Generator London

London 51.52592400, -0.12476000 , 37 Tavistock Place, Russell Square (Show on Map)
6.9
Rated


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Summary of reviewsGenerator London is an appealing choice for travelers due to its outstandingly convenient central location, placing guests within walking distance to major transport hubs like King’s Cross and St Pancras stations and close to iconic attractions such as the British Museum and Covent Garden. The lively neighborhood of Bloomsbury, known for its safety and quieter ambiance, enhances the stay with numerous shops, cafes and restaurants.

Guests have applauded the clean environment and good facilities, including a vibrant bar, comfortable communal areas and various entertainment options. The hostel's breakfast service is highly praised for its plentiful and fresh buffet-style selections, offering great value for money. Both hot and cold dishes, including options for vegans, are available for a reasonable fee, contributing positively to the overall experience despite minor critiques on certain items or occasional loud music in the dining area.

The on-site bar and restaurant, fostering a youthful and energetic atmosphere, have earned positive reviews for their affordable and good quality food, featuring popular choices like fish & chips, burgers and vegan options. The bar, noted for its reasonable prices and late hours, serves as a popular social hub. Although the food pricing was occasionally described as high, the overall consensus is that the dining options provide good value, especially given London's typical prices.

Room experiences at Generator London are mixed but tend towards the positive with many guests appreciating the clean, comfortable accommodations and the budget-friendly nature. Private rooms receive particular praise for their comfort, although shared dorms are frequently reported to be small, stuffy and sometimes not reflective of online photos. Amenities such as under-bed storage, USB chargers and functional basics contribute to the convenience.

Cleanliness receives varied feedback: while some guests report consistently clean spaces with regular maintenance, others point out issues with unclean bathrooms, stained carpets and general maintenance needs. The staff plays a significant role in shaping the guest experience with most reviews highlighting their friendliness and helpfulness, although some isolated instances of unprofessional behavior are noted.

Generator London provides reliable Wi-Fi that meets general browsing needs, though there are occasional reports of weak signals and frequent disconnections in certain areas. The hostel prioritizes a lively nightlife, featuring a bustling bar scene with events and activities, though this sometimes leads to noise disturbances late into the night.

Bed experiences are generally positive with guests noting the comfort and cleanliness of the mattresses and convenient features like personal lights and USB ports. However, there are some complaints about flat pillows, occasional squeaky beds and a do-it-yourself approach to bed-making. Privacy curtains are not universally available, affecting the dormitory setting.

The hostel also considers accessibility, offering a ramped entrance and designated bathrooms for wheelchair users. Generator London's overall reputation is bolstered by its fantastic location, friendly staff and vibrant atmosphere, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers looking to immerse themselves in the heart of London.
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Dog Friendly Hostel

Hostel near Nightlife Spots

Accessible Hostel

Room Types
Twin - Shared Bathrooms This room has 2 beds. Guests have access to shared showers and toilets located nearby on every floor. All bunks include a light feature, personal shelf, charging station with USB port, and under-bed lockers. Towels are included in the price.

Private 4 bed Room - Shared Bathrooms This room offers a bed in a shared dormitory. Guests have access to shared showers and toilets located nearby on every floor. These rooms have 4 beds. All bunks include a light feature, personal shelf, charging station with USB port, and under-bed lockers. Pillow, duvet and linen are supplied. Towels are available at reception for an additional fee.

6 Bed Private Room with Shared Bathroom This room offers a bed in a shared dormitory. Guests have access to shared showers and toilets located nearby on every floor. These rooms have 6 beds. All bunks include a light feature, personal shelf, charging station with USB port, and under-bed lockers. Pillow, duvet and linen are supplied. Towels are available at reception for an additional fee.

Bed in 4 Bed Dorm - Shared Bathrooms This room offers a bed in a shared dormitory. Guests have access to shared showers and toilets located nearby on every floor. These rooms have 4 beds. All bunks include a light feature, personal shelf, charging station with USB port, and under-bed lockers. Pillow, duvet and linen are supplied. Towels are available at reception for an additional fee.

Twin This room has a bunk bed with 2 beds. Guests have access to a private bathroom with a hairdryer, towels and free toiletries. All bunks include a light feature, personal shelf, charging station with USB port, and under-bed lockers.

