LSE Bankside House

Please note: this is a budget accommodation. The dorms of the London school of Economics convert to a B&B during the summer. The rooms are no-frills. I got a triple, as it was the only room ready when I arrived in June. The beds are comfortable cot-like affairs. The room was big enough: there is a desk and a wardrobe, and a good-sized bathroom with shower only. The rooms are clean. The breakfast (included) is good, with eggs, meats, cereals, juice or coffee, and croissants. You can also buy dinner here, which I did not do, and the price is reasonable. The staff were VERY helpful for me. I was on my way to the airport, and confused about the buses. One of the staff walked me to the bus stop -- and they were ALL helpful. There is a bank of lifts, so there's no problem with luggage. My only beef is that there was no TV. I like to see local programming and news when I travel. But the location is FANTASTIC. Right behind the Tate Modern, which is an outstanding museum. Around the corner from the Globe Theatre. Three minutes' walk from the Millenium Bridge, which is a pedestrain bridge from the South Bank to the City of London and Spittlefields. Minutes to walk to Southwark and the Tower of London. Pubs, cafes, etc. are everywhere. I have stayed in Bloomsbury, Notting Hill, and Hyde Park/Kensington. I much prefer this South Bank area. And Bankside House is a great budget alternative to high-priced lodging.

I stayed with a large group at Bankside House during the Thames Festival weekend,

this must have been one of Bankside's busiest weekends, the accommodation was a sell out. Some of us arrived early and knowing we could not access our rooms before 3 pm, the staff were very obliging and allowed us to leave our bags in the store room. When we did check in, we were dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Our room was facing the rear of the building onto modern office blocks, it was basic, very clean, with towels, ensuite, tea and coffee making facilities. One of our group members stayed in a front facing room with views over looking St Paul's. The breakfast was certainly a full monty, you could choose from a belly bursting english or continental, vegetarians were also catered for.

We came and whent from our rooms at all hours of the day and night, our room was quiet even with the windows open. The staff were top drawer, nothing was too much trouble and each room was refreshed daily. As for the guys serving in the bar, well chin, chin for keeping up with us! Hey come on folks, for £30 pp night for a single room and £28 pp night twin room including breakfast, during peak season London, this has to be a bargain!

Bankside is approx ten minute walk from the underground at Southwark and right next door to some stylish eateries. Within a minutes walk we were soaking up the ambience of the Tate Modern and the fesitval's vibrant atmosphere, which stretched the south bank from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge. Westminster Palace, the London Eye, The National Theatre, St Pauls, The Globe Theatre, HMS Belfast and other historical finds are all within easy walking distance. Many more famous attractions and places to visit are also easily accessable either by foot, river boat or by tube.

For food luvers and shop-a-holics don't miss the Borough Market, the OXO building and More London - all have an eclectic mix of restaurants/bars, arts and crafts plus free street entertainment along the way!

What more could you ask for from this fantabulous budget B&B location!!!