- New research by easyHotel reveals that for over half of non-Londoners, the cost of accommodation is a barrier from visiting London
- The hotelier proves London’s accessibility with a 24-hour, £150 all-in challenge
- The recently renovated easyHotel Croydon provides accommodation just 15 minutes from Central London for less than £60*.
A fifth of adults living outside the capital haven’t set foot in London for more than 10 years – and for most, it’s their bank balance not the UK’s unpredictable weather putting them off. Many of us have been ‘minding the gap’ in our wallets, rather than the one on the tube platform.
New research of 2,000 UK residents outside of London, commissioned by affordable hotel provider, easyHotel, reveals more than half (52%) say the cost of accommodation in the city is simply too expensive, while 50% are deterred by the price of getting around.
One in five (20%) admit they stay away because they worry it’ll be too crowded, and 27% say restaurant prices are enough to keep them at home and ordering a local takeaway instead.
Yet 58% say they would love the chance to explore London more, if only it felt like you didn’t have to break the bank to experience it.
To prove that a trip to the Big Smoke is possible on a budget, easyHotel challenged Hattie Carter, a Gen-Z presenter, to a £150 all-in challenge. The mission? Experience the capital for 24 hours, with the budget covering all food, attractions and a one-night stay. With a few savvy tricks and a smart place to sleep, Hattie showed that you don’t need to spend big to have it large in London.
As accommodation was the hot topic of the survey results, an affordable night’s sleep was Hattie’s first obstacle to overcome. With over a third of non-Londoners (37%) admitting they would be swayed to visit London more if they could find accommodation for a fair price, citing £118.13 as the acceptable average for a one-night stay, the desire for budget-friendly options is clear. Hattie not only found affordable, but comfortable and convenient too. By staying at the newly refurbished easyHotel Croydon, just 15 minutes from Central London, she secured a room for only £58.27*, an impressive 51% less than the average most travellers are willing to pay, leaving plenty of money left to spend on experiencing the best the city has to offer.
Despite keeping their distance, nearly half of those polled (47%) via OnePoll.com said they wish they could visit London more often, with 32% feeling excitement at the thought.
When it comes to planning, younger travellers are the most spontaneous: 60% of 18 to 24-year-olds say they would plan a London visit a month or less in advance. With easyHotel proving London can be more affordable than many think, a last-minute city break is finally back on the cards.
Nathan White, UK Operations Director for easyHotel said:
“London has so much to offer but rising costs have made it feel out of reach for many. We wanted to challenge this perception and show that the city can still be enjoyed, if you plan smart. Our £150 challenge proves that if you’re savvy about where you lay your head, the rest of the city opens up. By staying smart at an accessible and affordable hotel, such as our newly refurbished Croydon location, you can get a comfortable night’s sleep and an action-packed trip, all while keeping your bank balance happy.”
With Hattie proving you can nail an experience-filled London stay for just £150, it seems the capital may be having an affordable comeback moment. London is calling, and for once, your bank account might actually want to pick up.
TOP 10 REASONS ADULTS HAVEN’T VISITED LONDON:
- Cost of accommodation (52%)
- Cost of transport/getting there (50%)
- Cost of restaurants (27%)
- I haven’t had the time to plan a trip (21%)
- I’m worried it will be too crowded or busy (20%)
- It’s too overwhelming (13%)
- There is too much to fit in (12%)
- The underground confuses me (10%)
- I’m saving London for a special occasion (9%)
- I feel like I’ve ‘done’ London already earlier in my life (7%)
