A man enjoyed two days in London without spending a penny - by blagging a free hotel, meals and even a 4* spa day.
George Redfern, 21, decided to see if he could survive in the capital for two days without spending any money - starting his challenge on August 3.
He arrived at Euston Station at 9.03am and headed to Premier Inn Westminster Abbey Hotel - where he was able to grab a free coffee and plan the day ahead.
From there, George managed to blag free food from luxury hotel The Dilly and kip overnight in the lobby at The Generator Hostel, in Euston, London.
The next day he even snuck into a 4* hotel spa - enjoying a dip in the pool and use of their sauna.
During the trip, George walked 50,000 steps over two days - unable to spend money on the tube or Uber.
He said he set himself the no-spend challenge to step outside his comfort zone and to see what's possible with no money.
George, a content creator, from the Wirral, Merseyside, said: "It's the most difficult thing I have ever done - it's the not knowing what is going to happen to next.
"Before starting the challenge, I thought it would be best to dress smartly, so people had a certain perception of me.
"The most difficult part of the challenge was finding a sleeping arrangement and the thought of not knowing where to sleep."
George started by making his way to a hotel where he was able to get a free coffee and glass of water and plan his day ahead - including where to try and sleep and what fun things to do.
He managed to sneak into the 4* Park Plaza London Waterloo and use their spa facilities - enjoying the pool and sauna.
He said: "I walked past it first and usually with 4* star hotels they have someone at the door, but there was scaffolding on the building and that was the reason why they didn’t have anyone at the door.
"I was just waiting to see what other people were doing to get into the spa and then a grandma just walked past and entered the spa, without speaking to anyone."
George decided to do the same and strolled past the receptionist - who was distracted - before hopping in the pool for a swim and sitting in the sauna.
George realised finding something to eat for free might be tricky - but he had an idea up his sleeve.
George's two-day London trip
He said: "I went into different outlets and said that my family ordered a load of food an hour ago and didn't get a burger to make it sound realistic.
"I went into four shops and finally got a burger - which I was pleased about."
George has now reflected on his challenge and says it was the hardest thing he has ever done.
"I found the challenge one of the most difficult things I have ever done," he said.
RECOMMENDED READING
‘I stayed in an Instagrammable hotel right next to Leicester Square’
'I stayed in a hidden gem Cambridge hotel with stunning views and a spa'
"It was very rewarding getting a free spa day and free food but you don't actually understand how fortunate you are until you go without.
"I got a free apple The Dilly and I appreciated every bite.
"The sad reality is that this is the normal for some people and that is why it has given me the idea to do a bigger challenge and raise money for homeless charities."
George hopes to recreate his no spend challenge in either Dublin or Liverpool in the future.
You can watch George's challenge on YouTube.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel