Generator London

Very huge, feels impersonal also because everything is requested to be done online. No own food and drinks allowed, no kitchen etc. and you have to pay around 8 Pounds for luggage storage before or after the stay. All this adds to the total cost of the trip and should be considered when booking.

Cheap and cheerful stay at the Generator. Great location (easy walking distance to King's Cross and other tube stations) and it had everything you needed really. Shop for toiletries etc., free sanitary products, lockers available to purchase for the day, and even a great bar with some great food at a reasonable price. Outside area (smoking area) could be upgraded to allow people to sit outside. Moreover, the rooms are a little small - we stayed for 3 days in a private room, and I don't think I could have stayed longer in the room (stuffy and slightly claustrophobic). Bathroom decent and had toiletries stocked. Overall, I would stay again if staying only a few days.

Fun place, great location. Good conditions for a hostel, however the lift broke the first day we were there and had to walk up for our room on the 5th floor. Was not fixed in the 3 days we were there. Also, just note there is no A/C and no fans and London is hot in June.

Good but not kitchen facility at all, place need to think about budget people need to eat and have to spend outside on at the restaurant into the hostel

Stayed in the 10-bed dorm mixed, as a girl and solo traveller and the hostel was a lot better than I was expecting. It’s in a great location and can be a good vibe. Theres a nightclub downstairs but it’s got a security guard so not anyone can come in. It was safe and clean. A bit of a walk to the ladies bathroom but that’s okay. The bunks don’t have curtains which I think in a mixed dorm they should. I’d brought a sarong with me by chance and just used that. I also think there should be kitchen facilities? There wasn’t anywhere to make a cup of tea or put perishable goods in the fridge. You can store luggage but not for free. Theres one tiny little elevator that serviced the whole hostel so its hard if you are moving luggage especially at the same time the staff are cleaning the rooms (which happens to be the same time as check out). Overall would stay again.

It was my first time at a hostal being a lone female traveller l was a bit apprehensive but I had a really great time at Generator. Staff happy and helpful all the time. Met people l wouldn't usually meet and l had one awesome evening with a few. It's all there for you, you don't even have to go outside. Every night is Saturday night on the ground floor, food till late, drinks and club till 3am. your in a safe environment and getting back to bed which is comfy is no problem either. I would definitely stay again. Well done Team Generator ❤️

Air conditioner a bit loud at night as we’re slamming doors, otherwise no issues. Absolutely loved that food was served until late, not having to find somewhere to eat outside. After a long day on my feet sightseeing, really enjoyed the food and the pint that went with it. Good atmosphere. Central location on Piccadilly line ideal.

Awful check in experience and they almost wouldn't even let me stay despite having paid. Room was run down and the bed was two mattresses and a broken headboard. Felt like being in a prison cell. Someone tried to get into my room in the night. Bar staff were rude. The receptionist barged past me. Only one small lift so it's either the stairs or wait a long time. Avoid this place.

Buffet breakfast is definitely worth it if you pay in advance for £7.50, or £9.50 on the day. Most staff were nice and helpful and understanding. Lucked out staying here on a warm weather weekend though - the rooms have poor to no ventilation due to small openings in windows, no cross flow, no dedicated fans in each room, and no aircon. First day was 33 celsius so the room was an absolute stiffling sweatbox making for very poor sleeping conditions. Took 36 hours to finally get a fan in the room but it did little to help reduce the temperature even though the outdoor temperature dropped over the three days to below 20 celsius. The room remained very hot. In winter I'm sure the place is nice and cozy but on proper summer days beware, or ask for a lower level room because you can feel the heat increase each floor you go up. Bathrooms and showers on some levels are questionnable, no hooks or shelves, cramped width and height. Only one lift in the building which was broken during a peak period. The place gets pretty lively at the bar so can be good for sociability when the adults outnumber the students. Luggage lockers sting a bit, £2 two hours, £6 six hours, £8 hours. Late checkout to 1pm £5, so consider your plans so you dont get stung for both.

The elevator was broken for 3 days. 2 of the 5 showers on the floor that we stayed on were broken. The room had no airflow and was like 28 degrees inside during the night. I would never stay here agian.

I liked the kindness of the staff, the location, the food facilities, the facilities in general. The place was clean, but I saw the maid only making the beds for the newcomers. When are the rooms cleaned thoroughly?

