heavily into the American diner concept – such as huge burgers, towering pancake stacks and a few token salads – so arrive with an empty stomach.
BEST FOR? Travellers exploring the area by car who want an easy base to stay at.
Rooms starting from £72 a night, working out to £36 each.
Blue Boar, Witney
My hometown of Witney is often overlooked when it comes to the Cotswolds, but it has one of my favourite hotels.
The Blue Boar is cosy, with quaint floral rooms complete with four poster beds.
The restaurant has enough to please everyone from wood-fired pizzas to pasta and burgers from £10.
It’s where you’ll find me dragging my mates for dinner whenever I’m home anyway…
BEST FOR? Tourists exploring the Cotswolds on a budget.
Rooms from £91, working out to £45.50 each.
Generator, London
If you want a really cheap hotel and you are happy to go back to basics, let me sell you Generator Hostel.
I’m not asking you to share one of the hostel’s 18-bed dorm, as their private rooms are surprisingly affordable.
They’re basic – don’t expect towels or a minibar – but if you just want somewhere to sleep while exploring London, it is amazingly located next to Kings Cross.
It has a downstairs bar and shuffleboard where you are likely to be surrounded by school kids, so it makes a great option for families with younger kids wanting to explore the city on a budget.
Just maybe remember to pack the earplugs…
BEST FOR? Families wanting an affordable base for visiting London.
Rooms from £44 a night, working out to £22 a night.
Rocksalt Rooms, Folkestone
I had to include another Folkestone hotel, with my love of my Kent town and just around the corner is the small Rocksalt Rooms.
With just four rooms, they are cosy and rustic with wrought-iron beds and Nespresso machines.
But it’s the location you want them for as it is right behind the Rocksalt restaurant, an awarding winning seafood eatery.
Coming with a complimentary breakfast, there’s no better way to wake up than with a view over the ocean.
Just make sure to stay for dinner for some freshly caught Folkestone scallops.
BEST FOR? Foodies who want amazing seaside views.
Rooms from £99 a night, working out to £49.50 a night.