PubLove @ The Steam Engine, Waterloo London Hostel Review and Information

What sets them apart?

Who's staying here?

• Young Professionals
• Students
• Couples
• Young Backpackers
• Gap Year Travelers
• Small Groups (<8)

PubLove @ The Steam Engine, Waterloo

The Steam Engine is a pub plus a hostel. The downstairs pub has a great local atmosphere and it's the perfect place to hang out and chat with travelers and locals alike. The drinks a great, as are the burgers, but the prices can be a bit steep (this is London after all).

The rooms are located above the pub. They're comfortable and clean with great shared bathrooms available. There's not really a common space to the hostel, so many guests enjoy hanging out in the pub downstairs.

The Facilities

Dorms

Dorm rooms sleep either 6, 9, 12 or 18 people. If you want a slightly quieter setting, you can pay just slightly more for the six bed dorm, or if you're on a shoestring budget and enjoy the lively social atmosphere of a larger dorm, you'll appreciate the 18 bed dorm. Each room has bunk beds with a small privacy wall that provides a little bit of separation between you and the other guests.

Private Rooms

Traveling as a couple? Grab one of the double rooms where you can have a little space to yourselves. The larger six and nine bed private rooms are perfect for groups of friends who want to all stay together.

Bathrooms

The private double rooms have ensuite bathrooms, but all of the other rooms use shared bathrooms down the hall. The bathrooms are surprisingly good with modern fixtures and great showers. They're also cleaned regularly.

Bar

Head to the hostel's classic British pub for a lively night of fun. They have all kinds of local favorites including some of London's best beer and gin. If you want to fully experience the British pub culture, then this is a great place to do that. Many guests rave about the pub, the bartender, and the overall atmosphere.

Restaurant

The pub also offers some good bar food including delicious burgers and light snacks.

Common Areas

The pub is the main hangout spot for this hostel and there's really nowhere other than the pub or your room to relax. Many guests don't mind though.

The Location

Southbank

What's Nearby?

The Steam Engine is walking distance to Southbank and many popular sights around London including the London Eye, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Despite being near everything, it's still located on a quiet side street where you can enjoy a peaceful retreat in a comfortable setting.

Nearby Transportation

Many attractions are within walking distance, but if you want to travel further, you have plenty of transportation options. The closest tube station is Lambeth North, which is on the Bakerloo Line. This runs directly to Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Oxford Street. You can be there in under 15 minutes. The hostel is also just a ten minute walk from Waterloo Station.

Amenities

This hostel has some simple amenities available to guests including Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and housekeeping. The rooms have keycard access and are safe and secure.

• Wi-Fi
• Luggage Storage
• Bed Linens
• Security Lockers
• Tour & Travel Desk
• City Maps
• Housekeeping
• Plug Adaptors
• 24h Reception
• Board Games

Staff

The staff here are friendly and fun. The bartender at the pub is lively and enthusiastic, and the other staff make sure everything is relaxed, clean, and secure.

Heads Up

The food at the pub is a bit expensive and some guests feel it's not in a backpacker's budget. Some guests also complained that the showers run out of hot water and there's no real common space to the hostel aside from the pub.

PubLove @ The Steam Engine, Waterloo

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