London hotels are notorious for being hugely expensive but as Helena Lang discovers, there is a new staycation option in the capital – Page8 - that offers style, pared-back luxury and a central location at a relatively affordable price. Oh, and they also have great snacks.

There’s an army of pigeons in Trafalgar Square as I cross it, and tourists teeming in, and out, of the National Gallery. I salute Nelson on his column, then dodge a cluster of red Routemaster buses heading to Waterloo Bridge, Westminster and Piccadilly Circus and dart around the theatre buffs heading to Shaftesbury Avenue. There it is. A sturdy, unassuming pale building right on the edge of the square with Page8 in modest lowercase letters adorning the metal and glass canopy. There are no suited and booted doormen; no mile-high floral arrangements in the foyer; and no wallowing in deep-pile carpets either.

This is a new, modern breed of hotel – the reception area is small and informal and squeezed in next to the Page8 Common Coffee House where guests (and walk-ins) can buy a barista coffee at any time of day, and where breakfast can also be ordered in the morning. The vibe is very definitely urban cool, with a splash of warm and friendly and the clientele are the kind of people who are keen to hit the streets and explore one of the world’s greatest cities rather than languish in a hotel spa or plush sofa filled lounge.

I’m offered a drink as I check in – complimentary to all guests – and opt for a pre-dinner glass of rosé to take up to our room. This is a super-smart navy and white affair with tip-top brass trimmings and has everything we need for our overnight stay…and more. There’s a giant TV, a Marshall speaker if we want some sounds, excellent tea (Good & Proper) and coffee and gorgeous Appelles toiletries in the glossy, white, marble shower room.

Most impressive of all is the complimentary minibar rammed with all the coolest snack and drinks brands around – from my favourite Torres black truffle crisps to Joe & Seph’s salted caramel popcorn; from a Good Gut baobab and passion fruit shot to handy cans of The Uncommon wine (including pink bubbly, yay!). It’s a treasure trove of pre-dinner treats.

There’s an excellent in-house bar and restaurant called Kitty Hawk up on the top floor, with views over Trafalgar Square if you want to dine in. If you’re the more get-out-there and explore type there’s a ‘take-it-home-with-you’ little guide book – Urban Explorer - in all the rooms with lots of suggestions for drinks and dinner as well as a blog on the hotel’s website called pagecommon where hipster foodies share their eating out secrets as well as suggestions for sights to see off the beaten track.

Breakfast in the Common Coffee House includes a first-rate version of the now-ubiquitous smashed avocado on toast with a poached egg, steaming Americano coffees and rather excellent cinnamon buns. The perfect start to the day for any urban explorer, and one I think that even Nelson would salute.