About

Smart Hostels is proud to present our most central London property aiming to provide cost effective accommodation on the doorstep of the city, being in walking distance to the British Museum, Oxford Street, Soho and much more.

The hostel provides dormitories with bunk beds each also has access to a small locker able to lock with a padlock (not supplied).

The property includes a front operating on a 24-hour basis for all inquiries along with a common room and communal kitchen. A Basis Buffet Breakfast is available to purchase which is served between 7.30am to 10.00am

House Rules

Check In

14:00 - 24:00

Check Out

until 10:00

  • Taxes Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free City Maps
  • Free WiFi
  • Free City Tour
  • Adaptors
  • 24 Hour Reception
  • Tours/Travel Desk
  • Currency Exchange
  • Housekeeping
View all facilities

Reviews

7.6Very Good(10797)
  • Value for Money
    7.3
  • Security
    8.4
  • Atmosphere
    6.5
  • Cleanliness
    7.3
  • Staff
    8.0
  • Location
    9.1
  • Facilities
    6.6
Summary of traveller reviews

Smart Russell Square Hostel in London offers a fantastic location, close to transport and attractions. While rooms can be small and warm, many guests appreciate the privacy curtains and friendly staff. Some recent reviews mention issues with bed comfort and cramped spaces, but the central location remains a key draw for travellers.

Stayed in Aug 2026
7.4
M
Miss
Female, 25-30, Northern Ireland
Couldn't access the locker assigned to my bed because it was already padlocked, asked reception about this and they just shrugged and told me to use another locker. Tried to access another locker but my padlock wouldn't fit through the latch. Wasn't about to spend an extra fiver or whatever on a new padlock so just left my stuff on my bed, thankfully nothing was stolen. No air conditioning in the room, though managed to sleep soundly despite the heat. Showers were clean and didn't smell.
Stayed in Jul 2026
8.6
B
Bethany
Female, 18-24, England
Good location and facilities but be warned the beds creak so much that I woke up a lot in the night on the bottom bunk whenever someone moved
Stayed in Jul 2026
8.0
H
Hailey
Female, 18-24, USA
This hostel isn’t fancy by any means but it does the job. The downsides were no AC, rickety beds (they shook significantly when bunk mates moved), and a stuffy, tight shower room.
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Location

71 Guilford Street, London, England
2.6km from city centre
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Hostelworld says

Many Hostelworld guests who visit Smart Russell Square say they particularly appreciate the under-bed lockers and ?the curtains around the bed [which] allowed me to sleep anytime I wanted even when the lights were on?. Our visitors say this hostel has a ?spotless? kitchen, ?friendly staff, comfortable beds, a good atmosphere and is conveniently located? near the British Museum, ?with a tube station, supermarket and pubs right around the corner?. We?re noticed that this hostel sees many repeat guests and several of our users say they?d stay here again.