PubLove @ The Steam Engine - Hostel

The shower was excellent, and the location and service were great. The rooms are small with no aircon, so it suits you if you’re happy sleeping at 24 degrees overnight. It’s a quiet area near the metro, though there’s also a pub, so noise depends on who’s there. The fire light can’t be covered, which leaves the room lit up and made it hard for me to sleep since I’m used to total darkness.

The pub has a friendly feel, with plenty of beer, whiskey, wine and other drinks, plus well-prepared burgers and breakfast options. It can get busy in the evening, but there’s a quieter spot out back if that’s more your thing. Staff were friendly and willing to help. You’re within 5 miles of all the major sights, so you can walk or use public transport to get around. The bed is pretty comfortable and just big enough to sleep in, with a locker for valuables and a USB and electrical outlet right by it. There’s room for improvement in the beds and sleeping space, but that would probably mean paying more. It’s a good price for a night’s sleep, and I’d recommend it. If you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs. Everyone tries to keep quiet, but moving around still makes noise.

For the price and location, it was okay, but I’ll look elsewhere next time. There are plenty of bus and subway options nearby. The female staff member who checked me in was so unfriendly that I hesitated to go down to the pub for a drink. I did end up visiting a few times, and the other staff were fine. Expedia listed an optional English breakfast for £9.9, but it cost £11. The room was cramped but manageable for the price. The bed looked clean, though I got bites on my legs and really hope they weren’t from bedbugs. There’s one light switch for the whole room of 12, with no individual bedside lights. Lockers are small, and you need to bring a lock or buy one there. The bathrooms are not great, though again, okay for the price. The shared gym-style showers are for both genders, which some women may find uncomfortable. There were a decent number of showers, but not enough toilets or sinks for everyone. You have to bring a towel or rent one for £5. The listing said soap, shampoo and hair dryers would be provided, but they weren’t. The internet hardly worked, so I had to buy an extra eSIM.

The pub area was meant to be a highlight, given the name, but it was dead 24/7. They also charge £5 for a towel. The rooms were unbearable: no A/C, and the only window opened about 5 cm. The beds are tiny and the showers don’t get warm. Most of the staff were rude, apart from one guy. I honestly don’t know how this hostel has a 4.2 rating. There are plenty of better options in London, so I’d avoid Publove's.