We love our shopping weekends in London, and now we've discovered a bargain hotel chain to stay in we plan even more jaunts.

On a recent trip to the big smoke, Trends and Travel Editor Andrea discovered Tune Hotel Westminster and it got her seal of approval...

Like a no-frills airline - the earlier you book a room, the cheaper it is. But what marks Tune out as a step forward in the world of hotels is its pay-as-you-use system.

The price you pay covers the room, while extras cost more, and these add-ons range from wifi access to laundered towels, housekeeping, use of a hairdryer or in-room safe and a TV/entertainment package.

Best of all for sole female travellers or groups of girls, it's located right across the road from Lambeth North (Bakerloo line) tube station, so I felt really safe travelling back to the hotel alone by tube, even at night.

My room was really clean and freshly decorated and the staff were exceptionally friendly. It didn't feel 'basic' just streamlined, functional, comfortable and with a really comfy bed and superb power shower.

I couldn't argue with its promise of 5-star beds at 1-star prices. And what I saved on my London hotel I splashed on Oxford Street. A win/win for me!

The hotel features 79 bedrooms with prices starting from £45 a night the hotel got a prestigious 2011 certificate of excellence from TripAdvisor.

A second Tune Hotel, with 183 en-suite rooms, is due to open near Liverpool Street station on 4th January, with rooms from £35 a night. Visit www.tunehotels.com/uk.

Read Sugahfix Trends Editor Andrea's new travel, drink and food blog at theworldinaglass.com.