Smart Russell Square Hostel Lodging Business in London

Reviews

1. Ludovica ★★★★★

   For the price I would 100% recommend this hostel. Of course it’s not a 5 star hotel but for a couple of nights it’s great. The bunk beds are on three levels, so if you get the highest it’s not the most comfortable. The reception is open 24/7 which is amazing, I had to check out at 3am and i had no issue. The bathrooms are okay, quite clean. Overall a positive experience

   almost 7 months ago
2. Brittney Sanchez ★★★☆☆

   As a female solo traveler, here are my thoughts: Location - In a residential, college town area. It was very quiet and safe! The Russell Square station and other forms of transport were close by, which was great! But for my next trip to London, I would do something closer to the heart of the city. Service - The people who helped me check in were very lovely. The reception desk is open 24 hours. They do give you flat sheets to make your bed, which didn't mind but I know some will. Rooms - Very small. I stayed in a 9-bed all-female dorm. The room had 3 sets of 3-decker bunk beds. I had the middle bunk, and the head space you get isn't great. To give you an idea, I'm 5'1 and I bearly could sit up straight when in bed. The bathrooms were soooooo tiny. Again, I'm literally 5'1 and don't weigh more than 130lb and I barely close the door behind myself. There are lockers in the room (bring your own lock) Overall - If this is the cheapest option you have available and you just need a place to sleep in an area that feels safe, I'd recommend this place. But if you have a bit more to spend (even just $5 more) I'd say find a place closer to the very center of London (Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower of London areas) and it have bigger room.

   almost 8 months ago
3. Anna Roberts ★★☆☆☆

   What is with this place, It feels as though smart hostels company is trying to squeeze as much money out of budget travellers as possible. The rooms are tiny but they are crammed full, no room to move around let alone for luggage. You have to make your own bed when you arrive and the duvets are also not washed between guests? Also the bathrooms and common areas were grubby as. Pretty baffled as to where our money was going to be honest. BUT the people working there are lovely and super helpful so that is a plus, they are so hard working!

   almost 8 months ago

1. Kasper van der Burg ★★★★☆

   Very good value for the price. The rooms and facilities were clean and the staff were nice and helpful. The rooms had large lockers that fit a medium size suitcase and a medium size backpack. The beds were reasonably comfortable and had a curtain for privacy. The beds were on the smaller size, so they would be uncomfortable for anyone taller than 1,75m. The location is good as well, it’s next to a well connected tube station and many popular places are also walking distance. If you’re looking for luxury or something, then it’s not it. But I’ve stayed in worse places for a lot more money. Quite good for a budget option.

   almost 11 months ago
2. Emilio Settembre ★★★★★

   Me and 2 Friends stayed for 1 Night in London and payed 18€. So there was nothing much to expect. But arriving at the Smart Hotel, first of all we were really impressed by its central location! The staff was also really friendly and helpful. The room was good. The curtains by the beds made me feel comfortable. Free ear plugs at the reception were also really helpful, giving me a calm sleep. After loosing my Headphones and having already left the Place, they immediately started looking for them and were a great help! The headphones ended up being in my friends bag, but the help was taken for granted!

   almost 3 years ago
3. Sarin T ★★☆☆☆

   Room+restroom size and height as well as bathroom is small, you can knock your head several times. Stay if you need but no longer than a week. The network and location is good though. Cleanliness in toilet could be improved but common room is good for social life.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Ronald Liao ★☆☆☆☆

   This place is properly festering in its own mud. Our first impression was horrible, as we entered we were greeted to a huge waft of bleach which made the joint smell like a swimming pool the entire time we were there. The pictures online made the room look far bigger than it actually was, which is really where my complaints begin. The room had this weird musk to it to start off, and there is really no room at all if you bring anything bigger than a backpack. The bathroom is tiny, as confirmed in other reviews, where if you sit on the toilet there is quite literally a sink in your face. You also need to choose the time you shower very carefully, perhaps it was because we were on the 3rd floor but during “peak hour” showering times we would have the option of scalding hot water, or no water at all. Pretty humiliating to be standing naked in the bathroom for 15 minutes waiting for the water to turn on to be honest. We stayed here for 5 nights. If you must save some money, just don’t expect it to be an epic time. You are much better off spending the extra in staying at a more reputable hostel nearby if you plan on staying long. Could only tolerate this place for a night The only redeeming qualities for this hostel is its location; safe area, nice parks, quiet at night, shops nearby and being positioned right next to a station.

   almost 3 years ago
2. Christian ★★★☆☆

   This was a pretty average stay. The bathrooms and showers could’ve used a more regular cleaning and the bedding was very stained. Staff were quick and attentive with check in and out, but more tact around customer relations would’ve been beneficial. They provide a wide range of food for breakfast, and despite not partaking (4.50 pounds) I was able to sneak in and steal a cream for my coffee (purchased around the corner in the alley of all places) and a jam for my vending machine Belgian Waffle. If you’re looking for travel stay on a budget, it’s hard to complain about a place like this.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Jamie de jongh ★☆☆☆☆

   To start off: Avoid this place at all cost. spend a little more for a proper experience and proper rest. I stayed in the 12 person dorm and it was basically in the basement. The pictures on Booking are not what it is in real life. There we're no proper windows except 3 small windows on the ceiling. These did not fulfill any purpose as the room was só hot. no air-conditioning either, just 2 cheap fans that didn't do anything but push hot air through the rooms. Staff does not look happy with their job, seem rather angry or annoyed that you are there. while showering the temperature changes from warm to ice cold and back. the "lockers" are metal drawers under the beds, so when people arrive at the hostel at midnight and they want to open the drawers/lockers, a loud metal screeching noise just echoes through the room, and you will wake up guaranteed. The beds are only 1.80m (5ft 10), so if you are taller than this, you will have to curl up on the small bed, not a great sleep either. Conclusion: whatever the owner might reply here, avoid this place and do yourself some good by getting another hostel.

   almost 3 years ago

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