Reviewing Astor Oxford Street: Is It a Safe Hostel to Stay at in Soho, London?
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Finding budget accommodation in one of the world’s most expensive cities can feel impossible—especially when you want to be steps from Oxford Street, Covent Garden, and the West End without sacrificing safety or comfort.
As a solo female traveler who’s stayed at multiple hostels across London (I’ve visited six times), I know what matters most: secure keycard access, clean, comfortable rooms, and a location where you can walk home at night without worry.
In this review, I’ll give you the full breakdown of Astor Oxford Street hostel in Soho London (formerly YHA Oxford Street)—from room types to whether the Soho location actually delivers on convenience and safety.
Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler prioritizing location or a solo female traveler like me who needs to feel secure, this guide will help you decide if this hostel is worth booking.
Is the Astor Oxford Street Hostel Worth Staying at?
Astor Oxford Street is worth staying at for solo travelers or small groups who prioritize location and safety over a party atmosphere. It sits within half a mile of Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden, so you can walk to most of central London without the tube. Based on my stay, the rooms were clean and secure, with keycard access, though most were on the 4th/5th floors and reached only by stairs.
Quick Guide to Astor Oxford Street Hostel
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 14 Noel Street, London, W1F 8GJ |
| Nearest Tube Stations | Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Piccadilly Circus |
| Beds/Rooms | 104 beds, 36+ rooms |
| Accessibility | Most rooms on 4th/5th floor, stairs only |
| Breakfast/Towels | Not included |
| Best For | Solo travelers, small groups, families (not a party hostel) |
| Security | Keycard access to building and room |
Why Stay in a Hostel in Soho?
For those who don’t know, Oxford Street is THE place to shop!
Making this hostel in Soho London, a prime location for travelers who are also shopaholics.
However, even if you aren’t a big shopper, it is centrally located near other key London attractions to see during your trip, including:
- Carnaby Street – .2 mi – trendy shopping area with boutiques and cafes
- Oxford Circus – .3 mi – famous shopping junction
- Piccadilly Circus – .4 mi – iconic neon-lit square and meeting point of London’s West End
- Leicester Square – .5 mi – entertainment hub with cinemas and theaters
- British Museum – .6 mi – world-class museum with treasures from across history
- Trafalgar Square/National Gallery – .6 mi – historic public square and gateway to art museums
- Covent Garden – .8 mi – busy market, street performers, shops & dining
Though not as close as these at 1.4 miles, I highly recommend visiting the Sherlock Holmes Museum if you’re a fan of the detective. Or, if you’re on a budget, check out my free Sherlock-inspired walking tour.
Getting to the Astor Oxford Street Hostel
After landing at Heathrow in June of 2015 (my third trip to England), I took the tube from the airport to Piccadilly Circus and then walked north to the Astor Oxford Street hostel.
It’s less than half a mile walk through the theater district, so walking even at night is very safe.
I’m often a solo female traveler, so if I felt safe, you’re good.
I went via the tube because the express train from Heathrow costs about four times as much as a tube ticket.
Sure, the express train will get you there faster, but it’ll also take you to Paddington Station, so you’d still have to get on a tube to get to this hostel.
If you take the tube as I did, you don’t have to make any changes. You just stay on the one line.
If you aren’t arriving at Heathrow (the main international airport), use CityMapper for live transit information (one of my favorite apps for Europe), as you may be directed to one of the other nearby tube stations.
This hostel is centrally located between three of London’s most popular tube stations: Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, and Piccadilly Circus.
Arriving at this Hostel in Soho London
The entrance to Astor Oxford Street is tucked in a bit, so if you come from the left side of the building, you won’t see it until you’re right on top of it.
If you have any doubts about your ability to navigate or want to use a map without data or Wi-Fi, download an offline map such as Maps.me.
When I arrived, I was warmly greeted by the staff.
That’s one of my favorite things about YHA (now Astor). They’re always sweet and helpful.
Room Options & Accessibility
I had a private room with bunk beds all to myself for two nights.
You can also book a bed in a shared room if you’re looking to save money.
They have 104 beds and over 36 Rooms (double, twin bunk, three-bed, four-bed private rooms and dorms, all with shared facilities) available.
As a note, there were two flights of stairs to my room, so those who need help with stairs may want to consider another hostel with more accessibility features.
There was an elevator from the ground floor to reception, but I’m unsure whether it went any further or if there are rooms on that floor.
This is something to inquire about if you select this location and require accessibility as their site notes, “Most of our bedrooms and toilets/shower rooms are located on the fourth and fifth floors with access via stairs only.”
Reviewing My Room at Astor Oxford Street
The room was clean and had a big window looking south.
I could even see a bit of the London Eye from there (one of my must-visits, even during a short 2-day London trip)!
I loved the little desk with a seat. It gave me a place to sort my bag and itinerary papers out.
A good-sized mirror was also in the room, which you only sometimes get in hostels, so I was thrilled about that!
Outlets by the beds are convenient, especially if you’re charging your phone while sleeping (do remember to bring your outlet adapter).
There are also lockable cabinets if needed. Bring your own lock, or I’m pretty sure you can rent one from the front desk.
The beds were super comfy, and I slept like a baby!
Is it Safe?
