YHA London St Pancras

This modern hostel stands out from the classical architecture all around it, all the more so because of the bright signature green signage of the Youth Hostel Association. Stepping in through its sliding doors, the lobby is a surprisingly pleasant and buzzy space, adorned with fun jaunty notices, cartoon murals, and a daily "What's On" board of events. It's generally well maintained and decorated, with playful London-themed art running along hallways and stairwells being a particularly nice touch. As you might expect from a low-frills, hostel accommodation this property also has its fair share of scuffed walls, strip lighting, and a general budget feel. Guests are a predictable mix of international backpackers, students, and young shoestring budget travelers with a few frugal families thrown in the mix. 

This hostel is set right on one of central London's busiest thoroughfares -- Euston Road -- just opposite the British Library in the always bustling King's Cross neighborhood. The newly revitalized King's Cross and St. Pancras transport hub is just a few minutes' away with excellent tube and overland train connections, as well as the Eurostar terminal to Paris. Euston Station is a few minutes in the other direction, and is one stop from buzzing Camden Town. Attractions such as Regent's Park, the British Museum, and Oxford Street shopping are a short five-minute bus journey away. Expect a 20-minute tube journey to either Buckingham Palace or Tate Modern, and 30 minutes to Hyde Park. Heathrow Airport is a 40-minute train ride from here, while Gatwick Airpot will take about an hour to reach by train.

This hostel offers a range of simple, clean rooms including private rooms for two to four guests, or shared, single-sex dorms with bunk beds for up to six. Furnishings and decor are basic though well-maintained, with the hotel's signature lime green hue in the bedding and simple metal or oak veneer furniture. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, lockers, and heating/air-conditioning units. Bathroom facilities are either en-suite or shared, and while generally clean when we visited in 2015, they were old and could use an update (renovations were expected to be complete in early 2016). Towels and bedding are included in the price. Lower-level rooms facing the road are inevitably prone to some traffic noise.

A bright and pleasant cafe and bar serves a reasonably priced continental breakfast and a selection of light meals -- including burgers and pizzas -- plus coffee, juices, and alcoholic drinks; it is very much the hub of the hostel. There's also an ATM and a wall where guests can leave tags with their favorite memories. Further amenities include a coin-operated guest laundry with irons and ironing boards, secure lockers for left luggage, and a TV lounge with tables and beanbags, though there are no kitchen facilities. There is a meeting room on-site with a long boardroom-style table, though this could be better used as a game room or some other type of common space, as business events aren't exactly big business in hostels. Wi-Fi is free throughout.