What It’s Really Like to Stay in Budget Hotels in London, Edinburgh & Dublin

ABBEY:

• Citadines at Barbican 

We chose Citadines Barbican London because of its proximity to our colleagues’ offices. After late-night meetups, it was a relief to walk back without hassle. Although it was cold when we arrived in London, the warmth we felt at Citadines was like a cozy embrace.

A special touch? A welcome basket filled with snacks and chocolates to celebrate my wife’s birthday- thoughtful and heartwarming. The room itself was spacious, with plenty of storage for our shoes, luggage, and clothes. For refreshments, filtered water is available on the ground floor, and you can grab specialty drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, or hot chocolate from the self-service station at the basement level. The hotel’s close proximity to a train station was another major plus, especially since we relied heavily on public transportation throughout our stay.

• ibis Styles St Andrew Square

In Edinburgh, we stayed at ibis Styles St Andrew Square, a stylish hotel located right in the heart of the city. It was perfectly situated- just a short walk from the train station, top museums, restaurants, and even the airport bus stop.

Our room had a large, clean bed where we enjoyed unwinding with streaming content on the internet-enabled TV (a welcome feature, especially since cable channels were limited). The complimentary breakfast buffet offered a satisfying start to the day, with fresh pastries, scones, oatmeal, fruits, and juices. Bonus points for offering umbrella rentals- very handy for those drizzly Edinburgh days when you still want to explore.

• Hampton by Hilton in Dublin

Our final stay was at Hampton by Hilton in Dublin, which offered easy access to city hotspots like Temple Bar and Jervis Shopping Centre- just an 8-minute walk away.

The room was impressively spacious with a city view, giving us plenty of room to spread out and relax. One of our favorite highlights? The breakfast- especially the DIY waffle station with toppings like whipped cream, blueberries, and syrup. I also enjoyed the classic English breakfast options, complete with pork and blood sausage, eggs, grilled tomatoes, and beans. The lobby bar was a great spot to unwind and catch up with friends over a drink.

What It’s Really Like to Stay in Budget Hotels in London, Edinburgh & Dublin

WILL: When planning a trip to the UK and Ireland, hotels can take up a big chunk of your budget. But here’s the question: should you sacrifice comfort and security just to save?

We say—no need!

You can have both—and here are the budget-friendly hotels we stayed at during our recent London, Edinburgh, and Dublin trip. We’re sharing honest reviews to help you decide whether these places are for you.

🏨 Citadines Barbican London

There’s no shortage of hotels in Central London, but why did we choose Citadines at Barbican?

1.It’s within walking distance of Abbey’s office

2.Centrally located and close to many tourist spots

For our 4-night stay, we were surprised that housekeeping wasn’t included. That meant we had to take out the trash, change our own towels, and refill our water from the gym (or basement). No tea/coffee refill too.

A bit of a hassle—but:

— The room size fits 2 open large luggages comfortably

— The bed was cozy, and the quilt was warm and fluffy

So, if you’re okay being independent, this is a good pick.

🛏️ ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square

I’m glad Abbey picked this over other hotel chains. What makes it stand out?

1.The location feels peaceful, yet you’re just minutes from the buzz of the main streets.

2.Breakfast is a winner—fresh bagels, scones, a great cheese spread. One of our fave breakfast buffets!

3.And don’t miss their sticky toffee pudding—a surprise hit.

Heads-up though: The room and bathroom are quite cramped. But if you won’t be spending much time inside, it still works.

☕ Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Centre

We’re not big IHG fans—but this hotel was a smart choice.

1.Walking distance to the mall, St Stephen’s Green, and major bus stops

2.And since Dublin was our “sleep vacation,” we appreciated the restful vibes here

—Room and bathroom sizes were more generous than London

—Housekeeping came daily, and

—Breakfast? Always exciting—especially the fresh fruits and DIY waffles!

That wraps up our hotel picks for our UK-Ireland trip. Hope this gives you a glimpse of what it’s like to stay at these three hotels—and helps you decide which one suits your travel style best.

If you’re looking for comfort without going over budget, these are worth considering. 💸✨

Happy planning!

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

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Aparthotel Citadines Barbican London - Official Site

(W) https://www.discoverasr.com/en/citadines/united-kingdom/citadines-barbican-london

ibis Styles St Andrew Square | Stylish Hotel in Edinburgh

(W) https://all.accor.com/hotel/9058/index.en.shtml

Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Centre

(W) https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dubbihx-hampton-dublin-city-centre/

Natural History, British, or Maritime? Choosing the Best Free Museum in London!

