See all properties

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

2.5 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

A historic building with a stone facade, multiple windows, and a prominent corner turret.
A restaurant interior with colorful chairs, a mural, and large windows offering a view of the street.
A reception desk with a digital screen displaying a music video, a store bag sign, and a QR code for store bags.
Two people with backpacks in a building with a staircase and a hand sanitizer dispenser.
An outdoor patio area with tables and chairs, a stone wall, and a blue cow sculpture.

Reviews

7.2 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View in a map
94 -116 Cowgate, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1JN
  • Place, Grassmarket
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Royal Mile
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Edinburgh Castle
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Edinburgh (EDI)
    ‪30 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

A narrow hallway with bunk beds on one side and a green wardrobe on the other.

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

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

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

Bunk beds in a room with yellow walls.

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

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

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

Bunk beds in a room with yellow walls.

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

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

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

A room with bunk beds, wooden flooring, a window with curtains, and a hanging light fixture.

Bed in 6-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

A bunk bed in a hostel room with a yellow wall and a sign that reads "Safestay hostels".

Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

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

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

A room with bunk beds, wooden flooring, a window with curtains, and a hanging light fixture.

Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

A bunk bed with a green headboard and a white pillow.

Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

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

View all photos for Bunk Twin Room Ensuite

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a green wall, a window with curtains, and a visible bathroom door.

Bunk Twin Room Ensuite

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Large Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

A narrow hallway with bunk beds on one side and a green wardrobe on the other.

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

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

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Ensuite

A bunk bed in a hostel room with a yellow wall and a sign that reads "Safestay hostels".

Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Ensuite

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

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Shared Bathroom

A room with bunk beds, wooden flooring, a window with curtains, and a hanging light fixture.

Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Shared Bathroom

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

View all photos for Bed in 2-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a green wall, a window with curtains, and a visible bathroom door.

Bed in 2-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

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

View all photos for 8-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

A bunk bed with a green headboard and a white pillow.

8-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

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

View all photos for 6-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

A room with bunk beds, wooden flooring, a window with curtains, and a hanging light fixture.

6-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for 6-Bed Private Room Ensuite

A bunk bed in a hostel room with a yellow wall and a sign that reads "Safestay hostels".

6-Bed Private Room Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Quadruple Room Ensuite

Bunk beds in a room with yellow walls.

Quadruple Room Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Quadruple Room Shared Bathroom

A narrow hallway with bunk beds on one side and a green wardrobe on the other.

Quadruple Room Shared Bathroom

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

You may also like

Ad
Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Grassmarket hotel

Old Town Edinburgh
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 1,000 reviews
$247 nightly
The price is $312
Aug 5 - Aug 6
Total with taxes and fees
Grassmarket hotel

About the neighborhood

Edinburgh

Located in Old Town Edinburgh, Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate is within a 5-minute walk of popular attractions such as Royal Mile and Grassmarket. This 230-room hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, a terrace, and laundry facilities.

What's nearby

  • Victoria Street - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Grassmarket - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • National Museum of Scotland - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Royal Mile - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Edinburgh Castle - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

  • Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station) - 7 min walk
  • St Andrew Square Tram Stop - 11 min walk
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Deacon Brodies Tavern - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Frankenstein - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪The Elephant House - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Nando's - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Luckenbooths - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

At Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate, guests have access to free WiFi in public areas, a terrace, and laundry facilities. The 24-hour front desk has staff standing by to help with access to locker space and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a vending machine and a garden.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi.

Similar properties

Snack bar
Hub By Premier Inn Edinburgh - Royal Mile
Old Town Edinburgh
  • Breakfast available
  • 24/7 front desk
7.6 out of 10, Good, 248 reviews
$214 nightly
The price is $270
Aug 4 - Aug 5
Total with taxes and fees
Hub By Premier Inn Edinburgh - Royal Mile

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Lockers
  • Luggage storage
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

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.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

More

  • Renovated entire property - June 2024
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Shower

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Laptop workspace

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

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 doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Towels fee: EUR 4 per person, per stay (or guests may bring their own)

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
Long-term renters welcome
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day.

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.
  • 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.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Long-term renters welcome.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate Hotel
Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate Edinburgh
Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate Hotel Edinburgh

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do around Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?

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

How much does it cost to stay at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?

As of Jul 30, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate on Aug 2, 2026 start from $197, 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.

Is there parking available at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?

No, there isn't parking at this hotel.

Does Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate feature a casino at the property?

No, Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate a good place to stay for couples?

