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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
Lobby sitting area
Front of property
Reception
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served

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, Edinburgh Castle
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Airport, Edinburgh (EDI)
    ‪20 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

Quadruple Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

6-Bed Room (Bunk Beds Only)

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

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Exterior

InterContinental Edinburgh The George by IHG

Edinburgh City Centre
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,000 reviews
$213 nightly
The price is $256
Dec 7 - Dec 8
Total with taxes and fees
InterContinental Edinburgh The George by IHG

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
  • Grassmarket - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Princes Street - 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, 1,000 reviews
$94 nightly
The price is $113
Nov 18 - Nov 19
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, there isn't a spa tub at this hostel.

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.

Does a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hostel.

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?

No, there aren't any rooms with balconies at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel.

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. 283 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 388 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 191 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 77 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 62 out of 1001 reviews

Reviews

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

8/10 Good

Anita

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy check-in, had to queue but that was fine. Friendly staff and very helpful. Clean room, basic but everything we needed in the family room. Good mattresses but squeaky frames, large towels and good facilities. Great spot for getting around town and sights.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Patrick

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Gillian

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
My bed was broken the curtain bar was hanging off it. My special requests we compleatly ignored. I fully understand you cant alswy be goven them but to not even day im sorry we cant fo that foe you is shocking. Only asked for a bottom bunk because i have medical conditions and climbing would leave me in pain i also jeed to use loo often so its more disturbance fro. Top for all in room. It was extremely hard to find even google maps tried to get me to jump off a bridge to get to it. When i was there i couldnt find the entrance lucky a staff member came out to the bin. You need to make your own bed when you arrive so for someone like me arriving nearer 1am and the 2 that arrived later than me thats even more noise and shaking the buk that someone is already sleeping in. I wouldnt use them again
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Neil

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

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

8/10 Good

Daniel

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The people at the service desk were so wonderful and helpful. They let us store our luggage since we arrived before check in. They showed us where things were in the building and access to lifts so we could avoid hauling luggage up the stairs. The facilities and our room were kept clean. Our room was very cramped and tight, which we expected, but that was my only complaint. We had no room to open or lay out our suitcases. The 2 main beds were made up, but the bunk beds we had to put sheets on ourselves, which I didn't like. Overall a good stay and I would go back again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Keriann

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent area in Old Town! They let us check in early and store our bags and gave us excellent directions to catch the bus to the airport from near the Scott monument. We were so tired from the 19,000 steps we got in daily that we were able to sleep well through the bar music(which was present til 1am but relatively quiet.) We felt safe, with our 3 young adult children…and that’s equal on our list with cleanliness. Thanks A&O on Blackfriars street in Edinburgh (sooooo close to the center of the Royal mile (and Edinburgh castle and King Arthur’s Sear and Holyrood Palace)
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Mackenzie

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

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