cheapest way to stay in london / north kent for 2 weeks (in 2 weeks)

[StripeyChina]

I suddenly need to travel down from Scotland for a couple of weeks to be near a very ill family member (but cannot stay with them obvs)
Need to be in SE London ideally / north west Kent 2nd best option.

I've hardly any budget for this as it is unexpected. Just looked and a
Premier Inn for 14 days or so on top of train fares is going to be ££££.
I am only early 50's but live very rurally and quietly. (I've only just got a Smartphone, never taken an Uber, never eaten in a Nandos etc)

I don't know how Airbnb works -( just googled it but it's 'down' right now). would that be the cheapest way? Any suggestions, anyone?

See if there are any universities using their student accommodation as holiday lets.

thanks, maddiemookins16mum that's an idea.

can anyone advise re air bnb? / any other ideas (casts round frantically)

Where in london do you need to be? We can direct you to some local neighbourhood websites where you put a post

AirBnB is usually where you stay in someone's home. There are three options when you search: whole property, private room, or shared room. The setup is unlikely to be as professional as a hotel or b&b, but more personal. It is often much cheaper than a hotel. If you have a private room you may have access to a kitchen, but not always. Some hosts include breakfast, some don't. There is usually a flat rate cleaning fee plus a per night charge, and discounts are usually offered for stays over 7 days. Make sure you search for the right dates and number of guests to get correct availability and prices. Hosts also have discretion to give you a special offer if you ask nicely!

Oh thank you!
The Lambeth area would be ideal
(but i can move Kent-wards from there if too expensive, iyswim)

Travelodge Crystal Palace is actually in Penge....

Is that near where you need to be?

You could try to post on East Dulwich Forum as it covers parts of Lambeth too

If you need to be near Lambeth look at neighbouring boroughs too. Southwark, Wandsworth, Croydon. Depending on what part of Kent you stay in it might be a little further than you ideally want. Air B&B will probably be your cheapest option. Which part of Lambeth do you need to be near OP?

As a pp said, university accommodation can be good value
www.universityrooms.com
Sometimes SpareRoom has short lets esp over the summer - you can search or place an ad for free

I'd prefer to be based in the Lambeth area (somewhere near Imperial War museum?) if poss. but i dont know the area well.
As i am broke i guess price will dictate location more than anything?

If you search on spareroom, check the short let box. You might find a cheap sublet for a couple of weeks.
www.spareroom.co.uk

So ideally Southwark is a good option. Look at accommodation in Elephant & Castle, Warlworth or Vauxhall.