London Hostel Reviews

Of the 13 London hostels reviewed here, almost all offer dorms and community kitchens. If you’re coming to London more exclusively for nightlife, be sure to check out our list of the best London party hostels.

Click on the links below for the full review of each hostel, including maps and photos for each location.

Clink 261 Hostel – Located in Kings Cross area, a good transport spot for most attractions, this small, whimsical and stylish hostel 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 – A popular hangout for Aussies and Kiwis, Astor Kensington is a bit of a party hostel, but the clever layout means your slumber will not be disturbed. Its location right near the Natural History Museum and the Piccadilly Line means it is easy to get to attractions and Heathrow.

Astor Museum Hostel – 5 minutes from either Holborn or Russell Square Tube Station and 20 minutes from Kings Cross station. 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 lovely, small hostel with a homey feel. Travelers and staff interact like family. Add a location near Kensington Gardens, and 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 seen, 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’s 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, the Meininger is a great hostel for groups. However, the £7 rooms on the top floor will tempt any single traveler and the the large deck is perfect for summer BBQs.

O’Callaghans Backpacker’s Hostel – The oldest hostel in London, this tiny spot is great stopover. Checking in, you receive a free beer or shot. The staff are super friendly and the location near Earl’s Court Station has a fun vibe with many pubs and restaurants in the area.

Smart Hyde Park Inn Hostel – A slightly different feel when compared to the View mentioned above, this hostel is aimed more towards the individual and has a more mature vibe. However, if you have a bad sense of direction, the labyrinth of rooms will start to frustrate you. Located near Hyde Park, it’s 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’s geared more towards groups and would make an excellent choice for a school group.