Let's Go Europe 2011: The Student Travel Guide
Page 16
Upon waking up in the Generator Hostel after a night of revelry, you may wonder if you forgot to leave the club. The likely answer is that you never went to a club but stayed in to partake in one of the hostel’s nightly parties which occasionally feature DJs. Equipped with a bar open late and a 24hr. reception that plays 24hr. of music, the Generator is generating some very good times. The cafeteria-like common spaces and the fact that the staff doesn’t live on-site prevents it from feeling homey, but the neon blue lights and steel panels make it look like a hell of a party. Plus, the money you save here will make your evenings just better.
Russell Sq. Go down Colonnade away from Russell Sq. and turn left onto Grenville St.; follow it onto Hunter St. and turn left onto Tavistock Pl. Bring your own padlock. Laundry £2 wash, £0.50 per 10min. in dryers. Free Wi-Fi. No private baths. 4-6 bed dorms £20-25; 8-12 bed dorms £17.50-22.50. Singles £55-60; doubles £25-30; triples £17.50-25.00; quads £17.50-20. Call ahead as prices change. Bar open 6pm-2am. Happy hour 6-9pm.
CLINK 261
265 Gray’s Inn Rd.
HOSTEL
020 7833 9400 www.ashleehouse.co.uk
If you dream of a hostel where every night is movie night (and the film is picked by majority vote and watched from comfortable pleather chairs), where cube chairs fill the entry, and where sleek, retro plastic coverings blanket every surface, then you have dreamed of quirky Clink 261. Centrally located in Bloomsbury, Clink 261 has style, relative grace, and clean and simple rooms that are well-suited to hostelgoers unwilling to commit to grungier options.
King’s Cross/St. Pancras. Turn left onto Euston Rd. and follow it as it curves right into Gray’s Inn Rd. Continental breakfast included. Lockers free, but bring your own padlock. Luggage storage and linens included. The hostel is cleaned and fresh sheets are distributed daily. Laundry £2 wash, 50p per 20min. in the dryer. Wi-Fi £1 per 30min., £2 per hr., £5 per day. Rooms available in 18-bed, 10-bed, 8-bed, 6-bed, 4-bed and private. Shared bath. Dorms £18-25; private rooms £50-60. Call ahead for current prices. Breakfast M-F 7:30-9:30am, Sa-Su 8-10am. Free walking tour daily 10:10am.
Chelsea
No longer a punk-rock haven, Chelsea is now overrun with Ferraris, Benzes, and Porsches, and the hotels have adjusted accordingly. Budget accommodations here are short-stay apartment rentals.
IES RESIDENCE HALLS
Manresa Rd.
STUDENT RESIDENCE HALLS
020 7808 9200 www.iesreshall.com
Simple but highly affordable and value-packed (as Chelsea accommodations go), IES Residence Halls fill a large void in the Chelsea housing market, which is dominated by four- and five-star hotels. Three rooms share one spacious kitchen that has chairs, a table, a couch, and a fridge. The style is modern, the concept is simple, and the rates are low. Common rooms on each floor house a TV and the six RAs organize occasional events.
Sloane Sq. Exit the Tube and go straight down Sloane Sq. The street slanting gently left is King’s Rd. If you don’t want to walk the road (it’s manageable but long), the following buses service the area: #11, 19, 22, 211, 319, right on Manresa Rd. Laundry £2 for washer and £1.20 for soap, £1 dryer. No Wi-Fi, but ethernet in every room. Bathrooms cleaned once a week, kitchens cleaned twice a week. Bathrooms ensuite. 1-16 weeks, weekly rates: singles £331-397; twin shared £207. Rates for 16-36 weeks and 36-50 weeks also available. Daily rates: single: £52.86, twin £58.75. Security 24hr.
CHELSEA CLOISTERS
Sloane Ave.
SHORT STAY APARTMENTS
020 7584 1002 www.chelseacloisters.co.uk
Though a bit old and worn, Chelsea Cloisters offers a viable alternative to the high-cost hotels that might otherwise prohibit a stay in Chelsea. The rooms are clean and efficient, each with its own kitchen and bathroom. It’s not the swankiest or brightest building, but the apartments are clean and serviceable. Check carefully what you’re paying before you book, as there are a few compulsory charges (cleaning and deposit) not included in the rates. Because of the deposits, it might be wise to book only for very long stays or for stays under a week, in which case no deposit is needed.
