London Hostels

Why stay in London?

As you might imagine, there are literally hundreds of places to stay within London, so do not attempt to research all of them. Accommodations in London tend to be on the expensive side, so choosing a hostel just makes financial sense. London is like most other heavily touristed cities in that the further you get from the center of everything, the cheaper your stay will get. Again, thanks to a fabulous public transport system, as long as you've got a Tube stop near your hostel it almost doesn't matter how far out you are. And even in a city known for its club scene, hostels are not just for backpackers or young people. There are party hostels, to be sure, but most are just perfect for budget-minded travelers who want the opportunity to meet other travelers. Some of the London hostels are highlighted here.

Palmers Lodge is a stone's throw from Regent's Park, four Tube stops from the heart of London. An added bonus here is the mixed dorm has nine double beds - so couples traveling together can book one guest for two people in one bed. Ace Hotel in London's hip Kensington neighborhood bills itself as a "3-star hostel" and has rooms in four Victorian town houses. It also has its own bar, garden and hot tub.

The MEININGER City Hostel & Hotel London in South Kensington not far from Kensington Palace and Hyde Park is part of a chain of hostels operating in several German cities and boasts "hotel quality at hostel prices." MEININGER has 47 rooms (some private, some dorms), all with en suite shower and toilet facilities. In the borough of Islington just north of London's city center is Rosebery Hall Residence, which includes a full English breakfast with your stay.

As noted, these are only a few of the places you could stay - but don't let your search stop here. Browse the London hostels listings on this page or, better yet, plug the dates of your trip into the search box on this page and let the computer narrow down your choices for you.

Europe's largest city and the capital of both England and the United Kingdom, London has long been one of the world's most important cities - both in terms of business, trade and politics as well as in terms of culture, art and tourism. London is a massive city with several districts within its boundaries, each with its own character, and most of them well off the traditional tourist path. London's historic center is at its geographic core, and its major sights are easily accessed by a combination of walking and using the city's excellent public transport (including the famous London Underground, otherwise known as The Tube, and the equally famous double-decker buses). Some of the city's many attractions include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, the National Gallery and the recent addition to the Thames River shoreline, the London Eye - the world's largest observation wheel. London also boasts one of the finest theatre districts in the world, thanks to a long tradition of theatre in the English culture. Of course, let's not forget the Londoner's need to have fun, too - this is a city famous for its club and rave scene.

You can plan the rest of your London holiday here as well, from finding cheap airfare to London to reading about what to see and do in the city with our London Travel Guide to learning what day-to-day life is like in the London Travel Logue. And don't forget your BritRail Pass!

Have a jolly good time!