Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage — London, UK: A Review
Photo by Lonely Girl, Lonely World.
Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage is the most impressive hostel I’ve stayed at so far. They don’t have a 4.2 rating on Google Reviews as a 2-star lodge for nothing.
What struck me the most during my time there was how comfortable I felt, and that’s saying a lot if you’re a female solo traveller.
According to their FAQs, “Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage was the former lodge of Lord Palmer, who was made famous due to a huge biscuit empire,” which explains the huge size and grandiose, medieval décor. Give a wave to that suit of armour at the top of the staircase. The interior may look a bit ominous at first glance, but you’ll realize very soon it’s one of the coziest places you could possibly stay at.
Price: 234.59 GBP including taxes
Room: 12-bed female ensuite dorm
Duration: 8 nights (November 14-22, 2023.)
*All photos by Lonely Girl, Lonely World unless otherwise stated.
The Dorm
I booked a 12-bed female ensuite dorm, which provided a layer of mental security for me. I’d never slept in a room with so many travellers at the same time, and I wondered if I’d be able to snooze at night. Worries begone. Each bed is equipped with a curtain, so you can enjoy the privacy of your own space whenever you want. Everyone in my dorm was pretty well-behaved, and it was surprisingly calming to hear the gentle sounds of people breathing as I fell asleep myself. I’ve realized that as a solo traveller, you crave human connection a lot more, and even just sleeping in the same dorm can bring a lot of comfort.
I got an upper bunk, which gave me a lot more spatial perspective when lying down, looking at the high ceiling. The only troublesome thing was that my power outlet was located on the wall behind my headboard, and my 4-feet charger was just barely long enough to reach it (though I still had to stack some items underneath my phone to prevent it from dangling).
The ensuite bathroom was definitely a plus. It was clean and offered fully private stalls (3 showers on one side, 3 washrooms on the other), with one sink and one vanity deck at the end.
The room is decorated in warm, cozy colours: red carpet on the floor and brown wooden accents, with a fireplace by the door that I doubt is in use. Instead, the fireplace ledge served as a landing table for drinks and snacks.
There’s nothing against eating in the dorms, I believe, but try to keep it subtle, or take it outside. One girl ate chips in bed every night, and it was amusing to hear the faint sounds of her Disney movie playing in the background.
The best part about the dorm was the beds. I don’t know what brand or material they use, but those mattresses were back-saving, especially after a long day of exploring. I had no trouble falling asleep.
Palmers Lodge also has dorms in other bed quantities, as well as some private rooms. There’s an elevator available if you have heavy luggage or mobility needs.
Be mindful of daily cleaning times. You can stay in your dorm all day if you want, but the staff — including males — will come in around 1 PM to do their thing. If you’re taking a shower around this time, don’t walk out in your birthday suit.
Tip: London weather is humid. Bring an 100% cotton towel for drying off unless you want to feel like a wet sponge after showering.
Tip: Bring your own lock for the storage units under the beds.
The Amenities
Breakfast Bar — A continental breakfast is available each morning in the basement bar (which is not really a basement; it’s still above ground) for 6.50 GBP. They serve the usual standards like boiled eggs, toast, muffins, cold cuts, and drink dispensers with coffee, tea, and juice.
The Party Room/Common Area — Just off the bar, this is a cozy space with picnic tables for studying or journaling in the daytime and fun and games in the evening. Sunlight streams through here really nicely thanks to its large windows, and on a rainy day, it’s a great feeling to do your work here and listen to the pitter-patter of droplets. This room remains open even after breakfast time is over for you to eat and chill as you wish.
Laundry — There’s a small coin laundry room in the basement floor with 2 washers and dryers each. I’ve found it takes a couple runs to get your load fully dry, so make sure to pack enough cash. If you don’t have change, ask reception to break your bills.
The Lounge — Upon entering the main doors, you’ll see the common lounge straight ahead. It gives the feel of a traditional gentlemen’s club — though much more sparse — no doubt where Lord Palmer entertained his guests back in the day. The room is filled with velveteen armchairs and couches, with a counter table on the side for guests using the outlets. It’s totally ok to eat here. This lounge is more of a reading and study room than a place for loud chatter or noise.
The Kitchen — I didn’t see it, but apparently there’s a common kitchen on another floor.
The Chalkboard — Need a recommendation for places to eat? Palmers Lodge features a large chalkboard with their favourite spots to dine out and some other tips and tricks. Or, check out my personal recommendations here for the best places to eat in the Swiss Cottage area (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)
Others — There are lockers for a fee (though my dorm had storage units under each bunk bed) and add-ons for parking and late checkout. See their website for more info.
The Location
Initially, I was concerned about its location 30 minutes away from the London core, but I ultimately chose it for its convenient stop halfway between London Luton and London Gatwick, the 2 airports I flew in and out from.
Turns out this was the best decision I made. Its distance from the tourist hub of downtown London allows Palmers Lodge to offer cheaper rates than many other hostels (but the private rooms still get very pricey). I also fell in LOVE with the food in the Swiss Cottage area. From authentic tonkatsu ramen to Lebanese fusion to classic European cuisine, Swiss Cottage’s got it all.
Because London’s so well connected with their public transit system, 30 minutes seems like nothing, especially if you avoid rush hour. Both Swiss Cottage and Finchley Road tube stations are just 5 minutes away, and there are a plethora of other buses and express rides that can get you to your destination.
If you like to wake up to quiet mornings and enjoy a leisurely pace before exploring London, Palmers Lodge is for you.
Conclusion
Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage calls themselves a “boutique hostel,” meaning they’re not quite a hotel but hold themselves to higher standards than most hostels out there. You’ll see this in their friendly service, the building quality, and the relaxed atmosphere amongst travellers.
Most of their clientele are university students or young adults, but there are lots of older travellers or families too. I would recommend this hostel to anyone visiting London.
Tip: For an additional discount, use the promo code “thanksforhavingme” at palmerslodge.uk/staylonger. (I found this on the back of my key card. Currently it still works. There’s no telling if/when they’ll change it, but give it a go!)
Photo by Lonely Girl, Lonely World.