Sloane Sq. Exit the tube and go straight down Sloane Sq. The street slanting gently left is King’s Rd., go onto it and turn right onto Sloane Ave. Luggage room. BT Openzone vouchers (for Wi-Fi) sold at the desk; £40 per month, £27 per 5 days, £10 per 24hr. Book at least a week in advance. Compulsory 5-day maid service and linen change £58.75 for a studio, £70.50 for 1 bed, £82.25 for 2 beds. 1-week prices: standard studio apartment £53; large studio apartment £590; 1-bedroom apartment £785. 2-bedroom apartments: double and single £1,025; double and twin £1,075. Deposit: studio £600; 1-bedroom £600; 2-bedroom £800.
Kensington and Earl’s Court
ASTOR HYDE PARK
191 Queen’s Gate
HOSTEL
020 7581 0103 www.astorhostels.co.uk
Built in the 1800s as a grand Victorian House, the Astor Hyde Park was also a hotel once upon a time. The flagship among Astor Hostels, the Hyde Park location is all high ceilings, aged grandeur, and comfort. The hostel is very close to beautiful Hyde Park. The six-floor hostel has no maximum stay, but it’s not meant for long-term stays. Everything is cleaned twice a day, and the kitchen is cleaned three times daily. Careful, though—backpackers subject to delusions of grandeur could easily mistake the other residents for servants in their personal mansion. The hostel keeps some of that old grandeur in the teas with live music and the spacious common room.
High Street Kensington. Turn right onto Kensington High St., then turn right onto Queen’s Gate. Free linens; beds are made fresh daily. Laundry: washing machine £2.50, washing powder £1, dryer £1 per 40min. Lockers £1.50 per day, £7 per week. Free Wi-Fi. Coin-operated computers for those without laptops. Every room is ensuite, except 3- to 4-bed rooms, which still have private bathrooms. Winter prices around £15-20. Summer weekday dorm prices £20-£26; doubles £80 per night; twin £70. Weekend rates go up by £5 per dorm bed and £10 per double and twin. Reception 24hr.
YHA EARL’S COURT LONDON
38 Bolton Gdns.
HOSTEL
020 7373 7083 www.yha.org.uk
In one of the pleasant in-between spaces of London which are central yet oddly removed, YHA Earl’s Court London is a fairly spacious hostel which, despite its shared bathrooms, grants everyone their own space. Some of the rooms even have their own areas for storage. Frequented by families as well as backpackers, the hostel is welcoming and affordable.
West Brompton. Turn right on Old Brompton Rd., left onto Earl’s Ct. Rd., right onto Bolton Gardens. Continental breakfast £2.95. Linens are included; beds are made daily. Shared bathrooms. Laundry: washer, dryer, and detergent £4.50. Lockers in room, padlocks £3. Internet £5 per 24hr., £9 per week. Check ahead, but generally beds in single sex 4-, 6-, and 10-bed dorms £20-24.50.
Knightsbridge and Belgravia
MORGAN GUEST HOUSE
120 Ebury St.
GUEST HOUSE
020 7730 2384 www.morganhouse.co.uk
This cozy guest house feels just like a home. Most rooms have a fireplace and all are clean and well decorated, occasionally decked out with chandeliers, huge mirrors, and fresh flowers. In the back, guests can enjoy a patio that’s like the Secret Garden. For a pleasant budget stay in Belgravia, you could do worse than the Morgan Guest House.
Victoria. Turn left onto Buckingham Palace Rd. With your back to Buckingham Palace Rd., turn right onto Elizabeth, then left onto Ebury St. Singles £58; doubles £78, with bath £98; triples £98/138; quads with bath £148. Breakfast M-F 7:30-9am, Sa-Su 8-10am.
West End
FIELDING HOTEL
4 Broad Court
HOTEL
020 7836 8305 www.thefieldinghotel.co.uk
Named after the novelist Henry Fielding, who worked next door at Bow St. Magistrate’s Court where Oscar Wilde was later tried, the Fielding Hotel is located in pleasant Broad Court. A short walk from the Royal O
pera House, the hotel is in one of the most exciting parts of town, but the Fielding doesn’t use that as an excuse for poor rooms or exorbitant prices. Book a room at this comfortable, classy, well-located, and reasonably-priced hotel.
Covent Garden. Right onto Long Acre. Right onto Drury Ln. Right onto Broad Court. Book around a month in advance. Singles £90; doubles £115.00; superior twins/doubles £140.00, with sitting room £160; suite (sleeps 3) £200. Rates do not include VAT. Call ahead because rates change.
