‘I stayed in London’s cheapest room for less than a pint – I only have 1 complaint’.

A man stayed in a room at a central London hostel for around £6 – less than the price of a pint in the capital – and had only one complaint about his stay.

Spencer Hewins, 24, was going from his home in Kent to a job interview in Soho, Westminster, and chose to stay overnight to “make the most” of his journey.

He located Bell House Hostel in Marylebone online through Hostel World, where he reserved his stay the week prior for only £6, the most affordable alternative offered in the city. Spencer confesses he had “low expectations” and was “pleasantly surprised” by the accommodation.

He shared a room with eight other people, each of whom had their own bunk bed. His £6 bought him a bed, access to the facilities, and wi-fi, but he chose not to add the breakfast service for a further £3.

He just had one little complaint: he could hear snoring among his other guests. Spencer, a business owner from Ashford, Kent, said:

“I had a job interview on Thursday in the Soho area, and I live in Kent, so I can easily get home the same day; it’s not far. But I was excited to explore what hostels were available so that I could extend my stay and visit more of London.”

He went on to say, “On Hostel World, it popped up for £6, and that was without a discount code or offer. I knew it wasn’t going to be luxurious. I’ve stayed at hostels previously. However, I was pleasantly surprised.

The workers at check-in were polite, but I didn’t communicate with anyone in my room; I kept to myself.” Spencer continued, “I knew it was real because it had ratings and an address, and there was a bar downstairs.

The beverages there ranged from £6 to £7. A normal pint in London costs £7.50. There are so many hostels in London, so I’d absolutely try other ones next time, but if this is the cheapest one, I’d definitely return.”

Spencer arrived at the hostel about 3 p.m., having spent the early part of the day shopping and catching up with London-based friends, and chose the overnight stay in addition to his £35 rail ticket. Spencer told Talk To The Press about his experience:

“I had very low expectations, but for the money I was paying, as long as it had somewhere to stay, I didn’t mind. I’ve been in comparable rooms at hostels before; there were lockers in the room for your belongings.

The bathroom was clean.It obviously needs some TLC. It wasn’t all the same colour scheme and was mismatched, yet it was still completely useable.”

He continued, “The showers were warm and totally appropriate, and it was suitable for the purpose. The beds were fairly comfortable.

It was hardly the best night’s sleep I’d ever had. I was woken up a few times by folks snoring, but it was alright; it did the job. Breakfast cost an extra £3, but I only needed a room for the night.” Spencer continued:

“I believe hotels in that region, a posh portion of London, cost hundreds of pounds per night. It was so central to everything, like Hyde Park and Regent Park, that I couldn’t believe it.

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