I spotted Lancaster Hall Hotel walking to the Tube after leaving my nearby hotel. What really grabbed my attention was the familiar Y logo of the YMCA. Intrigued, and knowing their penchant for low cost lodging, I decided to stop in and asked to see a room. Could this be an option for a return visit? Sebastian, a student from Spain, showed me the two types of rooms offered, those with en-suite baths and those with shared baths.
Not having stayed in the hotel myself, here's what I can share. All rooms were generously sized, larger than either of the two hotels I stayed at in London. Twin beds are used in all rooms. Private rooms include a television, direct line telephone and tea/coffee making appliances, while shared rooms do not. But, shared rooms do have a wash basin. Linens are also included with rooms, not always a given with this type of hotel. And I was surprised at the size of the shower rooms and the shared facilities. While everything is pretty basic, it was also very clean. I was told rooms and facilities are cleaned daily.
A room with a private bath costs GBP75 for a single and GBP95 for a twin, not bad at all in London. But, the real eye-opener was the rate for a single with shared bath, GBP36. Rates increase proportionally depending on the number of occupants (up to four). To think you can stay in a clean, basic hotel in a well-located, quiet area for these rates is astonishing.
I was told shared rooms couldn't be booked more than two months out since they host lots of groups. And the shared rooms would be perfect for a youth group or a school group or anyone on a budget.
If you're not picky about luxury surroundings (think no frills) and need a place to lay your head, you should consider Lancaster Hall Hotel. read more