YHA London St Pauls, London

My 2 daughters and I stayed here in July 2005. It was clean, quiet (much quieter than I expected for a hostel), and convenient. The bunks came with bunk bags so we didn't have to bring them along :) The staff were very helpful when we needed to exchange currency, get discount passes to local attractions, buy towels or laundry soap, or just to chat. The breakfast that came free with the room rental gave us a feeling for traditional English breakfasts...I'll never understand the allure of fried bread but really enjoyed the bacon and stewed tomatoes on the breakfast line. Lunch & dinner were also available to be purchased...beware of the line cook, however, if you take more items than you are allowed. We also appreciated the full laundry facilities available. The hostel is close enough to St. Paul's that you can hear the bells ring and we even had a view of the cathedral through one of our windows. My daughters enjoyed the internet connection in the lobby (and paid for it out of their vacation spending money). The location is very convenient but not in the middle of the touristy areas...incredibly close to bus lines and the Tube stop. If you can live with only a sink in your room, with the toilet and shower down the hall, you'll do just fine. My only wish would have been for there to be a mini-fridge and microwave in the rooms...we grabbed dinner from the Marks & Spencer across the street one night...sushi doesn't keep well without refrigeration :(