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Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

Property class: 2.5

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 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.
A restaurant interior with colorful chairs, a mural, and large windows offering a view of the street.
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, Victoria Street
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Grassmarket
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Royal Mile
    ‪4 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

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

7.0 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

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

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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
  • ‪The Three Sisters - ‬1 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.

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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 Edinburgh Castle and Grassmarket. You'll also find Princes Street and George Street less than a mile away.

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

As of Sep 15, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate on Oct 13, 2026 start from $132, 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 garden and a 24-hour front desk.

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. 51 out of 161 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 41 out of 161 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 37 out of 161 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 11 out of 161 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 21 out of 161 reviews

7.2/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sanny

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good place to stay just walking distance to the place I visited plus not far from the train station
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

HYEON AH

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was close to old city centre and super clean :)
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay for the price, but we were in a private room and had no drug users en-suite. There definitely were profuse users in and around the property, but we did not have any issues.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

brendon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean rooms and helpful staff. Bedding was clean. Rooms were quiet and secure. Bunk beds aren’t bad, but the ladders to the top bunks are pretty narrow, making it difficult to get down from. Hallways are a bit narrow, but it’s in an old building. The location is fine, it’s on the lower street so you have a few young drunk people walking around late at night. Shops are nearby. Overall an enjoyable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Xuyen

Liked: Staff & service
The rooms were clean and I like that the beds felt semi private since it covers your face. It is ideal to get a room with a private bathroom. The public one, I felt exposed since the top of the stall is open and both genders use it and it feels a bit dirty. It is very loud at night with the bar so bring ear plugs. The road to get to the front of the building feels desolate but when you turn the into the main corner of the street there are lots of stores to shop around.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

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 review

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 review

6/10 Okay

Rhojane

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

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 review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Calvin

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

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 review

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 review

8/10 Good

Anne-Marie

Very friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified review

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 review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

ENRICO

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

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 review

4/10 Poor

Hailey

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
This property is in an excellent location. It is close to the Grassmarket where city tour busses can pick you up and get you where you need to go. The staff (in general) were helpful and were willing to answer questions. If you want a clean environment look elsewhere. I don’t think the bathrooms were cleaned at all the whole week I was there. Trash piled up on the floors and next to the toilets, the showers had hair and mold. It was extremely loud due to the three sisters across the street throwing massive parties every night. I know it was a cheap option and you get what you pay for but I wasn’t expecting this level of unclean. However, if you don’t mind any of what I said above then it’s perfect for you. Also, there are no lifts/ elevators. So, if you have difficulty with stairs it is not the right property for you. All that being said I had an ok, visit. I, however, will not go back. As it did not leave a good impression.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2026
Verified review

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 review

8/10 Good

Adam

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

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 review

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 review

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