By analysing the location, reviews, structure and my experiences in England's capital, I've selected the 5 best hostels in London. I'm not going to talk about prices, because they fluctuate according to capacity and time of year. But if you want to stay well, check out these picks.
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Let's get straight to the point: the cheapest hostels on the list are number 3 and number 2. And number 4 has the best possible location in London, in my opinion.
Selection criteria
To find the best hostels in London, I searched the specialised websites Booking and Hostel World, which concentrate their own user reviews. Then I checked everything on Tripadvisor to see if the results and nature of the opinions matched up.
Remember that users rate different parameters, such as hygiene, comfort, location, quality of sleep and price. In other words, the evaluations generate an overall score, more linked to value for money.
Top 7 best hostels in London, England
London has more than 100 hostels registered on online booking engines. Imagine it being one of the cities with the most hostels in the world. In other words, to be among the best, you have to be a really good hostel. And if you can't find a place in the hostels below, don't worry, because London has other great hostels. At the end of the post, check out the map with the location of all the hostels on the list.
7. St Christopher's Village/ Close to London's best food scene
As well as being one of the best, it's also one of the cheapest hostels in London. It has bunk beds in dormitories and also "capsule hotel" beds, which offer a little more privacy. It's close to Borough Market, a great place to eat well and cheaply in London, and just a 3-minute walk from the underground. The main tourist attraction nearby is the famous Tower Bridge.
6. Safestay Holland Park / Inside a beautiful park
Super modern, super beautiful and super highly rated. As the name suggests, it's opposite Holland Park, one of London's noblest areas, between Hyde Park and Nothing Hill, where you'll find the charming Portbobello Road. If you want to go to London's other tourist attractions, just walk 4 minutes to the tube station.
5. Urbany Hostel London / Best hostel in Paddington
Paddington is one of London's most vibrant areas, with lively nightlife and excellent, typically London pubs. The Urbany Hostel enjoys this excellent location, being less than 5 minutes' walk from the underground station and also from Hyde Park, the city's most beautiful park. It offers private rooms and also shared dormitories for up to 6 guests.
It is also available to book here on HostelWorld, a website specialising in hostels and budget accommodation.
4. YHA London Central / Close to a Tesco market and good restaurants
Well located, just a 5-minute walk from Great Portland Street underground station. Just 7 blocks from Oxford Circus, an important station where 4 Tube lines connect. Highly praised for its breakfast and staff service. Modern look and no fuss.
3. Astor Kensington Hostel / Near Hyde Park underground station
I stayed at this hostel in 2013, on my first trip to London. It was easy to get to as there are two underground stations nearby and a major landmark just round the corner, Hyde Park. Friendly receptionists, clean rooms and bathrooms and a simple, hearty breakfast. The pubs and shops in the area are expensive, but from here you can walk to London's main tourist attractions, such as Buckingham Palace and Oxford Street.
2. Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage / Far from tourist attractions, but close to the underground
Among the best hostels in London, this is the one furthest away from the city's main attractions. But it makes up for the distance with its distinctive style, both in the rooms and in the common areas, which are reminiscent of an ancient palace. To get to the centre of London, just take the underground, which is less than a 10-minute walk away.
1. Wombats City Hostel London / Great infrastructure at fair prices
Close to London Bridge and the Tower of London. And if you cross the bridge, you'll reach the interesting Borough Market. On the other side is London's financial district, home to The Gherkin building. But why is this the best hostel in London? I think because of the workmanship. In addition to its location and proximity to the underground, it has large shared rooms, including mixed and female dormitories, a bar with the feel of a post-modern medieval bodega and a terrace. And the prices are competitive.