Southwark and Southbank, United States
Stylish and spacious hostel housed in a historic building
Close to the tube for trips to Central London
Bright, tidy rooms splashed in sophisticated lavender hues
Bunks with privacy curtains; most dorms have en-suite bathrooms
Private rooms have flat-screen TVs; free coffee/tea, and toiletries
Bathrooms have separate toilets and showers, and pedestal sinks
Inexpensive continental breakfast served in swank lounge with outdoor space
Bar with happy hour, comfort food, and game tables
Laundry room, on-site parking (fee), and elevators
Public computers (fee); free Wi-Fi throughout
Pets allowed in private rooms at no charge
Far from London's major sights
Located on busy street subject to traffic and construction
No AC and outlets aren't within arm's reach of bunks
Some guests say public bathrooms are unkempt and understocked
Wi-Fi can be slow or down according to some guests
No single-sex dorms
Fees for padlocks, towels, and toiletries in dorms (standard in hostels)
Budget-minded travelers who've moved past the bohemian backpacker scene will do well at this two-pearl, 74-room hostel. Safestay London Hostel at Elephant & Castle, south of the Thames, offers high-end hosteling with a glammed-up lobby lounge and bar, comfortable dorm rooms and private rooms, and amenities like a spanking-clean laundry facility, public desktop computers, and free Wi-Fi throughout. But given London's hearty stock of hip hostels -- many with a similar rate, more perks, and a Central London location -- travelers may wish to weigh options. Two alternatives worth checking out are SoHostel in Soho and Travel Joy Hostels Chelsea in Pimlico.
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Scene
Historic property decked in eye-catching, modern decor, with a grown-up vibe for the thrifty traveler
Safestay London Hostel at Elephant & Castle occupies John Smith House, a Georgian-style building that was the Labour Party's 18th-century headquarters. Its wide brick facade has a series of white fan light windows on either side of a regal purple front door. Inside, architectural details have been preserved and play off punchy, ultra-modern decor: high-design fixtures, contemporary furnishings, and an energetic palette with magenta and lime green hues. The main floor has plenty of inviting spots to work or play. In an attractive parlor, there's a tufted club sofa, a gallery wall of mirrors, and floor-to-ceiling bookcases. The swanky breakfast lounge has banquette seating and connects to a leafy outdoor retreat. Off to the side, there's a bar with high-backed velvet chairs in funky patterns, plus a foosball and pool table. This hostel draws families, solo travelers, and groups looking for a quiet, stylish, and affordable stay who don't mind the 20-plus-minute ride from most of London's top sights.
Location
On a busy South Bank street, close to the tube but far from sights
This hostel is about a 25-minute tube ride away from Central London, located on a busy street subject to traffic and construction. It's a nine-minute walk to Elephant & Castle tube station where there's a shopping center, and you'll find eateries, cafes, and pubs on surrounding blocks. Major South Bank sights -- such as the London Eye, Tate Modern, and Borough Market -- are a 25- to 30-minute walk.- Nine-minute walk to Elephant & Castle tube station
Rooms
Basic without being spare, done in energetic colors with comfortable beds and sleek bathrooms
Rooms at Safestay London are bright, tidy spaces with splashes of color in complimentary hues: cool lavender and carnation pink for bedding, magenta and fuchsia on walls and seating, and rich amethyst painted on backs of doors. Dorms have bunk beds with above-par mattresses, privacy curtains, linens, plush quilts, reading lights, and large, personal-storage cages underneath. There's one power outlet per bunk; they're above baseboards but just out of reach of the beds, which can be a minor inconvenience.As with many hostels, guests in dorms must bring, rent, or buy padlocks, toiletries, and towels. Most have en-suite bathrooms with separate showers and toilets, sleek tiles on walls and floors, adjustable showerheads, and pedestal sinks. But units that lack their own bathroom make use of a communal ones that some guests find unkempt and understocked. Also, the hostel doesn't have single-sex dorms. Private rooms feature flat-screen TVs, armchairs, electric kettles, and free coffee and tea set on low tables. Bathrooms are similar to dorms except free towels and toiletries are added. Cots are available upon request. Summer travelers should note there's no AC.
Features
Large breakfast lounge with an outdoor patio, plus a bar, public computers, and free Wi-Fi
Amenities at Safestay London Hostel at Elephant & Castle match those at other high-end hostels in the city. For a few pounds, there's a continental breakfast served daily in an attractive lounge that connects to a private outdoor patio with tables. Around the corner from that is a bar offering daily happy hour, hot drinks, snacks, and a short menu including pizza and other comfort food. It's a pleasant space to chill out, with a foosball and pool table. Adjoining the front parlor is a room lined with public desktop computers and headphones to use for a nominal rate. Another seating area on the main floor has a high table suitable for setting up laptops. There's free Wi-Fi throughout -- although some guests note it can be slow or down at peak hours. Other perks include a bike room, on-site parking (subject to availability and for an added fee), elevators, and, in the basement, a laundry room with coin-operated washer/dryers, an iron, and an ironing board. The hostel allows pets in private quarters.
