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09Jan2026Select date
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Castle Hotel

144-152 Walworth Road, London, United Kingdom, SE17 1JL
-
Close to the major attractions
Very good
7.2
6.4
/10
3.2
/5

Safestay London Elephant & Castle, London - A Hub for the Discerning Traveller

Safestay London Elephant & Castle positions itself as a strategic base for exploring London, offering good-value accommodation with excellent transport links to the city's core. While not aiming for conventional luxury, it provides a convenient location for those wishing to experience central London without the commensurate pricetag. For the budget traveller seeking to sidestep the more tourist-saturated pockets of the city, this establishment presents a compelling option.

Location

Situated in Walworth, adjoining Camberwell to the south, Safestay Elephant & Castle offers a convenient launching point for urban exploration. The property is a mere six-minute walk from the Tube station, placing it within easy reach of London's most popular attractions, including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Oxford Street, and Leicester Square, all accessible within approximately 20 minutes by bus. Key cultural institutions like the Tate Modern, the National Theatre, and Shakespeare's Globe are within a two-mile radius, as are the London Aquarium and the famous Ministry of Sound, ensuring that a spectrum of London's offerings are within easy reach.

Style and Character

The common areas are defined by a youthful and energetic décor. A striking neon Union Jack feature wall serves as a focal point, complemented by plush seating in fetching shades of bright pink and green velvet armchairs. This approach cultivates an atmosphere that is decidedly contemporary and spirited, providing a lively contrast to the more reserved historical architecture of London. The bar and common area also serves as the breakfast room, doubling as a space for leisure with pool and football tables, alongside coin-operated vintage arcade car racing games, contributing to its character as a social hub.

Service and Facilities

Staff at the 24-hour reception are consistently noted for their friendliness and knowledge, readily offering tips on local sights and activities. For those needing to manage laundry, a dedicated room with coin-operated washing and drying machines is available, with £1 laundry tabs conveniently purchasable from reception. The bar area offers a daily happy hour, alongside hot drinks, snacks, and a concise menu featuring pizza and other comfort food items. Beer on tap and a selection of ciders and cocktails are also available. Outdoor seating is provided for guests who wish to smoke. The property also hosts a rock night, providing a platform for local musicians.

Rooms

Safestay London offers a range of room types. Shared dormitories, ideal for larger groups such as stag and hen parties or school trips, are available. Private rooms provide additional amenities, including tea and coffee facilities and complimentary towels, ensuring a more comfortable stay. These rooms also feature an en-suite bathroom, heating, a seating area, and a flat-screen TV. Some dormitory rooms come with shared bathroom facilities, while others offer private bathrooms with showers. Bed linen is provided in all rooms, though towels are not included in the rate for shared rooms and can be hired or purchased at reception. Double rooms offer approximately 16 square metres of space.

Food and Drink

A continental breakfast, featuring fresh baked pastries, is served in the Bar 60 restaurant and lounge. For guests seeking alternative options, nearby independent cafés or the Tesco Express down the road provide quick pastry choices. The bar itself offers hot drinks, snacks, and a short menu that includes pizza and other comfort food. For a more substantial culinary exploration, the covered market, Mercato Metropolitano, is a short distance away, offering everything from Neapolitan pizzas to Argentinian steaks.

Value for Money

Safestay London Elephant & Castle represents good-value accommodation, particularly for travellers who prioritize location and transport links over opulent amenities. Its pricing structure is designed to appeal to budget-conscious travellers, offering a cost-effective way to access central London. The inclusion of basic amenities and the convenience of the on-site bar and communal areas contribute to its overall appeal as a practical and economical choice for exploring the city.

Accessibility

Information regarding specific accessibility features, such as wheelchair access or adapted rooms, is not detailed in the provided material. However, the presence of a 24-hour reception suggests a level of service that may be able to assist with guest needs. Further inquiry directly with the property would be recommended for detailed accessibility information.

Family-Friendly

While the property is designated as 'Adults Only', it offers shared dormitories that are well-suited for larger group events such as school trips, indicating a capacity to accommodate younger travellers in a group setting. Private rooms are also available. The emphasis on communal areas and the availability of on-site entertainment like pool tables and arcade games could appeal to a younger demographic within an organised group context.

