The high-five you might get from the guy working reception at the Astor Kensington says a lot about how friendly and enthusiastic the staff and the guests are at this conveniently-located hostel. It draws a young crowd, and can get a little rowdy at times. But there's good security, with CCTV cameras in place and nice lockable storage units under every bed. Breakfast is included, and there's a good kitchen too if you want to cook your own food instead of spending a fortune on fish and chips. Plus, the water pressure in the showers is incredible!
Be sure to ask for a room in the front of the hostel as the Tube runs by the back of the building quite noisily. With just 100 beds, the Astor Kensington is a small and friendly hostel in a great location.