The Generator in London has 870 beds, but don't leave it too long to make that reservation. You can book a private room for 1 to 6 people or a dorm with between 4 and 12 beds. There are female-only dorms. No rooms have private bathrooms but there are toilets and showers on every floor. The laundry has wash, dry and iron facilities and is open 24 hours. The reception desk is also 24-hour coverage so you have no concerns about getting in after clubbing until 3 a.m.
Central Location with Suburban Prices
For a private room you will pay as little as £20 for a bed for the night, but a dormitory bed will cost from £15 a night. The price includes bed linen, breakfast, use of the wireless Internet, walking tour, a drink in the bar on arrival and movies for when you have walked your socks off and just want to sit still and be entertained. These are 2011 prices and may vary.
West End Sights
Russell Square is in Bloomsbury, close to the British Museum and British Library for the studious types, but also close to lively Covent Garden and the West End. Go north from here to Euston Road, catch a bus to Regents Park and visit the Zoo, then come down Baker Street and find Sherlock Holmes' residence. South from there you will find Oxford Street , Mayfair and Hyde Park.
The City and Old London
If you go south-east from the hostel you will find the city, St Paul's Cathedral, the River Thames and across the Millennium Bridge, the Tate Modern Gallery and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. You will find Southwark Cathedral on the south side of the Thames and Borough Market, close to London Bridge.
These names are all evocative of the long history of the city, yet none speak of history more than the Tower of London, the ancient guardian of the city. Look for the Roman wall remains near the underground station. The famous opening bridge lies between the Tower and St Katherine's Dock, where the wealthy moor their superyachts.
Be prepared to do some walking and make sure you go into a few churches. On a cold day the church crypt can be a cozy place to eat a sandwich. You might also consider a river cruise, down to Greenwich or up to Hampton Court. While taking in the popular spots, try and find time for a few of the attractions that Londoners hold dear, like the Monument, and St. Clement Danes.
Leisure at the Generator
The hostel can also guide you to many attractions, as well as preparing you for a full day with an all-you-can-eat breakfast, generously served from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Remember that many of the museums in London are free, but do check because occasionally one will surprise you with a ticket booth. If you have walked all day and are too tired to go out again the hostel has a bar and restaurant, free wireless internet and a chill out lounge with 24-hour internet. Monday night is quiz night, there might be a toga party, and the hostel is planning to celebrate the royal wedding in April with a week long party celebrating the last 50 years. England swings!
If you want to be closer to the West End try the Piccadilly Backpackers Hostel.
Sally Anne Lewis - Sally has master's degrees in science and journalism, is fascinated to a degree in most things. Always something to learn.
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