This post is sponsored by HostelBookers
London’s a big place with hostels in most neighbourhoods. But trying to decide where to base yourself can be tricky when the city’s attractions are spread out all over the place. London has a great transport network, so it’s pretty easy to get around. Secondly, each area has its own appeal and it’s never far to a traditional pub on the corner. Below is a selection of top London hostels. Aside from location, consider a couple of ways to save yourself some money; look out for hostels which offer a free breakfast, self catering facilities or some free hostel events.
YHA Central LondonThis is in the city’s West End neighbourhood. Guests have some top things to do on their doorstep. A few minutes north and you’ll hit the lovely Regent’s Park complete with boating lake, deckchairs and bandstand. Head south and you’ve some fantastic restaurants, shops along Oxford Street and great boutiques around Covent Garden. Back at the hostel everything is new and the place is equipped with all the mod cons including personal lockers, luggage storage and internet. There’s also a bar and cafe for snacks and drinks at the end of a busy day sightseeing.
The Walrus WaterlooStay south of the river Thames and you’ll experience a different part of London. You have all the cultural attractions along the South Bank including the British Film Institute, the Royal Festival Hall and the Hayward art gallery but also some lovely and quirky residential streets near Waterloo so you can experience ‘local London’. Located above a pub, it’s great having some social life on your doorstep at the Walrus Waterloo hostel. If you don’t fancy a night out, just pop downstairs for a few cosy drinks. They offer a free breakfast, self-catering facilities and free bed linen.
Clink78If you want easy access to the rest of London, Clink78 is a short walk from King’s Cross station. This transport hub is serviced by 6 tube lines as well as overground and Eurostar trains. More interestingly, the hostel building is a former courthouse, brought right up to date with Wi-Fi, big TV screens and secure key-card entrance. The bar is lively with cheap drink offers, a pool table and table football. The hostel offers a free city tour and plenty of events such as themed parties, quiz nights and gigs, so there are plenty of opportunities to meet other travellers.
Astor Hyde ParkHoused in a beautiful Georgian townhouse, the Astor Hyde Park hostel is moments from some of London’s top museums including the Victoria and Albert Museum, Science Museum and the Natural History Museum. They offer stylish rooms, bright decor, a free breakfast, self-catering facilities and internet across two lounge areas. Need time out from city life? Walk up the road and you will reach one of London’s largest green spaces; Hyde Park.
If you fancy staying somewhere with a bit of history, Palmers Lodge is the former home of Samuel Palmer of Huntley and Palmers Biscuit Empire. Inside, the hostel has been beautifully refurbished but retains much of its traditional charm with dark oak panelling and sturdy bunks with pretty cream privacy curtains. There’s a cosy bar downstairs and a lounge area with a Nintendo Wii, TV and Wi-Fi access. Guests can enjoy a free breakfast and for all other meals the hostel offers good value home-cooked dishes in their restaurant. Just a few minutes from the tube station, Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill are also a short walk away.
If you have a favourite London hostel, please recommend in the comments below.
