Generator Hotel

I have never stayed in a hostel before and was quite disturbed by some of the hostel's internet reviews. However, I really enjoyed my stay there (3 days). Did not notice the smoke, bed was very comfortable and clean, toilets were small but everything worked. Included breakfast was good (big serial choice and toast with butter or jam – all you can eat). For the price and the location of this hostel you cannot do better in central London. Staff were friendly (they even had wake up knocks). Yes there was a club/pub on the other side of... more

I've only stayed at a few hostels, but the Generator seems to be exactly what a hostel should be. It was full of energy and opportunities with out being annoying. When I wanted to go to sleep at night, there was nothing keeping me awake. The facilities were not that of a hotel, but they shouldn't be, they were comfortable and clean enough. I'm thinking the people complaining about the smoke must have been in the BAR, where people SMOKE. I never had any problems with smoke in the halls or my room. There are also specific non-smoking areas.

Honestly, I think the people that wrote some of these reviews are a little stuffy and don't understand that they were staying in a hostel, not a 5 star hotel. I was in Europe in June of 2004 and must say that the Generator was the best hostel I stayed in of 5 cities. I do not recall the stench of smoke that others have mentioned (especially inside the building), did not mind the showers too much (always had more than enough hot water), and the bed linens were much better than all other hostels I stayed in. I somewhat agree with the fact that... more

best atmoshpere of any hostel iv been to. good prices good food, lots of people, and everyone parties every night, the bar there is so cheap, 1 pound drinks every night... if you stay anywhere in london stay here. its also really close to alot of sights and main london shopping areas.

I had the lamentable task assigned to me to stay here which was required as i currently am a writer for a travel guide book which i can not say the name of in this post. The first thing i noticed as i entered was the fowl stench of smoke that nauseated me almost to the point of vomiting. If you are a asthmatic or have breathing problems, you will not have a pleasant experience to say the least. The staff were kind to a certain extent but not typical English hospitality. The bathrooms were not very clean but that should be expected from a... more

I stayed in London for a week. This place was about 2 blks to the train station & within walking distance to the British Museum, a used bookstore and some great restaurants. I felt very safe, secure and comfortable here. Great people, good place especially if you are travelling alone. The showers get stuffed up so get in early or there will be still water leftover fromt he last person. Ugh! Only thing I could complain about- would definitely go back.

I just come back from The Generator and I think it's a good place to stay if you don't mind about old furniture at the rooms and noisy club downstairs ... I didn't meet anyone smoking as some review said... I found it clean and cheap, and the location is perfect: near Tesco Express (cheap supermarket), near the tube (underground), and walking distance from the British Museum/ British Library and railway station King's Cross/St Pancras. So if you don't mind about having to share the showers and if you are looking for a place to sleep while... more

Best value hostel in London. Clean, friendly, easily accessible. Breakfast included was more than adequate. Bar and evening meals good value too. Highly recommended,

I stayed at this hostel in this past year and I found it to be okay, though if you like privacy and quiet, this place might be a little too hustle bustle. As far as price, this place is affordable, close to the underground(subway), close to the supermarket, close to the British Museum and offers free breakfast. There are lots of rooms, so usually you don't have to worry that you won't be able to book. The atmosphere is like a big college dorm so there are lots of people to meet and there's entertainment in the lobby every night. There is a... more

This hostel is great if you are a smoker but not if you aren't. That is, people seem to smoke everywhere - I witnessed people smoking at the reception desk, in the corridor, in the bar and in the eating area. Just great when you're eating your breakfast and surrounded in a fog of smoke. This is a warning for non smokers who do not like to passively smoke.... I'm suprised they don't fine you at this hostel if you are caught NOT smoking!