We love this hostel! It gets our thumbs up for consistently high customer ratings and excellent quality scores.
Free WiFi

Astor Kensington

Free Cancellation Book more than 4 days in advance for Free Cancellation.

8.3
Fabulous
6600 Total Reviews
Perfect Location
Superb Staff
Excellent Cleanliness

Hostelworld says

Note: 18-40 yrs old only. Astor Kensington won 1st Best Small hostel chain and 1st in the Lifetime achievement awards at the 2015 Hoscars! Astor Kensington is in the upscale neighbourhood of Bayswater, beside Oxford Street, Hyde Park and Portobello market. Hostelworld guests say they appreciate that the hostel is "within walking distance of the Queensway and Bayswater tube stations". Our reviewers appreciate that the staff are "really helpful and polite. They seem to have their own little family with each other, making it feel really welcoming and open to guests", said one of our visitors. We like that this hostel has an "excellent", "well-equipped kitchen" and "the best breakfast for hostels for this price range in London".

Property Description

Located a short walk from Notting Hill, Hyde Park and Kensington Palace (home of William, Kate, and the Royal Babies!) it is easy to see why so many people fall in love with this neighbourhood. With three Underground Lines and countless 24hr buses, Astor Kensington is the perfect hub from which to explore London. A short walk around the neighbourhood will take you through the world-famous Portobello Market, Kensington Gardens and London's most charming streets! Hop on the tube or bus and within 10 minutes you will be in the heart of Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square!

The moment you walk through our doors you become part of our family and we want you to have an incredible experience! We want every detail - from our super clean bathrooms and comfortable pillows to our unforgettable social events - to be perfect, giving you a London adventure that is 10 out of 10!

VALID government issued ID required to stay with us, and ALL guests must be between 18-40 YEARS

At our amazing hostel you will have full access to:

-Free Fast Wi-Fi throughout the building as well as Free PC Access
-24-hour reception for anything you may need (including late check-in/early check-out)
-CCTV in operation 24 hours a day
-Storage Lockers available for your valuables £2 per locker, per day (max 14 days).
-Luggage room is free to use on day of arrival! You can leave your items from £2.50 per bag on day of departure (£7.50 per bag for everyday thereafter).
-Laundry facilities available 24-hours. Hairdryers and ironing facilities free to use
-Dining room and common area to enjoy a meal or meet fellow travellers
-Beautiful lounge area with comfy sofas and enormous projector screen for movies and sports!

Reception hours
-Check-out is between 8am and 10am.
-Check-in is available between 3pm and 10pm (please let us know your arrival time to ensure someone is there to greet you with a smile!)

(A staff member is available 24 hours a day for emergencies, a number will be provided if you have any issues, or you can call the hostel number directly).

Charity breakfast
Breakfast is available every day from 8 am to 10 am for £3.50 PP. £1 will be donated to charity for every breakfast!

Common Areas
-Kitchen and common areas are all open! Whoop Whoop! (Kitchen and lounges will be shut at midnight and reopening at 8am).

Helpful Extras (Hidden costs are a pain! If we can give it to you for free, we will, if we cannot do it as cheap possible!).

-Free City Maps
-Tourist Information, walking tours and advice on local attractions and transport (24hrs)
-Daily events organized for our guests
-Room key is a £5 cash deposit
-Padlocks and Adaptors available for sale at the reception
-Discounts at local restaurants and coffee shops
-Towels are available for hire at £3.50
-Clean, crisp linen on your bed ready to sleep on!
-Late Check-Out available to sleep in a little more until Midday (book in advance at reception)!

Winner of No.1 Small Hostel Group Worldwide, and a Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in the Hostel Industry. We thrive on ensuring every guest comes satisfied and if you have any problems along the way we are always there ready to help! For this and many other reasons staying at Astor Hostels is the top choice for anyone exploring London on a budget!

Reservations must be made for guests over the age of 18. Any reservations made for those under the minimum age will be cancelled and you will not receive a refund. The hostel organises daily events aimed at backpackers between the ages of 18-30, it is therefore suggested that guests under the age of 40 would enjoy the hostel the most.

Proof of identification must be shown on arrival and can include a passport, driving license and national identity cards. We cannot accept paper driving licences, student, or employee IDs as proof of identity and failure to show proof or a copy upon arrival will result in the cancellation of a reservation without a refund. Get in touch with us for further clarification.

When booking for 10 persons or more, different policies and additional supplements will apply.

Reviews & Ratings

8.3
Fabulous
6600 Total Reviews
  • Security
    8.9
  • Location
    9.3
  • Staff
    9.4
  • Atmosphere
    7.9
  • Cleanliness
    7.2
  • Value for Money
    8
  • Facilities
    7.4

Check Availability

Check In
Check Out
Guests

Location

Latest Reviews

5.7
Rating
Feb 29, 2024
Squeaky metal bunk beds with no curtains. Cheap hostel used by locals as well sometimes. If you are looking for something very cheap for just a couple of days it is fine. It is close to the Queensway and Bayswater metro stations, thePortobello market is 38 min bus to Camden, 30 min metro to Soho and main London touristic attractions. If you are looking for the typical hostel vibe, I would go somewhere else. If you want comfort and privacy, opt for individual bedrooms or 4 beds dormitories max...
show more
Male, 25-30
5.4
Rating
Feb 14, 2024
8 bed room review: Pros: constant hot water, excellent location and close to the tube, Cons: run down building, windows don't stay open, bad smell in some of the rooms, insanely uncomfortable mattress, lopsided bed frame that squeaks and shakes at every tiny movement waking everyone up, locker under bed was halfway broken, wifi disconnects frequently and doesn't reach the rooms, USB A and C near bed but no outlet or light by the bed, whatever they use to clean the blankets left me with bumps all over my
show more
Male, 25-30
7.4
Very Good
Jan 30, 2024
I think the staff were quite cheerful and helpful though I don't think the same about the cleanliness and breakfast service. I have never seen such a dirty bathroom/toilet at a hostel before. However, it's worth staying for a short trip. Btw, Thanks Spanish receptionist for letting me use her space in fridge to put my medication.
show more
Male, 25-30

Facilities

  • Free

    • Linen Included
    • Free City Maps
    • Free WiFi
  • General

    • Security Lockers
    • Key Card Access
    • Common Room
    • Adaptors
    • Hot Showers
    • Self-Catering Facilities
    • Cable TV
    • Hair Dryers For Hire
    • Safe Deposit Box
    • Washing Machine
  • Services

    • Internet access
    • Laundry Facilities
    • Towels for hire
    • Luggage Storage
    • 24 Hour Security
    • Housekeeping
  • Food & Drink

    • Vending Machines
    • Tea & Coffee Making Facilities

Awards

2019

1st, Lifetime Achievement Award

2019

1st, Best Small Hostel Chain

2019

3rd, Hostel Chain

2015

1st, Lifetime Achievement Award

2015

1st, Best Small Hostel Chain

2010

3rd, Hostel Chain

View all Award Winners

Astor Kensington says

Astor Kensington won 1st Best Small hostel chain and 1st in the Lifetime achievement awards at the 2015 Hoscars!

More hostels in London