There has been no hot water and water at places. It’s dirty at times . Despite complaints nothing was done

Generators are excellent and I’ve never had a bad time at one except for one time in Paris. This Generator is excellent. They did have students at this one during my stay however security was excellent at keeping them in their rooms and well behaved during their stay. Staff are helpful and extremely accommodating. They let me use office space so that I could get work done. They made sure I got checked in early and had everything I needed including a charger. The staff were absolutely AMAZING and that’s an understatement. Kudos to this Generator. This was definitely the best staff I’ve ever encountered at a hostel or hotel. The rooms were cleaned daily. Their shower and toilets were also very well and up kept. Not a single shower stall was broken or dirty.

I booked with the Generator chain’s London location thinking it’d be similar in quality to the other location I went to in Amsterdam — incorrect assumption! All Generator hostels are not generated equally (though I wish there would be more consistency in quality across the chain). Only one or two of the shower stalls and bathroom cubicles locked properly — all the other ones were either broken or didn’t line up with the other part of the door, and weren’t able to close. When I checked in, the mattress and the bunk were spotted with something brown (mildew?), and my pillow was on the mattress so the pillowcase was scuffed and dirty even before I used it. (Bring a sleeping bag cover or your own sheets.) The 8-12 bed room was spacious but had dust and hairballs strewn about the floor. Also, though there was a sink and soap in the room, there were no paper towels accessible anywhere, not even in the shared bathroom. The basement shared shower/washroom for women was right next to the men’s washroom, lift/elevator, laundry room (dryer didn’t work well), and smoking area, so it felt exposed. Oftentimes there’d be men taking a phone call or just standing in front of the women’s washroom — not the best vibes. Staff were helpful though, and location is absolutely great, central to many bus and train stations. Just listen to the other reviews. I do think that even if we’re not paying as much as other hostels, the facility needs to be looked over and fixed up quite a bit.

The elevator wasn't working all the four days I stayed in. The bathrooms were disgusting, the bins were always full, the toilets were never clean. To take a shower I recommend to wear boots because it flooded with hair and dirt.

During a 3 week trip to the UK, Ireland and France, booking a private room at this hostel for my family was my single regret. We only needed 2 nights accommodation in London, and I don't mind basic. But this is not a "nice" hostel with a bit of atmosphere, where you bring your family if you're traveling on a budget, and aren't looking for frills. It's a party hostel. We were on Floor 2, above the large bar, and heard loud music until late at night both nights. It felt institutional with its dimly lit industrial-looking hallways, and scant bathrooms, which frequently ran out of hand soap and toilet paper. (1 bathroom per floor - where a hundred people might be sleeping - is not sufficient.) The rooms are tiny, barely room to move around. The hallways and bathroom smelled. We didn't sleep well and woke up each morning wanting nothing more than to get out of the place. It was honestly a nightmare and I was so glad to check out. Don't stay here unless you're 19 and don't care about getting a good night's sleep.

There has been no hot water and no water in many of the communal toilets. Makes the place unclean and not suitable to stay.

Comfortable bed, kept cool during the summer with the free standing fan in the room and corner shop just around the corner. Showers need to be fixed - locks are broken, water everywhere and not really clean at all. Same goes for toilets.

Place itself was terrible and dirty Bathrooms were broken seemed like horror movie bathroom on top floor, narrow elevator barely fit 3 people, no fans or AC in the room, One of the employee end up pushing me with a big clothing stroller in the elevator without noticing if anyone was in there But other than that Place was super close and convenient to every major destination around Tbh cant expect for a better location than this to go to places from here But the hostel itself was disappointing with living situation

The rooms were very clean the staff was friendly. Very convenient location. The water was hot and the area was safe. They were doing Reno’s around the place so messy outside. The garbage pick up in the area was lacking. Otherwise a great stay.

For a budget hotel you get budget rooms. But they are very noisy, very warm and ours just smelled of damp/ sewerage from the drain. Was rather unpleasant but for one night it served a basic purpose. Not much sleep was had because of how warm the room is. Rather disappointed during summer there’s not cooling facilities like a fan etc. especially when it’s 30c out during the day.

Cheap and cheerful stay at the Generator. Great location (easy walking distance to King's Cross and other tube stations) and it had everything you needed really. Shop for toiletries etc., free sanitary products, lockers available to purchase for the day, and even a great bar with some great food at a reasonable price. Outside area (smoking area) could be upgraded to allow people to sit outside. Moreover, the rooms are a little small - we stayed for 3 days in a private room, and I don't think I could have stayed longer in the room (stuffy and slightly claustrophobic). Bathroom decent and had toiletries stocked. Overall, I would stay again if staying only a few days.

