huskermom

Hi--a friend and I have decided to travel together, taking our teens (my two boys, her two girls) to London/Paris/Amsterdam for roughly two weeks in August of 2011. Both families have done organized tours before, but this will be the first time for both of us to strike out on our own as adults. I grew up in the "backpack" generation and traveled informally, staying in hostels, during my college years (30 years ago). This time we'd like to do a lower budget trip to give the kids a flavor for that type of travel, within limits. I've been looking over hostel sites in London. Can anyone recommend a clean, quiet hostel that's conveniently located in London with family room accommodations? We'd need two rooms that each sleep at least three. Her girls are older, but my teen boys are still fairly young, and I would be VERY uncomfortable sending them off to a male dorm alone. If this doesn't work, we're willing to do hotels. I just thought it would be different and fun for them. The London part of the trip will be about 5 days.

Any other ideas for a trip to London with teens would be great.

huskermom

Need to clarify--I posted a question similar to this six months ago, and got some great responses. The best hostel option was the London Central Youth Hostel--it looks great, but it appears to already be booked. We've had to change dates, etc. for the trip, so it's our fault we didn't jump on it. The good news is that our travel budget has gone up considerably. Because so many variables have changed, I decided to ask again. I guess I'm looking for people who've stayed in other London Hostels who can give me an idea of what to expect, or recommendations for other budget friendly hotels that are centrally located. A short ride on the tube is fine if the hotel is in a safe area.

Cholmondley_Warner

I can't comment on hostels as the only ones I know are full of twenty year old aussies getting pissed and stoned.

But have you looked at university accomodation? It's a sort of halfway between a hostel and a hotel.

Failing that look at people like premier Inns and travelodge who do rooms quite cheaply. (Budget hotels - basic and scrupulously clean)

chartley

I have no experience of this type of accommodation myself, but the London School of Economics makes its student accommodation available during the vacations, and may suit your requirements. Check the details at www.lsevacations.co.uk.

janisj

I'd also DEFINITELY recommend LSE accommodations over most hostels. Either their regular rooms offered during school breaks, and their year-round 'Top Floor' options.

huskermom

The LSE looks great . We don't really care where we sleep as long as it's very clean, safe and quiet.

huskermom

I should probably add this if someone reads this for info later--the London Central Youth Hostel really is different than what you would expect--after reading reviews here about it, young friends of mine stayed there this year. It was completely renovated, very clean, and very quiet--no drunk or stoned Aussies ;o). They loved it. I stayed in hostels in the 70s, so I was surprised as well. I was disappointed that we couldn't book it, but we'll try the LSE or an apartment. Thanks for the help.

huskermom

They stayed in a "family" room...not in a dorm.

ElendilPickle

Try the London St. Pancras YHA hostel - www.yha.org.uk It has family rooms and is near the British Museum and just down the street from the British Library.

The only drawback is it doesn't have a kitchen.

Lee Ann

spaarne

Here's another vote for LSE. I stayed at Rosebery Hall last year. Clean, quiet, cheap, and great breakfast included. Two or three buses come up Rosebery Avenue.

huskermom

Thanks! This has been really helpful. If the LSE doesn't work out, is renting an apartment a better option than trying to hotel it?

janisj

>>is renting an apartment a better option than trying to hotel it?<<

yes IMO -- cheaper and more space plus you'd have a full kitchen/washer/dryer etc.

Even if you don't economize by cooking major meals -- it is always a good idea to have a kitchen w/ kids. Snacks, soft drinks, picky eaters . . . all are easier/cheaper to deal with if you have a kitchen.

huskermom

Thank you all so much! This has been great. If we explore the apartment option, are there specific areas we need to target? I'm ok with a short ride on the tube to see the sights. The kids would probably enjoy a more lively area with fun shops and restaurants. I just want to make sure it's a safe and convenient one