I ended up at this hostel after walking into the Millennium Lodge and promptly cancelling my reservation. The Astor Hyde Park was a godsend after that.
The facilities are basic - the showers are warm and reliable and the beds comfortable enough. It's definitely not the cleanest place I've stayed, but London in general has dodgy hostels full-stop. The staff are helpful and friendly - just remember to ask for your bedding, as they didn't give me mine without my asking.
Breakfast is basic and not very nice, but it fills the gap before starting your day. Cereal, coffee/tea/hot chocolate, toast and jam. There's internet for £1/half hour and there's a bar downstairs that's suitable enough if you're young and looking to meet other backpackers. As I was with my Mother this time around, we weren't very interested in that feature. As our room was up on the third floor and the bar was in the basement, we never heard any disturbances.
Unique Qualities: The location is the real seller for this hostel. Situated a few buildings up from Kensington Gardens, right near Queensway and all the shops, cafes and restaurants there, you shouldn't want for amenities. You can take the tube into the centre (a few short stops) - the tube station is on the District and Circle lines, so you're in the centre already, essentially. I caught the bus just a few dozen metres from the hostel, and it's only a few minutes' ride over to Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus. The buses run frequently, and it's easy to get home at the end of your day as well.
You're also just a short walk from Notting Hill Gate, if you choose to head in the opposite direction from the centre.
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Theme: Hostel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$20-40
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Address: 2-6 Inverness Terrace, , London, England W2 3HY
Directions: Just off Bayswater Street, it's one street over from Queensway Road.
Website: http://www.astorhostels.com/
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on Jul 5, 2005
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