1 Bed in a 6-Bed Mixed Shared Dorm This room offers a bed in a shared dormitory. Guests have access to private bathroom for this dormitory. The rooms can accommodate between 3 and 6 beds. All bunks include a light feature, personal shelf, charging station with USB port, and under-bed lockers. Pillow, duvet and linen are supplied. Towels are available at reception for an additional fee.

Bed in 10 + Mixed Dormitory Room This room offers a bed in a shared dormitory. Guests have access to shared showers and toilets located nearby on every floor. These rooms have 10 beds. All bunks include a light feature, personal shelf, charging station with USB port, and under-bed lockers. Pillow, duvet and linen are supplied. Towels are available at reception for an additional fee.

8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room The dormitory room features parquet floors, heating, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower and a hairdryer. The unit has 8 beds.

6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room This room offers a bed in a shared dormitory. Guests have access to a private bathroom in the dormitory. These rooms can accommodate between 3 and 6 beds. All bunks include a light feature, personal shelf, charging station with USB port, and under-bed lockers. Pillow, duvet and linen are supplied. Towels are available at reception for an additional fee.

Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room This room offers a bed in a shared female-only dormitory. Guests have access to shared showers and toilets located nearby on every floor. These rooms have 12 beds. All bunks include a light feature, personal shelf, charging station with USB port, and under-bed lockers. Pillow, duvet and linen are supplied. Towels are available at reception for an additional fee.

8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room This room offers a bed in a shared dormitory. Guests have access to shared bathroom for this dormitory. These rooms have 8 beds. All bunks include a light feature, personal shelf, charging station with USB port, and under-bed lockers. Pillow, duvet and linen are supplied. Towels are available at reception for an additional fee.

Superior King Room This room has a king-size bed, a private bathroom with towels and toiletries and a hairdryer.

Guest Reviews
6.9
Rated
Location
Generator London benefits from an outstandingly convenient location, making it a prime choice for visitors seeking easy access to the city's highlights. Situated centrally, it is within walking distance to major transport hubs such as King’s Cross, St Pancras and Russell Square stations, which provide excellent connectivity across London and beyond, including direct routes to local landmarks and international destinations.

The hostel’s proximity to famous attractions like the British Museum and Covent Garden adds to its appeal, allowing guests to explore much of central London on foot. The surrounding neighborhood of Bloomsbury is not only bustling with shops, cafes and restaurants, but it's also noted for its safety and quieter ambiance, offering a welcome respite from the city's hustle and bustle.

The area is well-serviced by multiple underground and bus stops, facilitating straightforward commutes to various parts of the city. This is particularly advantageous for tourists, as it places them near many of London’s top tourist spots and makes getting around a breeze.

Adding to the convenience, the hostel is described as clean with good facilities including a lively bar, comfortable communal areas and entertainment options. The combination of an incredible location and affordable prices, along with friendly and helpful staff, make Generator London an excellent base for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the heart of the city while enjoying great value for money.

Breakfast
Generator London offers a breakfast experience that receives high marks from its guests. Many reviewers describe the breakfast as good, very good, great and even fantastic with a variety of options that exceed expectations. The buffet-style spread receives particular praise for its plentiful and fresh selections, including both hot and cold dishes. The value for money is highlighted frequently with several guests noting that the price is reasonable for the selection available.

Some guests express appreciation for the affordability and the expansive options, which include a full English breakfast and choices suitable for vegans. The breakfast is available for a fee, often mentioned around £9.50, which many find to be a fair price for the quality and variety offered. The friendly atmosphere in the breakfast area contributes to the overall positive experience, although a few reviewers did mention the loud music and cluttered makeshift furniture as minor inconveniences.

While the majority of feedback is positive, a small number of guests mention issues such as overly salty mushrooms and occasional instances of cold or undercooked items. Despite these critiques, the consensus is that the breakfast at Generator London is a noteworthy amenity that significantly enhances the hostel experience.

Dinner
Generator London offers a vibrant and youthful atmosphere complemented by an on-site bar and restaurant that garners largely positive reviews. Guests particularly enjoy the reasonably priced and good quality food with many highlighting the fish & chips, burgers and vegan options as standout offerings. The bar area is a favorite spot for many with its affordable drinks and a great selection available until late in the evening, making it a good place to relax and socialize.

