Are you heading to London and searching for a budget-friendly place to stay in one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods? Well, I’ve got just the spot for you.
One of my all-time favorite hostel experiences was my stay at OneFam in Notting Hill. This hostel chain, with locations throughout Europe, is known for creating a family and community atmosphere, and the Notting Hill location is no exception.
When I arrived in London, I was solo backpacking and in need of social, budget accommodation. My first few days were spent at a hostel in the Borough area, which was conveniently located near many of London’s major attractions. However, my experience there was less than pleasant. After three days, I decided it was time for a change, and that’s when I found myself at OneFam in Notting Hill.
OneFam is nestled in the heart of Notting Hill, just minutes away from the famous Portobello Road Market. The neighborhood is quiet, quaint, and peaceful, offering a perfect escape from the bustling city while still being within easy reach of all the action. Despite the tranquility of the area, the hostel itself was anything but quiet. It was full of lively energy, with exceptional staff and wonderful fellow travelers to share the experience with.
Upon arriving at the hostel, I was warmly greeted by the staff, who immediately helped me settle in and showed me to my room. They also gave me a tour of the hostel’s amenities. A bed in an 8-bed mixed dorm cost me about $38 per night. The rooms were spacious, with plenty of storage for belongings and a comfortable bed. Although there weren’t traditional curtains around the beds, a towel or sarong easily provided the privacy I needed.
After checking in, the staff introduced me to other travelers in the common area and informed me about all the upcoming events and activities. This is where OneFam truly excels. They have a massive chalkboard in the reception area listing all the activities and events happening at the hostel. Almost every day, there’s something going on, whether it’s a walking tour or a group trip to a local market.
Though Notting Hill isn’t the most centrally located neighborhood in London, it’s very close to a tube station, making it easy to hop on and off the Underground to explore the rest of the city. One of my favorite activities organized by the hostel was the family-style dinner. With donations from the guests, the hostel staff would come together to cook a meal for everyone, free of charge. The meals were absolutely amazing, and it was so much fun to sit down with other travelers and enjoy a meal knowing it was prepared by the staff and shared with fellow adventurers.
After these family-style dinners, the real excitement began. The hostel organizes group outings almost every night of the week, taking guests to some of London’s best clubs, bars, and events. London has some of the best nightlife in the world, and the hostel ensures you get a taste of it. I joined the group outings on two of my three nights at the hostel, and they remain two of my favorite nights out. We visited London’s infamous Ministry of Sound, and it was comforting to take the tube with the entire hostel group, arriving together so I didn’t have to navigate the night alone. The great thing about London is the abundance of public transportation, making it easy to get to and from your accommodation after a night out. Despite some challenges, we made it back to the hostel at around 5:30 AM using public transport.
If partying isn’t your scene, the hostel offers great spaces to lounge around, play games, or relax in the outdoor area and chat with other travelers. During my stay at OneFam, I met so many wonderful people and had some of the best experiences of my travels. The neighborhood is filled with restaurants, cafés, and markets, providing plenty of options for food, drinks, and shopping without leaving the area. The hostel is also located in a safe part of the neighborhood, and I never once felt uneasy about my safety during my time there.
Since I stayed at OneFam toward the end of my trip, it was also incredibly convenient for getting to the airport after a long night out. The hostel is close to several metro stations with lines that go directly to London Heathrow, making it easy and efficient to get to and from the airport.
For the price and convenience, I cannot recommend OneFam enough. The staff and energy throughout the hostel were absolutely lovely, and I truly felt like I was part of a community—a family of travelers and individuals from all over the world. With a plethora of activities and events to choose from, my stay was enjoyable and exciting.
Though OneFam in Notting Hill isn’t located next to Buckingham Palace or the London Eye, it’s well worth the short metro ride to stay in a much more enjoyable and authentic accommodation. I haven’t had the chance to check out their other locations around Europe yet, but after speaking with fellow travelers, I’ve heard they offer the same family and community experience, making them highly recommended.
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