PUBLOVE @ THE STEAM ENGINE,WATERLOO, London

The property sits on a quiet side street off the main Waterloo area, giving surprisingly quiet surroundings for central London. Lambeth North station (Bakerloo Line) is a 3-5 minute walk, providing direct 12-minute connections to Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Street. Waterloo Station offers rail and underground links across the city. Within a 20-minute walk you can reach the Southbank, Tate Modern, Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. Bus stops are also nearby. The area feels safe for walking at night, and the street itself is calm despite being so central.

Dorm beds are arranged in triple-stacked bunks, with very limited headroom on lower and middle bunks - sitting up is not possible on those levels. The mattresses are thin and may feel worn, causing some discomfort for heavier sleepers. Each bed has a UK/USB socket. Rooms have heating but no air conditioning, and can become hot and stuffy. Windows open partially, but ventilation is poor. Noise carries easily - door slamming and movement from other guests is common. Lockers are small (hand-luggage size) and made of metal mesh, and can be noisy to open. Private rooms with ensuite are available but book up far in advance. Some rooms have an emergency exit light that produces a small green strobe, making sleep difficult for light-sensitive guests. The building's pub kitchen odours can sometimes drift into the rooms.

The on-site pub, Burger Craft, is open daily from 9:00 to 22:00, offering American-style cuisine with vegetarian and vegan options. The burgers are made from H.G. Walter meat and have won awards. A full English/Irish breakfast is served from 9:00 and costs £11. The breakfast includes classic English favourites, vegan alternatives and breakfast sandwiches - but halal options are very limited. The pub has a lively atmosphere, with sports broadcasts and board games available. Overnight guests receive a 10% discount on food. The bar is open 24 hours, serving craft beers, gins, and a range of spirits. Outside food is not allowed in the pub or dorms, and there is no guest kitchen for self-catering.

The property does not have a spa, swimming pool, gym or any wellness facilities. Recreation centres on the pub itself, which has a beer garden, outdoor furniture, and a cosy interior with Chesterfield sofas. Free walking tours are included with your stay, helping you explore central London. Live sport events are broadcast in the pub including Premier League and Six Nations. Board games are available for a quiet evening.

WiFi is free in all areas, though quality can be inconsistent - some have found it too slow for remote work. The 24-hour reception means you can check in at any time. Key card access, CCTV and 24-hour security are in place. Daily housekeeping is free, but room cleaning is basic - bins are emptied and used bedding replaced between stays. Shared bathrooms are cleaned once daily, often not enough to keep them fully clean throughout the day. Luggage storage is free and available before check-in and after check-out, giving you flexibility to explore. A free hairdryer can be borrowed from reception. Towels cost £5 to rent or buy, and padlocks for lockers are £4. The property is adults only and non-smoking throughout.