An affordable city break: self-catering apartments in London

Once you check in to Citadines Barbican, drop by the Sourced Market deli and café, helpfully located in reception, to gather supplies. This Artisan grocer stocks the essentials – and some little luxuries – from local, independent suppliers. You can start your day of sightseeing here with an energising smoothie, made fresh with greens, fruits and nuts.

All but the Classic Rooms at this hotel have kitchens stocked with everything you’ll need for a self-catered holiday. Studios are cosy with galley kitchens – ideal for a weekend break for two – while one-bedroom apartments offer more space with separate living rooms. Each one feels fresh and inviting, with a soft palette of blue and grey or burgundy and cream. Artistic framed prints of iconic London landmarks offer a taste of what’s in store for your city break and add a homely touch.

Freshen up in your blissful rainfall shower and take a short rest on your soft double bed before ticking off the sights on your must-see list. Not sure where to start your tour? The colourful lobby displays a map of the city, pinpointing things to do within a 10 minute walk. Take in the London skyline with a stroll along the river, then put your feet up and sip a cold craft beer – the deli stocks modern classics such as Beavertown – in the privacy of your very own living room.

Glimpse famous sights such as the London Eye, Big Ben and the magnificent Westminster Abbey from your base at Staybridge Suites Vauxhall. Sitting moments from the River Thames and just a short stroll from the nearest tube station, this self-catering hotel gives you a taste of central-London living. Lambeth is steeped in history; the Imperial War Museum is within walking distance, while the vibrant Southbank area, home to the Brutalist architecture of the National Theatre and the boundary-pushing art of the Tate Modern, is a 20 minute walk away.

Make yourself at home in the plush lobby that brings the outdoors in with stacks of chopped logs and a cosy fireplace. Recharge here after a day wandering the multiple floors of the nearby Tate Britain and spotting classic works of art, including sculptures by famed British artists Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore, and the atmospheric Ophelia by Sir John Everett Millais.

If you’d prefer to relax in private, head up to your apartment. A soothing palette of soft browns and greys is brought to life by sumptuous velvet scatter cushions, lending the space an ultra-contemporary feel. Kitchens come with integrated hobs and sleek chrome fixtures to make dining in a pleasure, plus dishwashers in every apartment take the fuss out of home cooking. Rest peacefully in your king-sized bed and stream your favourite show on your Apple TV.

Apartments at Staycity Deptford Bridge deliver all the comforts of home (and then some). Check into a studio for a couples weekend away, or book a one-bedroom apartment with room for up to four guests if you’re heading into the city with family, perhaps to be enthralled by the gruesome history and glittering crown jewels at the Tower of London. Lounge areas with sofa beds mean there’s plenty of room for everyone and with a fully equipped kitchen, you can easily prepare an easy spaghetti carbonara or even a succulent roast to top off a fun-filled weekend.

Exposed beams throughout this industrial-style building mix with a clean palette of greys and blues to create a calming and chic atmosphere. Dock your iPod and make yourself a fresh coffee from the Nespresso machine – each apartment has one – while you wait for breakfast to be delivered to your door. Prepare for the day with a tasty stack of pancakes or a full English fry up (included in your stay).

After dinner and a concert or comedy show at the O2 – just 2 miles away – relax in your rainfall shower before stretching out on your luxurious premium sprung mattress. Thoughtful touches such as light-reducing curtains help you sleep peacefully. Within the hotel, you can make use of the fully equipped gym, plus there’s a coin-operated laundry room should you need it.

On the corner of an upscale West London street sits the Harrington Collection. This Victorian-era townhouse is a grand gateway to the city, situated a 12 minute walk away from Gloucester Road tube station. It’s also just 2 miles from Buckingham Palace, where you might see the changing of the guard or wander alongside the lake in St James’s Park towards Trafalgar Square.

With a stay at the Harrington, you get the comfort of a private apartment and the amenities of an upscale hotel. Fit in your daily work out at the Prana Wellbeing studio. Here, you can take a pilates class or get your heart rate up in the gym. On the ground floor, you’ll find the CALIX South Kensington restaurant. Take a night off from self-catering and dine on Mediterranean classics, such as cherry bell pepper risotto, or share a stone baked pizza.

