Greetings and salutations fellow travelers, during my recent excursions to London I had the opportunity to stay in a few hostels and also spent many hours visiting and touring a great number of others, the result being unbiased reviews written on 14 of these hostels.
Almost all of the places listed below are traditional hostels in that they have dorms and community kitchens. If you are coming here more for nightlife and “personal interaction” you should check out our list of the best London party hostels. There tends to be a big difference between the two categories, so if you are looking for one type of place then you might be fairly unhappy if you book the other kind.
Click on the links below for the full review of each hostel, including maps and photos for each location.
Ashlee House Hostel – Located in Kings Cross area, a good transport spot for most attractions, this is a smaller hostel and would appeal to the individual traveler who needs some time to chill.
Astor Hyde Park Hostel – The newest of the Astor hostels in London, the Hyde Park is impressively restored, and has a good location just north of Hyde Park. It has small dorms, large dorms, and private rooms, so it’s a decent choice for nearly anyone. \
Astor Kensington Hostel – I spent a number of nights here and was always treated like family. A popular hangout for all of us from the southern hemisphere, Astor Kensington is a bit of a party hostel, but the set-up means your slumber will not be disturbed. Located right near the Natural History museum and on the Piccadilly Line means it is easy to get to from Heathrow with lots to see.
Astor Museum Hostel – 5 minutes from either Holburn or Russell Square Tube Station and 20 minutes from Kings Cross station, you have a few options. One of the highlights is its proximity to Russell Square Gardens, a great place to relax and have a picnic. Astor Museum has a homey feel and a fantastic little backyard. Perfect for individual or small groups of friends.
Astor Quest Hostel – This is a great small hostel with an awesome homey feel. Travelers and staff interact like family and with its location near Kensington Gardens you can’t do much better for the price.
Clink Hostel – Located about a 5-minute walk from the Kings Cross Tube Station (approximately a 50-minute tube ride from Heathrow on the Piccadilly line), it can be a little tricky to find, especially at night. But the hostel itself has kept the unique theme of the old courthouse building and is great for big groups.
Generator London Hostel – This is the biggest hostel I have ever been to with over 800 beds. Perfect for large groups or that bachelor party looking for a place to let loose, it might not be a good stop for the lone traveler. Located just round the corner from Kings Cross Tube station, it is a bit tricky to find but just keep following the signs and eventually it will loom before you.
Meininger Hostel – Located near the Natural History Museum and situated in the old Lord Baden Powell building, due to its slightly sterile vibe, the Meininger is a great hostel for groups. However the £7 rooms on the top floor will tempt any single traveler and the hostel has potential with the large deck perfect for BBQ’s.
O’Callaghans Backpacker’s Hostel – The oldest hostel in London, this tiny spot is great stop over. Checking in you receive a free beer or shot. The staff are super friendly and the location near Earl’s Court Station has a fantastic vibe with many pubs and restaurants in the area.
Olave House Hostel – I believe this hostel is no longer calling itself a hostel but if you happen upon it and consider staying there…perhaps take a second look. Rumors are rampant and the place is possibly infested.
Smart Hyde Park Inn Hostel – A slightly different feel when compared to the View mentioned above, this hostel is more aimed towards the individual and has a better vibe. However if you have a bad sense of direction the labyrinth of rooms will start to frustrate you. Located near Hyde Park it is in a pretty prime location.
Smart Hyde Park View Hostel – Located a hop, skip, and a jump from Hyde Park itself, this is more of a hotel than a hostel, catering towards groups rather than the lone traveler.
YHA – Holland Park Hostel – The amenities of a classroom, dorm rooms, meeting room and library makes this hostel a perfect place for groups of all ages. Located in the heart of Holland Park there is plenty of space for kids to run around and explore. While it might not be perfectly suited to the lone traveler its tranquil location might make a nice break from the hustle and bustle of London life.
YHA – Kings Cross Hostel – Located opposite the Kings Cross Tube station, this hostel is in a prime location. As with many HI hostels it is focused more towards groups and would make an excellent choice for a school group.
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