YMCA Indian Student Hostel

While style, frills and overly friendly service do not appear to be the top priorities here, the YMCA Indian Student Hostel does offer an excellent value. It’s also got a brilliant location in quiet Fitzroy Square, convenient for London exploration.

The rabbit warren of hallways here reminded us of student housing, which is fitting since the YMCA Indian Student Hostel functions as a haven and cultural center for students (mostly from India). The hostel also offers clean, inexpensive accommodations for non-students of all nationalities.

Quick read

Pros: Super Cheapo. Breakfast and dinner included. Great location.

Cons: Bare-bones. Extra charges for Wi-Fi and luggage storage. Staff can be surly.

Rooms

The YMCA Indian Student Hostel offers four-bed dorms and private singles and doubles. All rooms are clean, neutral and a tad nondescript. They reminded us of (not surprisingly) student dorm rooms. Think white walls, print curtains and basic facilities including a desk and chair.

Dorm rooms and the least expensive privates are furnished with bunk beds. “Deluxe” doubles come with a television and phone, but there are no amenities in other rooms. The ground-floor rooms are small, but rooms on the upper floors are a bit more spacious.

Bathrooms

Some singles and doubles come with a private bathroom, while dorms and the cheapest privates share facilities. Bathrooms, both private and shared, are plain white, fairly spacious and very clean. Pack whatever you need as it’s bare-bones all the way here.

Hostel

Guests of the YMCA Indian Student Hostel have access to the TV lounge, library and study rooms. There is also a rec room with table tennis and chess. Another notable perk is the inclusion of not only breakfast but dinner. Both meals are served in a large, simple dining hall which is reminiscent of a student cafeteria (noticing a trend here?).

The hostel has an elevator. Wi-Fi is available for an additional charge.

Location

The hostel’s primo location, just off Tottenham Court Road and within walking distance of Euston station and the British Library, is one of its key attributes. It’s easy to catch the Tube from here, and lush Regent’s Park is just a short stroll away.