BootsnAll Travel Community

Hi ya'll

This is actually my 3rd trip to London -- but this time it will be shorter and a friend is tagging along with me (it's his first time being out of the USA). We will be staying at 3 different hostels (because we will be hopping around the western part of Europe). Even tho Ive been there a couple times, I just don't know where to begin!

I wanted to see if you guys have any recommendations for the following areas (or hostel) that is worth checking out (ie: dining/food, sites, history, culture, etc)

Shepherds Bush/Hammersmith area

St Christopher's Village Inn area

West Keningston area (Ace Hotel)

Thank you so much!

I've never stayed at any of these hostels, but I know a little something of the areas. The Shepherd's Bush hostel and Ace Hotel are actually within a mile of each other - the Ace Hotel is a little farther south and closer to central London. The Shepherd's Bush hostel sits right at Shepherd's Bush Common. The area sits in the Hammersmith borough.

You're a little out of the tourist loop there, but it's so easy to get in closer that it probably doesn't matter. The Dove is near here, which is supposedly the oldest continuous pub in London in existence.

The Village Inn hostel is across the Thames in Southwark, which has lots going on. It's near the rebuilt Globe Theatre, as well as lots of other attractions.

Southwark is probably a tad more convenient (and I personally think it's a little more interesting), but any of those areas would be fine - so it would probably depend on the actual hotel/hostel.

The Bootie prefernce is St Christophers in Camden (WHere everyone gets together for the BnA parties). Personally I love the location and you're within walking or short tube trip of everything central.

I can second Dave's recommendation of St Christophers in Camden - in fact I was there at weekend meeting michey_b for a piss-up/Earls Court travel expo and of course was there in Dec for the BnA meetup.

2 tube stops very close by and is even within walking distance of Euston station if the Northern Line isn't working (like at weekend...)!!!

And the bars/shops/atmosphere are/is great in Camden too!

Hi SassyDeaf,

I love South Bank, and have logged several stays at the Christpher's Inn hostels. There is so much to see in the area!

Like WhereForArt said, there is the Globe - there is also Southwark Cathedral, newly renovated and sparkling, Borough Market(Fridays and Saturdays), the Tate Modern Museum, Vinopolis (wine tasting), The London Dungeon (cheesy fun, if a bit pricy), the Golden Hinde, Britain at War Experience (haven't been here yet - going to in May ), Butler's Wharf, HMS Belfast (moored opposite the Tower of London, entry on South Bank), walking along the Thames, some great pubs - and did I mention the Globe?

Hope this helps - and feel free to pm me with any specific questions!

~irishlily

I have a link if all else fails for London Hostels and Hotels...Scroll to #5.