73 Lambeth Walk, Lambeth, London SE11 6DX Tube Lambeth North Bus 360 Tel (020) 7582 3088 Websitewww.journeyshostels.com
BUG Review
This hostel is a well-maintained place that has a large common area with a bar, Internet access and TVs. It is in a quiet part of South London close to the Imperial War Museum.
Price Dorm bed £13.50-14.50 Double room £44 Prices are in British pounds and are inclusive of all taxes.
Credit Cards MasterCard,Visa
Reception Open 8am-midnight; 24 hour check in
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Pros:
Clean, good facilities
Cons:
Absolutely no vibe
jasonnh
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(1)
The hostel itself, I can't really complain about. It's within walking distance of a tube station (very convenient for Eurostar passengers), it's pretty clean, has a lot of computers available for internet access, friendly staff and there's a bar. However, my one complaint about this place is that there was absolutely no atmosphere whatsoever. The hostel locks up the the common area (containing the computers, bar and kitchen) during the late night hours, meaning there's no place for residents to socialize during the peak social hours. Also, the surrounding area is pretty quiet -- there are a couple pubs around, but if you're looking for a party, you won't find it in this neighborhood. Unfortunately, the vibe here was worse than a typical YHA hostel.I would say that this hostel is great for those who are interested in a hostel with good facilities that's near some of the tourist spots of London. If you're looking for a hostel that has a great social atmosphere that goes on all night long, I recommend looking elsewhere.
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(Review ID: 2519)
Central, prob the closest accommodation to Eurostar, October 3, 2005
Reviewer:
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
Clearly this place has had some history! But I can confirm that any issues have been resolved - currently (stayed several times through August) there is no pub, the kitchen is open and clean with a free (basic) breakfast though snacks are available from the desk along with coffee and drinks for a reasonable price.Internet is cheap (about 8 terminals) the street is quiet and of course the tube is still 7 or 8 minutes away, I found it a really pleasant surprise how convenient it was to everything without the noise - I left the window open and use Big Ben instead of an alarm clock :)The staff were great, and I was well looked after whenever I dealt with them. I would definately recommend to all.Footnote - checkin is after 10am, the door dosen't open until 8am, so don't bother arriving before this time. Your bags will be stored if you want to drop your stuff off and take off for the day though.
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1 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 2520)
Great hostel, good facilites, June 8, 2005
Reviewer:
Laura
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
My friends and I stayed here for 2 nights recently and were very happy with the hostel as a whole. The rooms themselves were a standard size, although the beds were fairly squeaky. The security was fairly good because you needed codes to get in the front door and into the rooms. The bathrooms were fairly small (one sink, two bathrooms, and two showers on our floor) so waiting for the shower was pretty standard. However, the hot water was very nice, and the showers are fairly spacious. You have to push the button for hot water, but it lasts about 2-3 minutes each. As far as noise goes, it was on the noisier side, just because of the constant slamming doors. On the more mellow side, you can hear Big Ben if you window's open.The kitchen is fairly well equipped, with a sink, stove, and LOTS of fridge space. There are plenty of dishes, but like every other hostel, no sharp knives! The common area is great. They have a pool table (50p a round), plenty of seating on couches, and round tables with plenty of chairs. There are 3 internet terminals (1 pound for 75 minutes - a much better rate than local internet cafes), and you can purchase cheap candy bars, tea, coffee, pop, and things from the front desk. They also have a washer/dryer. Breakfast is pretty standard (cereal, milk, bread, spreads, tea, and coffee).The hostel is only about 7 minutes from Waterloo station, although the closest tube stop is Lambeth North. There are plenty of local pubs around, and you can walk to the Parliament Buildings, the Millenium Eye, Westminster, and Buckingham. The local post office also gives a good exchange rate if you need to get out money.
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2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 2521)
gone down hill, March 11, 2004
Reviewer:
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(1)
Cleanliness
(1)
Facilities
(1)
Atmosphere
(1)
Stayed here before and really enjoyed it, but new management have taken over, unorganised, overbooked at weekends, needs new cleaners and management. Shame was central and cheap. But wont be going back
3 of
4 people found this review helpful
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Hostel Manager's Right of Reply
Since this review was made, the entire staff (including management) have ceased employment at this hostel. A lot of work has been put into giving the building a face-lift, and a lot of changes made. Apologies to anonymous from oz, very sorry to hear that you did not enjoy your stay.