“The proximity to the subway simplifies getting around, though the immediate park can feel a bit unsettling at night; I also noticed some past guest concerns regarding room security and cleanliness. While some staff members, like Della, Dalian, and iLo, earn high praise for their service, other interactions seem less consistent. Ultimately, it's a mixed bag, and awareness is key.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Castle-hotel
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Choose your room

Castle hotels provide room choices such as doubles, family chambers, and grand suites—often with breakfast, free cancellations, and exclusive offers
Triple Room Ensuite
2 persons
15 m² 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Single Room Ensuite
2 persons
12 m² 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
Family Room Ensuite Air Conditioning
2 persons
25 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Double Room Ensuite
2 persons
15 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Each castle hotel provides features designed for both comfort and memorable moments

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Billiard tables

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Happy hour

Dining

  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

  • Live entertainment
  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Ironing facilities

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
Show more

Location

144-152 Walworth Road, London, United Kingdom, SE17 1JL
Map view
144-152 Walworth Road, London, United Kingdom, SE17 1JL
Nearby
151 Walworth Road Southwark
The Cuming Museum
10 m
Restaurants
Aobaba
60 m
128-132 Walworth Road
Amore Cafe
100 m
182 Walworth Road
The Electric Elephant Cafe
270 m
186A Crampton Street SE17 3AE
Ossie's Jerk Chicken
180 m
209 Walworth Road
Hoa Phuong
230 m
4 Hampton Street
Chatkhara
250 m
84 Walworth Road Elephant & Castle
Elephantastic Pizza
280 m
The Artworks Elephant Rd
the Balham Kitchen
330 m
Artworks House Elephant Road Castle Square 2
Black Cowboy Coffee ltd
370 m
New Kent Rd Elephant Arcade
Explore London
Local Experiences
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
The Cuming Museum
The Cuming Museum
1 minute walking
Home to local history exhibits, this museum offers free admission and a chance to learn about South London's heritage.
Imperial War Museum
20 minutes walking
A major collection on conflict history, featuring immersive exhibitions. Admission is free, making it accessible for all.
Borough Market
Borough Market
25 minutes walking
One of London's largest food markets, offering fresh produce and diverse cuisines. A perfect spot for food lovers.
Tate Modern
Tate Modern
30 minutes walking
A contemporary art hub in a former power station, showcasing impressive collections. Free admission to the main galleries.
Yoga in Kennington Park
15 minutes walking
Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions in a serene park setting. Suitable for all levels; check for seasonal schedules.
Bike Rentals at Southbank
25 minutes walking
Thrill-seekers can ride along the iconic Southbank trails. Rentals available nearby for exploring the Thames.
Aobaba
Aobaba
1 minute walking
A cozy spot for delicious Asian cuisine. Known for its fresh ingredients and vibrant sushi options; casual and welcoming.
Ossie's Jerk Chicken
Ossie's Jerk Chicken
3 minutes walking
Authentic Caribbean flavors and iconic jerk dishes in a relaxed setting. Popular among locals for its hearty portions.
The Oval
The Oval
25 minutes walking
Home to cricket matches and lively events. Grab your tickets for thrilling sports action in an iconic setting.
Southbank Centre
30 minutes walking
A cultural hub featuring live music, theater, and art. Check for family-friendly performances and events.
Local transport options
City Centre
London33 min  ·  2.7 km
Airports
London City Airport (LCY)21 min  ·  13.4 km
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)46 min  ·  30.5 km
Train
London Waterloo East railway station21 min  ·  1.7 km
Underground
Elephant & Castle9 min  ·  700 m
Bus
Bus stop6 min  ·  500 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
is available in for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Turkish, Bulgarian
Number of rooms:
503
Former name
safestay london elephant & castle - hostel (adults only)
Questions of the users
About Safestay London Elephant & Castle (Adults Only)
Will towels be provided in the rooms, or do I need to bring my own?
12 November 2024
Towels are included in private rooms. For dormitory stays, they can be purchased for £5.50 each.
Is there a laundry facility available for guests?
23 January 2025
Yes, there are washing machines and dryers in the building. Staff can guide you to the laundry area during check-in.
Are the dormitory accommodations mixed or gender-specific?
14 February 2025
The 8-bed dormitory is a mixed accommodation.
Can I check in late if I arrive after 01:00?
30 March 2025
Yes, late check-in is permitted, as the reception is open 24/7.
How noisy can I expect the atmosphere to be during the night?
17 April 2025
The environment in the accommodation is typically quiet, with penalties in place for disturbances.
What is the walking distance to the nearest underground station?
05 May 2025
The closest underground station, Elephant & Castle, is just a 7-minute walk away.
Are bed linens provided in the dormitories?
22 June 2025
Yes, bed sheets are provided, and all rooms are cleaned on a daily basis.
Is there a luggage storage facility available if I arrive early?
11 July 2025
Luggage storage is available for guests at a cost of £2.
Can I find female-only dormitory options at the property?
29 August 2025
Yes, there are female-only dormitories available.
Are there any recreational facilities or activities planned for guests?
10 September 2025
Yes, the hostel offers weekly rock nights, happy hours, and a games room to connect with fellow travelers.
What attractions are nearby if I want to explore the surroundings?
19 October 2025
Nearby attractions include food markets, the Thames River, Tower Bridge, and iconic sites like the London Eye and Big Ben.
Is there any parking available if I drive to the hostel?
13 November 2025
Parking facilities are not available at the hostel.

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