Smart Russell Square Hostel

6.6
Good
(3020 reviews)

71-72 Guilford St, London WC1N 1DF, United Kingdom

+44 20 7833 8818

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Hotel Description

Smart Russell Square Hostel, located at 71-72 Guilford St, London WC1N 1DF, United Kingdom, offers a prime spot in the heart of one of London’s most vibrant and historic areas. The hotel is just a 3-minute walk from Russell Square's Underground station, providing easy access to the city’s extensive public transport network. Situated within a chic neighborhood of leafy Georgian squares, it is surrounded by academic and medical institutions and major cultural landmarks, including the world-renowned British Museum, only a 7-minute walk away. Whether you're visiting for leisure or business, the hotel's central location makes it an ideal choice for exploring London's rich history and culture. The Regency-style building exudes an elegant charm, welcoming guests with its no-frills yet comfortable design. The hotel’s straightforward atmosphere is perfect for those seeking a clean, convenient, and budget-friendly stay in a bustling city. Inside the hostel, guests can choose between private rooms and dormitories, accommodating between 4 to 16 people. All rooms feature basic furnishings, with shared bathrooms that are kept in good condition for your convenience. Dorm rooms are designed for comfort, with bunk beds equipped with privacy curtains to ensure a restful night’s sleep. The ambiance in the rooms is relaxed and simple, allowing guests to unwind after a day of sightseeing or work. In addition, Wi-Fi is available for free in the public areas, ensuring you stay connected during your stay. Smart Russell Square Hostel goes above and beyond with its exceptional amenities. The industrial-style kitchen allows guests to prepare meals at their leisure, while the 24/7 Internet cafe provides a space to connect with loved ones or finish up work tasks. A game room offers a fun way to relax after a long day of exploration. Laundry facilities are also available, including both full-service and self-service options, making it easy to freshen up your clothes during your stay. For guests with additional security needs, lockers are available for a small fee. A common room with relaxed seating and a flat-screen TV provides an ideal place to meet fellow travelers and unwind. Accessibility and transportation options are abundant near the hostel. Public transit is just a short walk away, with the nearest Underground station, Russell Square, located only 3 minutes from the property. Major airports, including Heathrow, London City, and Gatwick, are easily accessible by both taxi and public transit. The hostel’s location also offers easy access to some of London’s top tourist attractions, making it an excellent base for exploring the city’s rich history and culture. The nearby Russell Square offers a green space to relax and unwind, and it is only a short walk from popular destinations like the British Museum, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the National Gallery. As part of its commitment to guest safety and well-being, Smart Russell Square Hostel adheres to strict health and safety measures. The property is smoke-free, ensuring a clean and healthy environment. It is also equipped with air conditioning in some rooms, which is a rarity in this area. Guests can feel secure knowing that the front desk operates 24/7, ready to assist with any needs or concerns. While staying at the hostel, there are plenty of activities to enjoy both within the property and in the surrounding area. Take in the local culture by visiting the nearby British Museum or taking a stroll through the beautiful Georgian squares. If you’re interested in shopping, the famous Oxford Street is just a short ride away, or you can explore the many galleries and shops near Covent Garden. Nearby attractions include the British Museum, just 8 minutes from the hostel, where visitors can explore global antiquities, Egyptian mummies, and Greek sculptures. The National Gallery, a 12-minute walk away, houses masterpieces of Western European painting. St. Paul's Cathedral, one of London's iconic landmarks, is also within a 10-minute reach, offering visitors a chance to explore its magnificent dome and crypt. The famous London Eye is a 12-minute walk away, offering breathtaking views of the city, while Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are just a short 14-minute walk away. These landmarks make the hotel an ideal base for sightseeing. For dining, there are several excellent options near the hostel, including Trattoria Verdi, an Italian restaurant just a 2-minute taxi ride away. For more Italian fare, guests can head to Ciao Bella, a 3-minute taxi ride from the hotel. If you prefer something a little different, Holborn Dining Room, a British restaurant, is only 5 minutes away by taxi. Those looking for fine dining can try L’oscar Restaurant, just 4 minutes away, or visit the Restaurant at St Martins Lane, an 8-minute taxi ride from the hostel. Whether you're craving Italian, British, or international flavors, the variety of nearby dining options ensures you'll find something to satisfy your taste buds. Overall, Smart Russell Square Hostel offers a budget-friendly yet comfortable stay in one of London's most sought-after areas. With its convenient location, essential amenities, and welcoming atmosphere, it's the perfect choice for anyone visiting London. Come and experience the charm of this central London hostel, where comfort and convenience meet in a relaxed and friendly environment.

