Hotels / accommodation

The conference is non-residential, so delegates are asked to make their own accommodation arrangements. The British Academy is located in one of the most expensive areas of London, but nonetheless there are affordable accommodation options either within walking distance or a few tube stops away. I offer below some suggestions (prices correct at time of posting); please feel free to use the comments facility on this page to offer other tips, warnings, or requests for ideas. If you wish to roomshare with another delegate, let me know (by email) your preferred budget and duration of stay, and I will attempt to team people up.

Vandon House: Operated by the Central University of Iowa, this hotel is less than ten minutes walk from the British Academy. It offers basic accommodation at remarkable prices for this part of London (from £45/night, breakfast included in the price). Single rooms use shared bathrooms (6 single rooms to a bathroom), but the twin rooms are en-suite. The rooms are very basic but clean and the atmosphere is orderly and friendly.

Penn Club: The Penn Club is operated by the Quakers, and is situated on Russell Square, about 20 minutes walk from the British Academy (or two tube stops). Single rooms are from £60/night. I haven’t seen the rooms, but have heard recommendations.

International Lutheran Student Centre: More denominational accommodation, located close to the British Library and St Pancras station (easy tube connection to British Academy). The ILSC is principally designed for international postgraduate students staying in London for several weeks, but they accept requests for shorter stays. The rooms are tiny, and use shared bathrooms, but fully-equipped kitchens are also provided, and the ethos is friendly and peaceful.

Premier Inn, County Hall: This is not a cheap option at c. £120/night, but it is in a fantastic location behind the London Eye and next to the South Bank Centre, and a convenient 10-minute walk (via Westminster Bridge) from the Academy. County Hall was formerly the home of the now defunct Greater London Council, whose last leader was ‘Red’ Ken Livingstone. The hotel has recently been comprehensively refurbished, and although the accommodation lacks luxury extras the rooms are bright, airy and comfortable. A room share is possible if you specify a twin rather than double room (the room price is the same for single or double occupancy).

City Inn, Westminster: A contemporary hotel with very comfortable and well appointed rooms, located in a quiet neighbourhood close to the Thames and the Palace of Westminster. Count on a 20-minute walk to the British Academy, or a taxi – the tube is not convenient for this journey. Doubles and twins are currently available for the conference dates at £110-£120 per night; this price includes free wi-fi.