Amenities at this hotel that appeal to couples include a 24-hour front desk and a garden.

Does Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate have a hot tub?

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

Does Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate.

Does Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate have connecting rooms available?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?

The closest major airport to Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate is Edinburgh Airport (EDI), which is 7.8 mi away (37 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate.

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate Reviews

Reviews

7.2

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 45 out of 146 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 37 out of 146 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 34 out of 146 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 10 out of 146 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 20 out of 146 reviews

7.2/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
the rooms were spotless and the staff were courteous
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I do recommend this hostel. It is in old town, Edinburgh, and it was awesome. The location is good. You will really enjoy it. The only thing I didn’t like is the way the showers they were facing the wall a very hard to get wet.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Alan

Disliked: Cleanliness
2 shops local as well as a lively night club outside rooms 132 / 232 /332, Fellow guests pretty annoying with the sleep patterns & noise with lockers
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

OLIUL

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Everything was good except the noise it was noisy till 4AM
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Rhojane

It was a great place. Near by at downtown.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

SUTHASINEE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really near market, castles, museum and compare with the price I’ll give it 10/10
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Calvin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect place thank You
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Darryl

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

Great location, perfect hostel for City Stays

Pleasant stay at the hostel. Having our own dorm was great and made it affordable for three people meeting up, visiting the City and just having a catch. Great location and close to the Cities parkrun that takes place on Saturday
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Jerilyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Felt safe and clean. Will definitely stay again if ever in Edinburgh.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Solange

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Over all a comfortable stay. It could definitely use some renovating and the stairs are strong concrete but molded oddly in certain areas. But the staff was extremely helpful and the area was very convenient for walking old Edinburgh.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ENRICO

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Safe
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Anne-Marie

Very friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Elisabeth

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
The location is amazing. Staff is very nice. The shared bathroom was not perfectly clean and a bit smelly, that's why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

melvin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Can’t say enough good about this place. Our second stay here. Staff and management are wonderful!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vineeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The only small hiccup was the shower water pressure, it felt a bit weak. Other than that, the place was clean, central, and the staff were friendly. overall great!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Adam

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
good
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Hannah

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Beds and toilets were a little rickety, but otherwise it was pretty good. Convenient location, good staff, easy to get to places around it, and quite affordable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Alissa

Liked: Staff & service
Ok stay. Hostel close to things, but had a dirty ally cat feel. 4 person private room was so small. Basic metal bunk beds with a light on a power strip in the bunk. No handle to get up, no shelves or hooks to put things. Very tight quarters. Only 1 small rack of hooks in the room. Same for the community shower..4 hooks, no bench or shelf. Very small!! Rooms and bathrooms weren't super clean. There was something spilled down the head end of our bunk and the light fixure at me head hadn't been wiped in ages. Layer of black gunk around the lockers edges. Also, it was very noisy from the bar across the street to the squeaky door where people came in andout of all night long. We could hear ppl closings bathroom doorsand using the facilities at all times. Staff was friendly and there is a small foyer with sofas where a few ppl can hang out. Also a smalll dining area with 6 tables and benches where you could eat a sack meal.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Nadia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
clean, spacious room and toilet. Not enough hanging hooks. Windows MUST be changed, loud music comes from the pub in front until 3 A.M !!!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Ganesh Pandian

Liked: Staff & service
Value for money except minor complaint.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Colin

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
I liked the closeness to pubs and clubs & the smoking area. I hated the bunk beds & the noise of the people in the room with me. I didn't sleep at all
Big reception area was good but the room was awful. I couldn't sleep, the bunk beds are noisy & uncomfy.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Liliane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
For just one night the hostel was ok. The only thing that bothered me was the large group of people who were together and talking very loudly and with music playing late at night.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Reygina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was easy to find ! The staff are all lovely and helpful ! Excellent location walking distance from everything ! A lot of toilets and washing facilities. Clean beds and lockers for your stuff ( bring your own lock ). Would recommend ear plugs because it’s right across from three sisters and they play live music until like 3 am but that’s no fault of the hostel at all! I was prepared by the reviews so I brought earplugs, eyelash and had a good night sleep. All in all good place and did the job 😁
Three sisters from the window
Hostel essentials !
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The only downside was the noise from the doors outside our room banging, and the conversations being had outside our room late at night and early in the morning. But for £40, what would we expect? We'd stay again, though.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Jess

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Would not recommend staying here, rude staff and constantly felt very unsafe in the building.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024