Clink Hostel

The directions to the hostel were pretty easy to follow, but the building is not well marked at all. The only way I knew I was there was because there were about 20 people outside smoking on the steps. The staff was soooo friendly and helpful. I was on the top floor which was sort of a pain in the ass to climb the stairs. There was a lift but it was slow and sometimes didn't work at all. Don't bother with breakfast in the morning, especially if you're an American...yuck. There was a great little pub a block away called The Lions Head. But beware, it is a gay pub.
Also a cool little side note, my cab driver told me that the building was once a jail and was in fact the place the Rolling Stones were taken to when they were arrested after a concert in London.

In general, most hostels in London are known to be pretty dingy and too expensive for what they’re worth, so I was quite impressed when I came across “Clink Hostel” in King's Cross.

A short 5 minute walk from King's Cross underground station, Clink is a trendy affordable backpacker’s hostel. The cost for a bed is only 13 pounds a night, which agrees well with your backpacker or new student to London’s small budget.

The hostel is located in what was once an old court house so everything tends to stick to that main theme. The dorm rooms vary in numbers but I was in a 12 person dorm. If you need more privacy, there is no need to worry as the beds have walls between them. A nice touch for a big room, now you don’t have to watch your neighbour drooling on his/her pillow.

Some facilities the hostel offers is a lounge room with a TV which is still set up exactly as the court room. It’s up to you to decide if you’re the plaintiff, defendant, or jury while watching the telly. The same set up goes for the internet room and cost to use the computer is 1 pound for half an hour. Downstairs is a very well equipped kitchen so you can cook for yourself and a bar which is open in the evenings for the party-goers.

Bathrooms are shared on each floor but very clean. From what I gathered during my 1 night stay here is that this hostel is pretty friendly and would be easy to meet other travelers. I would recommend it as a good base for anyone visiting London.