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/

Where to Eat in London Without Wasting Your Wallet (Or Appetite)

Yes, we always try fast food abroad! It’s a fun way to see if the flavors differ from what we’re used to back home. In London, we visited McDonald’s, Shake Shack, and Chipotle, and here’s what we found:

•McDonald’s and Shake Shack burgers were juicy, meaty, and generously portioned. Shake Shack’s chicken sandwich was a standout—moist, flavorful, and perfectly complemented by their dipping sauce.

•At Chipotle, it felt like a familiar taste from the U.S. The carnitas burrito was massive and packed with rice, black beans, salsa, and guacamole. If you’re looking for a hearty meal on the go, this one delivers.

St James’s Café

Located in the heart of St. James’s Park, this charming café was the perfect breakfast stop. With tulips blooming and ducks, squirrels, and even swans roaming around, the setting was nothing short of serene.

I ordered a traditional English breakfast—a generous plate of bacon, sausages, mushrooms, roasted potatoes, baked beans, eggs, and bread. With a warm cup of coffee on the side and the sun shining, it was a picture-perfect start to our day.

Afternoon Tea at The Savoy

Our afternoon tea at The Savoy was a real treat. Held in The Gallery, the atmosphere was elegant with white-linen tables and plush chairs. Our server was friendly and clearly knew the menu well, which made the experience even more delightful.

We enjoyed a selection of finger sandwiches with cucumber, chicken, salmon, and creamy spreads. The scones were soft and buttery, served with clotted cream and jam—a must-try British combo! We ordered champagne, but it never arrived—perhaps a cheeky sign that it was too early. Either way, we had a lovely time.

Two Brewers

No trip to the UK is complete without a pub visit. I met up with colleagues at Two Brewersfor a sunny afternoon of drinks and catching up. We sat outdoors with pints of Guinness, Moretti, and Peroni, soaking in the warm weather and the easy-going vibe of a true London pub experience.

Poppies

After a long stroll through the British Museum, hunger led us to Poppies Fish & Chips—a well-loved spot and conveniently located near the Palace Theatre. We ordered haddockand cod, both of which came in what looked like large portions despite being regular-sized.

The fish had a perfect crispy exterior with tender, juicy meat inside. Add a splash of vinegar and some tartar sauce, and it’s British comfort food at its best. Be warned though: prices are steep—around 100 SGD for two.

Trafalgar Tavern

If you’re looking for a classic Sunday Roast with river views, head to Trafalgar Tavern along the Thames. We walked in and got a cozy spot on the second floor, which had the charm of a colonial-style home.

We ordered bangers and mash, and roast beef rump with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and rich gravy. Everything was delicious—tender meats, flavorful sides, and great drinks to go with it. It felt like a royal feast!

Street Pizza by Gordon Ramsay

When I saw a video of Street Pizza’s buffet, I knew I had to try it. We visited their Southwark branch and were greeted enthusiastically by the staff. The staff exclaimed “Oh bottomless pizza” when I told her we’ll be having pizza buffet.

The buffet included classics like Margherita, pepperoni, and the quirky “Idiot” pizza. Fresh from the oven, each slice was loaded with flavor. There’s even a Chickpea Tikka Masalaoption for vegetarians. Fast service; I’m still finishing a slice when the staff put another one in my plate. I managed to finish 12 slices—I probably could’ve done one more, but we had to leave. Next time!

Where to Eat in London Without Wasting Your Wallet (Or Appetite)

WILL: When people from Singapore or Asia visit London, one common complaint is: “The food is bland and not exciting.”

We heard that a lot — and honestly, we were nervous. So we made it our mission to find dishes that serve both flavour and memories. Here’s a real look at the food we indulged in while exploring the heart of London.

•Easy Comfort Food: McDonald’s / Shake Shack / Chipotle
➡️McDonald’s (GBP 9.58 per person)
Familiar and safe. The portion isn’t massive (unlike in the U.S.), but the beef patty? Super flavourful and juicy.
Tip: Your meal will come in a takeaway brown bag, and you’re expected to clear your own table — yes, with that same brown bag.

➡️Shake Shack (Uber Eats: GBP 26.68)
We’ve tried Shake Shack in the U.S., Dubai, and Singapore — but London’s version wins. The burger? Bigger and juicier. The chicken? SO good I almost devoured an entire box on my own. 😂

➡️Chipotle (Takeaway for 2: GBP 19.60)
The burrito was forgettable. But theyare very generous on the ingredients. But honestly you can skip this. Seriously.

•☕ A Quiet Pause at St. James’s Café (Breakfast for 2: GBP 31.35)

In the middle of beautiful St. James’s Park — a peaceful escape from the city buzz — lies this charming café. Perfect before or after a visit to Buckingham Palace.
Must-try:
 • Their Full English Breakfast
 • The pastry of the day (flaky, warm, and so satisfying)

•🫖 High Tea at The Savoy (Afternoon Tea for 2: GBP 207.00)

We picked The Savoy because it’s iconic — known for its elegant service and tradition among locals. Was it worth it? Maybe. The sweets were delightful, but unfortunately, they missed our alcoholic drink order — we had to cancel it as we were leaving. A little disappointing, especially at this price point.

Still, if you’re after a posh London tea experience, The Savoy is an option for ambience in spades.

•🐟 Best Fish and Chips: Poppies, Soho (Meal for 2: GBP 53.86)

Before watching Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, we dropped by one of London’s most famous fish and chips spots.The fish is fresh and perfectly battered.
Please splash your fish with vinegar it elevates everything. Tip: Expect a crowd — it’s Soho, after all.

•🍽️ Sunday Roast at Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich (Meal for 2: GBP 51.60) DO NOT MISS THIS. If you’re heading to Greenwich, go on a Sunday to experience their massive, satisfying Sunday Roast. The bangers and mash were rich and comforting. The mashed potatoes? So silky you’ll think it’s butter in disguise

•🍕 All-You-Can-Eat at Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza (Meal for 2: GBP 58.31) 

This place is FUN.Pizzas just keep coming until you wave the white flag. Thin, chewy dough — not those “cheat-you-with-dough” types. Toppings are generous, cheese is overflowing
Servers are fast, energetic, and they make sure your plate is never empty. Can you beat our record of 8 slices? 😅

So… Is London Food Really That Boring? Honestly? No. Not even close. Skip the overhyped tourist markets and instead, dig into places that locals love and travelers trust.

Yes, eating well in London isn’t cheap. Even water can hurt your wallet — especially if your home currency is weak against the pound. But with smart planning, the food can absolutely be one of the highlights of your trip.

Have you tried any of these places in London? Or do you have your own hidden gems to share? Leave a comment — we’d love to hear your food stories!

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

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.