Kensal Green Backpackers

5.2
Good
(881 reviews)

639 Harrow Rd, London NW10 5NU, United Kingdom

+44 20 8964 4411

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Hotel Description

Kensal Green Backpackers, located at 639 Harrow Rd, London NW10 5NU, United Kingdom, offers a vibrant and budget-friendly stay in one of London's most eclectic and thriving neighborhoods. Situated directly opposite Kensal Green tube station, this hostel places guests in the heart of the action, just an 11-minute walk from the trendy Chamberlayne Road. The area is known for its hip shops, lively bars, and a strong local community vibe. Nearby, guests can explore Kensal Green Cemetery, the final resting place of many famous figures, offering an intriguing glimpse into the city's rich history. The hostel itself exudes a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere with its contemporary design, offering an ideal base for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the buzz of London. The hotel combines comfort and convenience with a focus on friendly service, making it a perfect choice for those who want to experience the city without breaking the bank. The rooms at Kensal Green Backpackers come in various configurations to suit every kind of traveler. There are mixed and single-sex dormitories, as well as private rooms, all designed to create a comfortable and inviting space. Every room is equipped with en suite bathrooms, providing privacy and convenience. The dorms are designed with space and comfort in mind, ensuring guests have a restful night's sleep after a long day exploring the city. The rooms are clean, simple, and functional, making them an ideal retreat after a day of sightseeing. For those who love to cook, the hostel offers a fully equipped communal kitchen on each floor, making it easy for guests to prepare their own meals. In the mornings, guests can enjoy a free continental breakfast to fuel up for the day ahead. The property also has a lounge/bar area where guests can unwind with a drink or socialize with fellow travelers. A small cafe serves light bites for those seeking a quick and easy meal. Kensal Green Backpackers is well-connected to the rest of London, making it easy to get around the city. The nearest public transport option, Kensal Green tube station, is just a 1-minute walk from the hotel, providing easy access to key locations like Oxford Circus and Regent's Park. Guests can also take advantage of the hostel's complimentary shuttle service from Victoria Station, making travel to and from the property even more convenient. Major airports are also easily accessible from the hostel. For instance, Heathrow Airport is a 43-minute taxi ride away, while London City Airport is about 55 minutes by transit. Health and safety are top priorities at Kensal Green Backpackers. The hostel is a smoke-free property, and it does not allow pets, ensuring a clean and allergy-free environment. The front desk operates 24 hours, adding an extra layer of convenience and security for guests. Full-service laundry facilities are available, so guests can refresh their clothes during their stay. Whether traveling for business or leisure, the hotel strives to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all. Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities both within the hotel and nearby. The hostel's vibrant location places it near numerous shops, restaurants, and bars, allowing guests to easily explore the neighborhood's local culture. For those interested in history and culture, popular sights such as the Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Hyde Park are just a short transit ride away. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to Regent's Park, which is only a 15-minute drive away. A variety of top restaurants are within walking distance, offering a range of cuisines to suit all tastes. For a hearty British meal, guests can head to The Shed, just 12 minutes by taxi, or enjoy the local flavors at Parlour, only 2 minutes away. Segen Bar and Restaurant offers a mix of international flavors and is a 5-minute taxi ride away. Zin and Elohim Sabor Brasileiro, offering Brazilian dishes, are also highly recommended, adding to the diversity of dining experiences in the area. Whether you're in London for a short stay or an extended visit, Kensal Green Backpackers offers an affordable yet comfortable option for travelers who want to be in the heart of one of the city's most vibrant and accessible neighborhoods. With its welcoming atmosphere, great amenities, and easy access to London's top sights and transport links, it's an ideal place to stay for travelers looking for convenience and affordability without compromising on comfort and style.

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. 15-minute drive to Regent's Park, one of London's largest and most famous parks

2. 1-minute walk to Kensal Green tube station for easy access to Central London

3. One of the few hostels in the area with a 24-hour front desk service

4. Complimentary shuttle service from Victoria Station adds convenience for guests

5. On-site bar and restaurant make it a social hub for travelers

6. Fully equipped kitchen on every floor for guests who prefer self-catering

7. Free continental breakfast offered every morning to start the day right

8. Smoke-free property for a clean and healthy environment

9. Proximity to notable landmarks such as the Natural History Museum and Hyde Park

10. Convenient access to public transportation, with taxis and buses readily available


6.4 Good

Location rating

Top sights

Natural History Museum
20 min
Victoria and Albert Museum
20 min
Hyde Park
18 min
Kensington Palace
17 min
Science Museum
20 min

