London's Cheapest Hostel Room Costs Less Than a Pint: One Minor Complaint
A traveler from Kent discovered that staying in central London does not have to break the bank, securing a hostel room for just £6, which is less than the price of a standard pint in the capital. Spencer Hewins, a 24-year-old business owner from Ashford, Kent, booked his stay at Bell House Hostel in Marylebone through Hostel World a week before his trip, making it the most affordable option available in the city at the time.
Surprising Comfort on a Budget
Spencer admits he had "low expectations" but was "pleasantly surprised" by the hostel. His £6 reservation provided him with a bunk bed in a dormitory shared with eight other guests, along with access to showers and Wi-Fi. He opted out of the additional £3 breakfast service, focusing solely on the overnight accommodation. The hostel, located in a posh area of London, offered basic amenities that Spencer found perfectly usable, including clean bathrooms and warm showers.
"I knew it wasn't going to be luxury. I've stayed in hostels before. But I was pleasantly surprised," Spencer said. He noted that the staff at check-in were friendly, though he kept to himself during his stay. The hostel also features a bar downstairs, where drinks are priced around £6 to £7, highlighting the value of his room compared to typical London prices.
Only One Minor Grumble
Spencer's only complaint was a common issue in shared accommodations: snoring from fellow guests. "It wasn't the best night's sleep I've ever had. I woke up a few times to people snoring, but it was fine; it did the job," he explained. Despite this, he emphasized that the beds were comfortable and the facility was fit for purpose, even if it showed signs of wear and needed a bit of TLC in places.
His trip was primarily for a job interview in Soho, Westminster, but he decided to extend his visit overnight to make the most of London. With a £35 train ticket from Kent, the total cost of his London excursion remained remarkably low. Spencer compared his hostel experience to potential hotel stays in the area, which he estimated could cost hundreds of pounds per night, making his £6 deal seem almost unbelievable.
Future Plans and Recommendations
Impressed by the value, Spencer expressed interest in trying other hostels in London in the future. "There are so many hostels in London, so I'd definitely try other hostels next time, but if it's the cheapest one again, I definitely would go back," he stated. His experience underscores the viability of budget travel in expensive cities like London, where central locations such as Marylebone offer affordable options without sacrificing basic comforts.
In summary, Spencer's stay at Bell House Hostel proves that with a bit of research and low expectations, travelers can enjoy London on a shoestring budget, with only minor inconveniences like snoring to contend with. This story highlights the growing trend of budget-conscious travel and the availability of cheap accommodation in prime urban areas.
