London Hotel Tips by Forsberg21

Is location worth shoddy accommodation? That's the question I asked myself after my week-long stay at Piccadilly Backpackers.

I arrived in London with classmates on a study trip with about half of the student group also staying at this hostel. We found it easily; the directions are crystal-clear. Usually, when you hear "centrally located" or the place takes the namesake of an area, it's an exaggeration; however, this was the real deal. This hostel is literally located just steps from Piccadilly Circus.

Booking is a hassle here. It was difficult getting rooms with or near my classmates. I recommend booking early if you want a group discount, or booking reservations together if you are too late for that.

The place is generally dirty. Most rooms are quite shabby and not so comfortable. The only really positive thing about the rooms I stayed in was that there was a sink in each one.

The staff is generally very nice and helpful. There were a handful (maybe four or five) people on the staff who seemed generally concerned about the guests and did everything they could to help.

Regarding the Internet café: not a great deal. It's cheaper than most places, but the computers are not well-regulated and thus unreliable. There were more than two occasions in which I had to go to the desk and request a replacement card for the computer freezing up.

That's another thing about the Internet usage here: the cards. They mark what time they sell you the card on the back, so if you wait until later to use it and then it doesn't work, going back and trying to get it replaced can be dependent upon who you're talking to. It costs 80 pence for 20 minutes (not really that bad, under 2 USD) or £1.50 for an hour. You can't log off and save time if you don't use all the time; you have to use it continuously. I would suggest instead checking mail at an Apple Store instead!

Shower late at night; there is no warm water in the mornings, and they warn you that there might not be from 8:00-10:00 in the morning. They're right.

Unique Qualities: You are literally steps from Piccadilly Circus if you stay at this hostel. It's got a great location and there are some great Indian and Chinese restaurants just around the corner towards Soho.

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Theme: Hostel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Phone: +44 (0)207 434 9009
Address: 12 Sherwood Street, , London, England W1F 6BR
Directions: From the underground: take exit 1 onto Glasshouse Street. You'll find yourself at a Burger King. Go left and past the (expensive) donut place (not worth eating there, by the way), and continue along that street, past a theatre, and you're there.
Website: http://www.piccadillybackpackers.com
Other Contact: Skype: piccadillybackpackers