Safestay London Elephant & Castle is a vibrant hostel located in a former Victorian warehouse, blending modern amenities with classic architecture. It offers a range of affordable accommodations, from shared dorms to private rooms, catering to backpackers and budget travelers alike. With a lively common area, guests can socialize and meet fellow travelers. The hostel features a bar and café serving snacks and beverages, as well as a communal kitchen for self-catering. Positioned near public transport, it provides easy access to London's iconic attractions and neighborhoods.
What each source says
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Clean Rooms and Facilities Guests consistently mention the cleanliness of the rooms, restrooms, and shower facilities, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic stay.
- Convenient Location The hostel is situated in a great location, close to Elephant & Castle station, providing easy access to transportation, including the underground and bus stops, making it simple to reach various parts of London.
- Good Value for Money The hostel offers a competitive price point for accommodations in London, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
- Helpful and Friendly Staff Many reviewers highlight the friendly and helpful nature of the staff, who are often mentioned for their excellent customer service and willingness to assist guests.
- Privacy in Shared Rooms The bunk beds feature curtains, providing a sense of privacy and darkness for a more comfortable sleep in shared dormitory settings.
Criticised
- Elevator Issues The elevator is frequently out of service, which can be problematic for guests with luggage or mobility issues, especially when rooms are located on higher floors.
- Inconsistent Cleanliness While some areas are clean, the cleanliness of bathrooms and toilets can be inconsistent, with some guests reporting unpleasant odors.
- Limited Amenities The hostel lacks certain amenities such as a guest kitchen and sufficient plugs near upper bunk beds. Luggage storage before check-in and after check-out incurs a fee.
- Noise Levels Rooms facing the road can be noisy due to traffic, potentially disrupting sleep, particularly on weekends.
- Room Temperature Issues Rooms can be excessively hot, and the lack of air conditioning or adequate ventilation can lead to discomfort, especially during warmer months.
The longer read
Safestay London Elephant & Castle hostel receives mixed reviews, but some aspects consistently stand out. Its location near Elephant & Castle tube station and bus stops is frequently praised, providing easy access to London's attractions. Many reviewers find the hostel clean, particularly the rooms, restrooms, and showers. The presence of curtains around the bunk beds is appreciated for adding privacy. Security is another positive point, with gate locks at night, key card access, and visible security personnel. The availability of power sockets near the beds is also a plus. Several reviewers mention the staff, with some describing them as friendly, helpful, and professional, while others report negative experiences, citing unhelpfulness and lack of empathy. Some guests have specifically named staff members who were helpful and welcoming. A continental buffet breakfast is available, although the variety for those with dietary restrictions (celiac, vegetarian, vegan) may be limited. Several reviewers report issues with the facilities. The lack of an elevator is a recurring complaint, especially for guests with heavy luggage. The absence of air conditioning or fans in some rooms can make them uncomfortably hot, particularly during the summer. Some reviewers mention that the showers have low water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms and toilets is inconsistent, with some reviewers finding them dirty and smelling of urine. Some reviewers noted external noise from the street, especially in front-facing rooms. Some guests have noted the presence of dodgy individuals around the lobby, and smell of weed has been reported. A few reviewers have mentioned issues with the hostel's policies, such as only one key per room, the removal of bed curtains, and charges for luggage storage before check-out. The inconsistent enforcement of rules regarding noise in shared rooms has also been a source of frustration for some guests. The presence of a bar area and beer garden is a plus for some, although pizza is said to be of low quality. Some reviewers mention nearby convenience stores and restaurants, while others advise caution due to the area being a bit dodgy. Several reviewers mention the hostel is a mix of tourists, workers and homeless people.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 2077038000
- Website
- safestay.com/venue/safestay-london-elephant-castle
- Check in
- 15:00 · out 10:00
Facilities
- 24 Hours
- Accessible
- Activities
- Air Conditioning
- Bar
- Evening Entertainment
- Family Rooms
- Garden
- Heating
- Housekeeping
- Internet
- Laundry
- Non Smoking Rooms
- Outdoor Furniture
- Snack Bar
- Terrace
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 3.6 against a median of 4.3 across the 6 venues we hold for Walworth, and the most-reviewed of them.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What types of rooms are available, including private en‑suites and shared dorms, and how do they differ in price and amenities?
- Which public transport options are closest to the hotel and how convenient are they for reaching major London attractions?
- What dining and social spaces does the hotel provide, such as a bar or kitchen, and what hours are they available?
- How does the hotel ensure security and privacy for guests staying in shared dormitory rooms?
- What key sights and neighborhoods can be explored on foot from the hotel, and how long does it take to reach them?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.