Astor Museum Inn

Note: As of mid-2012, the Astor Museum Inn is under renovation. It is still open, but construction may lead to excess noise and dust.

The Astor Museum Inn is a 100-bed hostel located just across the road from the British Museum and near the tranquil green spaces of Russell Square and Bloomsbury Square Gardens. Despite its privileged location, the Astor Museum Inn complies with typical hostel stereotypes—it’s cheap, basic and filled with hungover international students who sleep in way past noon.

Quick read

Pros: Great location. Friendly staff. Guest kitchen.

Cons: Can get noisy. Very basic. Extra charges (for towel rentals, Internet and key deposit).

Rooms

Rooms at the Astor Museum Inn come in a variety of sizes, from private doubles to 12-bed dorms. All varieties are cramped, with red metal bunks and a small vanity. Thin navy blue curtains hang haphazardly over the windows.

There are lockable metal baskets under the beds, which may not be the quietest if your neighbor needs something in the middle of the night. Note that the hostel does not supply padlocks, so bring your own or you’ll have to purchase one. Also, some rooms (mostly the privates) are located in a separate building.

Bathrooms

All bathrooms at the Astor Museum Inn are shared and clean, if dated. Towels are available for an additional (and exorbitant) charge.

Hostel

It may have a rundown appearance, but the Astor Museum Inn has a laid-back, youthful vibe and proves a solid option for lone travelers looking to meet new people. Guests congregate in the TV lounge, which is decorated with brown cushioned benches, colorful lamps and assorted posters. The hostel also offers a well-equipped kitchen.

Breakfast is included in the room rate. Wi-Fi is available for an additional fee, but the Internet stations in the TV lounge can be used free of charge.

Note: There are steep stairs and no elevator, and the Astor Museum Inn runs a strict age policy (you must be between the ages of 18 and 35 to stay here).