pkern@utcs.uucp (pkern) (10/20/85)
If anyone is planning to stay in London but does not have much to spend, I would highly recommend the Salvation Army hotel (hostel?) on Hunter Street ( 34 Hunter, I think. It's just across from an opthamology school). It's a short walk from the Russell Square station and it's not too far from the St. Pancras/King's Cross subway/railway station. The rooms were tidy and well kept. Each room had its own sink with hot and cold taps. There has one toilet and one bath for each floor and the top floor had a shower as well. Each room also had a metered power outlet, so for 10 pence you get a certain amount of power (kinda neat, I thought, especially since they had those portable radiators for cold nights). Breakfast was included in the price of the room and it was served from 7:30 to 8:30 AM. Breakfast consisted of cold cereal, juice, toast, tea or coffee and eggs and bacon. The price was comfortable, a 2 night stay for a room with 2 beds was about 30 Pounds ( 60 $CAN, 45 $US (at that time, US$ was tumbling)). Unfortunately they'll be closed for renovations from New Years to Easter as the place was 18 years old. But it's a place which should be kept in mind for those who don't want to spend much on accomodations (and who doesn't?) The lady who seemed to be in charge was very nice and seemed to have time for all the guests. It wasn't even close to what I thought the Sally-Ann would be doing (ie. half-way houses and hostels for the poor and down-and-out). There were quite a few middle-age middle-class guests staying there and the location was quite quiet (at night) and middle-class like. The rules were stiffer than in a normal hotel but quite in keeping with something run by the Salvation Army. The front door was locked at 10 PM but you could get the key if you made arrangements. Only the guest were allowed to go to the rooms. I think I also saw a sign mentioning that no alcohol was allowed but I'm not sure anymore. Reservations were not need but if demand picks up I'm sure those who want to stay there may have to book ahead of time. Times and prices are approximated as I'm not sure about them any more. I hope this helps those who plant to go to London in the future. P.Kern