Pickwick Hall

Mediocre
Stayed there for a couple of months when studying in London. it's cheap and centrally located, but that's about it. The mattresses are terrible and will kill your back. There's usually about twenty random college kids just lurking around the kitchen. They advertise free breakfast, but it's just toast and jelly. There is an illusion of security, but that didn't stop my laptop from being stolen. Apparently Pickwick (unlike hostels in uber safe places like Greece and Italy) doesn't require a passport from transient guests, so your roommate/new best friend named Tom can really be some Hungarian hanging around waiting to steal your stuff, and once he's gone, there's no way to find out his real identity.

Brilliant location in the very heart of London, nice and clean kitchen, nice lounge with a lot of books, videos and DVDs, free Internet, a double bed that deserves its name. But the room is a bit underfurnished (nowhere to hang your coat) and could use a little renovation (wall paint falling off, a rug you don't want to touch with your bare feet), the showers are really small and not particularly clean either.

I stayed here for two nights in September 2005. This place is friendly, clean, and comfortable. The dorm room with four beds had lots of space, an en suite bathroom, and fridge. There's also free Internet in the common area and a spacious kitchen. Location is also excellent (close to the Holborn underground station). The staff are very friendly and helpful. I would definitely go back.

We had a triple room which was large, clean, with good beds and a fine, large en suite bathroom. Our room had a refrigerator and microwave. Plus two kitchens are available, and a washer/dryer. This place is close to everything. I would definitely stay here again.