Clearly, last night the hottest ticket in town was entry in to… wait for it… wait for it… The Generator Hostel London relaunch party. And, I was there, Sunny friends!
The pre-party tweets were blowing up the Twitterverse with excitement, and the actual party proved to be worthy of all the hype…
We're gonna party like it's the #weekend tonight at @Gen_London relaunch party #GENXLDN pic.twitter.com/5iohihN8hF
— Generator Hostels (@GeneratorHostel) March 20, 2014
Curiosity totally piqued about #GENXLDN tonight. @DissembleDesign
— Pete Lawler (@MericanLondoner) March 20, 2014
Looking forward to the @GenLondon relaunch #party tonight! #GENXLDN
— Notting Hill Life (@nottinghilllife) March 20, 2014
WHAT???
A hostel?
Yes. I can hardly believe it myself.
In 1995 I participated in Florida State University’s study abroad programme and lived on Great Russell Street, just inches away from the British Museum in Bloomsbury. Ironically, that was also the year the Generator Hostel London opened, just around the corner on 37 Tavistock Place WC1H 9SE.
Back then, hostels had the connotation of being dodgy. In fact, I rarely talk about my experience staying in one. It was in Amsterdam, and it was called “The Flying Pig.” I went with a group of girls from the study abroad programme. Big mistake. HUGE. I swore I’d never step foot in one again. That all changed last night. 
Swanky eh?
The relaunch party started at 7:30. I arrived promptly and was shocked to find a queue extending out the door. SERIOUSLY?!
“Are you on the list?” said an event supervisor surrounded with security team members.
I felt like I was gaining entrance to a chic South Beach or Hollywood lounge.
“Why, yes. I AM.”
They threw a wrist band around my arm, and I took off to figure out what was generating all this buzz. 
With a bar, café, screening room, and lounge, this venue which was once a police station set in antique London Mews, sure has a vibrant, edgy appeal. 
The guests continued to pour in… and so did the booze. 
The walls thumped with music from NTS Radio and Eglo Records. I can tell you for sure- if this party is any indication of what a stay is like at the Generator Hostel London- guests are in for one hell of a kick arse trip.
If you’ve ever stayed at The Standard in West Hollywood, you know what I mean. The club atmosphere in the lobby rolls on throughout the day and night.
Apparently, I wasn’t the only one enthralled by the Generator Hostel London. Check out these tweets by my fellow travel bloggers and writers.
@Gen_London #GENXLDN Fantastic night. Hostel looks -incredible-. Can't wait to stay soon. Well done.
— Jess (@flyawayamerican) March 20, 2014
I'm with the band @Gen_London #GENXLDN pic.twitter.com/KSvad3WAFE
— Cadence Woodland (@csmalldog) March 20, 2014
Had a great time at the @GeneratorHostel relaunch party! #GENXLDN
— Girl in London (@wanderbliss) March 20, 2014
Awesome night at the @Gen_London Re-launch party meeting fellow travel lovers & chatting with ppl from all over the world ^_^ #GENXLDN
— Kaeli Conforti (@KaeliTravels) March 21, 2014
And finally…
Happy Hangover Guys….@Gen_London is well and truly relaunched 🙂 #GENXLDN
— Generator Hostels (@GeneratorHostel) March 21, 2014
If you’re looking for a fun place to stay that doesn’t bust your budget, the Generator Hostel London is a strong contender. By the end of 2018, they’ll have 15-18 hostels. Aside from rooms, their venues offer everything from film and photo shoots, live music events, corporate functions, art exhibitions and pop up concepts.
Their work revamping and regenerating hostels in to “…attractive, design and event-driven hostels that are stylish, contemporary, central, social and safe” is simply brilliant.
Current Generator Locations:
Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, Dublin, Hamburg, Venice
Coming Soon… Rome and Paris
Social Media Accounts:
You can catch Generator Hostel London on these social media accounts:
For reviews and Generator Hostel rates, read here.
So, Sunny friends, what’s your hostel experience?
Your post made me laugh! I’ve actually stayed at the Flying Pig in Amsterdam too!!! We went for a friend’s 21st birthday many years ago!! Generator looks so much cooler though; actually like a night club. It’s also so useful to have more budget accommodation in London.
Lots of love,
Angie
SilverSpoon London
LOL! Angie, our similarities are too funny! It felt like a night club. It was absolutely PACKED too. They know how to throw a party!
I too have stayed at the Flying Pig, I think that it is a rite of passage for every young 20 something in Europe 🙂 I have stayed at a bunch when I was younger but likely wouldn’t do it now, even though this one looks pretty cool!
This one was very cool! I never knew the Flying Pig was so popular. Thank you for reading and sharing, Andrea.
WOW! That is one heck of a hostel! Amazing! I was invited to this, but couldn’t go…now I kind of wish I’d worked things around a bit more so I could have attended. Looks like a REALLY fun night!
There were tons of bloggers last night. They really threw one amazing party. The hostel has a very chic atmosphere. I’d definitely recommend it to people who want a fun, lower cost place to stay.
Seriously, who knew hostels were so fun?! My post on it is going live tomorrow but I loved the photos you got. My last hostel experience was in Scotland and wasn’t nearly as hip as this place. I didn’t even know you were there until I checked twitter later and then kicked myself for missing out on an opp to stalk, er, meet you in person! Next hostel event, we’re meeting up.
I know! I was crushed when I saw I missed you. We can certainly meet up some time before the next big bloggers event. I’ll DM you my info via Twitter. The Generator ROCKED!
What a hip looking place!! I stayed in several hostels many years ago while traveling through Sweden and although they were all quite nice, they were nothing like this. Looks like The Generator was ELECTRIFIED!!!!!
Patty, I love your “electrified” idea! I have to give you credit for influencing me to explore this venue. You’re a superstar!
I’m staying here – just for one night – next week, so am super-excited now! Never thought I would look forward to a hostel so much….looks like it was a great party!
That’s fabulous! Please let us know how it is. Judging from the party, you’re in for a ROCK STAR time. Thank you for reading. 🙂