Astor Oxford Street London Review

Reviewed by Dan Ferguson

I have just enjoyed a short stay at the Youth Hostels Association (YHA) London Oxford Street (now Astor Oxford Street) where I stayed whilst I was in London to run the Virgin Money London Marathon 2015.

On leaving the underground station at Oxford Circus I walked for just a few minutes before I found the hostel with ease. It was tucked away just behind the UK’s busiest shopping streets. The hostel was perfectly situated for some retail therapy or for exploring any of London’s many attractions. Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square were all just minutes away and with the option to hop on a bus or tube you really could visit anywhere in the capital with relative ease.

Once I had rang the doorbell I quickly gained access and climbed the two flights of stairs to reception where I was greeted by two friendly members of staff who couldn’t have been more welcoming. I was handed a key card and given directions to my room. I was told where all the facilities were and asked if I needed anything more. I was told that there was free wifi available and given the password.

I shared a room with 3 other men. The room was basic with two bunk beds, a lockable cupboard for each bed with padlocks available to hire from reception and a basin with mirror. Each bed had a small lamp and individual plug socket which was ideal for charging my phone whilst being able to keep it close at hand.

There were communal showers which all had shampoo dispensers and toilets which were always clean and tidy. Towels were available to hire from reception for a small fee and refundable deposit. There was a lounge / dining area which had computers with internet access, a television and plenty of seating. There was an extra-large kitchen, equipped with everything you could possibly need to make your favourite home cooked meal. The kitchen was well used by lots of the guests staying at the hostel however it remained clean, tidy and ready to use.

I walked to one of the many shops close by in order to get some ingredients to cook dinner back at the hostel. The dining area was busy but not overcrowded. I met many people staying at the hostel who were also running the VLM2015. Alternatively snacks and drinks were available from reception. They stocked a variety of light snacks and had a fully licensed bar selling both soft and alcoholic beverages.

There are also an abundance of bars, cafés and restaurants situated within minutes of the front door of the hostel. Access to the hostel was 24 hours so staying out late wasn’t a problem. This hostel has excellent transport links to the whole city and really is in a prime location. I wouldn’t hesitate in returning here and would be very happy to stay in another YHA hostel in a different location. I would absolutely recommend this to anybody and particularly those travelling on a budget. If I am lucky enough to gain a place for next year’s London Marathon I’ll be sure to return here.

Rating: 5/5

For more information or to make a booking visit, www.astorhostels.com/hostels/oxford-street

Astor Oxford Street, 14 Noel Street, London, W1F 8GJ | 0207 7341618