YHA OXFORD ST.
14 Noel St.
HOSTEL
020 7734 1618 oxford@yhalondon.org.uk
The big appeal of YHA Oxford St. is the location, with prime placement in the West End. There are prettier and friendlier accommodations in this city, but you can’t complain about the price. Two washer-dryers service 76 beds, and the rooms begin on the third floor, with a battered lift as an alternative to the stairs; don’t buy too much of the alcohol served behind reception, as you might not make it up.
Oxford Circus. Turn left down Regent St., left onto Noel St.. N13, N15, N18, N136, N159 available from the Oxford Circus Station Bus Stop. 7-night max. stay. Wi-Fi: £1 per 20min., £5 per 24hr., £9 per 7 days, available in the lounge and some of the rooms. £1.60 for washing, £.50 for a 15-20min. drying cycle. 3- to 4-bed dorms £23-32; doubles £56-76; triples £84-117. Alcohol served behind reception: Bottles of beer £2.10-2.75, Irish apple cider £3, Smirnoff Ice £2.85. Alcohol served 10am-11:30pm.
Westminster
ASTOR’S VICTORIA
71 Belgrave Rd.
HOSTEL
020 7834 3077 www.hostelworld.com
A franchise in a chain, Astor’s Victoria is especially popular with students. Rooms feel small and run-down but great to live in. Bathrooms are cleaned twice daily, and linens are changed daily. The walls are covered with friendly tips for travelers and low-cost (and specially discounted) outing opportunities. The staff hosts movie nights and pub crawls, and the hostel’s excellent location only makes going out easier.
Victoria. Left onto Buckingham Palace Rd. Left on Belgrave Rd. Breakfast included. Storage available. Personal safes £1.50. Wi-Fi £1 for 40min., £5 for 24hr. Common room open until 1am. Check-in after 2pm and before 8am. Check-out by 10am. Prices for rooms range wildly; call well in advance. Breakfast 8am-10am.
VICTOR HOTEL
51 Belgrave Rd.
HOTEL
020 7592 9853 www.victorhotel.co.uk
A basic, clean, and—depending on the day—cheap hotel, the Victor is one of the many townhouse establishments lining Belgrave Rd. Boasting a convenient location near the heart of Westminster, the Victor provides well-kept rooms that, while not large, are not nearly as cramped as those of some of the hotels on the same street.
Victoria. Left onto Buckingham Palace Rd. Left onto Belgrave Rd. All rooms have an ensuite bathroom. All room prices subject to change based on dates, season, and local events, so check online. Doubles M-F £75-85, Sa-Su up to £95. Reception 24hrs.
Notting Hill
Notting Hill isn’t an ideal place to find budget accommodations—although there are many beautiful residences, travelers short on funds aren’t welcome to stay in many of them. Prices hover around £80-120 for doubles. Nearby Bayswater is a much better bet for the penny-pinching traveler.
BOWDEN COURT
24 Ladbroke Rd.
HOSTEL
020 7727 5665 www.lhalondon.com
This four-floor hostel is just about the only budget-friendly option for people looking to stay in Notting Hill, but luckily, it’s close to all the action. In the basement lies a clean and spacious dining room. The food is decent but not terribly healthy. Also in the basement are a laundry room, study room with computers, and TV room. Bathrooms are communal.
Notting Hill Gate. Exit north, take a right onto Pembridge Rd., and turn left onto Ladbroke Rd. Lockers £1 per day, £3.50 per week, £10 per month. Washers £3; dryers £1. 2-bed dorms £25; 3-bed £23.50. Singles £28-29; doubles £52.00. Weekly 2-bed dorms £114; 3-beds £94.50. Weekly singles £159.50-179.50; doubles £250. Breakfast M-F 7am-8:15am; Sa-Su and bank holidays 9:30-10:30am. Dinner M-F 6:30-8pm. Lunch Sa-Su and bank holidays 12:30-1:30pm.
SIGHTS
From the hints of the city’s Roman past at the London Wall to the memories of WWII or the unforgettable Great Fire of London, London’s long past has not only been documented in stone but also in its art scene, from the masterworks in the West End’s National Gallery and the Tate Modern to the cutting edge galleries of Chelsea and the South Bank. And not to worry—this artistic splendor is totally accessible to travelers on a budget, especially those who carry their student IDs. When trying to see a church, look for service times, as you can frequently get in free during masses, Evensong, etc. If you can’t afford to visit all of the sights individually, buy a ticket up to the top of St. Paul’s—the view from the Golden Gallery is magnificent and the cathedral itself is worth every pence.
