Since when did the Strand Palace become a $500 a night hotel?

hotels etc in UK have got more expensive since the supply of cheap east european labour dried up. But you can still do better than $500, using the Trivago comparison site I can see prices in early December around $450 - 460

I think I can get that price down by not eating the hotel breakfast.
I'm not sure I read it right but it seemed to be 95 pounds more a day for breakfast.
Whoa

Look at the Premier Inn website.

If memory serves there’s a PI near Waterloo station as well as one near Westminster Bridge.

Premier Inn County Hall
Premier Inn Waterloo

Breakfast is not included.

And yes London is expensive but can be done on the cheap. Been visiting for over 50 years. Tread off the beaten path and you’ll discover less expensive spots to explore and enjoy.

You are focusing on a small, popular and therefore expensive area of town. Widen your search and you should have more luck.
South of the River tends to be cheaper so you might have motor luck price wise there.

The English Breakfast Buffet is £18 (US$24 per day). Still a bit of a steep price, but not $95.

5 December is the most expensive date I can find by quite a long way- there must be something on in London.

By comparison, and far more normal, tonight 7 August, for a single is £121.13 room only, or £145.50 with breakfast, members rates Looking at the price chart that looks to be a rate far closer to the average.
For a last minute Friday night booking in August seems quite fair, probably less than any central area Travelodge or Premier Inn.

So look at a nearby Premier Inn for the same nights, or Travelodge or Accor.

A few things I neglected to mention, my partner is 96,he's mobile but can't walk for long distances.
So I know that's not a cheap area but good for getting to the National etc by foot.
I am going to look at Premier and will call Strand and get exact quote from them since I seem to be getting my info wrong.

Have a look at the hotels near Lambeth Bridge. There are a few including a Park Plaza and Novotel which aren’t much further away from the area you are looking at.
You also might find it more cost effective, and efficient, to book a hotel a bit further away and factor in the cost of a cab to the National ( I’m presuming National Theatre?)
Speaking as someone who also has mobility issues don’t underestimate distances that might look short on a map. I certainly wouldn’t want to walk from the Strand Palace to the National Theatre. Obviously your partner might be more mobile.

I think the OP means The National Gallery.

It's possible to stay in London for less than £100 a night plus around £10 each for breakfast, if you are prepared to stay a little out of the tourist area and use the tube to travel in. As recommended, try the Premier Inn website. You'll find out of centre hotels close to tube stations, many in commercial centres such as Hammersmith, where you will also find shops, pubs and restaurants. You can be at Leicester Sq in 15 minutes.

I was happy with PI Waterloo Westminster bridge.

factor in the cost of a cab

Agree with Emma. It may be worth it to find a less expensive hotel and then take a cab. Last summer my wife traveled to London and Paris with a good friend who doesn't like riding the metro. Yes, cabs were more expensive than the metro, but not overly burdensom.

Premier Inn Waterloo. 1st choice. County Hall Premier Inn 2nd choice. They are just a few blocks apart. Waterloo is closer to Waterloo station. County Hall is closer to Westminster Bridge.