"Bestplace" in Paddington is a good budget option for travelers coming in from Heathrow since it is very near the Paddington train station. It is a small hostel and very basic. Breakfast is included. The staff goes out of their way to be helpful and to direct guests to activities in the city. The security is very good. It attracts a young crowd on a tight budget in an expensive city.
The Location
The hostel is easy to find. The location is very good for people traveling in and out of Heathrow airport. It is close to the Paddington Train Station and also the Notting Hill Gate Tube Station and Edgware Road Tube Station. This gives guests quick access to public transportation which is important in a city as spread out as London. It sits above the Green Man Pub and the reception is actually in the pub. Staff is on site at all times, so a late arrival is no problem.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The rooms are very basic but reasonably clean and comfortable. The bathrooms are newly renovated but more would be helpful since guests might need to wait for a shower. The bathrooms are not divided for male and female use. Linen is included in the price. There are double rooms, a four-bed female dorm, and four-, eight-, nine-, and sixteen-bed mixed dorms. The security lockers are not conveniently located to the bedrooms.
Common Spaces
The common areas have internet access and Wi-Fi. There is a pool table and cable television in the lounge. The Green Man Pub is downstairs and the staff are very friendly and helpful. There is laundry available on the premises and there is luggage storage and a tours desk. It is a very lively and social place and the atmosphere is very friendly and inviting. There is a large international crowd and it is easy to meet people and socialize. Many guests hang out at the pub downstairs so it is an easy way to meet people and locals.
Summary
Hostels in London are expensive, so this hostel is a good budget choice in a good area close to public transportation. The staff are friendly and helpful. Many guests stay for a long time but there is an influx of new people passing through. The staff tries to introduce new people and make guests feel welcome. However, the hostel is above a pub and sometimes there is noise and drunken guests to contend with. For the location and the price it is good choice in London for travelers who want to meet people and need friendly staff to help them plan activities.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
January 2009
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