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. One of the few hotels in the area with air conditioning.

2. Walking distance to the British Museum and the British Library.

3. 3-minute walk to nearest public transit (Russell Square station).

4. One of the few hotels in the area with a 24-hour front desk.

5. Guests mentioned 'cereal' 19 times, indicating a popular breakfast option.

6. Guests mentioned 'toast' 34 times, a frequent and beloved breakfast choice.

7. The hotel features a fun game room for guests to relax and socialize.

8. Proximity to key landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral, National Gallery, and Big Ben.

9. Offers a smoke-free property and kid-friendly environment.

10. Free Wi-Fi available in public areas, ensuring guests stay connected.


9.6 Exceptional

Location rating

Top sights

The British Museum
8 min
The National Gallery
12 min
St. Paul's Cathedral
10 min
lastminute.com London Eye
12 min
Big Ben
14 min

Nearest locations

Trattoria Verdi
2 min
Ciao Bella
3 min
L'oscar Restaurant
4 min
Holborn Dining Room
5 min
Mine Mane
5 min
Giotto Italian Restaurant
5 min
Flat Iron
7 min
GA KingsX - Bar & Kitchen
7 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Check-in14:00
Check-out10:00
Location rating9.6
Nearest airportLondon City Airport
Travel time to airport37 min

Nightly price (Only for reference price for sample day)

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

    $41

    Hostelworld

    $41

    Bluepillow.com

    $41


Location

71-72 Guilford St, London WC1N 1DF, United Kingdom

Airports:

Heathrow Airport

Taxi: 53 min

Transit: 55 min

London City Airport

Taxi: 37 min

Transit: 45 min

London Luton Airport

Transit: 49 min

Taxi: 1 hr 3 min

London Stansted Airport

Transit: 1 hr 6 min

Taxi: 1 hr 6 min

London Gatwick Airport

Transit: 1 hr 10 min

Taxi: 1 hr 34 min

London Southend Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 18 min

Transit: 1 hr 18 min

Transit:

Highbury & Islington

Taxi: 16 min

Walking: 49 min

Old Street

Taxi: 13 min

Walking: 38 min

Russell Square

Walking: 3 min

Bond Street

Taxi: 14 min

Walking: 34 min

Tottenham Court Road

Taxi: 8 min

Walking: 17 min


Nearby locations

9.6

Exceptional Location

Bloomsbury

Chic area of leafy Georgian squares, academic & medical institutions & the British Museum.

Top Attractions

Top Restaurants


Amenities and Facilities

Activities

Game room

Pets

No pets

Parking & transportation

No parking

Services

Front desk

Baggage storage

Full-service laundry

Self-service laundry

Accessibility

Not accessible

Policies & payments

Smoke-free property

Food & drink

Breakfast

Wellness

No fitness center

No spa

Children

Kid-friendly

Internet

Wi-Fi

Pools

No pools

No hot tub

Rooms

Air conditioning in some rooms


Reviews

100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo

7.2

10 reviews

Wonderful
4
Excellent
1
Good
3
Below Average
1
Not Good
1
ED

Emily D

3/5
I would recommend the Smart Russell Hostel. I’m a 23 year old woman, solo traveller, needed somewhere to stay closer to Gatwick for a morning flight, never stayed in a hostel before! …

