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a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

Property class: 2

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Photo gallery for a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

A hotel lobby with a wooden floor, a red carpet, and a reception desk.
A modern lobby with a blue door, round seating, a Zuronet ATM, and a stone wall.
A pool table in a room with a bar area and a green wall with a projector.
An outdoor patio area with wooden tables and benches, yellow umbrellas, and a view of the interior through a glass wall.
A historic stone building with a blue door labeled 'a&o' and banners for 'aohostels.com'.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast available
  • Bar
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a map
50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1NE
  • Place, Royal Mile
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, St. Giles' Cathedral
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Grassmarket
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Airport, Edinburgh (EDI)
    ‪31 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a window with curtains, and a small table with two orange stools.

Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • 237 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a small table, and a window with curtains.

Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

  • 279 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory

A corridor with bunk beds, wooden flooring, and a door at the end.

Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)
  • 279 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory

A dormitory room with bunk beds, wooden flooring, and a door leading to another room.

Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • 279 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Twin Room

A bedroom with a wooden headboard, white bedding, a window with curtains, and a radiator.

Twin Room

  • 172 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children)

A hotel room with a bunk bed, a single bed, a small table, and a door leading to a hallway.

Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children)

  • 194 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Beds and 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Quadruple Room

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a desk, and a window with curtains.

Quadruple Room

7.2 out of 10
Good
(10 reviews)
  • 237 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed and 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Twin room for Single use

A hotel room with a wooden floor, a bed with white linens, a small table, a chair, a bathroom with a sink and mirror, and a window with curtains.

Twin room for Single use

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for 8-Bed Room

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a window with curtains, a radiator, and a small orange ottoman.

8-Bed Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for 6-Bed Room (Bunk Beds Only)

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a wooden door, and a small table with chairs.

6-Bed Room (Bunk Beds Only)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

Bed in dormitory BUNK BED

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free WiFi

Bed in dormitory CAPACITY 1

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free WiFi

Bed in dormitory CAPACITY 4

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Edinburgh

Located in Old Town Edinburgh, a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel is adjacent to Royal Mile and within a 10-minute walk of other popular attractions like University of Edinburgh. This 132-room hostel welcomes guests with conveniences like a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and free in-room WiFi.
View more Hostels in EdinburghOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Royal Mile - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • National Museum of Scotland - 6 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Victoria Street - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • St. Giles' Cathedral - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Grassmarket - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles

Getting around

  • Edinburgh Waverley Station - 5 min walk
  • St Andrew Square Tram Stop - 11 min walk
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 33 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bannerman's Bar - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Royal Mile Tavern - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪WHISKI Bar & Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Mitre - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Edinburgh Larder - ‬2 min walk

About this property

a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

Guests of a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel enjoy free WiFi in public areas, express check-out, and a terrace. The 24-hour front desk has staff standing by to help with tours or tickets, and answer any questions about the accommodations. Additional amenities include laundry facilities, a vending machine, and a water dispenser.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi.

Similar properties

Bar (on property)
CODE - The Court, Edinburgh
Old Town Edinburgh
  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast available
  • Business services
  • Bar
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, 1,268 reviews
$109 nightly
The price is $137
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total with taxes and fees
CODE - The Court, Edinburgh

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Food and drink

  • Buffet breakfast available for a fee 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM on weekdays and 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM on weekends; GBP 10 for adults and GBP 5 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Bar 50

Things to do

  • Bicycle storage
  • Billiards/pool table
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Laundry facilities
  • Vending machine
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Elevator (93 inch wide door)

More

  • Annual offsets purchased for at least 10% of carbon footprint
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally sourced food prioritized
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • Renewable energy used
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Some profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Water dispenser usage encouraged

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Shower

More

  • Bulk dispensers for toiletries
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • LED lighting
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: GBP 13
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: GBP 13
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for GBP 13 per pet, per night
  • Dogs only
  • 1 total pets
  • Certain rooms only
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • An effective city/local tax rate of 6.00 percent will be charged

