Crystal Lodge Hotel

Tucked in Croydon's Thornton Heath (Bensham Manor), this budget-friendly bolt-hole is about a 15-minute train ride from Victoria Station and roughly 12 minutes by car from Clapham Common. Croydon Minster and Shirley Windmill are close by, while central London landmarks like the London Eye and Big Ben sit around 14 km away. Free self parking is available onsite.

A small, cozy hotel with 12–14 guestrooms offering LED/flat-screen TVs, a desk and hairdryers. Rooms come with shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries, and you can use the shared/communal kitchen. A terrace and garden add a relaxed vibe, and reception is open 24/7.

Complimentary Wi-Fi, a terrace and garden, plus on-site barbecue grills set the scene for easy downtime. The property also provides luggage storage, tour and transfer assistance, and free self-parking. Expect simple, practical comforts rather than luxe frills.

Complimentary wireless internet keeps you connected. The hotel also offers dry cleaning and laundry services, luggage storage and a 24-hour front desk.

Breakfast is not provided, but limited-hours room service is available and there's a shared kitchen plus a BBQ area. For meals out, nearby tapas spots like Galicia, Casafina Tapas Bar and The Windmill are short walks away.