Hey Chrisse242,
I live and work in London and I know that it is very costly to stay in the centre! Try to find somewhere like Travel lodge which is a chain of country wide inexpensive standard motel-like hotel. They are usually near main fast roads and not readily accessible for pedestrians! But a little perseverance will work wonders.(Prices vary but a room is normally no more than £50 per night)
Don't worry about being ripped off by them either, they're pretty good and reliable.
I've never investigated the small cheap touristy and privately run hotels, but there are plenty of them in areas like Paddington (quite central), Notting Hill, Shepherd's Bush, Fulham and Batswater. Check the rooms out before you hand over the money!! (Bring a UV torch for that!!:green
Most places in London are safe as long as you keep a clear head and a sharp look out.
Good torch shops are rare indeed. But I quite like A-Z electronics in Brewer Street W.1. and cheap batteries are available in branches of Maplins, Woolworths and Tescos.
Enjoy your stay in London.
Please feel free to PM me for any specific info or questions which I will try to answer to the best of my knowledge.
Be lucky...
PS - I don't recommend the bicycle rickshaws - very unsafe, nor accepting minicabs from people on the street. UK law states that a passenger in a minicab which has been touted on the street rather than called on a phone is uninsured!!! I do recommend black cabs and buses and tubes.
