Contents: The Atmosphere | The Staff | The Room
Last week I told you guys about the launch of SoHostel, a new hostel in the heart of London’s Soho district. During the launch we were shown around the newly refurbished building and given a taste of what it might bring to backpacker’s visiting London. This week I returned to Soho for a couple of nights so that I could bring you guys a review of the hostel now it is up and running!
So as not to repeat myself, you can read about the location and price in my previous post: LAUNCH: SoHostel London.
The Atmosphere
Fully equipped with a bar (& bar stools!), pool table, movie screen, sofas, and a long table to eat and work at, SoHostel has all the fittings and space of a great common area. The colours are bright and upbeat (apart from in the candlelit picture above!) and overall they have created an easy space to socialise in. Early on in my first evening the common area was pretty quiet, but the staff had the radio going and hung out with a couple of us as we played pool and made plans for the evening.
Currently the only wifi in the hostel is in the common space, which may be a distraction for those wishing to work. However, if you just want the wifi to sit and catch up with some friends on Whatsapp or or Viber it’s more than likely that you’ll also make new friends in the hostel at the same time.
The Staff
Above is the breakfast spread laid out every morning, with the staff waiting by to keep everything topped up and fresh. Even first thing in the morning the staff are ready to go and really welcoming, something I definitely struggled with when I worked in hostels! In fact, any time the staff were around they would be asking if they could lend a hand or were up for a chat about anything and everything.
Most importantly, the staff were on the ball in the instance that you needed assistance with something. On my second day there was a problem with my room key, and the wonderful Christina must have ran all the way up and down two flights of stairs at least twice whilst I chilled out outside my room. I felt pretty bad, but when I offered to head back to reception with her she wouldn’t hear of it, which was actually great because I was exhausted after a long conference day!
The Room
My stay at SoHostel was a bit of a rarity as for the very first time in all my time of hosteling I had a private room to myself. I’d experimented with this kind of privacy once before, but I had a friend with me that time so this time I got to fully appreciate the luxury all to myself.
And it was pretty luxurious. On a first feel I thought the pillows might be a bit soft. Nothing a jumper under the pillow can’t solve but it turns out I didn’t even need the jumper as I just melted straight into the bed… it was so comfortable! All rooms also have black-out blinds, so you can really enjoy a good night’s sleep. Initially I had been concerned that noise from building works outside the window might be a bit disturbing in the morning but I didn’t hear them at all.
I would like to thank SoHostel for inviting me to a complimentary stay, but as always opinions are all my own.
Lots of love,
