I noticed something worrying this time. The security lock on the outside door to access the hostel is broken and it's simply left open all night long. Reception is not manned for 8 hours after midnight so anyone can wander in. In fact, someone did - my roommate, who works till two in the morning saw a guy trying all the doors of the dorms with an old key card. He must have been a former guest. He didn't get in anywhere as the cards stop working at ten on the morning of departure. Another resident who must be long term told me the front door has been open for weeks at night. The electronic access has not been fixed.
However, I have to report that new security doors with electronic access are being installed on the landings meaning that dorms will only be accessible with a card and a card will also be needed to get into the individual dormitories. It's not before time. I do think though that it's a serious deficiency not to have staff, even asleep in the reception office, available during the night.
For people staying here and who are hungry, turn right out of the alleyway the hostel is in into Mike End Road and choose the first curry place on the right. They do very substantial meal deals for a fiver. In addition Tesco have reduced-price food on sale from 5pm onwards, ideal for sandwiches. Unfortunately many of the more filling sell-by options can't be used as there is no cooking at the hostel. I
After all this, have I rebooked? Well, yes I have.