Meininger City Hostel & Hotel

Meininger City Hostel is a a huge, if rather impersonal hostel situated just opposite the natural history museum and within easy reach of the V&A museum and Hyde Park. It is situated between Gloucester Road and South Kensington Tube Stations.

Near the reception, there is a large sitting area with free tea and coffee, and an internet area and vending machines as well. However, not many people seem to hang out there, as the hostel's main clientele seems to be school parties or families -- it's not really a great hostel to meet like-minded backpackers. The storage room is in the basement, which is a bit of a drag as you have to carry your bags down. The lift leading to the rooms seems to be permanently out of order, so you have to lug your stuff up a few flights of stairs as well.

The twelve-bed dorm is quite large and is self contained with a television, lockers, and two space-capsule sized toilets. The toilets are spotless and the showers are strong with lots of hot water. There are also toilets along the corridor. The three-tier bunk beds are something else altogether and can be quite coffin-like! You get to choose whichever bed you like if you come early. Beds are made for you and towels are included in the price -- just ask at the reception. Security is good and you need a key card to enter your floor.

The buffet breakfast is excellent. Apart from the usual cereal and bread, you get hams and salamis as well as a variety of cheeses. There's also hot chocolate, tea, coffee, and juices on tap. Definitely a good start for a hard day of sightseeing!

Meininger is an average choice -- it fulfills the basic requirements of cleanliness and security at a decent price. However, if you want a party atmosphere or a hostel with an attached bar, look elsewhere. It is more suited to families as it is relatively quiet and a good location for bringing the kids to the museums.

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