EDITOR PICKS: THE 7 BEST HOSTELS IN CENTRAL LONDON

In Westminster Borough, YHA is incredibly central and provides clean, comfy accommodation just a short walk from top sights and the bustling Oxford Street. Convenience is key both in terms of location and amenities; there is an onsite cash machine and travel desk where friendly staff help guests organise and prepare trips. With costs in London generally high, the hostel offers a fully equipped modern kitchen for guests to retreat to, saving on costs of meals. This shared space, along with the bar and cafe, all provide areas to meet other travellers and socialise in, with the snack bar regularly hosting evening events. Situated in a popular location, this hostel regularly fills up so it’s advised to book your bed in advance.

SoHostel doesn’t cash in on London’s tourist economy for its own means. Managed by not-for-profit association One Housing, all of the profits from this hostel go towards providing housing and care to those struggling across the city. Bright and spacious rooms are minimal but clean, and staying here means travellers can avoid high transport costs and save their money for the best of what London has to offer. Social areas welcome guests to the Soho district; central with a selection of restaurants, shops and nightlife all on its doorstep. Complete with a shared lounge, terrace and garden area, the onsite restaurant and bar provide options for eating as well as vending machines for those wanting to buy a quick snack.

This hostel is for those who want to visit London’s main, historic attractions without having to get on any public transport. For visitors who wish to venture to the other areas of the city, Waterloo Station is located nearby and bus links ensure convenient access to the Tate Modern, Trafalgar Square and many other areas. Walrus is found on top of its own bar, which offers a traditional English pub vibe and where guests can get discounts on both food and drinks. In this central location it is difficult to avoid evening noise and the cheapest beds are located in the 22 bed dorm so guests are not guaranteed a peaceful night’s sleep. Included in the price is wifi, basic breakfast and shared kitchen facilities.

Located in Tower Hamlets, south of Whitechapel, Wombat’s is central with the city’s trendy East End accessible too. All rooms are clean and heated with large, comfy beds and ensuite bathrooms. The large bar, terrace, garden and cozy hangout area in the lobby are welcoming spaces, which create the perfect atmosphere in which to meet other travellers. With its facilities including a shared kitchen, vending machines and large lockers, stays at the Wombat are both convenient and great value in this very popular area of the city.

London is expensive and this is one of the cheapest places travellers will find in the centre. This inevitably means a backpacker experience is offered: dorms sleep from 9 to 22 people, trains pass frequently and lots of people share the bathrooms. Extras included in the price are a continental breakfast and wifi, as well as organised walking tours and discounted prices in the onsite pub, which is open 24 hours. Close to both Buckingham Palace and Victoria Station the location offers vast transport links connecting guests to attractions, museums and onward travel.

Staying at the Phoenix Hostel, visitors can experience many sides of London. Within walking distance is the busy Oxford Circus shopping area, Madame Tussauds Museum, the music and cultural epicentre of Camden and the relaxing, vast green spaces of Hyde and Regents Parks. This is a small hostel with a friendly laid back atmosphere and its compact rooms are really only built for sleeping in; guests can relax in the lounge area or the downstairs bar where discounts are offered to hostel guests. Facilities are limited, but do include free wifi throughout and fridges/storage space for food.

Astor Museum Inn is central for those expecting to spend a lot of time exploring museums or enjoying the best of the West End’s theatre shows. All rooms are heated, spacious and clean with basic rooms located in a different building from the main premises, but only a minute away and well connected via phone to the reception. Friendly staff are on hand round the clock, adding to the hostel’s atmosphere and helping guests organise trips and providing a bit of local knowledge. For only £1 extra guests enjoy a continental breakfast, which is more than worth it, and proceeds from this go to charity. A large and fully equipped kitchen is also an option for guests who wish to cater for themselves.