YHA London Oxford Street: London
http://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/london-oxford-street
This hostel, part of the YHA chain, is an immaculately kept, modern hostel less than sixty seconds away from London's bustling Oxford Street. For the price of your stay I couldn't think of a better location, particularly if you're planning on hitting any shows upon the West End. The hostel staff are super friendly, the front desk offers discounted tickets and there is a free daily walking tour as well as a pub crawl; free wifi is also offered in the common area.. The huge kitchen is a plus if you're planning on cooking during your stay ( the M&S supermarket across the road also makes this super convenient). Note however that this is NOT a party hostel, and I actually met many families and business people during my stay. However if it's nightlife you're after there's plenty of busy pubs and bars just outside your door. Top Tip: when you arrive there is indeed an elevator immediately to your right (something I completely missed, instead lugging my bag up three flights of stairs) however it's concealed by a large door!
Casa Gracia: Barcelona
http://www.casagraciabcn.com
Casa Gracia feels more like a boutique hotel than a hostel. The beautifully decorated common area - complete with communal guitars and massive bookshelves, as well as 24/7 free hot chocolates and coffee - will soon feel like home, and the staff are some of the friendliest I've ever met. Casa also serves the best hostel breakfast I've been yet to partake in, and is located on the prestigious Passieg de Gracia so you won't beat it for location. The only downside I could find was the very small, veeeery slow elevator - you'll spend much of you stay opting to leg it up six flights of stairs, but hey, the exercise is probably needed to walk off all the sangria and tapas right?
St Christopher's at Bauhaus: Bruges
http://www.bauhaus.be
Anywhere you stay in Bruges is going to be pretty central (let's be honest, this town is just teeny tiny cuteness!) but the location of the Bauhaus (surrounded by pubs and situated near a grocery store) is perfect. While the rooms themselves are basic (although I've been told their new upgraded pod dorms are something pretty special!) the atmosphere of the communal area and bar can't be beat: cosy warm couches, antique candlesticks overflowing with the wax of candles long extinguished and beer that just keeps flowing. The hostel also offers free walking tours, pub crawls and Belgium beer tasting.
http://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/london-oxford-street
This hostel, part of the YHA chain, is an immaculately kept, modern hostel less than sixty seconds away from London's bustling Oxford Street. For the price of your stay I couldn't think of a better location, particularly if you're planning on hitting any shows upon the West End. The hostel staff are super friendly, the front desk offers discounted tickets and there is a free daily walking tour as well as a pub crawl; free wifi is also offered in the common area.. The huge kitchen is a plus if you're planning on cooking during your stay ( the M&S supermarket across the road also makes this super convenient). Note however that this is NOT a party hostel, and I actually met many families and business people during my stay. However if it's nightlife you're after there's plenty of busy pubs and bars just outside your door. Top Tip: when you arrive there is indeed an elevator immediately to your right (something I completely missed, instead lugging my bag up three flights of stairs) however it's concealed by a large door!
Casa Gracia: Barcelona
http://www.casagraciabcn.com
Casa Gracia feels more like a boutique hotel than a hostel. The beautifully decorated common area - complete with communal guitars and massive bookshelves, as well as 24/7 free hot chocolates and coffee - will soon feel like home, and the staff are some of the friendliest I've ever met. Casa also serves the best hostel breakfast I've been yet to partake in, and is located on the prestigious Passieg de Gracia so you won't beat it for location. The only downside I could find was the very small, veeeery slow elevator - you'll spend much of you stay opting to leg it up six flights of stairs, but hey, the exercise is probably needed to walk off all the sangria and tapas right?
St Christopher's at Bauhaus: Bruges
http://www.bauhaus.be
Anywhere you stay in Bruges is going to be pretty central (let's be honest, this town is just teeny tiny cuteness!) but the location of the Bauhaus (surrounded by pubs and situated near a grocery store) is perfect. While the rooms themselves are basic (although I've been told their new upgraded pod dorms are something pretty special!) the atmosphere of the communal area and bar can't be beat: cosy warm couches, antique candlesticks overflowing with the wax of candles long extinguished and beer that just keeps flowing. The hostel also offers free walking tours, pub crawls and Belgium beer tasting.