St Christopher's Inn Shepherds Bush

First time staying in a Hostel with my friend so I was nervous and the reviews did not help! |However I had nothing to worry about 😊 the geezer on reception was really helpful and moved us to a 2 bed dorm for free. …

St. Christopher's Hostel in London just isn’t what it used to be. Once known for its low prices and great amenities, it now feels run-down and in serious need of updates. Customer service has plummeted, especially with management. Some managers are downright rude—one male manager showed up 90 minutes late due to a hangover, leaving staff unable to open the bar’s cash register, and when he finally arrived, he was unpleasant to say the least.The social room is stifling, with no ventilation or A/C, and there are bugs near the food, which is a concern. While the rooms are cleaned well, the beds are comfortable, and the bathrooms are decent, the hostel is no longer the lively, welcoming place it once was. Instead, the guests are often older men working jobs like food delivery, trying to make it in London. They treat the hostel like their home, are grumpy, territorial, and are the last people you'd want to mingle with on a holiday. The location remains a plus—central, with good access to transportation and shops—but overall, the decline in service, the uncomfortable atmosphere, and the less-than-ideal social scene make this hostel a poor choice for travelers.

I paid for my solo stay including breakfast b4 arriving at the hostel. I’d travelled down for my friend’s 50th from Lincolnshire and I’m a solo traveller. I arrived around midnight, slightly worse for wear after a wonderful party. Upon arrival I was met by a rather rude female employee (American or Canadian) who said I couldn’t check in without my passport or driving licence!!!??I’m sorry, but I’ve not had to produce either of those when staying in other establishments around the country!! I’m not travelling abroad so why would I need my passport? And I went to London on the train, so why would I need my DL??I said ‘ so you’re gonna leave me stranded with nowhere to stay then are you’?‘You’re trying to blame me now, when it’s your fault’ came the reply.I was astounded at her rudeness. She continued to be extremely rude by making repeated statements about it not being her problem. And also pulling faces at other members of staff, then Eventually walking off, leaving me to try and find a photo I may have took of my passport a couple of years ago….She was adamant I couldn’t stay without it.I honestly felt panicked and vulnerable … I’m 55… neat n tidy… clearly not someone trying to bag a free night at a hostel.I couldn’t think straight as I’d had a few drinks, and plus I’m dyslexic which intensifies under duress.Another member of staff, a young man who worked thru the night came over and had a more calming manner, and I could tell he wanted to help but knew he couldn’t.I had lots of proof of who I was on my phone but not my passport or DL 😢(the female took delight IN Telling me it’s not my passport or DL so therefore unacceptable).But then I had a brainwave. Search my emails for passport … and eventually I found a visa for Bali thst had my passport number etc on.I was then allowed to get to bed!Clean bed but 3 storey bunk so a challenge in the dark and half cut. Wouldn’t recommend if you’re unfit.Mixed sex toilets n showers do didnt bother with a shower.Breakfast was really good, unexpected array of choice. With a nice welcome from the previously mentioned night shift guy.Once I’d calmed my thoughts I laid in my bed wondering what would have happened if I didnt drive and didnt go abroad? Or god forbid if I hadn’t had to buy a visa previously?I’d have had to go and sit on the Piccadilly line and go and sleep in Heathrow airport no doubt!!As I certainly couldnt afford a hotel.This system needs looking at St Christopher’s… some of your staff need lessons in customer service and being reasonable rather than rudely rigid when faced with something that is slightly off piste.0 stars. In fact a minus 5* for the female staff member and the others who were pulling faces and turning their backs on me.Many thanks to the night guy for the smiles.Overall great value for money but the horrible staff member ruined everything. In fact I may have been left on my own in a strange city thru the night if I hadn’t had that brainwave…. Which is very scary indeed 👎🏽******I see they’ve replied below. Not in the best tone might I add….When I booked I obviously missed the Ts&Cs… easily avoided I’d suggest.No mention of what would have happened if I didn’t have a passport or DL … I’d say they are not bothered about customer’s safety, as if they were, other photo ID/ID would be good enough.

I cannot express how utterly disappointed and infuriated I am with the staff at this hostel. It's one thing to encounter rudeness, but to be treated with such disdain and disrespect is utterly unacceptable. …