- 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.
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| 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!
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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/