YHA St. PancrasEditor's Pick

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Despite being a youth hostel, the YHA St. Pancras Hostel is an altogether sleeker operation than many of its B&B neighbors. Conveniently located next to London's Kings Cross station, this member of the YHA chain (London’s branch of Hosteling International) is slowly undergoing refurbishment (the first and sixth floors have been completely renovated), and it feels much more like a trendy budget hotel than a typical backpacker's hideout. In addition to dorms, the YHA St. Pancrasl offers two-, four-, five- and six-bed private rooms, with or without private bathrooms. Décor is simple: cream-colored walls with dark blue carpets and duvets. All rooms have bunk beds, some with wooden frames and some with metal ones. All rooms are air conditioned but have not other amenities. We loved the rooms with huge windows looking out to Euston Road, but do note that these can get noisy (psst... light sleepers: request a room at the back). Both private and shared bathrooms are compact and very basic, yet notably clean and decorated with plain white tiles. Undoubtedly, the hostel’s real draw is its wealth of cool communal areas. Both the spacious lobby/bar area and the upstairs TV lounge at the YHA St. Pancras boast floor-to-ceiling windows, chic red walls and plump, inviting sofas. When we visited, chilled-out jazz music wafted through the bar, adding to the relaxed vibe. The YHA St. Pancras is especially good for families with young children as there is lift access on every floor. Location-wise, it’s perfect for those wishing to access Kings Cross station and the British Library. From here, you can even hit the shops in central London by foot. Breakfast is available for an additional fee. There is an Internet station in the lobby and Wi-Fi available throughout. Note that both cost an additional fee, and that Wi-Fi is slower on the higher floors (Internet addicts should request a lower-floor room ahead).

» Nina Derham

Note: This hotel was visited by a EuroCheapo editor and is recommended based on cleanliness, location, price and overall quality. EuroCheapo did not charge this hotel to be listed.