Safestay, a new and extremely budget friendly “contemporary hostel” in South London, has opened its doors. A short walk from Elephant and Castle Tube Station, it’s amazing to think there’s a place to crash close to a Zone 1 station with rates starting as low as £18 per night.
All of Safestay’s 74 private twin and family rooms have bunk beds, 40 inch plasma screen TVs and tea/coffee facilities. There are four, six and eight bunk rooms, and most have en-suite shower/toilet rooms. Each bed has its own overhead light, individual curtain and locker big enough for most luggage to fit in. Entry to rooms is by touch key.
Safestay has large communal areas such a bar, pool room and walled garden. There’s a restaurant serving complimentary continental breakfast in the morning and toasted sandwiches and snacks throughout the day as well as vending machines. The hostel has a laundry room and offers free luggage storage. There’s free WiFi too and a computer room.
I gave the hostel a once over during a recent launch event. I haven’t stayed in a hostel in ages, but this one’s a lot more stylish and comfy than any of the ones I can remember staying in. The upscale for a downbeat budget certainly seemed to appeal to a variety of travellers. There were a ton of backpacker/university aged guests at Safestay during my visit, but also a big school group, some business types and even some dude milling about in the lobby wearing lederhosen (???).
If you’re just looking for somewhere safe to stay in London that’s also accessible, fairly convenient and still affordable, give this swanky hostel strong consideration.
Safestay Elephant & Castle is located at 144-152 Walworth Road, SE17 1JL (but be on the lookout for more Safestay hostels opening in London and beyond soon). Find out more at safestay.co.uk.