Nearest locations

Touro
1 min
Manos Grill London
1 min
Parlour
2 min
The Cedar Restaurant
2 min
Zin
3 min
The Khas Lounge
3 min
Segen Bar and Restaurant
5 min
Portobello Garden Arcade Italian Restaurant
8 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Check-in14:00
Check-out10:00
Location rating6.4
Nearest airportHeathrow Airport
Travel time to airport43 min

Nightly price (Only for reference price for sample day)

Check-in: Thu, Dec 05
Check-out: Fri, Dec 06
    Booking.com

    $41

    EaseMyTrip.com

    $58

    Vio.com

    $59

    goseek.com

    $59

    LateRooms.com

    $70

    Hotels.com

    $75


Location

639 Harrow Rd, London NW10 5NU, United Kingdom

Airports:

Heathrow Airport

Taxi: 43 min

Transit: 50 min

London City Airport

Transit: 55 min

Taxi: 1 hr

London Luton Airport

Taxi: 49 min

Transit: 1 hr 11 min

London Stansted Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 15 min

Transit: 1 hr 37 min

London Gatwick Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 25 min

Transit: 1 hr 30 min

London Southend Airport

Transit: 1 hr 27 min

Taxi: 1 hr 34 min

Transit:

West Hampstead Thameslink

Taxi: 12 min

Walking: 47 min

Paddington

Taxi: 13 min

Walking: 53 min

Kensal Green

Walking: 1 min

Kensington (Olympia)

Taxi: 14 min

Walking: 1 hr 4 min

Marylebone

Taxi: 14 min

Walking: 1 hr 8 min


Nearby locations

6.4

Good Location

Kensal Green

Trendy area with cool shops & bars on Chamberlayne Road & famous figures in Kensal Green Cemetery.

Top Attractions

Top Restaurants


Amenities and Facilities

Services

Front desk

Full-service laundry

Pets

No pets

Policies & payments

Smoke-free property

Food & drink

Restaurant

Bar

Breakfast

Wellness

No fitness center

No spa

Children

Kid-friendly

Internet

Wi-Fi

Pools

No pools

No hot tub

Rooms

No air conditioning


Reviews

100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo

7.0

10 reviews

Wonderful
5
Excellent
1
Good
1
Below Average
0
Not Good
3
Cover Image for faith agbenyi

faith agbenyi

4/5
One thing I love about this hostel is the vibe at the pub.. it was so cozy and lively, they played different music from different countries and made everyone there feel at home. Although the hostel is not as clean as other hostels but the rooms are spacious, the bed is wide enough to roll in, unlike other beds in other hostels, the female toilet is very clean (don't know about that of the male). It's kinda true what other reviews say about d hall looking haunted, but somehow it seemed part of the adventure😉... above all, I love how their receptionist speaks to everyone with respect and consideration, especially d white Lady on low cut very nice with a lovely smile.

Cover Image for Bernardo Christian Gabriel Gatica

Bernardo Christian Gabriel Gatica

5/5
I stayed for a week and the price is cheap if you make reservations on Booking.Something my girlfriend told me is that in the women's bathroom on the second floor there is water on the floor every day. Maybe there is a broken pipe.Cleanliness is good, the restaurant next door has a varied buffet.The smell of the place is not bad as I read, but some lemon 🍋 or other scent would be good.

Cover Image for kkkluv kkkluv

kkkluv kkkluv

1/5
Don’t be fooled by these reviews! Let me tell you about my real experience! This place is not for tourists! I booked a bed here because I didn’t know much about the areas in the UK, and it was already very late. Other hotels or hostels s were either fully booked or too far away, so I had no choice but to come here. At first, I saw the reviews and thought this was an okay hostel , but when I arrived, I couldn’t believe I had to stay here for a night! As soon as I opened the door, the place reeked of marijuana, and there were even people selling drugs inside! The security was terrible! There were drunks and addicts hanging around the entrance, and the hygiene was awful! The people staying here weren’t tourists, but mostly homeless addicts. And the scariest part was, I almost got beaten up just for making eye contact with someone at the entrance that night! If you want to visit the UK safely and return home safely, I strongly advise you not to stay here! This place is not suitable for a normal person!

b

billyayling

5/5
Best place I've stayed. Food is brilliant. Was bit worried after having to share our dorm with the Swedish netball team but they was all friendly but a bit touchy. Communal showers are like a spa. Excellent for boxing events||Will be booking again for sure.

