Travel Influencer Discovers £10 Central London Hostel With Unexpected Perks
Travel content creator Ralph Smith, who boasts 63,000 Instagram followers, recently challenged the assumption that visiting London must be expensive. In a candid social media review, he revealed he paid a mere £10 to stay at a budget hostel in Central London, documenting the surprising quality he encountered.
First Impressions and Check-In Experience
Ralph began his video outside the Smart Hyde Park Inn Hostel in Bayswater, West London, announcing to his camera: "It's £10 to stay here in Central London. Guys, let's go inside and find out [what it's like]." Upon entering, he immediately spoke with another guest who described the hostel as "very good" and "very clean," though that guest mentioned paying £12 per night.
The check-in process impressed Ralph, as staff provided him with a fresh, pristine bedsheet. He noted the team were lovely and friendly, setting a positive tone for his stay.
Dormitory Features and Comfort Assessment
Entering the nine-bed dormitory, Ralph was pleasantly surprised to find air conditioning, which he described as "really nice and cold" given the warm weather. His bed, while "not being the spongiest," was deemed "isn't too bad at all." Each guest benefits from:
- A personal locker for security
- An individual charging port
- A dedicated reading light
- A pillow and duvet
Ralph summarized: "In total there are nine beds in here, you've got a locker each. Honestly for £10 it's not too bad." During filming, the dorm was "very calm" with only one other person present, though he acknowledged this "depends on who you have in your room."
Bathroom and Kitchen Facilities Inspection
The bathroom inspection revealed a very clean toilet, though Ralph noted a few stray hairs in the sink. The shower, he remarked, was acceptable: "I've seen a lot worse."
In the kitchen, he observed that cooking was feasible but questioned whether guests would want to, stating: "You could definitely cook here. Would you want to, probably not?"
Overall Verdict and Value Proposition
Delivering his final assessment, Ralph stated he would stay there if "desperate," emphasizing: "It's not dirty, it's not grim, it doesn't smell, the staff are really friendly in there." His only significant criticism concerned temperature: "The only thing I would change is it's very hot in there, they do have air con but I think at night that room will get stupidly hot."
Despite this, he highlighted the exceptional value, calculating it at approximately £70 per week for Central London accommodation. He also suggested it as an ideal option for groups on nights out, recommending: "If you're coming to London and need a place to crash or you have you and a few friends who want to book a hostel, come check out Hyde Park Inn."
Social Media Reaction and Practical Details
The review amassed over 7,600 likes, with followers expressing mixed reactions:
- Positive comments included: "Looks so nice" and "When I move to London I'll stay there for a few weeks."
- One observer noted: "The neighbourhood is nice too. Close by restaurants, coffee shops and many other shops, and of course a few minutes to the beautiful Hyde park."
- Others admitted hostel life wasn't for them, with one commenting: "I'm too fancy to ever stay in a hostel & sharing room with 9 strangers. I wouldn't be able to sleep as I'm a light sleeper."
The establishment operates as a youth hostel, exclusively catering to guests aged 16-45. While Ralph claimed he paid £10, the hostel's website indicates prices start from £14.40, suggesting possible promotional rates or booking variations.