(Review ID: 2522)
A change for the better, December 7, 2003
Reviewer:
Tom
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
I've stayed at the Lambeth off and on for a while covering two years. The pub brought in the wrong type of people. During mid 2003 the whole place fell apart, even the front door was left off the hinges for a week. September 2003 and it's under new management. The pub has gone and replaced with a lounge with refreshments served at the bar. The kitchen is now open to all. Now a place you can relax and chill between travelling. A change for the better.
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2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 2523)
Cheap, clean and pretty basic, November 15, 2002
Reviewer:
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(3)
Cleanliness
(3)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(3)
I stayed here for 6 nights in November. Several plus points ... the room was adequate, very warm (bonus in the cold weather !). The mattress felt a bit like it was stuffed with dead dogs, however, but I still managed to sleep adequately. For several nights, the 8-bed room was full and it was still reasonable. The only negative points about the room were some of the occupants for 2 of the nights (over-exuberant Australians who insisted on coming in drunk at 4am and waking everyone up), but they fortunately left before it became too much of a hassle. The hostel is conveniently located in a quiet street close to Lambeth Palace (you can hear Big Ben at night !), about 5 minutes walk from Lambeth North subway station, and even closer to several bus routes (C10, 3, 344 about 2 minutes away). The pub below leaves a lot to be desired ... its probably the grottiest place I've ever clapped eyes upon.Breakfast is included ... instant coffee and toast and jam, served in the downstairs bar area. This seems pretty standard for a hostel breakfast anywhere in London. The one morning, however, they'd obviously had a very late night the previous night, as the pub looked like a Mexican whorehouse the day after pay day. No staff appeared to serve anything until 9:30, which pissed a few residents off as (a) they were hungry, or (b) they needed access to the luggage storage. The kitchen/TV room (they apparently closed this permanently but brought it back by popular request) is small and basic, not even a kitchen sink. Most people seemed to use it as a TV and smoking room as you can't smoke anywhere else in the dorm area. One or two residents seemed to have problems making it out of there and into their beds late at night. Despite notices prominently displayed to the effect that if the place was left looking like a house of ill repute in a remote central american country shortly after remuneration was made available, it would be closed again, it was frequently left in a mess. It makes one wonder why people can't clear their sh*t up after themselves.Bathrooms OK - 2 showers on each of 2 floors, WC's and wash hand basin on each floor. No washing facilities in the room I was in. No problem though, I never had to queue for a shower. Plenty of hot water and everything appeared to be very clean. One or two small niggles. The storage lockers could have been better. Also the rooms are locked with a key, which no-one ever seemed to use, and a card-type system would be better, so negative points for security. They did at least have small lockers which could be adequately locked with a padlock, good for passport and other small valuable items, and all backpackers should carry a padlock with them for such an eventuality in any case.Overall, not bad, but I'll spend a couple of quid more next time and look for somewhere else.
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8 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 2524)
Great budget hostel, September 5, 2002
Reviewer:
Joe White
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
Hi havent stayed in many hostels in England, but this one has it all. I have read the other comments from the other guy and am glad to say that they have now a kitchen, internet access and washing machine. Staff are still friendly. Rooms are clean. TV ROOM Stayed as well, after the guests complained. This hostels best attributes are the location and the friendly and helpful staff. I am looking forward to going back early next year. If you go say hi to Lee and Liz for me,
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1 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 2525)
great place clean freindly and good prices, July 24, 2001
Reviewer:
David Mack
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
the lambeth sportsman is one of the best hostels i have stayed in (and i have stayed in loads) for visiting and sightseing it is centaly locataed on the southside of the thames and located above a lively fun pub. staff are always ready to help and is cleaned daily. food at the bar top notch at very reasonable prices
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4 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 2526)
clean and friendly, July 22, 2001
Reviewer:
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(3)
Cleanliness
(3)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(3)
above a pud, has no kitchen or internet as advertised. Staff are friendly and kept very clean, however the tv room is being taken away so if you wish to have a relaxing night after your full day, there is nowhere to chill out. only in the bar with the smokey and noisey clientel,no chance to just chill out and meet other travellers, there is no other group meeting area except own room. shame for those asleep when light comes on. Very close to central london, easy to walk to everything. still for 10 a night to stay in zone 1 of london it is great, just eat out everyday.
