Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel

2.5 star property
Adults-only hostel with a 24-hour front desk and a coffee shop

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel

Exterior
Bar (on property)
Billiards
Staircase
Private 4 Bed Dorm | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast available
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a map
37-39 Cowgate, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1JR
  • Place, Grassmarket
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, University of Edinburgh
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Edinburgh Castle
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Airport, Edinburgh (EDI)
    ‪19 min drive‬

Room options

Double or Twin Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Private 4 Bed Dorm

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

One Bed in a Dorm Room for 4 People

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

One Bed in a Dorm Room for 4 People (Female Only)

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

Private 6 Bed Dorm

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

One Bed in a Dorm Room for 6 People

  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

One Bed in a Dorm Room for 8 People

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

One Bed in a Dorm Room For 10 People

  • Sleeps 1
  • 5 Twin Bunk Beds

One Bed in a Dorm Room for 30 People

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 15 Twin Bunk Beds

Standard Triple Room

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

Private 8 Bed Dorm

  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

Basic Shared Dormitory

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

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About the neighborhood

Edinburgh

Located in Old Town Edinburgh, Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel is adjacent to Grassmarket and within a 5-minute walk of other popular sights like University of Edinburgh. This 43-room hostel welcomes guests with conveniences like a bar/lounge, a coffee shop/cafe, and free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • Grassmarket - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • University of Edinburgh - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Edinburgh Castle - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Royal Mile - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Princes Street - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles

Getting around

  • Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station) - 9 min walk
  • Princes Street Tram Stop - 10 min walk
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Knoops - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Frankenstein - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Bow Bar - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Finnegan's Wake - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Mussel & Steak Bar - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel

Adults-only hostel with a 24-hour front desk and a coffee shop
Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel features free WiFi in public areas, a business center, and an arcade/game room. Multilingual staff at the 24-hour front desk can assist with tours or tickets, access to locker space, and luggage storage. Other amenities at this adults-only hostel include a terrace, laundry facilities, and a TV in a common area.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Housekeeping is available once per stay.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily local cuisine breakfast available 9:00 AM to noon for a fee: GBP 5.50 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • TV in common areas

Conveniences

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

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (once per stay)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Business center

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Shower
  • Towels provided

More

  • Heating (climate-controlled)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
All guests must show a valid passport or ID. This is the only form of identification that is accepted at this property.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • Children younger than 18 are not permitted to stay at this adults-only property (only guests 18 and older are allowed)

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Deposit: GBP 40 per person

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

  • Fee for local cuisine breakfast: approximately GBP 5.50 per person

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
Special cancellation policies or charges may apply for group reservations (more than 8 rooms for the same property / stay dates)
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10 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.
  • Charges or special cancellation policies for group reservations may apply (more than 8 rooms for the same property/stay dates).
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The hostel can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Budget Backpackers Hostel Edinburgh
Budget Backpackers Edinburgh
Budget Backpackers
Kick Ass Greyfriars (18+ hostel)
Kick Ass Greyfriars Adults Only Hostel
Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel Edinburgh

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel?

Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel provides free cancellation on some room rates. For more details, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel?

As of Oct 24, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel on Nov 2, 2025 start from $81.14, excluding 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.

What is there to do near Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel?

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

Is parking available on site at Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel?

No, there isn't parking available at the hostel.

Does Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel feature a casino on the premises?

No, Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

Is Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel good for couples?

Couples will appreciate amenities at this adults-only hostel, including a bar, a café, and a terrace.

Does Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel have a hot tub?

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

Does Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel serves breakfast (local cuisine) each morning for a surcharge from its cafe.

Does Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel.

Are there connecting rooms at Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel?

The closest major airport to Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel is Edinburgh Airport (EDI), which is 7.7 mi away (26 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel?

No, there aren't any rooms with balconies at Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel.

Reviews

Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel Reviews

8.4

Very Good

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 78 out of 194 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 77 out of 194 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 29 out of 194 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 194 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 194 reviews

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort

Ok…

We had the private 4 bedroom and let’s just say it was not great. Beds uncomfy, sketchy part of town, nice view of castle when leaving the hostel but other than that not many positives. The night we got there service was decent but the guy there was pushing us to subscribe to his YouTube channel in front of him before going up to our rooms. We also only received one towel for the four of us because they ran out. The rooms were disgustingly hot but we soon realized a lot of places in Scotland are not air conditioned. Not good temperature to sleep in. It is pretty central but overall I would not recommend. They also only have pocket sized fans for the heat. Don’t go here unless you are desperate like we were. Maybe I’m the winter it’s better when the sweltering heat actually works for you.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wojciech

