Hotel
The Savoy
A landmark luxury hotel on the Strand, open since 1889, with Thames views, the American Bar and the Gordon Ramsay Savoy Grill.
wombat’s City Hostel London
A sociable hostel in a former sailors' home near Tower Bridge, offering dorms, private rooms, a bar and a breakfast buffet.
At a glance
- Type
- Hostel
- Area
- Whitechapel, London, United Kingdom
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Official site
- wombats-hostels.com
Good to know
- Dorms and private rooms
- Female-only rooms
- Bar
- Café
- Breakfast buffet
- 24-hour reception
- Luggage storage
Why we recommend it
Wombat's City Hostel London occupies a renovated former sailors' residence on Dock Street, close to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London in Whitechapel. The building's maritime past adds character, and the hostel combines it with a modern, sociable design aimed at budget travellers. It is part of the wombat's group of hostels, which has properties in several European cities.
The hostel offers a mix of dormitories, female-only rooms and private rooms, with bed linen included in the price. The WomBAR, with a bar made from 500-year-old oak, serves welcome drinks and is the social heart of the hostel, while the WomCAFÉ serves the hostel's own signature coffee roast. A breakfast buffet is available, and the hostel runs free events featuring international artists. Reception is open 24 hours, and secure luggage storage is available.
Wombat's suits backpackers, solo travellers, students and groups of friends looking for an affordable base with a friendly atmosphere. Private rooms make it a good option for couples or families on a budget who want more privacy than a dorm. The location is quieter than the West End but well connected, and it is ideal for exploring the Tower, the City, Shoreditch and the East End.
Check-in is from 14:00, and bookings can be made through the official website. The hostel's contact and directions page gives detailed routes from all of London's airports and major stations. If you arrive before check-in, you can leave your bags at reception and start exploring straight away. Light sleepers who prefer a quieter night may wish to choose a private room rather than a dorm, and earplugs are a sensible addition to any hostel packing list. Booking early is wise for summer weekends, when the hostel is at its busiest.
Aldgate East Underground station on the District and Hammersmith & City lines is the recommended approach, a short walk via Leman Street, which leads straight to Dock Street. Shadwell on the DLR and Overground is also nearby, and Tower Hill and Tower Gateway are within walking distance. From St Pancras International, the Hammersmith & City line runs directly to Aldgate East. Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and St Katharine Docks are a few minutes away on foot, and Brick Lane and Spitalfields are a short walk north.
wombat’s City Hostel London FAQs
Does wombat's have private rooms?
Yes, alongside dorms and female-only rooms.
Is reception open all night?
Yes, reception is open 24 hours.
What time is check-in?
Check-in is from 14:00.
Is there a bar?
Yes, the WomBAR serves drinks, and the WomCAFÉ serves coffee.
Is breakfast available?
Yes, a breakfast buffet is offered.
Is bed linen included?
Yes, bed sheets are included.
Which station is nearest?
Aldgate East, a short walk via Leman Street, with Shadwell DLR also nearby.
Is there luggage storage?
Yes, secure luggage storage is available.