St Christopher's Inn Hammersmith

A handy base for a London break, with shops, places to eat and coffee spots nearby, and only 30 minutes from Heathrow airport. It sits between the two Hammersmith underground stations and close to Hammersmith bus station, so getting around is easy. I've been staying here since earlier this year. There’s a seven-day limit per three months. Bellushi's bar is alongside the property, and guests get welcome drink vouchers and discounts there. It’s also part of a European hostel chain. The place is clean, tidy and secure, with a key card that has a £2 refundable deposit when you leave. Staff are friendly, helpful and polite, lots of Aussies and Kiwis. Beds are comfortable, with privacy curtains, power sockets, lights and USB chargers, though I don't think they have USB-C.

The hostel's standards have gone downhill. The microwave has been removed, there are no more milk sachets, bathrooms are unclean and the handwash dispensers are often empty. The management and service were the bigger frustration. Reception staff tried to change my booking but didn't make sure I had a bed, so I was left waiting until 1 AM because of their mistake. The next day they moved me to another bed again, and on checkout they couldn't find my booking. Every day I spent over 30 minutes at reception explaining the situation and asking them to sort it out. I left without my deposit refund because dealing with it would have taken another half hour. The service was pathetic and unprofessional. I wouldn't recommend staying here unless management makes major improvements.

I experienced the staff's rudeness and aggression myself. They treat guests with no respect, turn small problems into big conflicts, and then use their 'policy' as a reason to throw people out without refunds. Looking through the hostel's feedback history, I saw what seems to be a shocking pattern of similar stories. It feels like this is how they operate, not a hospitality business but a place where guests are treated as a nuisance. Don't be fooled by management's polite responses to reviews. Avoid at all costs.

The staff made my stay at St Christopher's Hostal in Hammersmith London, especially Erwan De, who was lovely and helpful when I checked in and made me feel welcome straight away. The hostel was comfortable and clean, and the location was convenient. I had a great experience and highly recommend staying here.