Generator London

Generator London is a large, design-led hostel on Tavistock Place in Bloomsbury, within walking distance of King's Cross and St Pancras stations. The Generator brand began here in 1995, when siblings Louise and Kingsley Duffy opened a single hostel in London, and it has since grown into a group of hostels across Europe and North America. The London property combines budget accommodation with a lively social atmosphere and bold, colourful interiors.

Accommodation ranges from mixed dormitories to private twin and family rooms, some with shared bathrooms. The hostel has a bar and a canteen-style restaurant and café serving food and drinks daily from 07:00 to 22:00, and breakfast is included in some rates. A guest lounge provides space to relax, meet other travellers and plan the day, and ironing facilities and ground-floor accommodation are available. Group rates are offered, and coach parties are accepted.

Generator suits backpackers, students, young travellers, groups and families on a budget. The sociable atmosphere makes it easy to meet people, and the bar can be busy in the evenings, so light sleepers may prefer a private room. Children are welcome, and family rooms make it a practical option for those travelling with children who want to keep costs down.

Bookings can be made through the official website, which offers a discount for booking direct. Rates vary by room type and season. Because it is a large hostel, it can be busy during school holidays and peak travel periods, so booking early is recommended. Arriving by train is straightforward, as King's Cross St Pancras and Euston are both within walking distance, and the Piccadilly line from Russell Square provides a direct, inexpensive route to and from Heathrow without changing trains. Staff at reception can help with local tips and directions.

Russell Square Underground station on the Piccadilly line, which runs directly to Heathrow, is a few minutes' walk away, and King's Cross St Pancras, with Underground lines, mainline trains and the Eurostar, is around ten minutes on foot. Euston is also close. The British Museum, the British Library, Coal Drops Yard and the garden squares of Bloomsbury are all within walking distance, and Covent Garden is a short bus or Underground ride away.