ABBEY: During our recent trip to the UK, we had the opportunity to visit three incredible museums—all absolutely free to enter! These museums were the Natural History Museum, the British Museum, and the National Maritime Museum. While admission is free, it’s important to note that advance booking is required for both the Natural History Museum and the British Museum due to high visitor demand.

Each museum offers a unique experience that caters to a wide range of interests.

Natural History Museum – A Fascinating Journey Through the Natural World
This museum was a personal favorite. The exhibits featuring animals from all over the world were both captivating and educational. Some of the displays made me wonder if the animals would make good pets (though most, of course, are best admired from a safe distance!). Others were simply awe-inspiring—reminding us just how small we are in comparison to the giants of nature.

British Museum – A Treasure Trove of Human History
At the British Museum, you’ll find an extraordinary collection of artifacts that tell the story of human civilization. From ancient jewelry, pottery, and artwork to iconic pieces like the Rosetta Stone, this museum showcases the rich tapestry of global history. It’s a perfect stop for anyone who wants to see how different cultures and civilizations are connected through time.

National Maritime Museum – A Deep Dive Into Maritime History
The National Maritime Museum highlights the UK’s deep connection to sea exploration and trade. The exhibit begins with stunning photographs of stars, constellations, and galaxies—used historically for navigation. These award-winning images are not only beautiful but also remind us how far navigation has come. You’ll also see historic instruments and maritime artifacts that shed light on seafaring life through the ages.
If you’re curious about the culture and history of a place, museums are an excellent starting point. They offer a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage, achievements, and way of life—all while being fun and often free to explore.

Kindly donate to help them continue this endeavor. 

Natural History, British, or Maritime? Choosing the Best Free Museum in London!

WILL: Natural History Museum vs British Museum vs National Maritime Museum. Which one deserves a few hours of your London itinerary?

Yes, there are different kinds of tourists. And Abbey and I? We’re the kind who always make time for museums. I’m not exactly sure why, but there’s this deeply fulfilling feeling we get whenever we step into one. It’s like, in some small way, we get to understand a slice of a country’s history and culture.

Now, if there’s one place in the world that knows how to do museums right, it’s London. Not only does it showcase its own rich heritage, but it also houses pieces from countries under the Commonwealth realm—offering a global perspective in just one city.
But let’s be real—not everyone has the time or the energy to explore all the free museums in London. If you’re short on time or unsure where to go, this blog is your quick guide. 😉

⸻
Natural History Museum
According to Google AI: “A Natural History Museum focuses on the natural world—plants, animals, rocks, minerals, and fossils. These museums are known for their vast specimen collections, research, and educational exhibits. They help us understand Earth’s history and the diversity of life.”

So nope, don’t expect ancient civilization artifacts here. Think fossils, geology, and a deep dive into natural science.
If you’re fascinated by dinosaurs, evolution, and real-life fossils, this place will blow your mind. The collection is massive and engaging, especially for kids. We initially planned for a 2-hour visit—but trust me, that wasn’t enough!

Allocate at least half a day here if you’re visiting with children. The dinosaur skeletons and interactive exhibits are guaranteed hits.

⸻
British Museum
The British Museum is the world’s first national public museum. As you may know, Britain once ruled a vast empire—and many artifacts from across the world (like the Parthenon Marbles from Greece and ancient Egyptian relics) now reside here.

Our experience? We dedicated two hours to explore, but honestly, only had time for the top “must-see” exhibits. What I personally loved? Their timepiece collection and the highlight of the museum—the Egyptian Sculpture Gallery. It’s like having a little piece of Egypt right in London.
⸻
National Maritime Museum
Wait, why visit this one?
If you’re asking, “Why the Maritime Museum?” — hear me out. This was actually my favorite among the three.
-- Less crowded
-- Less noisy
-- More immersive (especially for adults who love stories of trade, travel, and conquest)

Located in Greenwich, this museum offers a breath of fresh air away from the more touristy spots of Central London. It dives deep into how Britain dominated global trade by sea, and how maritime power shaped the world’s history and economy.
Oh, and if you’ve got kids? There’s an entire play area just for them—so everyone’s happy!

So, which one should you choose?
> Into science, fossils, and Earth’s past? Go for the Natural History Museum.
> Love global history and ancient artifacts? Head to the British Museum.
> Want a quieter, thought-provoking escape with bonus kid-friendly space? Don’t miss the National Maritime Museum.

Or if you’re like us—just visit all three! 😄
Enjoy exploring London and let me know which museum you loved the most!

London in Real Time 🇬🇧 | Tower Bridge, Museums, High Tea & Harry Potter (Day 2–3 Slow Travel Vlog)

Slow Travel UK | Unfiltered Greenwich to Edinburgh Journey 🇬🇧 | Day 4-5 London Vlog

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Accommodation Excellence

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.