The London Lodge

London Lodge Hostel may be a brand new hostel, but it feels more like a tired, well-worn (possibly well-loved), dingy motel that has been neglected. If it weren't for the passing through of lively respectful travelers and the minimal caretaking of the owners, The Lodge would be just another of London's overpriced shoddy hostels. It may be owned by South Africans, but it seems to be "run" by hired non-African staff who speak minimal English, but get the job done for the most part. We found that the staff were not even well-versed in the rules of the hostel, as they attempted to charge us for a late arrival (at nine-ten p.m.). We informed the staff that their web site stated that "late" was after ten p.m., and they referred us to a posted rule sheet next to the reception window -- which had no reference on it as to the late arrivals! (The "late arrival" statement on their website has since been removed, leaving the traveler no info in that realm -- however, it still exists on at least two websites, including ours.)

The Lodge is on a street lined with many hotels, all of which seem a bit more upscale than The Lodge. The exterior is quite decent, and the white and blue, sunny, wavy sign has the traveler imagining that luxury, or at least economical respite, can be found inside. And, indeed, rest for the weary body can be found here. It will likely be in the company of many young Asians who reside here for months at a time, although if you’re a short-stay you have a good chance of rooming with another traveler interested in hanging out or chatting.

In the hallways hang decorative sheets printed to look like African tapestries -- a nice touch. At the reception window, you may have to knock a few times on the shutters, as it seems that the staff sleep on a cot in the office. Once you wake them up, they are happy enough to take care of you -- not overly friendly but certainly not rude or curt.

Once you pay your fifteen-pound key deposit, you can make your way up (or down) the narrow stairs in the dim light to your room. You'll notice that tucked in the odd corners of the stairwell are the toilet and shower rooms. When you get to your room, be sure to hold the heavily-springed doors so they don't slam, because they will, and everyone else will hear them.

The carpet throughout the place is stained (as the carpet in any house with children might be after seven years or so). The bedrooms are larger than usual -- our room has room for two more sets of bunk beds. The bunk bed springs sag quite a bit, but the beds do not squeak (at least in our room). The mattresses sag along with the springs, and have a few unidentifiable splotches on them, but one can take comfort with a double-layer of the crisp, white, and obviously clean sheet that comes with the bed. A pillowcase and duvet cover (both also clean and fresh-smelling) are also issued to each bed-inhabiter. You can cool your water-bottle overnight in the mini-fridge in your room, and watch the in-room TV as well.

We count at least two showers in the place, and think we spotted a third (we were running out the door after spending ten minutes trying to wake the staff to get our key deposit back before running to our train in the morning, or we would have investigated). A toilet is always open, except perhaps in the morning - there are four of them at least. The bathrooms/toilets are not kept spotless but are certainly cleaner than the restroom at a bar. They are cleaned once a day by a housekeeper. The toilets and showers are in working condition and a shower late at night still produces adjustable hot water. There is an adequate stock of toilet paper but you will need to bring your own handsoap -- a major pain in our opinion. The seals surrounding the showers could use some maintenance, and the paint on some of the bathroom walls is literally bubbling from, we would guess, moisture seeping from the wall. It is turning rust-colored, smells of mildew, and is just plain hideous. A paint-scraper would work wonders.

There is a kitchen for the hostellers to use, including a relatively new four-burner stove, oven, and two sinks. Dish soap appears to be plentiful. A pantry is stocked with some basic and not-so-basic items. There is a refrigerator one can use as well, which we found clean. One can pay to use the washer and dryer. A lounge area is near the kitchen, and has adequate seating on blue microfiber couches as well as a couple of tables and chairs. The lounge includes a TV and has shelves of books and videos, and, while empty during the day, it was pretty packed when football games were on.

All of the bedrooms in The Lodge have windows opening either onto the street or onto the back, which has some buildings and, somewhere, a side-street or alley. By day these streets are not so busy but it seems that night-time is when the trash-trucks come out, and on weekends, motorcycles and streetlife. An exhausted traveler could sleep through these things, but if you are not such a heavy sleeper, or bothered by a lot of noise, bring earplugs. The Lodge itself is pretty tame, once you get past the minor irritations of the next door slamming shut a few times (not all night) and the loud locking/unlocking noise of the bedroom doors.

The Lodge is in a convenient location, truly a two-minute walk from Paddington Station. Once you exit (Praed Street) you may have to look around to see which street is London Avenue, but once you've got it you walk up it, and very shortly you need to turn left onto Norfolk Square (that's the first Norfolk Square you see! It's easy to miss and turn left down the second side of the square -- many people do it!). This walk is quick and easy even with luggage.

Response from the Hostel: The London Lodge has been revamped, the bathrooms are looking great. The place is exceptionally clean. We are not a party place, but somewhere to get a good night's rest. There is a guest kitchen which is fully equipped, and a dining area and separate lounge with Skye TV and lots of couches. There are plenty of bathrooms on each floor - great position!! And great value for money. ~

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review