Celtic Hotel

Winner: Top Budget Hotels in London

The Celtic Hotel is one of our favorite budget hotels in all of Europe. It ticks off the boxes for all of the things we hold dear: lovely proprietors, reasonable rates, clean rooms, and a central location. In short, it’s hard to find anything to complain about (aside from the difficulty of booking a room, given the hotel’s popularity!).

Located just down the block from Russell Square, the Celtic is comprised of three townhouses combined into a hotel, and thus its 35 rooms vary quite significantly in size. However, high ceilings and pastel-toned walls help make even the tiny singles feel a little less cramped. Furnishings are basic and utilitarian, with simple curtains and comforters, but there are a few details (like framed floral prints and cute lamps) that increase the charm quotient.

Amenities are sparse, but all rooms offer free Wi-Fi and TV. The bathroom situation depends on which type of room you book: The most basic (and cheapest) singles and doubles share toilets and showers, although all are equipped with their own in-room sinks. The most expensive rooms have private bathrooms, while there are also middle-of-the-road rooms that have either only a shower or only a toilet.

Whatever the configuration, the bathrooms are spotless and there are plenty of shared facilities to go around. The especially modest should note, however, that the “shower-no-toilet” rooms have free-standing showers—with no separate door.

Additionally, the Celtic offers one small apartment in the basement that sleeps up to four. It’s a homey space with an old fireplace, one double bed, two twins and a small kitchenette.

The Hotel Celtic has two spacious lounges, each done up with a mishmash of comfortable furniture and traditional fireplace. One has a television, and both are great for curling up with a book.

Mr. and Mrs. Marazzi, the Celtic’s very friendly Italian owners, keep the place comfortable and homey. The family is so friendly that when they moved operations (from the St. Margaret’s Hotel, a former EuroCheapo favorite located just a few blocks away), virtually their entire staff wanted to move with them. (Read our Q&A with Mrs. Marazzi here.)

Given its top-notch service and its location bang in the center of town (across the street from Russell Square, and very near the British Museum, Kings Cross Station and the West End), the hotel represents a great value.

Breakfast, included in the room rate, is made to order and served in a light, airy room with mirrored walls.

Note: The hotel does not have an elevator, but three bedrooms are located on the ground floor.