Of course, if you’re in the mood for a home-cooked meal, your accommodation has everything you need to create your favourite dish. Fully equipped kitchens have washing machines and tumble dryers, making them ideal for longer stays. Modern studio, one-bed and two-bed spaces are light and airy with huge windows looking out onto the terrace of redbrick buildings. Canvas artworks add a spot of colour to the clean, white walls, while glass dining tables enhance the minimalist theme. A daily housekeeping service ensures your space is fresh to return to after a day exploring the treasure trove of the British Museum and marvelling at the view from the Shard.

Live like a local with a stay at Native Fulham. Minimalist décor is calming and neutral – think bare wood floors, soft throws and Scandi furniture – making each apartment a joy to return to after a day of shopping at the world-class flagship stores on Regent Street. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape to the vibrant capital or a weekend with friends on a budget, there are elegant studios and one or two bedroom apartments to choose from that accommodate up to four guests.

Each space is complete with an open-plan kitchen so you can prepare a favourite home-cooked dish and serve it up at your dining table (chilli con carne, anyone?). As well as your private accommodation, you’ll have access to the communal terrace – some flats open directly onto it. It’s a peaceful space to spend an evening with good company and a ruby red glass of Cabernet Sauvignon in hand.

Located close to the River Thames, Native Fulham offers you the chance to see the city from a different angle. Forget the tube for a day and take the Thames Clipper river taxi instead. It’s just a 7 minute walk away and will take you to local landmarks like Tate Britain, where you’ll see masterpieces from artists including Andy Warhol and Picasso. You don’t even have to set foot outside of the hotel to experience a little culture – King’s Court Galleries, located within the building, displays and sells antique maps and prints of the city that stand as works of art in their own right.

There’s central and then there’s Native Monument. Located just a 3 minute walk from the River Thames and a 4 minute walk from Monument tube station, this hotel puts you at the heart of the action. You’re also within easy reach of the Tower of London, the infamous prison with many grisly and gruesome stories to discover, as well as the well-connected London Bridge station. Cross the river, visit the attractions of the south side and pick up essentials for your stay at bustling Borough Market, like rolls of freshly baked sourdough, locally matured cheeses and fragrant herbs and spices from across the globe.

In your apartment, you’ll find a galley kitchen with a hob cooker and microwave. If you haven’t picked up everything you need at the market, the nearest supermarket is handily less than 2 minutes away by foot. Large windows in your airy lounge deliver city views, while overhanging reading lamps and plush sofas offer a comfortable spot to recharge with a cup of tea or coffee.

Take in a show at Shakespeare’s Globe – a 15 minute stroll away – then sip on champagne cocktails at a buzzing rooftop bar overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral before returning to your home-from-home. Freshen up in the spacious shower in your modern bathroom, which is decorated with warm copper mosaic tiling. Finally, your soft bed beckons you after a day of exploring. Soft scatter cushions and a velvet headboard add a decadent touch.

At Staybridge Suites Stratford you get the comfort of a private apartment and the amenities of a hotel holiday. On check in, you’ll receive a complimentary smartphone, helpfully named Handy, for the length of your stay. As well as being your guide to the city, it gives you free local and international calls to six selected countries. Flats feature leather beds, dark wood furniture and plush carpets, creating a welcoming space to return to after exploring the nearby Olympic Park.

These serviced apartments are located within Westfield shopping centre, so you can spend the day browsing for luxury leather goods and updating your wardrobe with designer threads before heading into the city – simply hop on the tube at nearby Stratford station. If you’re in London to catch your favourite band, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is just a 7 minute walk from the hotel.

You can pick up the essentials at the Pantry, open 24 hours in the lobby. Here, you’ll find handy everyday ingredients alongside opulent extras, such as champagne, to make your stay even more special. A complimentary breakfast, with both continental and hearty Full English options available, is served in the lively lounge, where socials with free drinks are held three times a week. The building also has a free-to-use laundry room – ideal if you’re planning a longer stay – and a fitness centre so that you can stay on top of your workout routine.