A hotel in the heart of London offering overnight stays for the same price as a pint of beer has left tourists utterly astonished by its rock-bottom value, with some viewers joking that a prison cell might offer more comfort.
An unbelievable bargain in the capital
Ralph Smith, a 23-year-old traveller, could scarcely believe his luck when he managed to secure a night's accommodation in central London for a mere ten pounds. Intrigued by the prospect, he booked a stay at what he describes as a 'one-star' hotel to experience it firsthand.
The Smart Hostel, situated in the Queensway area of London, represents the most affordable overnight option Ralph could discover during his search. He visited the establishment on January 21, meticulously documenting his entire experience on his popular Instagram account, @ralph.travels.
A shared space with basic amenities
Upon arrival, Ralph was provided with fresh bed linens to take up to his assigned room, which he shared with eight other guests. The room itself is configured with multiple bunk beds arranged in rows of three, creating a densely packed sleeping area.
Facilities include a single shared shower intended to serve all nine occupants of the room, alongside a communal kitchen where guests can prepare their own meals and a basic dining area for consumption.
'Can't complain about accommodation when you are paying £10,' Ralph explained to What's The Jam. 'I thought it felt safe, it was fairly clean and I would stay there if needed.'
He further noted the potential for group travel, suggesting that seven friends could book individual beds and essentially secure an entire private room for just £10 per person per night.
Social media reaction to budget living
Ralph's video clip quickly gained traction online, amassing over 5,000 likes and generating more than 200 comments expressing everything from bemusement to outright alarm.
One observer remarked, 'Same price as a pint in London,' highlighting the extraordinary affordability in a city known for its high costs.
Another commenter offered a less favourable comparison, stating, 'The jail looks more comfortable and safe,' while a third simply declared, 'Erm, that's prison sir.'
Yet amidst the criticism, some recognised the remarkable value proposition. '£300 a month in central London,' calculated one viewer, putting the monthly cost into perspective.
A particularly enthusiastic commentator exclaimed, 'I barely get a coffee and a croissant for £10 in London, that's a great place and price. Even if it was a bit grubby, that would still be a steal.'
The reality of budget accommodation
The footage revealed spartan conditions that divided opinion sharply. While the tiny shared shower and densely packed sleeping quarters drew heavy criticism from many who viewed Ralph's video, the fundamental affordability in one of the world's most expensive cities proved impossible to ignore.
This accommodation option presents a stark example of the trade-offs travellers must consider when seeking budget options in premium locations, balancing cost against comfort and privacy in an increasingly expensive capital city.
