Archive for May, 2008
Astor Kensington Hostel - Trekker’s Hostel Highlights
Calling all Saffers, Aussies and Kiwis, I am happy to announce your home away from home. Astor Kensington offers a relaxed environment with an ongoing party atmosphere. Located in the heart of Central London, near Hyde Park and Chelsea, with free Wi-Fi, breakfast, table tennis and TV’s, and fridges in all rooms, the perks abound at the Astor Kensington. Whether you are a young backpacker from the other side of the world or looking for somewhere to lay your hat as you start your 2-year work visa, there is something for everyone at this popular London hostel.
The friendly, outgoing staff is very knowledgeable of things to do in and around London and always willing to help, and they are at the front desk 24/7. Presently under renovations, we are expecting great things including a jungle theme for the common room, “Welcome to the Jungle”. With 126 beds, at first glance you might think you are in just another hostel, but be sure to ask about the private “pimped out” rooms. They are amazing and I almost felt like I was in an African lodge. To add to the community feel of the hostel, almost every night all the guests are invited to throw in a few pounds and all hash out an amazing dinner.
Date: May 28th, 2008 |
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World Naked Bike Ride 2008 is coming up
We just spotted the video below posted on the BootsnAll Travel Videos site, and it was impossible to resist posting it here too. This is of the 2006 edition of this global event where exhibitionists ride bikes around various cities for some reason. The 2008 London World Naked Bike Ride edition is coming on June 14, and they say over 1,000 people participated in 2007.
You can clearly see that many of the bikers aren’t naked at all, and even stranger, you’ll see that about 1 minute and 40 seconds in some Royal Guards on horseback storm right …
Date: May 16th, 2008 |
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Smart Hyde Park View Hostel - Trekker’s Hostel Highlights
Smart Backpackers have 3 hostels in London. Their newest, Smart Hyde Park View, is located near their flagship hostel, Smart Hyde Park Inn, in the bustling area of Bayswater just a skip and a jump from Hyde Park itself. The name on the building may seem confusing as it says “Craven Gardens Hotel,” but don’t be confused because it is in fact the hostel.
Opened just 3 years ago, this London hostel has around 300 beds, all rooms have en-suites, and there is a large common room complete with jukebox and pool table. In the lobby area there is a 24-hour bar, but the one thing it is missing is a kitchen. There is a microwave and a kettle, but if you want to make a full dinner you have to head over to the flagship about a 10-minute walk down the road.
Date: May 13th, 2008 |
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YHA - St. Pancras - Trekker’s Hostel Highlights
Located pretty much opposite Kings Cross Station and right next to an Irish Pub, the YHA St. Pancras (Youth Hostel Association) is in a prime location. However, even with the bonus of most rooms being en-suite there is not much vibe in the place and management seemed a little too business like. Perhaps that is just the trend with certain chain hostels.
This is one of the more convenient London hostels for those blowing through town because it’s close to many important transportation links, but if this doesn’t describe you it’s possible you’ll be happier elsewhere. In General, YHA hostels tend to focus on groups and not always the best stop for young, adventuring backpackers. But then again it is located next door to an Irish Pub.
To book check out the YHA - St. Pancras hostel.
Date: May 6th, 2008 |
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Bike Tours of London
London is a big sprawling city with a huge variety of different areas and locations for visitors to see. One method that most people on a trip to the city don’t use to see the sights is by bicycle.
They’re missing out because although parts of London are heavily congested with traffic and not the most bicyle friendly places, if you pick the right locations and the right time bikes can be the ideal way to get around and take in a lot of what there is to see.
Date: May 3rd, 2008 |
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Astor Quest Hostel - Trekker’s Hostel Highlights
From the moment I walked towards the front door I had a homey feel. Some smokers were relaxing on the front steps and the guests were all piled together in the tiny common room watching Forrest Gump. It gave me flashbacks to the hostels in South Africa. I was greeted like an old friend and everyone felt like family, the staff was no exception. With only 99 beds this London hostel has been operating here as the Astor Quest for 6 years. Presently, like all the Astor Hostels, it is under renovations, but don’t let that deter you. As with the Astor Museum the wall art is tremendous and really brings the relaxed hippie feel to the surface.
Located less than a block from Kensington Gardens, the Astor Quest is in a prime location. Be careful though, you might miss the front door if you don’t take note of the numbers. Two tube stops are nearby, the Queensway station on the Central line and the Bayswater station on the Central or District line.
Date: May 21st, 2008 |
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Smart Hyde Park Inn Hostel - Trekker’s Hostel Highlights
With a very trendy red and black lobby, the initial feel of this London hostel is quite impressive. The staff member who helped me, a young lass from Australia, was super friendly and eager to show me round. Be prepared though for a labyrinth when it comes to finding your room. There are two sides to the building, with all the odd number rooms on one side and the even numbers on the other. Add to that the fact the numbers go from big to small the higher up you go, it does get a little trippy, and that was without any alcoholic stimulus.
There is enough space to bed over 200 people and the room size range from privates to 18-bed dorms. One of the nifty things that caught my eye was the fact that the bathroom lights were triggered by sensors, so you never have to fumble around trying to find a lightswitch.
Similar to the Smart Hyde Park View, there is a lack of comfy places to sit and chill. But again the location is so central - just a short stroll from either the Queensway or Bayswater stations - that you might not want to stay in at all.
Date: May 16th, 2008 |
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Olave House Hostel - Trekker’s Hostel Highlights
After hearing all sorts of nasty rumors about this establishment, ranging from bedbug infestations, rats on the loose and harassment, I felt it only fair to go and see for myself. Well, I got as far as the reception desk and was met by a manager who made numerous excuses to why I could not look around finally ending with “well it’s a bit dirty at the moment”. According to the manager they are planning on changing from being listed as a hostel to more of long term housing, so this would not …
Date: May 9th, 2008 |
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Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is a very busy junction in the heart of central London, an iconic place that you’ll see on a thousand postcards of London or in stock photographs, similar to the way Times Square is seen as an image of New York.
Its where the major streets of Piccadilly, Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue and Haymarket meet and means that within easy walking distance are the entertainment areas of Soho and Leicester Square, Chinatown, many West End theatres and the shopping on Regent and Oxford Street’s.
Date: May 5th, 2008 |
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Wimbledon
The Wimbledon Tennis Championships played on the famous grass courts of the All England Club in southwest London are one of the highlights of the sporting year in Britain and probably the most coverted titles to win for any tennis player.
The tournament at Wimbledon lasts for two weeks, this year from 23 June-6 July 2008, with the very best players in the world competing in mens and womens singles, doubles, mixed doubles and junior events. There are nineteen courts in use at Wimbledon allowing fans a great chance to see some action. The two main show courts are Centre Court which seats 14,000 and No.1 Court which seats 11,000.
Date: May 3rd, 2008 |
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