While the beds were very comfortable, the lack of airflow in the rooms was stifleing. The windows only open 2 " and the fan's they use produce almost no air. Luckily someone else had pushed the wi dow through the track, so it was easily wide ed and we put the fan in the wi dow, upside down to get a mediocre, but life saving air flow.

Fun place, great location. Good conditions for a hostel, however the lift broke the first day we were there and had to walk up for our room on the 5th floor. Was not fixed in the 3 days we were there. Also, just note there is no A/C and no fans and London is hot in June.

The room for four people is super small and hot. The windows can only be opened in narrow gap and you can hear the noise from outside all night long.

Truly a "living in a dorm" experience. Assumed having a private room would feel more like a hotel. Small bathroom had shower with no walls! Plan to live out of your suitcase in the room.

So hot in the rooms

I really like this place. I stayed there for 18 days. My room was good, the only point I'll recommend is be prepared for hot days or nights inside. They aren't prepared for summer. 😅 We had a fan in the room to helps, but sometimes isn't enough. Besides that, you'll love it. I was travelling alone and I felt comfortable and safety in my room for 4 people

Just awful. 33 degrees no air conditioning or even a fan the room (and most of hotel) felt like a sauna. No clear indications of where showers were and bathrooms and showers were always in less than clean conditions. For summer weather this was not the place for us and wouldn’t stay again at anytime of year.

I stayed at a room below the dance floor… so every night we could hear the people dancing until late night… the room had a bad smell… the bathroom is far away… it was not a good experience

The employee who checked me in really must to be more friendly. I have been in 32 hostels and this check in was one of the worst. Good breakfast.

Please teach your staff that not every disability is visible. I shouldn’t have to explain to 6 or 7 staff why I need to access the disabled toilets in front of random people too. It’s incredibly humiliating. Then when I explain why for them to look at me as if I’m talking crap and interrogate me and pull faces as though I’m lying. And to be stopped by cleaners while accessing the disable toilets with my fob card that is activated for the disabled toilets to open for me and be refused entry by 2 cleaners and questioned on why I’m not using regular toilets even after I’m showing them my card is activated for the disabled toilet doors and that I have a medical reason. For this to happen 2 days straight. I’m genuinely upset. I was supposed to stay an additional day but didn’t because of it this. It’s disgusting.

Disappointing Stay Experience at this hostel was rubbish..On arrival, we were told our room had been given away (this was at 10pm) and we were forced to stay in separate rooms for the first night. The staff were short-tempered and unhelpful when we tried to resolve the issue. The rooms themselves were just about average but clearly in need of some maintenance. The shower blocks were also poorly maintained and could do with a thorough clean and refresh. Overall, a disappointing stay that I wouldn’t recommend.

Very helpful staff.

Generators are excellent and I’ve never had a bad time at one except for one time in Paris. This Generator is excellent. They did have students at this one during my stay however security was excellent at keeping them in their rooms and well behaved during their stay. Staff are helpful and extremely accommodating. They let me use office space so that I could get work done. They made sure I got checked in early and had everything I needed including a charger. The staff were absolutely AMAZING and that’s an understatement. Kudos to this Generator. This was definitely the best staff I’ve ever encountered at a hostel or hotel. The rooms were cleaned daily. Their shower and toilets were also very well and up kept. Not a single shower stall was broken or dirty.

We stayed in a 6 bedded room. Perfect for what we needed it for. Service when we arrived checking in was first rate.

Lucas the reception manager needs attitude check

I find Generator to be one of the best hostels in London. The location is excellent and the staff tend to be both welcoming and friendly. The basement shower area could do with "an upgrade", but the water is always warm.

My stay was lovely was only here one night lovely bar. Diego at reception desk was very helpful in making my stay a comfortable and pleasant one.

Awful check in experience and they almost wouldn't even let me stay despite having paid. Room was run down and the bed was two mattresses and a broken headboard. Felt like being in a prison cell. Someone tried to get into my room in the night. Bar staff were rude. The receptionist barged past me. Only one small lift so it's either the stairs or wait a long time. Avoid this place.

Cheap and cheerful stay at the Generator. Great location (easy walking distance to King's Cross and other tube stations) and it had everything you needed really. Shop for toiletries etc., free sanitary products, lockers available to purchase for the day, and even a great bar with some great food at a reasonable price. Outside area (smoking area) could be upgraded to allow people to sit outside. Moreover, the rooms are a little small - we stayed for 3 days in a private room, and I don't think I could have stayed longer in the room (stuffy and slightly claustrophobic). Bathroom decent and had toiletries stocked. Overall, I would stay again if staying only a few days.

