Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage - Hostel

There seemed to be people living in the hostel. Two older women in our eight-bed room spent all day there, hanging clothes, storing food, and complaining when anyone talked. So if you’re hoping to meet people like at some other youth hostels, this may not be that kind of place. The location is great, beside the tube in a quiet area, and the dorms are comfortable. There’s a kitchen, laundry, storage, and other facilities, with good value for the price. One caveat: a female-only dorm still means using unisex showers. In the basement, the showers and toilets are shared with the bar, which can feel a bit uncomfortable.

The beds were nice, with curtains for privacy, outlets, lockers underneath, and small shelves built in. Staff were lovely and accommodating. I was in a female dorm and found plenty of bathrooms, so when one was being cleaned I could use one on another floor. The elevator at the end of the hall worked well, and there’s also a staircase down to the lobby. I’d recommend it.

I really liked the music, and the staff I met were all super friendly, especially the receptionist on Saturday night, 21st February, and the bar staff member on Sunday morning. Everywhere was clean and tidy. The tube station is very close, with the high street right there for anything you need from the shops. I had a lovely one-night stay at the lodge in a beautiful building with great decor. Breakfast was a fresh buffet with pastries, cereal, boiled eggs, yoghurt, ham and cheese, plus hot drinks or juice. Just what I needed before heading home. The cosy bar and seating area was a favourite, and sitting outside there in summer would be lovely. I enjoyed one last drink in the lounge before leaving. My four-bed girls’ room had an ensuite. The bed was comfortable and I was warm enough; the privacy curtains were nice, but there wasn’t much space to do anything else, and the bathroom was tiny. I had to find a chair to do my hair, though it was great having a dryer and big mirror in the room. I’ll definitely come back and have already recommended the place to friends.

Central London is quick to reach by tube, and the neighbourhood around the hostel is lovely too. We skipped breakfast there and went to the nearby supermarket instead. Primrose Hill is a great picnic spot, with the best view of the London skyline ☀️ This has been my favourite hostel so far. It’s a beautiful building with lovely rooms and a great shower. The atmosphere is cosy and quiet, and the bed curtains give you plenty of privacy.