Good and Bad News About Hostels in London : Bed prices won’t go up much next year, but they’re still among the world’s most expensive.

The good news for budget travelers visiting London next year is that there will be only a slight increase in rates for the 1,195 beds in the city’s official youth hostels, according to London hostel officials.

That information is especially welcome because London is a pricey place and, even with very modest increases, these hostel beds remain among the most expensive in the world. Figure on spending about $20-$25 per night.

Six of the seven permanent hostels are open 24 hours a day, year-round. Travelers will find currency-exchange facilities at the reception areas of all of the hostels, and tickets for major London attractions can be purchased at discounted prices.

Hostel bedrooms have two or more bunks and, with the exception of the new Rotherhithe Youth Hostel, washrooms are down the halls. The bedrooms at Rotherhithe have their own washrooms.

The average price of an evening meal at the hostels is about $6. The Rotherhithe, City of London and Hampstead Heath hostels are licensed to serve alcoholic beverages with meals.

A sampling of London youth hostels:

The City of London Youth Hostel, near the St. Paul’s subway stop at 36 Carter Lane, telephone 011- 44-71-236-4965, was once the choir school for St. Paul’s Cathedral and has recently been renovated. Beds for travelers under 18 are about $24; 18 and older pay $29.

Earls Court Youth Hostel, near the Earls Court subway stop at 38 Bolton Gardens, telephone 011-44- 71-373-7083, is a Victorian townhouse in a residential area. Travelers under 18 are charged about $22; 18 and older, $24.50.

Hampstead Heath Youth Hostel, near the Goders Green subway stop at 4 Wellgarth Road, telephone 011-44-81-458-9054, is set in an area known for its natural beauty. Under 18, $18; 18 and older, $21.

Highgate Village Youth Hostel, near the Archway subway stop at 84 Highgate West Hill, telephone 011-44-81-340-1831, is a Georgian house in a village 30 minutes from central London. Under 18, $11.50; 18 and older, $17.25.

Holland House Youth Hostel, near the Holland Park subway on Holland Walk, Kensington, telephone 011-44-71-937-0748, is a modern hostel set in a park. Under 18, about $21; 18 and older about $24. These rates include breakfasts.

The Rotherhithe Youth Hostel, near the Rotherhithe subway stop, telephone 011-44-71-232-2114, is a modern building in London’s Docklands. Under 18, $21; 18 and older, $26.

Oxford Street Youth Hostel, near the Oxford Street subway stop at 14 Noel St., telephone 011-44-71- 734-1618, is near one of London’s busiest shopping areas. Under 18, $20.50; 18 and older, $25.

Travelers can reserve a bed in any of the seven hostels, using a Visa or MasterCard, by calling 011- 44-71-248-6547, or faxing 011-44- 71-236-7681. If you fax, be sure to include your name, address, relevant booking information, your credit card number and the expiration date of the card. A confirmation fax will be sent to you.

Not all entertainment in London is expensive. If you spend a little time researching guidebooks or asking at tourist information bureaus, you’ll find a number of interesting possibilities that are free of charge. Here’s a selection:

* Visit Speakers Corner at the Marble Arch end of Hyde Park on Sunday morning when anyone with something to say can get up and speak his or her mind.

* Take a break at the British Museum; it’s within easy walking distance of the Tottenham Court Road subway stop.

* Enjoy masterpieces by famous artists at the National Gallery at Trafalgar Square.

* The National Portrait Gallery is usually free and includes a permanent collection of portraits of famous people. A charge may be added for special exhibitions. It’s at St. Martins Place near the Charing Cross subway stop.

* The Tate Gallery, near the Pimlico subway stop, exhibits British art and 20th-Century paintings and sculpture.

* The Museum of Mankind, with exhibits from around the world, is at 6 Burlington Gardens, near the Piccadilly Circus subway stop.

* The London Ecology Centre at 45 Shelton St., near the Covent Garden subway stop, is an information center on environmental matters, and includes a vegetarian restaurant.