Overall, I thought this was a perfectly fine place to stay. I don't expect much from hostels--I just want to sleep and get out. The beds were fine. There was a bathroom inside the room and the toilet was disgusting and there was some mold in the bathroom as well. In the basement bathroom the hostel owners keep things people leave--deoderant, hair products, lotions even toothbrushes!! There were probably 15 used toothbrushes!! Why they bother keeping them is a mystery to me as I highly doubt anybody, no matter how desperate for a teeth clean, would want to use a strangers toothbrush!! The rooms have lockers underneith the beds that are quite large. You can easily fit a couple of backpacks and other random things inside. The hostel doesn't provide locks for free--they charge 5 for them. Luckily, since we were so exhausted and didn't feel like going on a search for a cheaper one, the locker was big enough for us to keep all of our stuff in one instead of two so we opted to buy the overpriced lock in return for more time and energy.

I recommend this hostel to everybody who wants to stay in london. The value for Money was really good and it was clean, not noisy and there is Internet, so what else can you ask for =)

Great location. Friendly folks. Opportunity to work there to earn your keep. Dorm-style rooms (don't gripe about that, or you ought to stay in a hotel). Fair to crappy breakfast--bread and jam in a dumpy common eating area with a tv. But heckuva deal and the noise is tolerable, especially if you're willing to go to the top floor.

the astor near bayswater station is my number one destination. it is so friendly and communal. i been in a few rooms during my 6 visits over 8 years.
astor surely is the cleanest and nicest place to stay in the centre. and from 15,50 in the week amazingly affordable.
i also love the new kitchen. loads of space for your food in two huge fridges and there is tea, coffee and toast available all day.
especially the staff make this place. they are always attentive and try to find a room at any time of the year. furthermore there are 4 or so other astors so they always try to accommodate you.
this time i was particularly impressed and delighted by a fellow german anna fech.
it really is a lovely place to stay even if you are on the 6th floor.
thanks guys