Cover Image for Numia Williams

Numia Williams

5/5
I think the hostel has potential. The staff is kind. I don't complain. Maybe the bathrooms need to be more clean.The coffe-shop needs more supplies, but people working there are friendly.The skinny brunette (Laura) is, plainly and simply, what you see. In a good way!🙂I like seeing her and the blonde girl switching from one language to another one.On the other hand, security people are friendly too.

Cover Image for Samantha Henry

Samantha Henry

1/5
This is not a hostel for tourists. It is a flop house for people addicted to hard drugs and a money making operation for gangsters who loot the rooms. I spoke to several people living here long term because they had no other option than the streets. I felt so sorry for them. I was booked in for a week but had to leave after 1 night because this place was so terrifying. There were people high on crack, weapons and drug dealers. People accost you in the hallways. The bathroom pipes leak raw sewage so the stench was everywhere. The rooms smell like high school gym changing rooms but worse. I still see this place in my nightmare, the dimly lit halls with scary murals and the feeling of being in the room while people keep trying to break in all night. Please do not ignore the reviews, women are not safe here, NO ONE is safe here.

Cover Image for Uche Chinonso

Uche Chinonso

3/5
I have been to several hostels with lockers; this one doesn't have lockers. Instead, valuable baggage is left with reception, who uses tags on bags, and tags can fray.Each room has a shower, which is more convenient if you want to be closer to your valuables.The power points are not close enough to the beds; this requires one to use the recreation lounge.There is a café, though. I haven't tried it yet, and I would give it a try eventually.

Cover Image for yeah, right

yeah, right

5/5
Not the Dorchester, and it could probably do with a lick of paint, but I like it!Yes, it's a little bit rough around the edges, but it's a very good value choice for a few days in very expensive London. In fact, it's THE best value in London for an overnight stay imo. I'm not a tourist, I work all over the city and used to just use Air BnBs and Travelodges etc near where I worked but as that became increasingly unaffordable and unjustifiable, I started using hostels so I know a fair bit about the London hostel situation as is.This hostel has excellent connections via an overground/underground (bakerloo) station (Kensal Green), literally 2 minutes from the hostel, which is very helpful especially if you have a lot of luggage which can be stored free for that day (if there's space) and £2 per day overnight.The staff are super nice (shout out to Victoria, Anca, and Co!) caring and helpful. And there's 24-hour security at reception if you are, say, a single female and feeling a little intimidated by the hostel.And the rooms are sex segregated.Of the rooms, the bottom floor ones are as far as I know the nicest with their own bathrooms (as opposed to a cubicle like shower in the corner in the others which took a little getting used to).The rooms I've been in are adequate, and the beds are comfortable, which is not always garunteed in more expensive hostels, I can tell you. And there's usually an available socket to charge your phone, etc, but not always next to the bed itself.As always with hostels, there's an element of luck involved, good & bad, because you're going to be sharing a room with strangers. It doesn't matter where you are, if you're in the room with a heavy snorer, it's going to affect your stay.But strangely enough, this hasn't happened to me in this one apart for one time & I was able to move.Again, it's pot luck on that front.It's near a number of supermarkets further up Harrow Road, including a Co-Op, about 10 minutes away, and a garage open 24 hrs a further 10 minutes up for late night purchases.For the more adventurous, there's a nice walk down to Sheperds Bush and Westfield, which talks about 40 minutes and passes a large Sainsbury's in ladbroke grove by the canal, and Harlesden is about 25 minutes walk in the other direction.But there's the overground to both destinations and lots of bus connections too.As a single male, I've never had any problems here, nor have I seen any, and I have enjoyed my stays every time.

Cover Image for DGV

DGV

5/5
I like the place, such a warm building, not expensive and friendly. It is getting better through days. I was there for 2 weeks and I did spend a great time there, it's just for what it is... Even the cleaners are nice people, the girl from the morning shift who is from Argentina me hizo sentir como en mi casa ❤️

Room 5

Service 5

Location5

ek

ezzat k

1/5
The hostel is very, very bad and dirty... The reception manager is very boring and ill-mannered. She will be the reason for the collapse of this business... The smell of the toilets in all the hallways, the rooms, and even the back view on the back of the cemeteries... The beds are very tired. Yes, the general condition. Too bad