If you’re looking for a hostel in London I highly recommend Safestay (Elephant & Castle).

Here are some of the reasons why.

1. It’s safe.

Like the name suggests, Safestay provides a safe and secure place to lay your head at night. A key card is required to enter through any door, even into the elevator and hallways. There is also a 24-hour receptionist at the front door.

I stayed in a mixed (boys+girls) 6 person room for 5 nights and never once felt uncomfortable. In fact, the guys in my room were awesome! An american, an aussie, and two handsome dutch boys. I’m even Facebook friends with them all. When you’re in a safe environment don’t be afraid to break out of your comfort zone and meet new people.

2. Easy transportation access.

There are six bus stops directly in front of the hostel.

In order, from nearest to furthest — although the furthest is less than 200 feet away:

1. Walworth, Larcom Street (SE17) (Stop D)

2. Walworth, Larcom Street (SE17) (Stop B)

3. Larcom Street (Stop B)

4. Walworth, Larcom Street (Stop A)

5. Walworth, Larcom Street (SE17) (Stop C)

6. Larcom Street (Stop C)

TIP!!! Take a photo of the bus route maps in front of your hostel. It’ll make getting home a heck of a lot easier!

I can confidently say that the bus was definitely my favorite way to travel around the city. The Tube/Underground (Elephant & Castle on the Bakerloo & Northern lines) is of course another option but you’ll have about a 5 minute walk through a bit of a sketchy area, which I did many times but always with a group of people and generally avoided it at night.

Most major highlights around London are a 10-30 minute easy and scenic bus ride from the hostel’s front door!

I would suggest buying an Oyster card, which can be used both on buses as well as the Tube. As of December 2013, a single bus trip with cash will cost you £2.40; OR £1.40 with the Oyster card with a daily cap of £4.40. A single Tube trip with cash will cost you £4.50; OR £2.10 with the Oyster card with a daily cap of £7.00 or £8.40 depending on if it’s peak or off-peak season. This is all aside from the fact that it’s just plain annoying to have to get out cash to pay for public transportation when you can simply swipe a card and be on your merry way!

3. Clean and comfortable.

The entire property was spotless and the rooms were cleaned daily. While the building itself is from the 18th century the hostel is quite new, having opened in 2012.

 

Some of the amenities include:

– individual bed curtains

– large lockers underneath the beds

– free wifi in common areas

– free continental breakfast (cereals, croissants, yogurt, juice, coffee, etc.)

– bar and restaurant

 Other bonuses:

There’s no age limit on guests! Even families are welcome.

Staff is friendly and professional!

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I always recommend Safestay to anyone I know traveling to London. You can bet the next time I hop across the pond I’ll be paying them another visit.

You can browse hostels and book a bed through HostelWorld.com.

 

The hostel’s address:

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