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who has stayed at london school of economics?

I'm looking at either Carr-Saunders Hall or Passfield Hall as they have availability in the spring and it looks like I can rent 2 rooms at a reasonable price to accomodate 4 people. Has anyone actually stayed at LSE? What was your experience like? Also, since most rooms are not ensuite, I guess one has to actually use a communal bathroom? Not really looking forward to that.

Posted by
119 posts

I spent a week last summer at LSE High Holborn, so while I can't speak to those two locations, I can talk generally about my experience. My room was a single, not ensuite, but did have a sink which was very helpful. The way High Holborn is set up, is that there are groups of six rooms which share a kitchen, a shower, and two toilets, so you only share with 5 other people. I loved the breakfast - lots of choices, and the front desk clerks were very helpful. The only downside was the mattress had definitely seen better days; luckily I wasn't the student who had to deal with it for a whole school year! I am tentatively planning a trip back to England next summer and will definitely be staying at LSE if I can get a room! I would recommend it as long as you aren't expecting a hotel - it is a dorm room, its clean and neat, but not luxury.

Posted by
132 posts

I am in the process of booking at the Northumberland House. I have not stayed there before, but in my email communications, everyone has been very helpful. The online booking was not working so I contacted them directly. Most, if not all, of the halls have en suite accommodations that they call Top Floor. They cost a little more, but offer nicer space than a dorm room. You can look here http://www.lsetopfloor.co.uk/carrsaunders.htm for those rooms. Both of the places you mention have apartments from £125. High Holborn is not far from the other 2 and starts at £120. Check out all of the locations to find one that suits you. Northumberland has several options and double ensuites start at £90 per night there. Even if it does not show up that there is availability on the online booking, email the residence directly. There are links on each building's page for an email address. Sometimes rooms do not show up as available when they are. Also be aware that sometimes responses are quicker than others. I have gotten next day responses and other times waited more than a week. I hope that helps.

Posted by
1806 posts

I can't speak about Carr-Saunders or Passfield, but I stayed for several weeks at Northumberland. Yes, it was slightly more expensive and did not include a breakfast like some of the other locations, but it worked for me as the location was so central that I saved a lot of money by not having to take public transit except to some parts further out (like Camden Locks, Notting Hill). There was a Tesco on the corner and plenty of of small cafes and takeaway sandwich shops and bakeries where I could get a quick breakfast. All the rooms at LSE's Northumberland were private ensuite bathrooms. The bathroom in my room was a bit small and was elevated so you had to step up to get into it (fine for me, but probably not good if you are traveling with anyone who has mobility issues). The room itself was a good size and had ample space for the bed, a large desk with phone (you could buy a cheap international calling card at the front desk) and a wardrobe with plenty of space to hang clothing and stash your suitcase. Northumberland included daily maid service in their rate. They also provided access to a shared kitchenette (only good for the most basic of cooking) and a tv lounge. In the basement they had a coin-op laundry room with plenty of machines and a computer room where guests were free to surf the internet or use the printer. The front desk was staffed 24/7 by LSE students during the day and a security guard in the evening. The building also required card access for security to get into both the main door of the building and also to get beyond the lobby where the guard desk is. The neighborhood is quite busy at all hours, so I never felt uneasy about walking around even late at night. I had a room that did not face the street so what it lacked in view it made up for by being quiet at night, even with the window open. I'd definitely stay there again.

Posted by
1113 posts

Thank you for the replies, ladies. After much thought, I decided to go ahead and book the quad room at Luna Simone. I had stayed there before and really liked the area. At first, they quoted me L190 a night but when I mentioned Rick Steves they gave me a great deal at L165 so that helped me with my decision. I appreciate your thoughtfulness in replying to my question :D

Posted by
1820 posts

You said you have stayed there before, so I bet you agree with me, part of why I really like L & S Hotel is the #24 bus right immediately outside the door and all the great pubs, groceries, atm's and restaurants that are so convenient. I am dreaming of a trip next September with my niece and it is always at the top of my London list.