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a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

2.0 star property
Hostel with a restaurant, steps from Royal Mile

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Photo gallery for a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

Free WiFi, bed sheets
Front of property
Reception
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served
Lobby sitting area

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • Pet friendly

Explore the area

View in a map
50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1NE
  • Place, Royal Mile
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, University of Edinburgh
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Princes Street
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Airport, Edinburgh (EDI)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory

Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

  • 279 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory

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

View all photos for Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory

Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory

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

View all photos for Twin Room

Twin Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin Room

  • 172 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children)

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

View all photos for Quadruple Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Quadruple Room

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

View all photos for Twin room for Single use

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin room for Single use

  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for 8-Bed Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets

8-Bed Room

  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

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

6-Bed Room (Bunk Beds Only) | Free WiFi, bed sheets

6-Bed Room (Bunk Beds Only)

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

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Reception

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About the neighborhood

Edinburgh

Located in Edinburgh City Centre, 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 - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • University of Edinburgh - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Princes Street - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Grassmarket - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Edinburgh Castle - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Whiski Bar & Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Bannerman's Bar - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Royal Oak - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Edinburgh Larder - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Cabaret Voltaire - ‬2 min walk

About this property

a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

Hostel with a restaurant, steps from Royal Mile
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 TV in a common area, and a water dispenser.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi.

Similar properties

Front of property
CODE - The Court, Edinburgh
  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast available
  • Bar
  • Laundry
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,021 reviews
$75 nightly
The price is $90
Nov 30 - Dec 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 9.90 for adults and GBP 4.95 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

  • 100% renewable energy
  • Annual offsets purchased for at least 10% of carbon footprint
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • 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-owned and organized tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Smoking not allowed
  • 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 12.00
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: GBP 12.00
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for GBP 12.00 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

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 9.9 for adults and GBP 4.95 for children
  • Pet fee: GBP 12.00 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in fee: GBP 12.00 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: GBP 12.00 (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 major credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
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 major credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted.
  • This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products.
  • 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.

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.

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

This hostel is situated in Edinburgh City Centre, 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.

Will I be able to park at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

Bicycle parking is also available for guests.

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.

What do couples enjoy most about a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

Couples staying at this hostel will appreciate amenities like a bar and a restaurant plus some rooms include city views.

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 12.00 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.

Reviews

a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel Reviews

7.6

Good

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 285 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 387 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 192 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 77 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 62 out of 1003 reviews

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Robert, Beckenham

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The dorm that I was assigned was not like those illustrated. I specifically booked to stay here because all of the images include photos of bunks with curtains (I don't mind a dorm but I do think a curtain is pretty much essential to get a decent night's sleep). Also, the room shared a shower room with the dorm nextdoor which meant that fellow guests would often turn the lights on unexpectedly, etc.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Muhamad

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay

Business traveler
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

2/10 Terrible

Saya

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
I appreciated that they had an easily accessible luggage room. Fortunately, my roommates were quite tidy, and the bathroom wasn’t in bad condition. However, I have to mention a serious flaw. I stayed in a room with eight double bunk beds, but the top bunks didn’t have any power outlets. I asked the person in the lower bunk if I could use one of the outlets near his bed (since each lower bunk had two), but because he had asked me out as soon as I arrived—and I declined—he simply ignored me. Leaving that individual aside, the real issue is the system itself. Guests shouldn’t have to negotiate with each other for something as essential as access to electricity. It’s a completely flawed setup. I won’t be staying here again. Tourists rely on their phones for navigation, communication, and planning—who would choose accommodation where there’s no guarantee you can even charge your device???
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

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

2/10 Terrible

Jonathan

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

BOOKED ONLY TO BE TOLD THERES NO ROOM & NO REFUND

Absolutely appalling!!!!! Booked a room via hotels.com and when showing up to check in. I was told that there’s absolutely NO record of my reservation whatsoever in their system. And that they are totally fully booked. Not even room in the broom cupboard. Therefore I had to pay £380 for a taxi home (went door to door to other hotels but Edinburgh festival is on and all full) Having booked through hotels.com, I was told by the receptionist that I was the one that had to get in contact with Hotels.com to sort the refund. I have since been told from hotels.com that after speaking to the hostel, that they did indeed have my reservation (even though they didn’t when I showed up) and are now not going ahead with my refund! Funnily enough, I said this very thing to the receptionist and the person from Hotels.com that of course the hostel will say they had my reservation and “I didn’t turn up” and will no longer be eligible for a refund. How absolutely disgusting from both parties. Shocking, shocking, shocking
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Heather

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
It was reasonably clean, the shower was a little awkward being in a tiny rome shared with the toilet, it was difficult to keep anything dry, and there wasnt any other private space to change. The front desk clerks were lovely, kind, and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Janice

Traveled with group
When myself and friends checked in at reception we were told the room was different to the one booked! I had booked a quad room with 2 single beds and a set of bunk beds it had been changed to 2 sets of bunk beds bearing in mind I booked this in January and 2 of us could not get on the top bunk one of us had knee problems the other was 74 years old and couldn’t possibly get on the top bunk. I received no email to say the room had been changed and the receptionist said nothing could be done and didn’t seem bothered, we had to put the mattress on the floor so my friend could get some sleep.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Peter

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
why?
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Jenny

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort

Not for the faint hearted but would suit some!

To be fair we stayed on a very hot day during Edinburgh festival and didnt know the hostel was a venue. The room was far too hot (a fan maybe at least?) which meant we couldn't close the window without feeling like we were going to be cooked alive in our beds. Sadly the window was directly over the venue. A good place for the young or party goers or insomniacs.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jack

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Colette

Liked: Cleanliness
I took some of my own toiletries and some disappeared ( not by anyone staying as I had my own room)
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Sarah

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was great at the property. It had a few issues like a broken shower handle and the window opening to the bar, plus the keys were finicky, but it was really clean in the room and I felt really welcomed and safe.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent accomadations. Fantastic atmosphere. Easy walking to everywhere!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Kevin

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Muhamad

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Muhamad

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daphne

Traveled with group
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

10/10 Excellent

Zoe

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Family of four stayed for two nights. Staff were lovely on arrival and were really helpful. Great location, perfect for a city break when you want to be out and about. Would stay at again and recommend for a cheap and easy stay in the centre of the city.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Josue

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Stavroula

Traveled with family
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Thomas

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carl, Quincy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a cool place to stay so close to the Mile. We got to do so much in the two days. Love the bar area.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

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