Smart Camden Inn

AVOID THIS HOSTEL LIKE THE PLAGUE!!!!!

This place was an absolute dump. Warning: The prices do not include VAT (sales tax) @ 17.5% We arrived and paid cash for 2 days up front (but were given the option to pay for only 1 night at a time), went to our rooms, were not provided linen. So we went back to an internet cafe to book somewhere else, came back and said we would stay the night but wanted to cancel the second night for a full refund and were refused point blank - even though we had only paid cash 30 minutes before hand. The rooms are tiny, beds like ex-army spring bunks from Vietnam. The staff were bitterly horrible, horrible people. Unhelpful miserable drones.

The only plus side - Camden Town - an inredible place, we had an awesome night! Be sure to check out Camden Lock market during the day, you will not regret it!

Conclusion: The only reason to stay here is if you need a cheap bed to kip in after a wild night's partying in Camden. Otherwise, AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE!!!

Let's get one thing staight from the start. If you're looking for luxury, don't come here. Everything is very basic. Tiny rooms with bunk beds. You make your own bed and it's basically a no-thrills experience. Saying that, it's very cheap so if you want to save money and just use it a somewhere to crash for the night then this is fine. You pay a £10 deposit per person which is returned in the morning when you return your sheets. You are provided with a locker at an additional fee. Funnily enough i shared with three of my friends and we found a locker full of free booze. There are showers and towels to lend. The location is excellent. Just a 5 minute walk from the centre of Camden and the nearest tube station. So if you are coming to watch a gig, or a trip to london, this is bargain basement prices. Don't expect a warm welcome but i found it clean and perfectly fine for a one night stay.

Stayed here April 14, 2005. Situated in a slightly more urban surrounding than the second place we stayed at in London, this is definitely more for the hard core backpacker. It has six bunk rooms with tiny dingy sinks. The toilet is to say the least dirty and the showers are two floors down. Breakfast is included, but hardly worth it. There is a ten pound deposit when you check in if you book online. There are two good things from this experience at this location. First, the day manager Paul is super cool. Great guy who really helps you out in a jam. Can't say enough nice things about the man. Second they offer a discounted travel passes for buses and the TUBE in zones 1 and 2. It was an interesting experience but I would just assume try to find a place with little more to offer.