Review of St Christopher's Hammersmith

I booked a stay here due to having a meeting in the morning at an establishment down the road from St Christopher's and wanted somewhere to stay to be within walking distance within a cheap budget. So St Christopher's was my go to for a couple of nights. Upon arrival, I waited a short while to be checked in; paid extra for a padlock so I could store my things safely under my bed and was given all the information needed for my stay. Upon entering the room, I was helped with my bags by a member of staff who helped me unlock the cages and store my things safely. The others who were staying in the room were all friendly, sociable people who also made me feel very welcome. I was staying in the room with the pod beds, so there was a lot more privacy. This is something which you don't usually tend to get from hostels. I saw that the other rooms were a lot less 'luxury' though, so I must have been lucky to have gotten a pod bed in a mixed shared dorm. These had their own curtains so you could sleep without anybody gawping at your slathering, snoring face. Also pretty convenient for late night movie watching without the glow of your laptop screen disturbing other guests. The room was pretty hot and air con was broken, sleeping on a night time was a pretty sweaty experience, but it is somewhat expected from a room you're sharing with a bunch of other people, especially due to it being a very hot week in Britain when I stayed. Noise from people in the room was next to none on a night time. Everyone very respectful. However, if you do not like noise when you sleep (Then why would you pick a hostel and in central Hammersmith? ) But, this place would probably not be great for you. The downstairs area turns into a night club of sorts and has loud music thudding through the floors on a night time. I am a student, so of course used to this level of noise. It does eventually stop though and you can listen to the pleasant sounds of traffic ambience and London commuters from outside instead. I was disturbed by a garbage truck at around 2am… or it could have been local drunks throwing some bins around, who knows. But noise is expected from a hostel and you can purchase earplugs; which will hardly break the bank and give you that more silent nights sleep. Second night, I decided to join in and the atmosphere was pretty great. Being a guest at St Christopher's meant you could get discounts at Bellucio's (The bar downstairs) on food and drink items. I sat with some people from my room and we all ordered a meal and got some drinks and the food was pretty good too, all meals were good quality and it was nice to tuck into some food while watching some sports and news. The servers and staff all very friendly and chatty too. The smoking area is also a very social area, met many great people. There were plenty of places to sit down outside if needed too and a handy side entrance to the dorms. Breakfast was free and pretty simple, your toast, tea/coffee, cereals, you couldn't complain at it and if so, there are cafes and other eateries within walking distance from the door, so it is always nice to have the option there. Staff on a morning were helpful also, bringing out extras and being chatty. I can't complain so long as I get my morning coffee, which I went back for a couple of times. Checkout was simple and I could still hang about at the bar afterwards and watch some television, which was good considering I had a while to wait for my next train. Overall, I met some really incredible people during my stay. St Christopher's maintains a really good social atmosphere and environment where you feel welcomed. If I am looking to stay in a hostel again for travelling, I'd be sure to check out St Christopher's and heavily consider staying again.