The hostel's cafeteria is noted for delivering fantastic meals and refreshments, contributing to a lively and entertaining environment. While some guests felt the food could be a bit pricey and suggested more variety in the menu, the overall consensus is that the food is delicious and offers good value, especially given London's typically high prices.

The bar and restaurant's friendly staff and fun environment add to the experience, making it an exceptional spot for travelers looking to meet new people and enjoy some downtime. Despite occasional mentions of slow lunch service and difficulty in finding a quiet dining spot, the general ambiance and quality of food remain highly appreciated.

Overall, Generator London stands out for its good food, great atmosphere and convenient location near major transport hubs, making it a recommended choice for those visiting the city.

Rooms
Generator London receives mixed reviews regarding its rooms. Positively, many guests found the rooms clean, comfortable and functional with private rooms being particularly praised for their comfort. The budget-friendly nature of the hostel appeals to many with spacious rooms occasionally noted, especially in private accommodations. Additional amenities like under-bed storage, solid metal-frame beds and functional basics such as lighting and USB chargers add convenience. The hostel's central location and friendly staff receive commendations as well.

However, numerous reviews highlight significant drawbacks. The rooms are frequently described as very small, cramped and not reflective of online photos. Ventilation is a common issue with many guests mentioning stuffy, hot conditions and in some instances, bad smells or mold. Shared dorms can be noisy and crowded, leading to a lack of privacy and disruption. Maintenance appears inconsistent with reports of broken lockers, malfunctioning lights and general wear and tear in need of renovation.

Overall, while Generator London offers clean, comfortable and well-located accommodations at a reasonable price, potential guests should be prepared for small, sometimes stuffy rooms that may not fully align with promotional images.

Beds
At Generator London, the overall experience with the beds is quite varied, though there are several positive aspects to highlight. Guests frequently noted that the beds are comfortable with many experiencing a good night's sleep on clean and cozy mattresses. The beds also come with convenient features such as USB charging ports, personal lights and under-bed storage, which add a practical touch to the stay.

However, there were some consistent issues raised in reviews. A number of guests found the pillows to be too flat and uncomfortable and some beds were described as squeaky or too short for taller individuals. There were occasional complaints about unmade beds upon arrival and the need to sometimes prepare the beds themselves. Some guests also wished for privacy curtains, which were not universally available.

Despite some reports of discomfort, such as firm mattresses or issues with bed cleanliness, the general consensus leaned towards the beds being satisfactory for the price, often highlighting that these were among the more comfortable hostel beds they've experienced in London. The bedding was also noted to be clean and fresh, contributing to the overall positive feedback regarding bed hygiene.

The room setup, including bunk beds and the spacing between them, received mixed feedback with some finding the arrangement cozy and others noting congestion. For those in dorms, the lack of privacy due to missing curtains and the noise from other guests were notable concerns.

In summary, while Generator London offers comfortable beds with useful amenities, potential guests should be prepared for some variability in comfort and be mindful of the possibility of noise and a do-it-yourself approach to bed-making. For its price range, many found the beds to be a good value, making it a reasonable choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Cleanliness
Generator London provides a mixed experience when it comes to cleanliness. While some guests found the rooms and bathrooms to be consistently clean with regular cleaning schedules in place and staff working around the clock to maintain standards, many others reported issues that detract from the overall hygiene of the hostel.

Positive remarks highlight aspects like clean shared baths, clean bed linens and thorough cleaning processes in some areas. Guests appreciated the regular attention given to areas like common showers and toilets, which for them, maintained a reasonable level of cleanliness given the high traffic.

However, many reviews indicate significant areas for improvement. Numerous guests reported dirty and smelly bathrooms, stained carpets and unclean communal areas. More troubling accounts included stained bed sheets, moldy showers and a general lack of thorough cleaning, particularly in high-use areas. There were mentions of unusual smells in hallways and corridors, poorly maintained facilities and instances of non-functional amenities like broken locks and faulty plumbing.

To sum up, while Generator London does have strengths in its cleaning routines and some areas are well-maintained, a considerable portion of guests found the cleanliness wanting, suggesting a need for improvement, especially given the high guest turnover.

