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Paris Toolkit YHA hostels in London
7 YHA hostels identified and compared
The YHA is a major UK charity established in 1930 with an objective to “help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, and appreciation of the cultural values of towns and cities”.
Beginning life as the Youth Hostel Association, over the years it has become so well known around the world that it is now branded as just YHA.
Today, there are hostels all over the UK and YHA (England & Wales) is a member of Hostelling International allied with similar associations worldwide.
Now hostels are unrecognisable from just a decade or so ago and are mostly modern and contemporary looking forward. Although the accent is on the youth market, all age bands are welcome. Most hostels, all in London, have a wide range of private rooms including large rooms accommodating up to six.
YHA London hostel overview
In London there are currently seven hostels, five in the centre of London in the main hotel areas and two in the suburbs. There is a new YHA hostel opening in 2021 in London Stratford, but that is a way off yet. In YHA hostels there is free Wi-Fi, kitchens for self catering, laundry facilities and facilities for snacks. You do not need to be a member of YHA or Hostelling International to stay at a YHA hostel though, if you are you'll be entitled to a further discount off the advertised rate.
YHA Oxford Street is the most central of the YHA hostels in London in an area where if it was a hotel you would pay a large premium to stay. Located off the main shopping street in London, Oxford Street and on the edge of the main theatre/nightlife area, this hostel is within walking distance of much that you will want to see in London.
YHA Central is only a 10-minute walk north from the Oxford Street YHA so again is very central and is close to Madame Tussauds and Regent's Park.
YHA St Paul's is in the City of London, the main business area of London within the old city walls. That's not to say you are isolated, far from it with lots of history and much of interest all around you including St Paul's Cathedral.
YHA Earl's Court and YHA St Pancras are still very central and in mainstream hotel districts just a 10-minute Underground ride from all the attractions. Kensington is very convenient if you are flying into London's Heathrow Airport and St Pancras is the train terminus for the Eurostar trains to Paris and the rest of Europe.
YHA Thameside and YHA Lee Valley are in the suburbs of London. If you are watching every penny then Thameside may well be for you, combining low cost with a location where you can be in the centre of London within 30 minutes. Lee Valley is in a country park on the northern periphery of London. It's ideal if you want to just chill out in peaceful surroundings with the convenience of a train station on your doorstep offering frequent trains into London. Lea Valley would also be good if you are arriving in London with your own vehicle.
YHA hostels in London
YHA London Earl's Court 
This well positioned hostel set it a beautiful Victorian building has recently seen improvements made throughout, with new showers, toilets, beds, self catering kitchen and social spaces. It offers a range of affordable accommodation, 24-hour reception, Wi-Fi access and a TV lounge. The cafe serves breakfast and snacks throughout the day. There is also a bar and games room. Close to Hyde Park, Natural History Museum and Royal Albert Hall. Please note this property does not charge an additional temporary membership fee.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Male & female dorms • Private rooms for up to 6 people • Self-catering kitchen • Laundry room • Cycle store • Garden/grouds • Cot available
Nearest tube: 5-min walk to Earl's Court
YHA London St Pancras
Across the road from Kings Cross/St Pancras station so perfectly located if your arriving by train or looking to stopover on the way to Paris via the Eurostar. There are dorm rooms available as well as private rooms and rooms with en-suite. Access to all floors and rooms is via designated swipe cards only. There are 186 beds in this hostel, a comfy TV room, laundy room. Great location for exploring London.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Male & female dorms • Private rooms for 2-6 people • TV room • Laundry room
Nearest tube: 1-min walk to St Pancras
YHA London Central
In a top location, just a 6-min walk from Regent’s Park, 5 minutes from nearest tube and within 9 minutes of Oxford Street, this is a high-quality hostel offering comfort and convenience. It has its own café and bar with a range of breakfast and lunch choices for purchase, including croissants, paninis and pasties. There are also computers here for guests to use. There are shared bathroom facilities with showers, which in some dorms are en suite. Private rooms are also available.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Dorms or private rooms • Shared lounge • Bar • Tickets service • Breakfast • 24-hr front desk • Lockers • Laundry • Snack bar
Nearest tube: 3-min walk to Great Portland Street
YHA London Oxford Street
Just a short walk from London's famous shopping street Oxford Street and on the edge of the West End theatre district. Modern bright decoration throughout. This hostel has a lounge and dining area. There is also a self-catering kitchen and laundry room. This is a busy city centre hostel but is at pains to say it is not a 'party hostel' and all ages are welcome.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Male & female dorms • Private rooms for up to 6 people • Self-catering kitchen • Laundry room
Nearest tube: 4-min walk to Oxford Street
YHA London St Paul's
This charming period building used to be a school for choirboys so is steeped in history. Sitting only seconds from St Paul's Cathedral and a short walk from the river, this hostel offers a beautiful London location in a remarkable building. Private rooms are available, there is a licensed bar and breakfast and evening meals are served in the dining room. TV room, library, small shop selling snacks and laundry room completes the picture. There are however no self-catering facilities at this hostel.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Male & female dorms • Private rooms for 2-6 people • TV room • Laundry room • Bar • Restaurant
Nearest tube: 3-min walk to Blackfriars
YHA Hostel Thameside
Rotherhithe Overground Station is just 5 minutes' walk from the hostel, you can be in the centre of London in around 30 minutes. Fully equipped self catering kitchen, a laundry room and TV lounge. At the hostel there is a café bar serving soft and alcoholic drinks as well as tea and coffee with a selection of snacks. Free Wi-Fi, desktop computers and TV lounge.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Male & female dorms • Private rooms for up to 6 people • Self-catering kitchen
Nearest overground: 4-min walk to Rotherhithe
YHA Hostel Lee Valley
Lee Valley is a Youth Hostel split over six wooden lodge-style buildings. It offers the perfect accommodation if you want a great mix of city sightseeing and activities. Situated in the Lee Valley Regional Park - where you can explore open green spaces and take part in watersports. The hostel is a 20 minute train journey from Central London. The reception area which doubles up as a tea shop during the day and a large dining room can seat up to 110 people.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Male & female dorms • Private rooms for up to 6 people • Self-catering kitchen • Parking • En-suite rooms available
Nearest tube: 3-min walk to Cheshunt