Nice location and convenient location

Best possible location, Russell Square underground station is a straight shot from Heathrow on the Piccadilly line, the hostel is also 2 blocks from Euston, a major train station. Shopping center half block away with 3 groceries including an awesome Asian one, restaurants everywhere in every direction. 2 block from the Nat’l library & its reading rooms if you need somewhere to sit quietly & relax, b/c that won’t be happening in the hostel which has no common areas except it’s restaurant/bar where you must buy something to hang out. British Museum less than 15 minutes by foot on the other side of Russell Square. Cramped rooms, tiny showers, half the bathroom stall doors don’t lock, not enough electrical outlets, but with this location they really don’t have to make any apologies…

The location is perfect

Close by to everthing

Nice hostel 7 minutes walking distance from British library and Kings cross station and area of London

The location of this place is perfect, close to the metro station and by walk to covent garden, Leicester square and so on! The structure is so cool and well organized, the self check in is so easy, fast and comfortable The room also were really nice! It was my 3rd time in London and thanks to this place I loved it more

It was okay. In terms of the area, it's amazing. Very central. The British Museum is 10 min walk from it. We got to do a lot without using the tube much, which is always nice. In terms of the facilities and personnel, the mattress was uncomfortable & the guy in the breakfast room a bit rude. I guess for the price it's okay, but not brilliant.

I like the location and the quality of the beds and pillows at Generator London. Unfortunately I seem to have had a bit of a difficulty finding the washroom on the second floor and had to go around the entire floor once before I found it.

Strange but convenient location, near St Pancras and tube stations. Staff not overly helpful or knowledgeable; however, the bed was comfortable and the shower was good. No facilities in the room. Cheap for London but would give it a miss.

Helpful front desk staff. Clean bathrooms and bed was comfortable. Great breakfast and cool bar to enjoy a nice beverage. I recommend them highly.

The staff seems to be untrained and surely is unwilling to help, specifically at the front reception. As with dorms you pay what you get for, but Generator London is clearly not worth it. Shared bedrooms show no separations or curtains to ensure privacy, shared bathrooms are run down and failing apart, and everything is for sale: a towel, a cable to charge your phone...etc. Finally the breakfast is not great either.

We booked last minute due to having to cancel our trip into France because they closed the station due to finding an unexploded bomb from WWII. With that being said it was our first time staying in a hostel and we were pleasantly surprised how nice it was. The rooms are small of course if you are traveling with lots of luggage which we were. But for just 1 night it was perfect for us. The atmosphere was great and there were plenty to do. The drinks and food were amazing. My son said their fish and chips were the best he had in all of London.

great breakfast. clean bed. nothing really to complain about

Best if you’re a female solo traveler. I highly recommend. Breakfast is great, bar food is great. Their location in Dublin was great too💜

Very good hostel, excellent breakfast, pretty small shower area however

Air conditioner a bit loud at night as we’re slamming doors, otherwise no issues. Absolutely loved that food was served until late, not having to find somewhere to eat outside. After a long day on my feet sightseeing, really enjoyed the food and the pint that went with it. Good atmosphere. Central location on Piccadilly line ideal.

Buffet breakfast is definitely worth it if you pay in advance for £7.50, or £9.50 on the day. Most staff were nice and helpful and understanding. Lucked out staying here on a warm weather weekend though - the rooms have poor to no ventilation due to small openings in windows, no cross flow, no dedicated fans in each room, and no aircon. First day was 33 celsius so the room was an absolute stiffling sweatbox making for very poor sleeping conditions. Took 36 hours to finally get a fan in the room but it did little to help reduce the temperature even though the outdoor temperature dropped over the three days to below 20 celsius. The room remained very hot. In winter I'm sure the place is nice and cozy but on proper summer days beware, or ask for a lower level room because you can feel the heat increase each floor you go up. Bathrooms and showers on some levels are questionnable, no hooks or shelves, cramped width and height. Only one lift in the building which was broken during a peak period. The place gets pretty lively at the bar so can be good for sociability when the adults outnumber the students. Luggage lockers sting a bit, £2 two hours, £6 six hours, £8 hours. Late checkout to 1pm £5, so consider your plans so you dont get stung for both.

Loved the choice of menu for the dining options, and the dining area too.

It's a really good option: *Good price. *Delicious breakfast *Beautiful area You can meet another people for many parts of the world. Excellent location.