Bayswater
SPEAKERS’ CORNER
Hyde Park, Park Lane. London. W1K 1QB
HISTORICAL SITE, PERFORMANCE SPACE
This innocuous corner of Hyde Park is the stage for political, religious, and social debates. Speakers present ideas, challenge each other, and take questions from the audience. There are no set hours, and anyone is welcome to speak. Come watch free speech in action!
Lancaster Gate. Take left onto Bayswater Rd. Go in through Victoria Gate and continue left down Hyde Park. Stay close to Bayswater Rd. Free. Hours vary, but can be 9am-10pm in summer.
Bloomsbury
THE BRITISH MUSEUM
Great Russell Street.
MUSEUM
020 7323 8299 www.british-museum.org
The funny thing about the British Museum is that there’s almost nothing British in it. Founded in 1753 as the personal collection of Sir Hans Sloane, the museum juxtaposes Victorian Anglocentricism with more modern, multicultural acceptance. The building itself, in all its Neoclassical splendor, is magnificent; a leisurely stroll through the less crowded galleries is well worth an afternoon visit. The many visitors who don’t make it past the main floor miss out—the galleries above and below are some of the museum’s best, if not most famous.
The Great Court is the largest covered square in Europe, and has been used as the British Library stacks for the past 150 years. The blue chairs and desks of the Reading Room, set inside a towering dome of books, have shouldered the weight of research by Marx, Lenin, and Trotsky, as well as almost every major British writer and intellectual—and minor ones as well! From the main entrance, the large double doors to the left of the Reading Room lead to the Museum’s most popular wing, the West Galleries. The Rosetta Stone takes center stage in the Egyptian sculpture rooms, while the less iconic but enduringly huge monumental friezes and reliefs of the Assyrian, Hittite, and other Ancient Near East civilizations are worth more than a glance. Most famous (and controversial) of the massive array of Greek sculptures on display are the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon, statues carved under the direction of Athens’s greatest sculptor, Phidias (Room 18). The Greek government technically bought the Marbles (albeit for a measly price). Other Hellenic highlights include remnants of two of the seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus and the Mausoleum of Halikarnassos (Rooms 21-22).
Upstairs, the Portland Vase presides over Roman ceramics and house wares (Room 70). When discovered in 1582, the vase had already been broken and reconstructed, and in 1845, it was shattered again by a drunk museum-goer. When it was put back together, 37 small chips were left over; two reconstructions have reincorporated more and more leftover chips, though some are still missing from the vase. Egyptian sarcophagi and mummies await in the North Galleries (rooms 61-66). The newer African Galleries display a fabulous collection accompanied by soft chanting, video displays, and abundant documentation (Room 25, lower floor). In Rooms 51-59, musical instruments and board games from the world’s first city, Ur, show
that leisure time is a historical constant, while Mexico dominates the Americas collection with extraordinary Aztec artifacts (Rooms 26-27). Islamic art resides in Room 34, and above it, the largest room in the museum holds Chinese, South Asian, and Southeast Asian artifacts alongside some particularly impressive Hindu sculpture (Room 33). The highlight of the Korean display, in Room 67, is a sarangbang house built on-site, while a tea house is the centerpiece of the Japanese galleries (Rooms 92-94).
In the South and East Galleries, the King’s Library gallery holds artifacts gathered from throughout the world by English explorers during the Enlightenment. While the labeling is poor (and in some places nonexistent), the collection itself is spectacular. The upper level of the museum’s southeast corner is dedicated to ancient and medieval Europe, and includes most of the museum’s British artifacts. A highlight of the collection is the treasure excavated from the Sutton Hoo Burial Ship; the magnificent inlaid helmet is the most famous example of Anglo-Saxon craftsmanship. Along with the ship is the Mildenhall Treasure, a trove of brilliantly preserved Roman artifacts (Room 41). Next door are the enigmatic and beautiful Lewis Chessmen, an 800-year-old Scandinavian chess set mysteriously abandoned on Scotland’s Outer Hebrides (Room 42). Collectors and enthusiasts will also enjoy the comprehensive Clocks and Watches Gallery (Rooms 38-39) and Money Gallery (Room 68).