You can pay per night or week depending on how long you plan to stay. Paying per week is much cheaper than per night. Prices per week vary between £50.00 and £80.00 and per night from £10.00 and £15.00. You normally will have to pay in advance.

In a hostel you might be sharing a room with many people. The more people you share with the cheaper it will be. For example if you share with 1 or 3 people, it is going to be more expensive than sharing with 5 or 7 more.

You have to share toilet and bathroom as well since these facilities are not in-suite. Some hostels provide linen and breakfast (but don't expect a big one; usually it is a cup of tea or coffee and a couple of toasts).

It might be a little bit uncomfortable, especially if you aren't used to sharing a room with more than 1 person and suddenly then you have to do it with 5 or more strangers! But keep in mind that this is only temporary and look for smoothing better!

PROS:

• It's the best option since is not as expensive as a hotel
• Most of them are situated near or in Central London

CONS:

• Lack of privacy

TIPS:

• Always keep an eye on your personal belongings. Never leave money, passport, jewelry or any other valued stuff exposed.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
When I came to London for the first time, I stayed at my friend's house for a couple of days and then I had to look for another place where to stay, so the best option was a hostel. Since in my country there aren't places like this I was a little bit shocked when I found out that I was going to share with 7 other people, not only the room but shower and toilet as well. And all of them strangers. Nevertheless it was a good experience, because in my room there were people from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Canada all of them very nice.

Useful links

St. Christopher's Inns
It offers secure backpackers' accommodation, Internet terminals, laundry facilities, residents lounge, bar, dancing, and more.
www.st-christophers.co.uk/

TravelStay.com - Tower Hamlets
Online provider of budget accommodation in hostels and hotels throughout the UK.
http://www.travelstay.com/

London Hostels Association Ltd
It provides managed hostels, offering low cost accommodation in London to working people and students.
http://www.london-hostels.co.uk/

O'Callaghans Hostels
Accommodation for students and backpackers. (web site also in Spanish and French)
http://www.ocallaghans.co.uk/

London Hostel
A web site that offers online reservations for hostels.
http://www.hostellondon.com/

Christian Alliance Centre, The Lambeth
Accommodation in Central London for 132 young people aged 18 to 30.
http://www.cacw.mcmail.com/