I am looking for safe, secure and clean youth hostels in good locations in Edinburgh and London. Two daughters traveling to both cities in June...need safe places to stay in each city so they can easily travel to nearby attractions.
Which hostels are good locations in Edinburgh and also London?
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Given your criteria, you probably want to limit yourself to HI Hostelling International properties.
These are the central London ones, http://www.hihostels.com/dba/Hostels-London-list.php?lang=E&city=GB%7C0040
These are the Edinburgh ones, http://www.hihostels.com/dba/Hostels-Edinburgh-list.php?lang=E&city=GBS%7C0022
In addition to hostels your daughters may want to consider university housing in each city .. dorm style but they can get a double and just share with each other, and not worry about other roommates. Its pretty cheap and well located. It is common in the UK to rent out the dorms to tourists and for conferences when classes are not in session.
Note that with two women, it might be a good idea to bid on Priceline, as you can often get deals that are similar in price to staying in 2 dorm beds. See betterbidding.com .
Also note the LSE in London has excellent deals.
http://www.lsevacations.co.uk/ - I've stayed at 2 or 3 of these, and they were all good choices. I like the Bloomsbury area best, but if you are unsure if they are central, just write back and ask.
That said, sometimes a hostel is the best choice. This one in Edinburgh is very central, has good kitchen facilities, and features inexpensive single rooms, because it is a university residence.
http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostels-Edinburgh-Metro-SYHA-050018.en.htm
Any feedback on Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage in London?
You can read 264 reviews at http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Review-g186338-d612985-Reviews-Palmers_Lodge-London_England.html
My 22 year-old daughter spent six months in London last year. She stayed in 2 hostels until she got more permanent housing. She doesn't recommend either of those, but suggested Generator London in Bloomsbury:
http://generatorhostels.com/en/destinations/london/rooms/
and The Dictionary in Hackney:
http://www.thedictionaryhostel.com/
A friend of hers stayed at The Dictionary and she liked it.
Take a look at www.yha.org.uk.
Lee Ann
The Generator Hostel mentioned above has somewhat of a reputation as a party hostel. This may be what your daughters want; possibly not what you want for your daughters?
Reviews here, http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Review-g186338-d530221-Reviews-Generator_Hostel_London-London_England.html
"The Generator Hostel mentioned above has somewhat of a reputation as a party hostel. "
I think her recommendation was based on staying at Generator hostels in other cities. The other place, The Dictionary, where her friend stayed, sits on top of a bar so it's not quiet either.
Well, my daughter is 22.
LaSwitzer, I'm not an expert, but don't worry too much about your daughters' safety. I assume they will be traveling together so they won't be walking the streets late at night alone. London is a bustling city and there are people around all of the time. My daughter never felt unsafe.