The Hostelz.com Review
You'd be hard pressed finding a more homey, comfortable, and friendly place in Canada than the ACBB in London. The scene is set right away when you walk through the door and are greeted by the friendly owners, Patrick and Shelly.
In addition to being homey and comfortable, ACBB is clean and very, very welcoming -- even saying that doesn't do it justice. This is no sterile hostel with rules written everywhere, nor is it a drunk party place. Instead, you'll instantly notice the warm environment and cosy surroundings -- it's a hard place to leave and many backpackers who intended to stay a night or two have been known to extend their stay to weeks or months.
The hostel is designed from the ground up and it's obvious the owners are very experienced travelers --they know exactly what the backpacker needs and appreciates. The dorm beds are not your average kiddie size (you know, the ones where your feet hang over the edges) -- they have been specifically designed for comfort and you'll get a great nights sleep. The rooms are also large and there is handy lockable storage space under your bed.
You'll never get bored scrolling through the endless TV channels on the big screen TV downstairs (it's hooked up with premium cable). It's surrounded by large comfy couches. For a hostel of this size to have two kitchens -- downstairs and upstairs -- is a massive bonus. They are always spotlessly clean and both complete with all utensils and appliances. Upstairs there is a dining room that doubles as lounge room, complete with a wide variety of books. Internet is available on the three computers upstairs or via wifi (all free). There are bathrooms both upstairs and down, and even with a full house, we never had to wait.
The location of ACBB is handy to downtown London, which is about a five-minute walk away. There is a bus stop across the street, a great Canadian bar and restaurant less than a block away (with discounts for guests), and a twenty-four-hour convenience store nearby. Parking behind the hostel is also free. There is a delicious breakfast daily (more than your average toast and coffee) and a well known, massive Saturday night BBQ -- all free!
The ACBB is the definition of what hostels should be like. It's well worth the detour to experience this friendly place and the very Canadian city of London. Patrick or Shelly will pick you up from the airport if needed and you'll feel at home within minutes of stepping inside the door -- ACBB is highly recommended.
In addition to being homey and comfortable, ACBB is clean and very, very welcoming -- even saying that doesn't do it justice. This is no sterile hostel with rules written everywhere, nor is it a drunk party place. Instead, you'll instantly notice the warm environment and cosy surroundings -- it's a hard place to leave and many backpackers who intended to stay a night or two have been known to extend their stay to weeks or months.
The hostel is designed from the ground up and it's obvious the owners are very experienced travelers --they know exactly what the backpacker needs and appreciates. The dorm beds are not your average kiddie size (you know, the ones where your feet hang over the edges) -- they have been specifically designed for comfort and you'll get a great nights sleep. The rooms are also large and there is handy lockable storage space under your bed.
You'll never get bored scrolling through the endless TV channels on the big screen TV downstairs (it's hooked up with premium cable). It's surrounded by large comfy couches. For a hostel of this size to have two kitchens -- downstairs and upstairs -- is a massive bonus. They are always spotlessly clean and both complete with all utensils and appliances. Upstairs there is a dining room that doubles as lounge room, complete with a wide variety of books. Internet is available on the three computers upstairs or via wifi (all free). There are bathrooms both upstairs and down, and even with a full house, we never had to wait.
The location of ACBB is handy to downtown London, which is about a five-minute walk away. There is a bus stop across the street, a great Canadian bar and restaurant less than a block away (with discounts for guests), and a twenty-four-hour convenience store nearby. Parking behind the hostel is also free. There is a delicious breakfast daily (more than your average toast and coffee) and a well known, massive Saturday night BBQ -- all free!
The ACBB is the definition of what hostels should be like. It's well worth the detour to experience this friendly place and the very Canadian city of London. Patrick or Shelly will pick you up from the airport if needed and you'll feel at home within minutes of stepping inside the door -- ACBB is highly recommended.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
March 2007
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Hostelz.com Guest Reviews
Noisy, smoky, hot ... a hat trick! This place looks a lot nicer than it actually is. It's a friendly little building, with a parking lot (as long as your car is not too wide. The entrance between the buildings is very narrow. Don't try to get your F-150 or Caddy in here.) There is a bit of noise in this place. While I was here, some college students were partying until 1 am, drinking and talking loudly. Apparently there are no quiet hours here, because management didn't do anything about it. They say there is a "smoking area;" in fact, there is smoking inside this small house, which stinks the place up. In addition, it was a very nice day in London while I was there, 75 F in the day and 60 F at night, yet the room was still as hot as an oven, even with the window open. I was booked for 2 days, left after 1. I wasn't the only one; I found two other people fleeing that morning. It doesn't look like I caught them on a one-off; this all seems to be institutionalized. — Anonymous , USA (2011-08-31) Great place all around Great place, Warm people, Hot coffee, Cool atmosphere, Spacious. A place that i enjoy returning to. Gotta be there for that bbq! — Hans , Canadian (2007-06-30) Very Cool Very good place to stay. the owners are very friendly and knowledgeable. The bunk beds are comfy and spacious (don't let the rough finish put you off). The breakfast was delicious and plenty of it with lots of choice including cereal, toast, eggs, fruit, and yogurt. We would stay here again. — Sion & Helen , Wales (2007-06-11) This place is excellent. The people in there are so Canadians, eh?! (This means to be polite, friendly, and they care.) All the stuff in there is so clean and in a very good shape. You feel safe and comfortable. I strongly recommend ACBB. — SHIDDARTA (2006-11-18) Excellent -- my hosts made my feel right at home from the minute I walked in the door. Couple the outstanding hospitality with immaculate common areas, washrooms and dorm rooms (the beds are the most comfortable I've slept in in ten years of hostelling -- I slept twelve hours!) and you have a real winner of a hostel. Great free breakfast too -- I only wish I could have stayed for the Saturday BBQ. London the city has an understated Canadian charm well-worth exploring, if you live half an hour or half a world away. Thanks guys for a memorable stay, and I can't wait to get back! — Michael Fox (not the famous one) (2006-07-30) Amazing hostel, very clean, friendly staff, warm and welcome environment, I seriously considered moving in permanently. This place is better than any hotel you are going to find, I highly highly recommend it! — Meg (2006-03-28) The friendliest hostel I have ever seen in my 15-year-old life as a back packer. It is just like your home!!! — Gustavo Gusso (2005-10-01) Awesome. Great place and people. It's clean, close to everything and has friendly and helpful owners. Don't miss the barbecue on Saturdays!! — Alex Gallo (2005-08-03) The staff work very hard to keep this place clean, and are incredibly friendly and helpful as well. In addition it has a great location not far from downtown at all. If anyone has the chance to check this place out do yourself a favor and don't pass it by. — Dave (2005-06-08) Excellent facility, with very nice beds, and for a smaller house-type hostel the two kitchens were great. The best time was on the back deck for the FREE Saturday feast, and I was there in the winter! London is a nice city with lots of fun bars and things to do. Fun people. — Anonymous (2005-04-18) We had a great time. This place had very clean rooms, very helpful owners and the location is great. London is a fun place and this place is one of the top we've stayed in around the world. — Anonymous (2004-10-17) Awesome. The place is super-clean and has comfortable beds. The owners are very friendly and helpful. London seems to be a happening place. There are great bars nearby, and the free BBQ on Saturday was great. It is not the only hostel in London, but it is a good one. — Anonymous (2004-09-13)