As far as security, you need a pass to get into the door on the street (or buzz in upon arrival, and staff will greet you), and also one for your room.
This ensures hostel security by preventing anyone who isn’t staying at the hostel from entering the building.
If this is your first time traveling alone, this setup is pretty standard; however, if you do feel worried, I always advise not to bring anything you’d fear losing (e.g., family heirloom jewelry, an unnecessary amount of cash, etc.) and then keep any must-have valuables with you, such as your passport.
For more extensive security tips, check out my guide on hostel safety and my top hostel tips.
Who is this Hostel in Soho London Best for?
I believe Astor Oxford Street hostel is one of the best hostels in London’s Soho area.
In my experience, it’s more family-friendly than others I’ve been to, since there was no large bar area or music playing at night.
The street where the hostel is located isn’t very loud, which is a great benefit of staying here, as you don’t have to worry about being awoken.
If you are looking for a more party hostel, I’d recommend Prime Backpackers Angel or YHA London Central.
| Astor Oxford Street | Prime Backpackers Angel | YHA London Central | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Quiet, family-friendly | Party | Lively (not quite a full-blown party) |
| Location | Soho | Islington | Marylebone |
| Best For | Solo travelers wanting quiet and families | Social travelers | Social or newbie travelers |
My only note for improvement is that there weren’t enough tables in the dining area when I went down for breakfast. I didn’t have a table to sit at because they were all taken.
It’s also important to note that towels and breakfast are not included.
I don’t personally pack towels as I find they take up too much space, so I rent one instead.
For a comprehensive guide on what I bother to bring, check out my hostel packing list.
Aside from this, I’ve found it to be great for families or travelers who don’t want the party vibes of some other hostels, while also being safe, affordable, comfy, and centrally located.
Amenities at Astor Oxford Street
Take Advantage of Their Discounts
One of the best things about staying at a YHA hostel (now Astor) is the discounts!
While there, I got a discounted ticket for Hampton Court Palace and saw several other discounts available.
Make sure to check in with the staff before leaving for the day to see if you can get any discounts on attractions. Given that London can be quite expensive, take the deals where you can!
I will note, however, that if you’re visiting during peak season and there is something you’re desperate to do, book in advance rather than waiting to book at the hostel, as it may be sold out by then.
Is the Astor Oxford Street Hostel Worth Staying at?
Yes, especially if you’re a solo traveler or small group prioritizing location and safety over party atmosphere.
Astor Oxford Street sits within half a mile of Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden, so you can walk to most of central London’s main attractions without needing the tube at all.
That location alone justifies any price premium over hostels in outer neighborhoods.
The room I stayed in was clean, had keycard security, comfortable beds, a desk, and outlets by the beds.
The hostel has 104 beds across 36+ room types, including private rooms for those who want their own space on a hostel budget.
My main caveats are that towels and breakfast aren’t included, most rooms are on the 4th and 5th floors with stairs only, and the dining area fills up during peak times.
All in all, I’d give the Astor Oxford Street hostel 4.5/5 stars ⭐, as it is definitely worth a stay if you’re visiting London!
Click here for the latest prices and reviews.
P.S. – Shout out to Marisa, as she was especially sweet to me!
Address: 14 Noel Street, London, W1F 8GJ
Transparency: I was provided with a complimentary stay at Astor Oxford Street (formerly YHA Oxford Street), but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
FAQs
Is Soho, London, dangerous?
Soho is one of the busiest, most people-filled areas of London, which makes it feel significantly safer than quieter neighborhoods, especially for solo travelers.
During my June 2015 stay at Astor Oxford Street, I walked the area regularly, including at night on my way back from the West End, and never felt uneasy.
The constant foot traffic from Oxford Street shoppers, theater-goers, and restaurant crowds means you’re rarely alone, even after midnight on weekends.
That said, apply standard safety measures such as staying alert on the tube and in busy tourist spots, keeping your bag in front of you (or getting an anti-theft purse), and avoiding showing expensive phones or cameras in crowds.
Pickpocketing is the main risk in this area, not violent crime.
In 2025, the United Kingdom ranked 30th globally on the Global Peace Index, maintaining its status as one of the safer countries in the world.
Are hostels safe in London?
Yes—London hostels, particularly in central areas, are generally safe and well-managed.
I’ve stayed at three London hostels as a solo female traveler: Astor Oxford Street, Prime Backpackers Angel, and YHA London Central, and felt secure at all of them.
Each had keycard access for the building and individual rooms, a 24-hour reception, and staff who were visible and responsive.
The standard safety features to look for in any London hostel: keycard or code access to the main entrance, lockable storage for valuables in your room (bring your own padlock or rent one at the desk), 24-hour reception, and a neighborhood where walking home at night feels comfortable.
Related London Travel Guides
- Ultimate 2 Day London Itinerary: Top Sights for First-Timers
- See Inside Hampton Court Palace, How to Visit from London
- Is the Sherlock Holmes Museum in London Worth Visiting? Review from a Fan
- Sherlock Holmes London Tour: A Free Self-Guided Literary Walk + Map
- 11 Amazing London Day Trips You Can Easily Take by Train in 2 Hours or Less
- Need a Safe Hostel to Stay at in Soho, London? Book Astor Oxford Street
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