More a quiet place to sleep than your typical hostel. I arrived around 18:30 and waited 20 minutes before someone was at reception to check me in. I wasn't given much information during check-in so I suggest you ask about wi-fi and local information up front. A free breakfast is mentioned on HostelWorld, but I learned this was no longer offered. You do have the option of paying £4.95 for it though. Also there is a £5 key deposit which you are refunded when you turn in your key.
The hostel is spread out among two buildings, and I got assigned a room in the other building. Mostly long term guests staying at Belsize House. In my particular room, they decorated their space with posters, calendars, and personal notices. There was no common room nor a kitchen to cook your own meals. I noticed that people in my room ate while on their beds! There was a sink with running water and a mirror in my room which was handy. There was only one shower on my floor with a perpetual puddle of water on the floor perhaps due to a slanted floor (?).
On the positive side, the location is good. A short walk from an underground station and about a 25 minute walk to Camden in a quiet residential area. There are no bunk beds so no worries about being stuck with a top bunk bed. Also cheap for London! I paid £9.50 for a 5-bed female dorm.
Overall, I'd stay here if I wanted just a quiet place to sleep, but not if I wanted a more social hostel experience. read more