With the 2012 London Olympics fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking of where you’d like to stay for the events. Here’s our guide to the top hotels for all budgets.

Luxury London Hotels near Olympic Venues

Seeing the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London may be a once in a lifetime experience, so there’s no better time to splash out on one of London’s finest hotels. With most of the action taking place around Greenwich, this may be the most convenient location for many visitors; however there will be excellent transport links across London to all 2012 venues.

With a stunning waterside setting, the Radisson Edwardian New Providence Wharf is ideally located for The O2 (The site for North Greenwich Arenas 1 and 2), which can be seen from the hotel’s huge windows. This 4-star hotel has 169 spacious bedrooms and suites, including a stunning 7th floor penthouse with fantastic views.

The London Marriott West India Quay Hotel is the nearest 5-star hotel to The O2 and in a perfect location to catch the best of London 2012. This luxurious hotel has a superb restaurant and bar, with outdoor terraces where you can dine al fresco. Plus, if all the sporting action of the Olympics has inspired you to get active, there is a 24-hour fitness suite and sauna.

Budget Accommodation for London 2012

There is plenty of budget accommodation available for London 2012, even within easy access of some the main Olympic venues. Budget hotels are ideal if you are looking for basic but clean and comfortable accommodation. Booking a hotel that is part of one of London’s many budget hotel chains is a good way to ensure a certain standard of accommodation. Usually the earlier you can book, the cheaper the rate.

Just a short walk from The O2 and near to North Greenwich tube station, the Express by Holiday Inn London Greenwich is a contemporary budget hotel. The hotel is also near to Greenwich Park, which will host the equestrian events in London 2012. Children under 18 can stay for free in family rooms, so it’s a good choice if you’re travelling with kids.

Travelodge is one of the biggest budget hotel chains, offering a number of cheap hotels across London. The Travelodge London Docklands is in an ideal, central location for London 2012. The hotel offers spacious, comfortable en suite rooms, with tea and coffee making facilities.

Alternative Accommodation for London 2012

During the summer months, many university halls of residence are rented out, and these will provide an additional 30,000 beds for London 2012. Situated on the edge of the city, near to public transport links, Alexander Fleming Halls of Residence is part of the University of Westminster. The halls offer single rooms in self-contained flats for 4 to 8 people, so they are ideal for groups or lone travellers.

Alternatively, some Londoners will open their homes to guests to provide homestay accommodation as part of a special programme for London 2012. Primarily this arrangement will be for families of Olympic athletes; however there are already many London Homestays in operation that are open to all. With a friendly, homely atmosphere, homestays offer a great alternative to London hotels.

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Category: Sports
Keywords: olympics. london, 2012, accommodation