5 London Hostels You’ll Actually Want to Stay inBy Angelica Malin
Whether you’re visiting the Big Smoke and want somewhere to socialise and crash after a long day/night of exploring, or a Londoner wanting to play tourist in your hometown to avoid paying for the taxi back all the way to zone 6 after a night out, hostels are a great option. We’ve had a fair few run-ins with dodgy hostels, but fear not, we’ve discovered 5 London hostels you’ll actually want to stay in:
1. For a Basement Bar: Wombat’s City Hostel London
The Lowdown: With a vaults-style basement bar, courtyard and massive hangout area, Wombat’s Hostel is way more than just a bed for the night. Turning a stay into a more sociable experience, the hostel offers not only cheap tipples, but an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet for the early risers.
What to Expect: Ensuite bathrooms, separate ensuite toilets, USB outlets with every bed, huge common areas, a great location and free Wi-Fi – there’s good reason why Wombat’s was voted best Hostel in England in the Hostelworld HOSCAR Awards in 2016.
Price: £14.40 for a dorm room or £114 for a private room with en-suite.
Where: 7 Dock St, Whitechapel, London E1 8LL
2. For an Historical Stay: Clink78
The Lowdown: A former courthouse where Charles Dickens worked and The Clash once stood trial, there’s history coarsing through Clink78’s walls. While some of the features from yesteryears still remain, the hostel’s decor is now filled with modern and playful fixtures and fittings.
What to Expect: The hostel is home to a basement entertainment venue playing host to DJs and live music every week. And there’s a buffet breakfast available every morning, free Wi-Fi, an in-house cinema housed in the original courtroom, and a travel shop where you can purchase discounted tickets for London attractions.
Price: From £20.72 and £63.50 for a private double.
Where: 78 King’s Cross Rd, London WC1X 9QG
3. For all the Mod Cons: Generator
The Lowdown: Swanky communal areas? Check. A large pub-style bar? Check. A cinema room? Check. An on-site restaurant? Check. Seriously, the Generator is world’s away from the down and out hostels that used to frequent the capital. Here, there’s all the mod cons, clean rooms, and bright, bold colours throughout.
What to Expect: Local reclaimed timber, exposed brickwork and hot-rolled black steel give the hostel an industrial feel, and there’s plenty of chill out areas like downstairs complete with pool tables, a classic red bus that’s parked next to the bar’s dance floor and a photo booth.
Price: Rooms from £24.00 for a dorm room and £90.00 for double private.
Where: 7 Tavistock Pl, Kings Cross, London WC1H 9SE
4. For a Rooftop Terrace: SoHostel
The Lowdown: This Central London jaunt, right off Oxford Street, is deceptively huge. We’re talking about a large communal area complete with a rooftop bar offering some damn fine views over Central London. And the pamper room is fully equipped with straighteners and light-up mirrors to help you prep for a night out.
What to Expect: Kick back on the rooftop bar (once the sun comes out), or take in some live music at the bar. With free breakfast (not just your standard cereals and bread, but a full fry-up) and games room in the works, it’s more than just a bed to crash in for the night.
Price: Dorm rooms from £29.00 and private double rooms from £85.00.
Where: 91 Dean St, Soho, London W1D 3SY
5. For a Boutique Hostel: Park Villa
The Lowdown: This boutique hostel (yes that’s a thing, apparently) is a restored Georgian Regency villa with an attached coach house. There’s bag of rustic charm here, along with car parking and family rooms that have ample space.
What to Expect: The dorms feature oak wood floors, customised bunk bed pods, comfortable mattresses, luxurious cotton bedding and grand plantation shutters.
Price: From £25.79 for a dorm room or £90.00 for a deluxe private twin.
Where: 51 Grove Road, Bow, London E3 4PE
