Travel Influencer Reveals £10 London Hostel Experience
In a surprising revelation that challenges common assumptions about the high cost of visiting the capital, travel influencer Ralph Smith has documented his overnight stay at a Central London hostel for just £10. With many people believing a trip to London inevitably breaks the bank, Smith's experience offers a compelling counter-narrative about affordable accommodation options in one of the world's most expensive cities.
A Detailed Look Inside the Budget Accommodation
Smith, who regularly shares his travel adventures with his 63,000 Instagram followers, began his video outside the Smart Hyde Park Inn Hostel in Bayswater, West London. "It's £10 to stay here in Central London," he announced to the camera before inviting viewers to join him inside to assess the facilities. Upon entering, he immediately encountered another guest who described the hostel as "very good" and "very clean," revealing they had paid £12 for their night's stay.
The check-in process proved straightforward, with staff providing fresh, clean bedsheets. Smith then entered the dormitory room, where he noted the presence of air conditioning, which he described as "really nice and cold" given what he called "boiling" conditions outside. His assigned bed, while "not being the spongiest," was nevertheless "isn't too bad at all" in his assessment.
Facilities and Practical Considerations
The nine-bed dormitory offered each guest their own locker, charger port, and personal light. Smith acknowledged that the experience "depends on who you have in your room," but noted that during his visit, the atmosphere was "very calm" with only one other person present. The bathroom facilities received generally positive reviews, with Smith declaring the toilet "very clean" despite noticing a few hairs in the sink. The shower, he remarked, was better than many he had encountered elsewhere.
The communal kitchen presented practical cooking possibilities, though Smith questioned whether guests would actually want to prepare meals there. His overall verdict was measured but generally positive: "It's not dirty, it's not grim, it doesn't smell, the staff are really friendly in there." He did express concern about potential nighttime temperatures, suggesting the room might become "stupidly hot" despite the air conditioning.
Value Assessment and Recommendations
Smith calculated that staying at the hostel would amount to approximately £70 per week for Central London accommodation, which he described as a "bargain." He recommended the establishment particularly for groups of friends visiting London for nights out, suggesting: "If you're coming to London and need a place to crash or you have you and a few friends who want to book a hostel, come check out Hyde Park Inn."
The influencer's post garnered significant attention, accumulating more than 7,600 likes and numerous comments. Responses ranged from enthusiastic endorsements like "Looks so nice" and plans to stay there "for a few weeks" when moving to London, to acknowledgments of the favorable location near restaurants, coffee shops, and Hyde Park. However, some viewers admitted personal limitations, with one commenting: "I'm too fancy to ever stay in a hostel & sharing room with 9 strangers. I wouldn't be able to sleep as I'm a light sleeper."
Important Details and Discrepancies
It's worth noting that the establishment operates as a youth hostel, restricting guests to those aged between 16 and 45. Additionally, while Smith claimed to have paid £10 for his stay, the hostel's official website lists prices starting from £14.40, suggesting either promotional pricing or special circumstances for his particular booking. This discrepancy highlights the importance of checking current rates when planning budget travel accommodations.
Smith's documentation provides valuable insight for budget-conscious travelers considering London visits, demonstrating that with careful planning and realistic expectations, affordable overnight options do exist in even the most expensive urban destinations. His experience suggests that while hostel accommodation involves compromises, particularly regarding privacy and shared facilities, it can represent a viable solution for travelers prioritizing location and cost over luxury amenities.
