Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

2.5 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

Front of property
Reception
Interior
Terrace/patio
Bar (on property)

Reviews

7.0 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
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Edinburgh Castle
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Edinburgh (EDI)
    ‪30 min drive‬

Room options

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

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

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

Bed in 6-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

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

Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

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

Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

Bunk Twin Room Ensuite

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

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1
  • 6 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 6 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

Bed in 2-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

8-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

6-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

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

6-Bed Private Room Ensuite

  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

Quadruple Room Ensuite

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

Quadruple Room Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

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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 Grassmarket and University of Edinburgh. 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 - 6 min walk - 0.4 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
  • ‪Luckenbooths - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Frankenstein - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Balcony Cafe - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Burgers and Beers Grillhouse - ‬3 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

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 within a 10-minute walk of Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Grassmarket. You'll also find Princes Street Gardens and Princes Street less than a mile away.

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

As of Apr 28, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate on Apr 29, 2026 start from $123, 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

7.0

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 30 out of 117 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 32 out of 117 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 30 out of 117 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 117 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 18 out of 117 reviews

6.8/10

Cleanliness

7.2/10

Staff & service

6.2/10

Amenities

6.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Donat

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Daniel

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

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

2/10 Terrible

Claire

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I asked for an early check in and was not available on arrival. The staff were rude in regards to this. No customer service skills at all. We then came back around 4pm, got in our room with no electric. No pre warning even though the electric had been off since the previous day. We were told they couldnt do anything until someone arrived to fix it. Bare in mine we had 3 children. We then got given an extension lead under the door and a lamp. We had to get ready in the shared bathroom. When the electric was fixed our light bulb needed replacing. All this made us late for a reservation. We had no apology at all. We also had the worst sleep ever. People shouting, singing and running up and down corridors as well as music till almost 3am. Non of this was monitored. No signs to keep quiet or anything. Then at 3am i needed to use the bathroom and to my disgust someone was having sex in there. This is not family friendly in any way shape or form. Absolutely shocking.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Meghan

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Desiree

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Adam

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

10/10 Excellent

Marlowe

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Erin

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Bryony

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deyanira

Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Megan, Vancouver

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

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

8/10 Good

Solange

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

ENRICO, calagry

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

10/10 Excellent

janet

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Rhojane

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

8/10 Good

Ganesh Pandian

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
Value for money except minor complaint.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Selima

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

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

8/10 Good

Nada

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

james

Disliked: Room comfort

An ok place to stay if you love to party

The biggest thing that made my stay not so enjoyable,is that the bar across the street was so loud you heard the music in the room. Therefore it made it a bit challenging to go to sleep at night. Also outside of the hostel in the smoking area, the ashtrays were full. I asked the staff where I could empty the ashtrays. The staff said they would empty the ashtrays and they finally emptied them a day later.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

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

8/10 Good

Eve

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