Image Palmerslodges.com
Private rooms in hostels (under £75 if you book months ahead) are one way to stay in London without wasting money on mini-bars. Even better, if you are prepared to stay in a dormitory full of other women, you can stay overnight for the price of dinner. It’s your choice, but these three are the hippest and the best.
The Designer One
Palmers Lodge (pictured above) is beautifully styled with retro furniture and leather armchairs, and costs under £60 for a private ensuite room, off-peak. Free internet and continental breakfast is included, as is a reading room. Also on offer? A games room, a bar in an old bike shed, cafe, restaurant, pool table, towel hire, hairdryer hire. It’s in Willesden Green, a leafy London suburb – thus the price drop. Holiday Goddess editors who’ve stayed, say – expect a short walk to 24-hour bus stops and the tube (London Underground train) station, with trains taking you into London, in the time it takes you to read Metro, the free local newspaper. Book here.
The Punk History One
Clink 78 is a hostel with a history. It used to be a courthouse, and it takes its name from the 1978 trial of punk legends The Clash, who were convicted here for shooting pigeons. It also happens to be the place where Charles Dickens worked on Oliver Twist between 1837 and 1839 so bring your laptop. It is an English Heritage listed building and although a bit (just a bit) backpackery, it also offers private rooms. We booked six months ahead and found a rate for £75 overnight. Book here.
The One Near Harvey Nichols
The Meininger Hyde Park is within walking distance of Harvey Nichols and Harrods. It’s also a short walk from the Victoria and Albert Museum, which Holiday Goddess editors love for its fashion collection. This is a German hostel inside Baden Powell House, the boy scout headquarters of Great Britain. If you are travelling with a boy scout, he can get a discount. For you, it’s still cheap. The last time we checked this place was looking clean, modern, super-organised and very busy. We suggest booking as far in advance as possible to grab the incredibly low rates all under £60. Find your room here.
