From the moment you step foot into the Contiki Basement London, you know you’re going to have the best freaking time of your life on tour.
The space makes you smile and gets you pumped ready for your adventures around Europe. But what exactly is the Contiki Basement?
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What is the Contiki Basement London?
Contiki likes to refer to the Basement as their “London launchpad”. It’s ultimately where your Contiki tour will depart from in London. It’s also where you go to register for your tour, attend your kick-start meeting, meet your guide and fellow travellers and generally chill out before your tour departs.
In typical Contiki style, the Contiki Basement is absolutely pimping. Inside you’ll find a spacious and fun environment that will put you in a good mood ready for your impending Contiki departure.
If you’re staying locally and have arrived a day or so before your Contiki tour departs, then the Basement might be a place you’ll frequently visit to see if there are any new passengers checked in on your tour.
People often tend to find people on their upcoming trip then go sight-seeing in London for a few hours. The space is always busy with people coming and going.
The Contiki Basement London staff are super friendly & knowledgeable
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Where is the Contiki Basement?
The Basement is located directly below the Royal National Hotel, which is where many Contiki travellers stay before or after their tour.
Being in the Basement of the Royal National Hotel makes it easier to locate when walking from the closest tube station which is Russell Square on the Piccadilly line.
Look for the signs leading you to the Contiki Basement when you arrive at the hotel.
The Contiki Basement has different opening times during the year.
Winter
1st October – 30th April 11.00 – 19.00
Summer
1st October – 30th April 11.00 – 19.00
How to get to the Contiki Basement
The Contiki Basement is right in the heart of London. If you’re coming to London for your Contiki tour departure, then the chances are that you’re going to arrive at Heathrow Airport.
It’s approximately a 1-hour commute from Heathrow to the Contiki Basement depending on the day and the time of day you travel.
Follow these directions to the Contiki Basement London from London Heathrow Terminals 1, 2 & 3:
- Take the lift to level -1
- Turn right
- Enter the Underground
- Catch the Piccadilly Line Eastbound
- Stay on the tube for 22 stops to Russell Square
- Exit the Underground & turn left
- Cross the road at Woburn Place
- Walk towards the Royal National Hotel
- Follow the signs to the Contiki Basement
Contiki Basement services
The Contiki Basement is a bit like a funky hostel – without the accommodation. Inside you’ll find everything you need to get sorted for your Contiki tour.
If you’ve forgotten to check-in for your tour online, then you can do that with a member of staff.
It’s the little touches that we especially love. Especially the vending machine packed with all your favourite treats from home.
The London Contiki crew are on hand to assist with any questions you may have. They can also help with things to see and do in London before or after your tour departs.
You can also expect to find the following services available in this private Contiki space:
Luggage storage
The Contiki Basement London offers a free luggage storage service for all Contiki passengers. Your luggage is kept in a secure storage area where you can pick them up whenever you wish (during opening hours).
WiFi
Free WiFi is offered in the Contiki Basement. Contiki knows you’re going to want to keep in contact with family & friends while travelling and you’re not going to want to chew up your own credit on Instagram or Tinder now are you.
Last-minute items
You’re bound to have forgotten something, but fear not. You can find a wide range of essentials in the Contiki Basement for sale such as neck pillows, earplugs & Contiki apparel etc.
Chill-out areas
It’s a cool space where you’re free to enjoy some Netflix, play table tennis, have a snooze, use the photo booths or mingle with your new travel crew.
Your directions were spot on
We aim to please 🙂
Absolutely love the CB <3
Avoid buying anything from the shop. You can pick up any forgotten toiletries from the chemist near the tube station for much less!!
Great tip. Boots or Superdrug pharmacies are great and they sell all sorts of travel-sized toiletries as well as power adaptors.
The staff were so friendly when I went in June 2019 😀
Do you have to pay to store your luggage?
I don’t believe so Dan. As long as you only keep it there for a short period of time, it should be fine.