Cheap London hotels – Tune Hotel opens in Westminster

Just think of it – cheap hotels in central London. They are like the rarest of exotic animals. You hear reports, but don’t quite believe until you see it for yourself. Cheap London hotels do exist however, and they now have another name to add to their ranks.

Tune Hotels, a Malaysian-based hotel chain with hotels in Malaysia and Indonesia, has just opened its first hotel in London, and straightforward cheapness is its main selling point. Taking a leaf out of the budget airlines’ book, it provides a basic room for a basic price. If you want extras – towel, toiletries, television, wifi, hair-dryer – you pay extra.

Tune Hotel, Westiminster - a cheap London hotel

They call it a ‘soft opening’ – a week of ultra cheap rooms before the big opening at the end of August. A week of dealing with teething problems and letting the new paint smell dissipate. The receptionist was upbeat, informing me I had a room with two windows – windows are good – and handing me a bag with my towel and toiletries (£1.50). I was good to go.

The rooms are small and basic, which should come as no surprise for rooms which cost from £35, yet they are finished to a high standard. The bathroom is an object lesson in compact design, with toilet, sink and shower. As for the bed, I slept well. ‘Nuff said.

The rooms are fine for a single person, but I imagine a couple with luggage would feel a bit cramped. On the other hand, small rooms in cheap hotels like this are not designed as places to linger. They are places to sleep and shower, before heading out on yet more sightseeing adventures.

The Tune Hotel doesn’t provide such fripperies as meals, but there are plenty of restaurants and cafés close by. The delights of the South Bank are a short walk away, while Lambeth North tube station is just across the road, so London’s sights are all within easy reach.

The Tune Hotel Westminster opens officially at the end of August, with room prices starting at £35. Extras include items such as: television (24 hours) – £3, wifi (24 hours) – £3, and a hair-dryer – £1 for the length of your stay. Extras can be bought at time of booking or at reception.

Tune Hotel, 118-120 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7RW