Palmers Lodge

Myself and a group of 18 friends have just stayed for 2 nights at Palmers Lodge. We had a room with 7 and a room with 12. (It should have been 8 and 14 but a couple dropped out last minute). They accommodated us in our own rooms, meaning we didn't share with anyone else. Probably for there benefit. The lodge itself is about 250 metres from Swiss Cottage which appears to be a nice area. We were out til late and felt completely safe walking around. Swiss cottage is really central and it only took us about 15 mins to get to westminster(Big Ben, London Eye etc) and the same to Bond st, Picadilly and countless other attractions. So for us a big thumbs up for location. The dorms were simple but clean, not ensuite, but there were several private showers on our floor and, by the way, the bathrooms were always spotless. The check-in staff were friendly and the whole place had a relaxed feel about it. Everyone was given a swipe card for entry to the rooms so access was no issue either. Our stay cost us L20 pppn and we thought this was excellent value considering it was central London. That also included breakfast, which consisted of orange juice, apple juice, tea, coffee, cereals as well as croissants and toast. It's self service. There is 24hr internet access and a bar area and lounge with tv and pool table. Check-in is 2 o'clock, but we arrived at 1 and our rooms were ready so we could check in right away. I would highly recommend this hostel for groups or singles / couples but don't expect a party atmosphere. If you're looking for somewhere clean, cheap and with good access to the major attractions and a relaxed atmosphere with fellow travellers from all over the world then this is the place for you.

For your money, it doesn't get any better than Palmer's Lodge. I stayed here in June of 2007 for a week with a friend while we were in London.

The staff was very nice and helpful and was always willing to answer our questions.

The building itself was very charming-very cozy, like an old fashioned home. There are some great amenities-one the first floor is a fantastic lounge that has a TV with satellite, computers with free internet to email home, plenty of big arm chairs and couches, and board games like chess. I found it was the perfect place to come to after a long day exploring, as did many people-it was usually full of guests. Downstairs is a small kitchen/dining area that offers free breakfast, a very nice thing to have in the morning. In addition, there is a bar with cheaper beer than you will find downtown, and delicious food for very reasonable prices(I highly suggest the paninis)

The location is perfect as well-though the building isn't directly downtown, rather, it's in a nice little neighborhood called Swiss Cottage. There is a tube stop literally 3 minutes away, and you can purchase day passes at the hotel to save time.

Downtown is only about 3-5 stops away from there.

Over all, I highly suggest this to people looking for a good place for a good price. If you're on a budget but want to stay somewhere nice, check out Palmer's Lodge.

The wife and I stayed here one Sunday night while on the way through London. We book a room with one double bed. That's all the room had other than a dresser, chair and a light. The room said "private" and it basically was a private room. However the wall to the next room didn't quite reach all the way to the window and there is a gap where conversation can easily be heard. Luckily for us the gentlemen in the next room knew the value of a good night's sleep after they were done their yoga conversation.

The staff was friendly and the internet was free, two major pluses. Toast, croissant, juice cereal, milk served at breakfast. The bar open for short evening stints.

If you are looking for a quiet place to go in and out and friendly staff, this is your place. From my one night impression, I would say if you want to party more, look elsewhere. I stayed at the Generator long ago and that seemed to be more of a jumpin place, but less homely and less secure than Palmer's Lodge.