London West London

Relative proximity to Notting Hill and Hyde Park, along with affordable prices and good transportation, make Shepherd’s Bush and Hammersmith popular with student travelers. There are plenty of B&Bs, some small, independent hotels, and two vibrant hostels to choose from.

St. Christopher’s Inn Hammersmith, 28 Hammersmith Broadway (☎020 8600 7500, bookings 7407 1856; www.st-christophers.co.uk), Hammersmith. Steps away from the Tube, this brand new Aussie-inspired hostel has bright rooms with wood floors, yellow bedspreads, and the occasional pink wall. Bathrooms, too, are also recently redone. Set above the attached bar and restaurant, there is no shortage of entertainment. Breakfast and linens included. Luggage storage and laundry facilities available. Office safe for valuables. Wi-Fi in lobby. Airport pickup available; see website for details. 10% discount on Belushi’s food and drinks. 8-bed dorms £16-23; 6-bed dorms £17-24; 4-bed dorms £19-28; doubles £50. Discounts available through hostelworld.com. 18+
Euro Hotel, 31 Shepherd’s Bush Rd. (☎020 7603 4721; www.euro-hotel.co.uk), Shepherd’s Bush. Located 2 blocks from Shepherd’s Bush Green, this hotel offers bright, spacious ensuite rooms with plush carpets, crisp coordinated decor, complimentary teas and soaps, free Wi-Fi, and satellite TV. Free parking 6:30pm-7:30am. Reception 24hr. Reserve weeks in advance for June-Aug stays. Singles £47; doubles £67; triples £89; quads £115; family studio £140. Discounts for stays of 4 nights or more.
St. Christopher’s Inn Shepard’s Bush, 13-15 Shepherd’s Bush Green (☎020 8735 0270, bookings 7407 1856; www.st-christophers.co.uk), Shepherd’s Bush. Night Bus #N72 or N97. Also above a Belushi’s restaurant, but one that’s recently been refurbished and offers nightly themed events, this crowded hangout is perfect for social backpackers. Relatively spacious but basic rooms with wood floors, red bunk beds, and sinks. A 24hr. downstairs lounge has ping pong, pool tables, a flatscreen TV, comfy couches, and internet access. Breakfast and linens included. Luggage storage; padlock £3. Office safe for valuables. Laundry £2 per wash, £1 per dry. Wi-Fi in lobby. Airport pickup available; see website for details. 10% discount on Belushi’s food and drinks with key card. 8-bed dorms £16-23, 6-bed dorms £17-24, 4-bed dorms £18.50-28; doubles £50. 18+ unless accompanied by adult
Windsor Guest House, 43 Shepherd’s Bush Rd. (☎020 7603 2116; www.windsorghs.co.uk), Shepherd’s Bush or Hammersmith. This small, unpretentious, family-run B&B offers rooms with plush carpets and TV. Rooms on the bay window are especially spacious; some singles are small. Full English breakfast included; served in bright dining area. Reserve 1-2 months ahead for June-Aug stays. Singles £40; doubles £60; triples £75.
Hotel Orlando, 83 Shepherd’s Bush Rd. (☎020 7603 4890; www.hotelorlando.co.uk), Shepherd’s Bush or Hammersmith. Night Bus #N220. Clean, pleasant, decently-sized rooms are decent-sized with TV, phone, and bath; most have mini-fridge. Continental or full English breakfast included. Pay in advance. 5-day cancellation policy. Singles (some with double beds) £45-48; doubles £60-68; triples £80-88; quads £95-110.
Dalmacia Hotel, 71 Shepherd’s Bush Rd. (☎020 7603 2887; www.dalmacia-hotel.co.uk), Shepherd’s Bush or Hammersmith. Nirvana’s pre-stardom accommodation of choice, Dalmacia offers niceties like toiletries and tea kettles, decent-sized bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and in-room safes. It does, however, have a no visitors policy, unconventional bed configurations (“doubles” are twins pushed together), and a non-complimentary breakfast (£3 for Continental; £5 for full English). All rooms have TVs and hair dryers. Singles £49-55; doubles £69-75; triples £81. Discounts depending on season.