The St. Athans Hotel is a no-frills property geared toward  travelers on a budget, especially those looking for a bit more privacy than they're likely to find at hostels. The hotel is situated in a 200-year-old Georgian town house and has been family operated since 1964. The reception area is more like an office -- desks, binders, and bulletin boards are the main decor -- though there's also an intriguing hodgepodge of relics on the walls such as alligator and snake skins and an antique crank phone. The small lounge is a little stuffy and dated, but it's not without character -- green wall-to-wall carpeting meets cream-colored wallpaper, while bookshelves, plants, and black faux-leather seating finishes the look. The better hangout spot is the hotel's downstairs coffee shop, which has a more modern vibe, plus fresh baked goods. There's no elevator or air-conditioning, but guests find the hotel to be fairly clean and functional for a budget property.

The hotel is located on a fairly busy road in the literary and generally upscale Bloomsbury area of central London, one block from one of the city's more famous academic institutions, University College London, and in the middle of a large circle of hotels ranging from budget to high-end. Leafy Russell Square is a five-minute walk, and the neighborhood features pubs, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a few retail outlets. The British Museum is a 13-minute walk from the hotel. For sights farther out, Russell Square Station (Piccadilly Line) is  a four-minute walk away, and Piccadilly Circus is a five-minute ride. Buckingham Palace can be reached in 20 minutes, while Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and the Globe Theater take about 25 to 30 minutes via public transportation. The Piccadilly Line heads directly to Heathrow Airport -- the trip takes about an hour. 

St. Athans' 40 rooms -- all dated and low on frills -- vary in shape, size, and decor. One Quad Room, for example, pairs green wall-to-wall carpeting with cream-colored wallpaper. A series of wood-frame beds line one wall, while dark-wood furniture (a wardrobe, dresser, and a few chairs) line the other. There's a sink near the window, but no en-suite bathroom: The majority of rooms have shared bathrooms; en-suite ones are low in number.

Rooms can sleep from one to five guests. Shared bathrooms are generally located on each floor --  they're basic and sometimes tiny, with toilets, sinks, and showers. Rooms stand out for what they lack, air-conditioning, TVs, and coffeemakers, though small towels are included and soap is provided Irons, ironing boards, and hairdryers can be borrowed from reception. Wi-Fi is free.

St. Athans has just a handful of amenities available to guests. There's a bustling coffee shop on the ground floor of the hotel, which serves fresh baked goods. While the hotel doesn't serve breakfast, the coffee shop offers it, with a slight discount for those staying at the hotel. Luggage storage and safe-deposit boxes are available through reception, and the hotel's small lounge has a small library of books and a computer for guest use. Wi-Fi is free throughout.