FAQ's

What are Clink hostels?

Clink hostels are two, new backpacker hostels located in Central London's Kings Cross. We offer cheap accommodation to backpackers, travellers and groups in dorms and private rooms. We're ideally suited for 18 to 35 years old but we do not have an age limit, so everyone is welcome!

Can I bring kids under 16 years of age?

Bookings cannot be accepted from any person under the age of 16 unless they are accompanied by an adult (over 18). Guests who wish to bring their children under 16 years of age must book whole dorms or private rooms. Unlike some hostels we do not have an upper age limit. Most of our guests are backpackers in the 18 to 35 age range. Please be aware that you may be assigned a top bunk!

Can you guarantee my friends and I are going to stay in the same room?

When booking dorm beds in dorm rooms, we can’t guarantee that you’ll be staying in the same room. We suggest booking private rooms if you don't want to be split-up.

What time is check-in?

Check-in time is from 2.30pm. Reception is open 24H so even if you arrive after midnight it isn’t a problem. If you arrive prior to check-in time, you can leave your luggage in our FREE luggage room or use our secure lockers (charge applies).

What time is check-out?

Check-out time is 10am. You’ll need to bring back your white linen (pillow case/sheet/duvet cover) to reception and hand back your keycard. You can use our luggage room or our secure lockers (charge applies for lockers) to store your luggage.

How do I get there?

We’re very well connected to all the major airports and train stations. We’re only a short walk from King’s Cross tube station. For more information, check our how to get there page.

What’s a dorm room?

A dorm room means you’ll be sharing your room with other travellers. It’s the cheapest option and the best room type to stay in for meeting fellow travellers.

What’s a private room?

A private room is either: a single, a twin/double/triple or a cell room. You will not be sharing your room with people you don’t know. It’s the room to book if you’re after privacy.

What’s the difference between a twin room and a double room?

A twin room is a room that has 1 bunk bed of 2 single beds. A double room is a room that has one double bed.

Are you triple rooms 3 single beds?

Actually they aren’t. They consist of a bunk bed with a single bed on top and a double bed underneath.

What’s an en-suite room?

It means you have chosen a room that has its own bathroom . Note that if you have booked a dorm en-suite, the bathroom will be shared between the guests staying in the dorm with you. En-suite rooms are only available at Clink78.

What’s a basic room?

It means you have no bathroom in your room. You use the communal bathrooms located on each floor.

Are the dormitories mixed?

Our dorms are mixed unless you book our all female rooms .

Are the bathrooms mixed or single sex?

Most of our bathrooms are single sex (boys or girls). However, we have a couple of bathrooms that are for both.

Can I smoke in the hostel?

Clink Hostels are non-smoking. By law in England, it’s strictly forbidden to smoke in public places. We have an outside smoking area located in our basement.

Can I bring alcohol into the hostel?

Unfortunately, this is strictly prohibited for guests staying at Clink78 due to our bar license agreement. If you stay at Clink261, you can choose to bring and drink your own alcohol as long as you are over 21 years old.

Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?

You don’t need to bring a sleeping bag. We provide a pillow and a duvet. We actually only allow you to use the bed linen provided by us and this is for hygiene reasons.

What time can we get breakfast?

Continental breakfast is FREE of charge and served everyday in the kitchen/dining-room. Clink78 serves breakfast between 7-10am and Clink261 serves breakfast between 7.30-9.30am.

When can we use the self-catering kitchen?

Clink’s self-catering kitchen is open everyday from 12.30pm until midnight. The kitchen cannot be used by guests in the mornings as we use it to serve breakfast.

What are the bar opening times?

The Clashbar, located at Clink78, opens every day from 6pm until late. Happy hours are between 6-9pm. Entertainment can be enjoyed on a daily basis.

Where can I get info about London?

Our travel shop at Clink78 or our reception at Clink261 provide you with all the information or questions you may have about London. If the shop is closed at Clink78, you are welcome to ask the staff or reception: they’ll be happy to answer all your questions, give you tips and book your trips/ tickets.

Where can I leave my things?

Once you have checked in, you can use our lockers. Some are located in the rooms or in the communal areas. The top locker of all dorms at Clink78 and of the 18 bedded rooms at Clink261 are for small items. You just need to bring your own padlock or if you’ve forgotten it, buy one at reception.
Before check-in or after check-out, you can store your luggage in our FREE luggage room or use one of our secure lockers (for a small fee).

Is the hostel safe and secure?

The hostel is safe and secure. The reception is manned 24/24. To access the front entrance at night, you need to use your room keycard. To access the bedrooms, you need to use a valid keycard too. Keycards are only created for guests currently staying in the hostel. Security checks are carried out every night and CCTV cameras are in operation in all communal areas and corridors.

How can I book a bed/room?

The easiest way to book is online by clicking on our book now page or by phone on 020 7183 9400 for Clink78 or 020 7833 9400 for Clink261.

Can I just turn up to the hostel to book a bed/room?

Of course you can! We always try to keep few beds available for walk-ins. However, note summer season can be very busy in London and Friday and Saturday nights are nearly always fully booked. To avoid disappointment it’s best to book in advance.

Why do you need my credit card details?

We need your credit card details to secure and confirm your booking. Unfortunately, we cannot accept bookings without credit card details. Note that payment is NOT taken from your account. Payment is due on arrival.

What payment methods do you accept upon check-in?

When checking in, you can pay by cash Sterling (we don’t accept euro) or by credit card.

Do you provide confirmation letters for embassies?

We’re unable to provide confirmation letters to embassies. We’re sorry we can’t help on this matter.

Why do the rates vary?

We operate like airlines. From time to time we offer early bird specials, last-minute deals, packages... These offers run for a certain period of time and if you wish to benefit from them you need to book while it’s still available.

How can I contact a guest?

As Clink is a youth hostel, we don’t have phones in the rooms. You can call our reception on 020 7183 9400 and leave a message. We display all messages on a board at reception. You can also send us an email if you prefer...
If you wish to send post to a guest staying at Clink backpacker hostel London, make sure the envelope is addressed to the following: Clink Hostel, full name of guest, 78 Kings Cross Road, London WC1X 9QG, UK. Note that we can’t take responsibilities for post even if it is recorded/registered.