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Collection by Allie Weiss

Sophisticated hostel for design-conscious travelers

The Generator London brings established design pieces into a playful space.

Hostels often call to mind conditions more similar to a fraternity house than a five-star hotel. But the Generator chain of design-focused hostels has proven that cheap doesn't mean derelict; with eight locations around Europe (and two others in the works in Paris and Rome), the brand has established itself as a destination for design-savvy backpackers. The recently refurbished Generator London, the brand's first outpost located in a former police station in Russell Square, joins the rustic-urban aesthetic of the other properties. Designed by Anwar Mekhayech of Toronto's DesignAgency in partnership with local architects ORBIT and Shoreditch-based art collective Acrylicize, the propety features sophisticated pieces by the likes of Tom Dixon and Moooi alongside playful details, like denim-upholstered bar stools, geometric murals, and custom game tables.

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Tiered bench seating make the lounge ideal for film screenings. Photo by Nikolas Koenig.
Tiered bench seating make the lounge ideal for film screenings. Photo by Nikolas Koenig.
The reclaimed wood-clad bar features hanging lights made from recycled fire extinguishers by Castor. Photo by Nikolas Koenig.
The reclaimed wood-clad bar features hanging lights made from recycled fire extinguishers by Castor. Photo by Nikolas Koenig.
A slightly raised, plaid-fitted cafe stays open all day. Photo by Nikolas Koenig.
A slightly raised, plaid-fitted cafe stays open all day. Photo by Nikolas Koenig.
Tom Dixon's Fluoro stools and Moooi chairs adorn the cafe. A Castor tube light hangs above a communal table. Photo by Nikolas Koenig.
Tom Dixon's Fluoro stools and Moooi chairs adorn the cafe. A Castor tube light hangs above a communal table. Photo by Nikolas Koenig.
A small bar off the cafe pairs dark oak details with denim-upholstered bar stools. Photo by Nikolas Koenig.
A small bar off the cafe pairs dark oak details with denim-upholstered bar stools. Photo by Nikolas Koenig.
Five pods made of OSB wood and metal provide informal nooks for socializing or eating. The pods contain built-in banquettes and Emeco's 111 Navy Chair. Photo by Nikolas Koenig.
Five pods made of OSB wood and metal provide informal nooks for socializing or eating. The pods contain built-in banquettes and Emeco's 111 Navy Chair. Photo by Nikolas Koenig.
In another lounge area, lit by Moooi's Black Spider lamp, egg chairs surround marble tables by Tom Dixon. Nearby sits a hand-painted piano by Goodwives and Warrior. Photo by Nikolas Koenig.
In another lounge area, lit by Moooi's Black Spider lamp, egg chairs surround marble tables by Tom Dixon. Nearby sits a hand-painted piano by Goodwives and Warrior. Photo by Nikolas Koenig.
Simple white bunk beds, with lockable storage compartments, fill the mural-adorned dorm rooms. Photo by Nikolas Koenig.
Simple white bunk beds, with lockable storage compartments, fill the mural-adorned dorm rooms. Photo by Nikolas Koenig.
Guests can choose between dorm-style rooms or private rooms with single beds and en-suite bathrooms. Photo by Nikolas Koenig.
Guests can choose between dorm-style rooms or private rooms with single beds and en-suite bathrooms. Photo by Nikolas Koenig.