YHA Oxford Street

The newly refurbished YHA Oxford Street hostel is a well-kept traveler's secret—an affordable outpost of the reliable Hosteling International group tucked away behind the shops of Oxford Street and the vibrant nightlife of Soho.

Quick read

Pros: Unbeatable location. Fun décor.

Cons: No elevator access above the third floor. Extra charges for towels and Wi-Fi.

Rooms

Unlike the more traditional YHA hostels, the Oxford Street branch functions more like a (very basic) budget hotel than a hostel. Many of its 36 rooms are private, and dorms sleep no more than four people.

Rooms are funky, with hot pink walls, silver bunk beds and lime green bedspreads. Each bunk has a reading light, outlet (adapters can be rented or purchased at reception) and locker (bring or rent your own padlock). Beyond that, rooms have no amenities.

Tip: Snag a room at the back of the hostel on a high floor to spy the top of the London Eye. (Note, however, that rooms above the third floor are not accessible by an elevator.)

Bathrooms

The bathrooms, all shared, are quite spacious. The super modern shower rooms sport hot pink walls and brand new silver showers. Each room is outfitted with a small sink. Towels are not provided but are available to rent or buy.

Hostel

Despite the hostel’s location close to the bustle of Oxford Street, it feels incredibly quiet and boasts lots of natural light. The YHA Oxford Street offers a large, excellently equipped kitchen with bright pink cupboards and chrome surfaces. There is also a small café where guests can stock up on snacks and drinks.

Overall, there is a light-hearted, youthful vibe at the YHA Oxford Street, from the stairway murals of London sights and objects (including the Jam and “Joseph and the Technicolour Raincoat”) to the spacious TV lounge done up with turquoise tables, hot pink walls and cushy yellow bean bag chairs. The hostel also offers a range of fun activities, including curry nights and free London walking tours.

Wi-Fi is available throughout, and there are Internet stations in the TV lounge, both for an additional charge. Breakfast also costs an additional fee. 

Location

The YHA Oxford Street boasts a coveted location in the midst of London’s West End action. This is prime real estate, Cheapos, so if you’re fine with simplicity and sharing a bathroom, you can sleep a block from Oxford Street, amid an array of bourtiques, cafés and trendy nightlife options—all for a song. Lively Piccadilly Circus and serene Regent’s Park are within easy walking distance of the hostel.