If your nearest and dearest have managed to score tickets for the 2012 Games and they live outside of London, chances are they’re needing to find some decent digs for next summers big gig. 

To save cash they might even hit you up for couch space. And who could blame them? If you’re not so keen on sharing your home, or there simply isn’t the room, we’ve compiled a quick list of local beds.

With the Javelin train line taking a zippy seven minutes to get to the Olympic Stadium, Camden is a central spot to be close to the action and excitement of the sporting events, but also the quirky culture of our beloved borough.

Keep in mind that the media are pitching their tents (well not literally) in Russell Square, so there’ll be no room in any inn there!

Keeping to a budget

If you’re wanting to keep things under the three figure mark per night, try these options on for size – but get in quick – they’ll be booking fast!

The Alhambra Hotel

The fact that over half the guests are return customers is a good sign that the Alhambra is a top affordable choice. Housed over two facing buildings, it’s located within two minutes stroll of the Eurostar and listed in many an international travel guide. Rooms are bright, comfortable and clean.

17-19 Argyle Street, WC1H 8EJ
Phone: 020 78 379 575
Email: reservations@alhambrahotel.com
 

YHA St Pancras

Opposite St Pancras station and a short walk from Euston and King’s Cross, the YHA has rooms for singles, groups and families. It’s roomy with 184 beds and well located for all travel needs, including getting to the Olympic sites.

79-81 Euston Road, NW1 2QE
Phone: 0845 371 9344
Email: stpancras@yha.org.uk

California hotel

No, not the ‘hotel California’! This local gem has recently had a make-over and offers single to family room accommodation and complimentary breakfast each morning. There’s also free wireless broadband and 60 rooms. Bookings for 2012 will be taken from mid-August and will not likely last long, so don’t be slow off the mark!

4-8 Belgrove Street, WC1H 8AB
Phone: +44 (0)2078 377 629
Email: california@stpancrashotels.co.uk

Couch surfing

While a great way to get short term budget accommodation, it’s important that you do your research if you want to couch surf. There are plenty of websites out there offering advice and top tips if this is the route you choose, but keep your wits about you so you are making the best decision for your enjoyment and safety.

Mid-rangers

A bit more than just a place to lay your head, check out these local options priced at £100-£150 per night:

Arran House Hotel

Located in the heart of literary London and a quick stroll to the British Museum, this small hotel has been owned and run by the same family for more than 30 years. With many a return guest, this 200 year old Georgian town house is a delightful spot to stay.

77 Gower Street, WC1E 6HJ
Phone: 020 7636 2186
Email: arran@dircon.co.uk
 

Melia White House Hotel

Facing the popular Regents Park, the Melia White House is within walking distance of Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus. The hotel is well served by three underground stations and King’s Cross St Pancras is within a 5-10 minute taxi ride away. The hotel includes the award winning L’Albufera restaurant, a piano lounge bar, business centre and Davidoff café.

Albany Street, NW1 3UP
Phone: 020 7391 3000
Email: melia.white.house@solmelia.com
 

Ka-ching

If the financial slump isn’t hurting your wallet, and you like to do things in style, these hot spots for over £150 might be more up your alley:

St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel (pictured)

Hailed as London’s most romantic building, the magnificent restoration of this Victorian structure has resulted in five star luxury as part of the St Pancras international terminal. The gothic revival of metalwork, gold leaf ceilings, hand-stencilled wall designs and the grand stair case make this masterpiece as dazzling as the day the hotel opened in 1873 (or so we hear, we weren’t actually there for the first opening…). For those in the lucky position of being able to afford the price tag that comes with the extravagance of the rails golden age, then get booking.

Euston Road, NW1 2AR
Phone: 020 7841 3540
 

Rough Luxe Hotel

Half rough, half luxury. A little bit of luxury in a rough part of London. A little bit of rough in a luxurious London. This Grade II listed home was refurbished by internationally acclaimed designer Rabih Hage a few years ago and the owners are on hand to help guests with anything they need.
You might share a bathroom or have a small room or a small shower cubicle, but the luxury is in the choice of the wine, the bed linen, the art on the walls and the people looking after you. They’re taking bookings for 2012 from mid August this year with prices starting at £199 for a single.

1 Birkenhead Street, WC1H 8BA
Phone: 020 7837 5338
Email: info@roughluxe.co.uk
 

Hilton Euston

Chic and central, the Hilton London Euston hotel is only five minutes from Euston Station, with King’s Cross St Pancras a ten minute walk further down the street. Set in a stunning Victorian town house, the hotel boasts 11 meeting rooms, a gym and sauna. There’s also some fine dining to be had in the Woburn Place dining room or you can host your very own banquet on the terrace (as you do). Who knows, you might rub shoulders with Paris as she swans down the corridor, assuming she’s planning to pop over for the games…

17-18 Upper Woburn Place,WC1H 0HP
Phone: 020 7943 4500
Email: reservations.euston@hilton.com

Rent a room and make some cash

If all this talk of 2012 this and Olympic that isn’t your cup of builders, perhaps getting out of London is your best bet. And if this is your plan, why not make yourself a few extra quid by renting out your home?

You can make up to £4,250 tax free by renting out rooms, and you don’t have to be the owner of the property to benefit. Make sure you check your rental agreement first though as there may be a clause about sub-letting.

This scheme is government approved and known as the ‘rent a room scheme’ from renting furnished accommodation in your only or main home.

Discover the full details of the scheme.