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately GBP 10 for adults and GBP 5 for children
  • Pet fee: GBP 13 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in fee: GBP 13 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: GBP 13 (subject to availability)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses some solar energy
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking out is easy with express services.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • This property uses solar energy.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Smart City Hostels Edinburgh
Smart Hostels Hostel Edinburgh City
Smart City Hostels Edinburgh Hotel Edinburgh
Smart City Hostels Edinburgh Scotland
Smart City Hostels Safestay Hostel Edinburgh
Smart City Hostels Safestay Hostel
Smart City Hostels Safestay Edinburgh
Smart City Hostels Safestay
Smart City Hostels by Safestay
Safestay Edinburgh Royal Mile Edinburgh
Smart City Hostels by Safestay
Safestay Edinburgh Royal Mile Hostel
Safestay Royal Mile Hostel
Safestay Royal Mile
Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Safestay Edinburgh Royal Mile
Safestay Edinburgh
Smart City Hostels Edinburgh
a o Edinburgh City
a o Edinburgh City Hostel
Safestay Edinburgh Royal Mile
a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel Edinburgh

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

A&o Edinburgh City - Hostel offers free cancellation on certain room rates. For additional details, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

As of Aug 29, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel on Sep 29, 2026 start from $237, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What can I see close to a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

This hostel is situated in Old Town Edinburgh, just steps from Royal Mile, and within a 10-minute walk of Grassmarket and Princes Street. You'll also find Edinburgh Castle and George Street less than a mile away.

Is there parking available at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

No, there isn't parking available at the hostel.

Does a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel have a casino?

No, a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

Is a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel good for couples?

Couples staying at this hostel will appreciate amenities like a restaurant plus some rooms include a city view and free WiFi.

Are there hot tubs at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

No, this hostel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel serves buffet breakfast for a surcharge each morning at Bar 50.

Will a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, dogs are welcome at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel for a fee of GBP 13 per pet, per night.

Are there connecting rooms at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

The closest major airport to a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel is Edinburgh Airport (EDI), which is 8.1 mi away (33 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

Yes, some rooms at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel offer a terrace and may feature city views.

a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 296 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 378 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 184 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 79 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 64 out of 1001 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location, bar on property was great.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Prince

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great area!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jeana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Older property but well maintained. Check in and out was quick and easy, the staff was very friendly and helpful. The location was perfect, right in the middle of the city. We stayed in a family room and would absolutely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sally

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Really nice staff and very clean, very comfy beds
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Louise

Liked: Staff & service
Hostel was overbooked on the weekend of the marathon - reception staff were amazing at handling the situation and got us somewhere else quickly but still quite stressful for all the family the night before my race.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Colin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The shops were close and the staff were incredibly helpful and nice
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jorge Alberto

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great location and clutter free.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Susan

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable beds and good location
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very central location clean and modern facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Debra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent Location and very friendly and helpful staff.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Blake

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very walkable to the Royal mile, great location!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Agnes

Yes room was spotless staff very nice and helpful
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

shailendra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Grace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very very clean and spotless, staff unbelievable and helpful. Definitely going back
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Elyce

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a few issues upon arrival, as the key cards didn’t work and one of the elevators was out of service. However, the staff were extremely helpful and quickly addressed everything. While these issues were inconvenient, they didn’t seem to be within the hostel’s control. The staff really went above and beyond to make up for the inconvenience, which we appreciated. The facilities and amenities were good overall, and the room, while a bit small, was perfectly fine for a hostel—I've definitely stayed in smaller. Overall, I would highly recommend this place. The bar food was also excellent and definitely a highlight of the stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

SARAH

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect spot. Very close a lot of popular places and has a good bar attached to it. Also the staff is very nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sophia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location for the fringe

Great location, comfortable room and lots of entertainment at the hostel.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was only really here for 8 hours to sleep and shower but the vibe was great, the staff were friendly and very helpful, and even the toilets in the bar were clean.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Maria Beatrice

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very good location in the Old Town, clean and buzzing, lovely staff
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rajat

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really like to stay, it was really clean and the staff is really, really helpful
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Emmely

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
We loved all the amenities. The bar was open late, so we could eat, drink, and meet people. We got our laundry done. The location is very convenient to the train station and lots to do in Edinburgh.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Neil

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice place
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

10/10 Amazing Staff and great location

Amazing Staff and great location
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Daphne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Location Clean Room

Amazing location right by The Royal Mile, Room was basic but clean, large bathroom, very hot shower. Amazing price for city centre and is ideal for a short city stay where you are out and about all day. Would stay again and would recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025