The YHA London Central is located on Bolsover Street, just a few minutes walk from either Great Portland Street tube or Oxford Circus tube. As its name suggests, YHA London Central is very central and if you like shopping then you can be in Topshop on Oxford Street in 5 minutes. The area feels quite safe, there are quite a few cafes and restaurants around and yet it still offers a bit of peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street.
The staff in this YHA were very friendly and all very chirpy. When I came to check-in, the man who served me was chatty and very good at striking up conversation. I’ve stayed in YHA London St. Pancras several times because of its convenient location for Euston train station, but this YHA has a lot more buzz and stuff going on. If you want to meet other backpackers, I’d say it’s much easier to do so in YHA London Central. When you walk in there are lots of people in the common areas chatting, Skyping on their computers or having something to eat.
In the common area there’s a bar serving hot and cold drinks, alcoholic beverages and snacks such as pizza. In the morning it also serves breakfast items such as tea and coffee, juice, croissants, fruit, yoghurt and cereal. You can pay to eat in the bar or there are self catering facilities for you to make your own meals.
There is Wi-Fi in the common area, but you have to pay for it, and there’s also a row of computers if you don’t have your own laptop. You have to swipe your key card to get to the rooms, so everything feels safe and secure. Your key card also activates the front door late at night.
My room felt a little ‘prison cell’ like with metal bed frames, lino floors and now windows but it was spacious and the beds were clean and comfortable. There were lockers to store any valuables away, and each bed was equipped with a reading light and a plug socket, so there was no fighting over somewhere to charge things up.
There was one toilet room and one shower room for 5 bedrooms and I never had to queue. This area was also kept immaculately clean.
I just stayed for the one night, but if you’re in London for sightseeing then the staff on reception can help you with discounts for tours and attractions.
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