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Been there second time and deffo be back again! Good price, amazing location!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good stay just wished the kitchen/fridge was here
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jamie, Klamath falls

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Derrick

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Conviniently located in the most vibrant part of town... has some great pubs, walking distance to grass market and many other locations. The property itself is well maintained...but one important thing to remember is that it is a hostel. We happened to have a private 3 bed room. But it was still extremely noisy from the drunk yelling in the street...and stomping their way back to their bunks...way into the early morning...very limited toilet and shower spaces for the amount of inhabitants.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tianlai

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Even though this was a "hostel", but it really exceeded our expecations. Room we got was quite big. The only complaint I had was the mattress had some hard bumps, it almost felt like it was upside down.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

berenice

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
This was a good place to stay for convenient and affordably but I do not like the idea of sharing so that is my personal problem. If you don't mind it, its a good place to stay
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Honie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Amazing staff

I did not get to stay due to a card issue but they service was great on 2 MAY 2025. Great staff. They were very kind.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very comfortable, great location.

I am a senior male travelling Solo from Toronto, Canada - here on an annual 1 month holiday I take, since early retirement. This year I visited UK for my first time. Edinburgh was the last part of my 1 month exploring UK, and Kick Ass Greyfriars was an exceptional accommodation. Staff were great, lodging very comfortable, I suggest buying their breakfast. I will recommend this hostel.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Liked the Treehouse lounge and ability to sit and relax in the bar area or upstairs. Breakfast was also availabe if you wanted and lockers to hold your luggage if you came before check in
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Issy

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hostel was absolutely great! Perfect distance from the city centre and their bar was very nice too. However, showers only ever seemed to be lukewarm or would fluctuate in temperature.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mackenzie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent customer service, friendly and welcoming staff. Cleanliness was on point, shower and toilet facilities were cleaned very regularly and were spotless.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Scott

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Joe

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachelle

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

Good for a night. Great location.

My family of four adults just needed a place to sleep after getting off a bus tour and before boarding an early flight. I booked a whole room, so we would have it to ourselves, but there are common bathrooms shared. Property was clean. We lucked out and got to take part in a trivia night in the bar. We lost but had fun. Food and drinks were good. Location is awesome. We roamed the streets and walked to the castle one last time before going to bed and catching our flight.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Alexandro

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The Hostel is in a great walkable area near Grassmarket Edinburgh. Lots of local pubs and shops within blocks. Great location. Compared to another hostel I stayed at in Glasgow, the Kick Ass had clean bathrooms, usable showers with good pressure & hot water. Having a pub downstairs with food was quick and convenient. Overall, a great and affordable place to stay if you dont mind bunking with other travelers. Everyone was nice and respectful in the dorms. No issues at all.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

4/10 Poor

Rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean place. Broken heat while weather was 0-1 degrees at night. Cold room and uncomfortable while moving throughout the space. Tried working with staff ti resolve the issue, solution was extra blankets. No warning or switch of room to have heat. No offers to make stay better.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Bradley

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

DISHA

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It had a very lively atmosphere. Staff was very amazing and friendly helped us find best local places for food. Night was the best part of this place as they organized Karaoke and chill night which made it easy to interact with people and have fun. Even though we were party of 5, making new connections is always fun. The room and toilets were very clean. If I visit Edinburgh again this would be my stay to place.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay here. As a solo female traveler I felt incredibly safe and appreciated how you had to badge through each area to get to your room. The entire place was very clean and spacious, bathrooms included. The bar below served well priced drinks and was a great place to meet people. I would absolutely stay here next time I come back to Edinburgh!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Meghan, Fayetteville

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

UJJAWAL

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, common amenities and rooms are super clean and modern..great vibes overall Cons: wifi super slow in rooms, spring mattresses are highly uncomfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wray

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The facilities are very clean, and I appreciate that. I had not stayed in a dorm-like environment for nearly 40 years, but it all worked out just fine. Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort

Right downtown, easy walking distance

The hostel itself was fine. Even good, considering it was a hostel. The bathroom stalls and showers are teeny tiny. If you are a larger person, good luck. I don’t know how that would work. The restaurant/bar onsite was great. Good, quick food and you get 10% off as a guest of the hostel. If you are visiting during the Fringe, however, be aware that the noise from outside is incredibly loud and goes until all hours of the night. Not sure what time, as I finally was exhausted enough to fall asleep around 3am. I booked a hotel out of town for the remainder of my trip. If you are looking to be in the middle of the festival, or plan to stay out all night, this is the perfect place for you. If you like to get to sleep at a decent hour- don’t stay here or bring noise-cancelling headphones.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024