Safestay is an award winning hostel, with sister sites at York and at Holland Park. It is located within a ten minute walk of Elephant & Castle station. Mixed gender rooms are either private or dorm, and have linens, reading lights, privacy curtains, and lockers. Towels have a surcharge, but are free in the private rooms. Safestay does not have parking. There is a bar, garden, pool room, and lounge, and all common areas have free Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi for a charge is also available. Laundry machines and bike storage are available. A continental breakfast is provided for a small charge. The bar has a small menu, and there are a few vending machines. Takeaway and other dining options are nearby. Leicester Square is a 20 minute bus ride. Theatre Royal, Drury Lane is 15 minutes by bus. Wembley Stadium is 13 miles. Southbank Centre is a 30 minute walk.
WiFi in lobby
Free WiFi
Pool
Spa
Parking
Pets
A/C
Restaurant
Hotel bar
Gym
Between weekly activities such as pub crawls, city tours, and theatre shows, and the cosy, spacious common rooms, it's easy to meet fellow backpackers. The warm and friendly atmosphere from staff encourage intermingling, and makes you feel relaxed enough to strike up conversations.
Guests appreciate having a bed curtain to help shield them from lights, and to provide a touch of privacy in a shared room. It also creates a sense of security, being tucked into one's own space amongst others who may not have the same schedule as you.
Safestay is appealing to travellers looking for high end facilities but on a budget. The décor is fresher and more modern looking, and the experience is designed to give guests premium accommodations at costs low enough to allow for plenty of sightseeing.
Although room costs are economical, it's disappointing that breakfast is an additional charge. It's the usual buffet cereals, jams, coffee, toast, et.al fare, and not something that should require a cost, since many budget inns include it in the price of the room.
Wi-Fi is kept in the common areas, as part of the hostel's focus on keeping things comfortable and out of respect for those who may prefer that online activities be kept private. As good intentioned as this may be, a lot of guests just find it inconvenient.
If you're not ok with sharing a coed room, ask if single gender dorms are available. If possible, those requests can be accommodated, but you have to say something first.
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