Staff
At the Generator London hostel, the staff generally receive commendations for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing significantly to the welcoming atmosphere. Many guests have appreciated the staff’s efforts in resolving issues promptly, providing useful information and maintaining a friendly demeanor. Individual staff members, such as Lucas, Charles, Zeca, Mia and Oliver, have been notably recognized for their exceptional service and kindness. Several reviews also highlight the proactive nature of the staff and their willingness to accommodate requests, be it changing rooms or offering travel tips.

Despite these positive remarks, there are instances where guests encountered unfriendly, unprofessional or unhelpful behavior, particularly from reception and night staff. These negative experiences seem to be outliers, overshadowed by the overall positive interactions most guests report. The staff’s role in creating a vibrant and friendly environment is frequently mentioned, making the hostel's atmosphere enjoyable and engaging for travelers. In summary, while some improvements could be made, it’s clear that the majority of guests find the staff at Generator London to be a significant asset to their stay.

Wi-Fi
Generator London boasts a good reputation for its Wi-Fi, praised for providing a reliable and efficient connection in many areas of the property. Guests frequently highlight the very good and excellent Wi-Fi, describing it as perfect throughout and ultra-fast, which works well for basic use and meets general browsing needs. The significant positive feedback about the internet connection ensures that many visitors enjoy a satisfying online experience during their stay.

However, some travelers encountered issues such as weak signals, frequent disconnections and unavailability in certain rooms, particularly in basement areas. Occasional reports mention the Wi-Fi cutting out or being slow, indicating that service might vary depending on the location within the building. Despite these mixed experiences, the overall consensus points towards a generally favorable Wi-Fi service with room for improvements in signal consistency and coverage.

Amenities-wise, while the Wi-Fi stands out as a notable feature, other practical aspects such as the limited number of USB ports and lacking normal plug outlets near the bed were noted by visitors, suggesting areas where Generator London could enhance the guest experience.

Nightlife
Nestled in the vibrant heart of London, Generator London is a hotbed for nightlife enthusiasts. The hostel pulsates with activity, characterized by its dynamic bar and club scene. With a bar that stays open till 3 am, night owls can relish the lively atmosphere, sipping on reasonably priced drinks and enjoying the beats of a DJ or karaoke night. The bar area, often bustling and convivial, becomes a hub for mingling and making new friends, making it perfect for those keen on socializing. Fun activities and events are a staple here, ensuring there's never a dull moment.

However, the energetic nightlife comes at a cost. Noise is a pervasive issue with the thumping music from the club reverberating through the building until the early hours. Guests have reported disturbances from other revelers, including door slamming, loud chatter and even rowdy school trips. The constant din makes it difficult for light sleepers to get a good night's rest.

Despite the noise, the overall atmosphere remains vibrant and youthful. The modern and cool public facilities add to the charm and the friendly staff, including notable mentions like Will and Keisha, enhance the stay with their attentiveness. Generator London offers a great environment for those looking to party and have fun, but it may not be the best fit for travelers seeking tranquility. Its central location near cafes, bars and theatres also makes it a convenient base for exploring London's nightlife.

Accessible
Generator London offers a mixed experience for guests with disabilities. Positively, the hostel boasts a centrally accessible location near Russel Square Station, making transport convenient with good access to various attractions and amenities nearby. The establishment features a ramped accessible entrance and designated bathrooms for wheelchair users. Guests found the hostel accessible all around with key card access to disabled WC and shower facilities. The staff generally received commendation for their helpfulness in facilitating accessibility.

On the downside, the absence of an elevator or the presence of a singular small lift, often crowded, posed challenges particularly for those needing to access higher floors or with heavy luggage. Additionally, some showers and toilets did not meet accessibility standards and there were issues with air conditioning. The busy and sometimes loud common areas might not suit guests looking for a quiet retreat and accessing the building with heavy luggage was cumbersome due to the brick pavement and stairs.

Nonetheless, Generator London remains a feasible option for those prioritizing location and basic accessibility amenities despite some operational and infrastructural shortcomings.


No, Generator London doesn't have any pool.

No, a spa isn't available at Generator London.

Yes, Generator London welcomes dogs.

No, parking facilities aren't available at Generator London.

No, Generator London doesn't have a gym.

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