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The 100-bed Astor Quest Hostel, steps away from Hyde Park, sticks out from its stodgier neighbors on Queensborough Terrace. When we entered the lobby, music was blasting, which reminded us more of a fraternity house than a reception area.
Let's just say this place is not for the young at heart—it's for the young, and the young alone. As a matter of fact, the management has a strict policy about keeping its guests younger than 35 years old. And, to be honest, we can't really picture anyone north of 28 finding this place appealing. But if you're a backpacker with a penchant toward fast friend making, then this place will be a dream come true. Ola from Oslo, a self-proclaimed backpacker who has been working at the Quest for a year, paraded us around the hostel.
The Quest has double rooms with private toilets in the hall on up through nine-bed dorms with attached bathrooms. Bonus: Take part in communal dinners when you use the fully-equipped guest kitchen.
NOTE: Astor Quest recently instituted a non-smoking policy, so lighting up is no longer permitted. The Quest may not be serious about many things, but it's serious about this: Ola promises that they'll "throw you out if you smoke in your room."
The Quest has two London sister properties: the Astor Hyde Park hostel and the Astor Museum Inn.
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