London offers many exciting things to see and do for holidaymakers. Numerous museums, historical sites, and entertainment options attract crowds of tourists each year. Due to the city's popularity as a business and entertainment centre, hotel rooms in London are always in demand; consequently, hotel room prices in London range well above the average for the U.K. Some budget-minded travellers choose to take advantage of the numerous cheap hotels London offers; other holidaymakers have success in negotiating a better rate from their preferred hotel. While each hotel is different, there are certain general guidelines that will ensure you receive the best rates available from the hotel of your choice.

Travel off-peak

While London never truly experiences an off-peak season, certain times are far busier than others; London is an especially popular destination during school holidays, for instance. London travel experts suggest planning your holiday for the "shoulder" months which bracket the summer tourist season; these are May and September. For those prepared for the possibility of cold but not necessarily damp, November is an attractive and less crowded option as well. Additionally, hotels that cater to business travellers tend to have cheaper rates on the weekends; these can offer an attractive alternative to higher-priced resort hotels aimed at holidaymakers. Your chances of negotiating a lower rate with the hotel are much better at these off-peak times.

Join the crowd

Many hotels offer significant discounts for groups booking ten or more rooms. If you make reservations through a travel organisation, you may be able to take advantage of these lower rates, reducing your total cost for the stay. If these rates are not available up front, ask for them. Many hotels will not offer special group rates to travellers unless they are specifically requested.

Do it yourself for a lower rate

Many hotels offer a discounted rate for guests who are willing to accept a lessened level of service. Accepting a room on a lower level of the hotel, removing your own rubbish, and dispensing with maid service are options that can sometimes mean a lower room rate for holidaymakers. By doing it yourself, you can save on your final bill.

Upgrade to save

While it may seem counterintuitive, purchasing an additional service offered by the hotel can often save on your final bill. By arranging to take advantage of dinner service, a golf program, or other services, you can often negotiate with hotel management to receive a discount on your stay. This is especially valuable to travellers who intend to take advantage of these special services anyway.

For holidaymakers on a stricter budget, it's wise to do some research on the cheap hotels London has on offer. Many cater specifically to students, and offer little in the way of amenities. A number of cheap hotels in London are conveniently located near major attractions; these often require advance reservations and, due to their already low rates, are usually resistant to negotiating a lower price. Ironically, some of the higher-rated hotels can offer a better package deal than cheap hotels in London, due to the inclusive nature of their services and willingness to negotiate with travellers. It's essential that London holidaymakers investigate all their options; the cheapest may not always be the best.