Cover Image for Eva Lou Schnittger

Eva Lou Schnittger

5/5
Location was great. Tube (Underground) station is just around the corner, multiple supermarkets, Pret (great for coffee, snacks or breakfast) and other shops as well. Tube will bring you pretty much anywhere in 5-15min I‘d say.In the hostel there’s a common room and a kitchen connected to it, where you can store food (in a fridge too) or prepare meals. Rooms were alright too. Pretty narrow but good for a couple nights. You’ll find a sink, some lockers and enough space to put your suitcase under the bunk beds. There’s a plug for chargers at each bed and socket too.Bathrooms are all unisex, multiple toilets and showers to use and I found it pretty clean.Hair dryer from the reception can be used for free which was a plus. Breakfast: coffee, juices, toast, cereals, pancakes as much as you want for £6-7.You should think of bringing towels, ear plugs, slippers for the showers and a lock for the lockers.

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Patrik Brigant

5/5
This was my first hostel experience and I was very pleasantly surprised. I was travelling with a friend and we were in a 6 beds room. It was two 3 floors beds. The toilets and showers were nice and clean. Everything fully functional and if not you just said at the reception and they fixed it right ahead. And if you forgot to bring your own lock for the cabin or shower gel etc you can buy it at a reception! I highly recommend this hostel. Great location for a great price.

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Manu Evans

3/5
It was just fine. There are better hostels, but there are also much worse.I didn't much care for being handed sheets and making my own bed. They penny-pinch with absolutely everything costing extra. And while the common areas were climate controlled, the room I was allocated was punishingly hot! There was no air conditioner, only a pedestal fan which did nothing at all to cool the room.The window only opened a small crack, not enough airflow. And I wouldn't describe it as even a remotely hot day!! I can't imagine how bad it would be if it were a hot day!Location is okay... main attraction is access to Piccadilly line if you want convenient transport to/from Heathrow.

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dave_bed

5/5
Stayed at Smart Hostel for 5 nights this week. It was our first experience in London and it did not leave anything to be desired. Not only was the location amazing, being right next to groceries, shopping, and restaurants, but also being near Russel Square Station provided access to the city wide tube network. As for the hostel, we stayed in a 15 bed dorm, which we were a bit unsure about but ended up being great. Everyone was respectful during quiet hours and there were no noticeable sounds or smells despite the amount of people in room. Service and housekeeping were also great, bathrooms, showers, and common rooms were always clean and smelled good. It's clear they maintain this place well. Overall had an amazing experience and if we ever stop by in London again we will without a doubt be staying at Smart Russel Square Hostel again. Thanks!

Cover Image for Natasha

Natasha

3/5
This hostel is overall good.The good:- Staff were very kind and accommodating, I had a job interview and they let me use a spare room to be able to have the call without interruption.- Lots of bathrooms and showers to use.- Big kitchen/common area.- curtains on each bed and the beds shifted minimally when others in the bunk movedBad:- You need to make your own bed, as in sheets are given to you when you check in and you need to make your own bed- Minimal ventilation in the rooms and no moisture control, which meant there was mold growing everywhere- Most bathrooms didn’t have paper towel, towels or a functioning hand dryer, which was a bit annoying to always need to air dry or go to my room to use my own towel to dry my hands.- Sound from other guests carried very much in the hallways and despite there being fire doors throughout the halls and stairways, they were always propped open and if closed, they would be propped open again within minutes.

PJ

Peter J

2/5
At £20 for a night in such a central London location there's only so many complaints you can have really. …

BR

Birutė R

4/5
Very good location, next to the metro, and Kings cross station ir about 15min aways. But the place is small, the rooms especially and need a little bit of renovation. But rooms are clean, there is also toilet and shower in the room which is very comfortable

Cover Image for Juliana AD

Juliana AD

5/5
Location super top. Accessible to both underground and the buses. Rooms were good with spacious lockers. In some of the rooms I wish they had more ventilation, such as door or window because it got really hot at times and the fan wasn’t enough.Some staff were nice and others weren’t so nice

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faith a

1/5
I went out for a while and when I returned I found someone in my bed n my things which I left on my bed were on the floor. …