Generator London

When you look at photos of the Generator London hostel online, I get why you might be skeptical. Google’s feature photo of the entrance isn’t the most warm and welcoming, and the rest of the images, though professionally shot, still radiate a tint of sadness from the lack of life in those colourful, yet empty rooms. But I want you to take those images and presumptions about this Bloomsbury stay and throw them in the bin as Generator is the perfect example of why one should never judge a book by its cover – or Google search. 

Why stay at Generator London?

Generator London opened in 1995 within what was once a secluded police station on Tavistock Place. The once family-run hostel turned into a successful European brand with quirky, urban decor and locations across the continent, including Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris and Barcelona – and three in North America too. In 2014, the London location got an impressive glow-up, leaving the stereotype of grungy, risky hostels in the past, and it’s definitely kept its reputation up since. 

The lobby is a large, contemporary, eclectic space with neon welcome signs, a street art-style photo of Queen Elizabeth blowing a pink bubblegum bubble, and the front desk to the left with self-check in tablets. However, for a more personal connection (and to avoid the tablet that kept freezing) check in with the kind receptionist instead. Once you’re checked in and free to roam the property, you finally see life, and all walks of it. People of all ages hung around the social lounges, whether it be young travellers and digital nomads, families with small children or even the occasional flock of finance bros, possibly in town for a big convention or presentation. 

What is the service like at Generator London?

For such a large hostel, you’d expect more staff available. However, when you do find someone who’s free, whether at the front desk, bar area, showers or beyond, their hospitality is noticeable. The receptionist, friendly and helpful when my card key was on the fritz; the barman, funny and made a hell of a strong marg. Breakfast attendees, welcoming and helpful when I didn’t realise I needed a breakfast ticket to try the buffet. Extra towels? Botted water? City recommendations? No problem.

What are the rooms like at Generator London?

It’s a maze trying to find yours in this multi-level property, but each floor is colour coded with different names to help remind you. And when you do step into your private (or not so private) corner, you’ll be so pleased. The dorms and private rooms are spotless, as well as the public loos and showers. There are also draws and lockers to keep your stuff safe, electric plugs and a desk and bedlighting in private rooms. Decor ain’t so bad either: simple and minimal with bold colours and random designs on some of the walls. 

What is the food like at Generator London?

When hunger strikes, Generator’s menu – an extensive list of bar and pub favourites like burgers, nachos and chicken tenders – gets the job done. Is it a Michelin star experience? No, but you’re not here for that and that’s just fine. The Big Cheese burger is perfectly adequate, juicy and comes with a side of fries. Order a margarita to wash it down as it was surprisingly better made (and surprisingly boozier) at this hostel than I’ve seen in some of your average local pubs. The meal was perfect for a pre-game bite or for late-night munchies.

As for breakfast, Generator’s buffet of all the generic breakfast items ticks all the boxes to keep you moving until the next meal, but really, it’s just okay. If you’re paying extra for breakfast, you might as well take a look at the nearby cafes that offer more quality options and the chance to better explore the area, and give Generator’s offering a miss. 

What else will I find at Generator London?

Out the front, there’s an accessible entryway on the right-hand side. Once inside, you’ll quickly spot (and hear) Generator’s bar, a colourful space with a couple of arcade games, a billiards table, a foosball table, shelves of books and a painted piano at the center. There’s a whole room dedicated to shuffleboard that comes alive during the dinner rush, so book in advance if you’re feeling playful. 

This is the thing with Generator. As you’ve probably guessed, things are a little rowdy here, and the vibe is fun and sociable – not, inevitably, very quiet or relaxing. If that’s what you’re looking for, this isn’t the place; instead you’ll find younger crowds hanging at the bar until the late hours or in the rather cool smoking garden (which features a mural of a police officer – an homage to the building’s past). If your room window faces the garden, be prepared for some echoes from below – but that’s nothing that earplugs or noise cancelling headphones won’t fix. 

What’s the area like around Generator London?

History, intellect and culture all intersect in Bloomsbury, a pretty little neighbourhood placed in a leafy corner of London’s West End within the Camden district. Find bits of greenery within Russell, Tavistock and Brunswick Square Gardens, along with independent cafes, bookshops and museums including the vast British Museum. For more culture, you can wander to the Charles Dickens Museum, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, or the campuses of the University College London, the University of London and the British Medical Association while admiring the grand Georgian houses tucked in between. To eat, try Ta’Mini Lebanese Bakery nearby, a family-run spot serving up homebaked Lebanese treats, mezzes and more.

Why you should book a stay at Generator London

Overall, the stay was beyond pleasant, and erased any preconceptions I’ve had of staying in a central London hostel. I’d certainly book this place again in the future, I’ll just bring earplugs for the night. 

DETAILS 

Address: 37 Tavistock Pl, London WC1H 9SE
Price: Starting from £12 per night for a shared dorm. Superior ensuites start at £124
Closest transport: Russell Square is a 10-minute walk away
Book now: Via Booking.com