a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

2.0 star property
Hostel with restaurant, near Royal Mile

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

Free WiFi, bed sheets
Front of property
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served
Reception
Lobby sitting area
In the heart of Edinburgh, a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel offers a warm atmosphere with laundry facilities and secured bicycle storage. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Bar 50 or unwind with WiFi in your room. Helpful staff are always on hand to make your stay unforgettable.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar
  • Pet friendly
  • Laundry facilities
  • Non-smoking
  • Free WiFi

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • Breakfast available
  • Terrace
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Garden
  • Snack bar/deli
  • ATM/banking services
  • Vending machine
  • Water dispenser
  • Self-serve laundry
  • Tour/ticket assistance

Feel at home (6)

  • Children stay free
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities
  • Elevator
$137 nightly
The total price is $165
Sep 21 - Sep 22
Total with taxes and fees

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 11 of 11 rooms

Twin Room

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
Pet friendly
  • 172 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • 279 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • 279 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Quadruple Room

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

Quadruple Room

7.2 out of 10
Good
(10 reviews)

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children)

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Beds and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

6-Bed Room (Bunk Beds Only)

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

8-Bed Room

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

Single Room

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
Pet friendly
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • 279 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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About the neighborhood

Map
50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1NE

What's nearby

  • Royal Mile - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • University of Edinburgh - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Grassmarket - 7 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Princes Street - 7 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Edinburgh Castle - 12 min walk - 1.0 km

Getting around

  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 33 min drive
  • Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station) - 5 min walk
  • Edinburgh Waverley Station - 7 min walk
  • Edinburgh Haymarket Station - 28 min walk
  • St Andrew Square Tram Stop - 11 min walk
  • Princes Street Tram Stop - 14 min walk
  • Balfour Street Tram Stop - 26 min walk

Restaurants

  • ‪Bannerman's Bar - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Whiski Bar & Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Cabaret Voltaire - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Burrito 'n Shakes - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The City Cafe - ‬2 min walk

About this property

a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

A&o Edinburgh City - Hostel puts you in a great location, within just a 10-minute walk of Royal Mile and University of Edinburgh. You can unwind with a drink at the bar/lounge, and the restaurant is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat. Other features include a snack bar/deli, a terrace, and a garden. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff. Public transportation is just a short walk: St Andrew Square Tram Stop is 11 minutes and Princes Street Tram Stop is 14 minutes.

Languages

English, French, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Slovak, Spanish

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 132 rooms
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
    • Express check-out available
    • Early check-in subject to availability
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 10 AM
    • Late check-out subject to availability
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Children

    • Children stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
    • No cribs (infant beds)
DONE

Pets

    • Pets allowed (dogs only, 1 total)*
    • Service animals welcome
    • Specific rooms only*
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Buffet breakfast (surcharge) 7:00 AM–10:00 AM on weekdays and 7:00 AM–11:00 AM on weekends
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Water dispenser

Traveling with children

  • Children stay free (see details)

What to do

  • Pool table

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Laundry facilities
  • Bike storage

Facilities

  • ATM/banking
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Television in common areas
  • Bicycle parking
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Annual offsets purchased for at least 10% of carbon footprint
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Locally-owned & organized tours & activities
  • Local artist showcase
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community & sustainability
  • Local culture & ecosystem education
  • 100% renewable energy
  • Double-glazed windows
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • Water dispenser
  • Reusable cups only
  • Reusable tableware only

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Elevator
  • Elevator door width (inches): 93
  • Assistive listening devices available

Room amenities

Sleep well

  • Bed sheets provided

Freshen up

  • Shower only
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)

Stay connected

  • Free WiFi

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Bulk dispenser for toiletries
  • LED light bulbs
  • Water-efficient showers only
  • Water-efficient toilets only

Special features

Dining

Bar 50 - This pub serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Buffet breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately GBP 9.9 for adults and GBP 4.95 for children
  • Early check-in can be arranged for an extra charge of GBP 12.00 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge of GBP 12.00 (subject to availability)

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Pets are allowed for an extra charge of GBP 12.00 per pet, per night

Policies

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.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products.
This property accepts major credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Cashless transactions are available.

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

Does a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Are pets allowed at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

Yes, dogs are welcome, with a limit of 1 total. There's a charge of GBP 12.00 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

What are the check-in and check-out times at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. There's a charge of GBP 12.00 for early check-in (subject to availability). Check-out time is 10 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge of GBP 12.00 (subject to availability). Express check-out is available.

What is there to do at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel and nearby?

A&o Edinburgh City - Hostel has a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

Yes, there's an onsite restaurant, Bar 50.

What's the area around a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel like?

A&o Edinburgh City - Hostel is in Old Town Edinburgh, a short 5-minute walk from Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station) and 3 minutes' walk from Royal Mile.

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a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel Reviews

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

Popular mentions

Room
Service staff
Location
Bed
Bar
Bathroom
Toilet
Shower
Old town
Budget

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

Great location for the fringe

Great location, comfortable room and lots of entertainment at the hostel.
Sophia, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Daphne, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

It was reasonably clean, the shower was a little awkward being in a tiny rome shared with the toilet, it was difficult to keep anything dry, and there wasnt any other private space to change. The front desk clerks were lovely, kind, and helpful.
Heather, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

Great Location off the Royal Mile.

For the price we paid, this is very good. No fuss, no frills. Central location is superb for the Fringe is fab.Ensuit shower for our twin room was very clean. Sheets and the room was acceptable. Room was a bit stuffy, but there was a fan which helped. No complaints.
1-night trip

6/10 Good

Nice place
Neil, 1-night trip

6/10 Good

Okay but too expensive for what you get

An okay hostel. However I think it's much too expensive for what you get. There is no AC in the rooms, and despite having the one window open it was HOT in there. Made it really difficult to sleep. The noise from the street is also quite loud with drunk people and traffic. The room got really hot and stuffy.
Miriam, 2-night trip

4/10 Fair

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.
1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Really like to stay, it was really clean and the staff is really, really helpful
Rajat, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing staff!

Great staff and convient location! Great job! Thank you all!
Honie, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great stay!
Grace, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent place to stay
shailendra, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Very nice and cute place. The staff are super helpful. Love the pub downstairs. Getting a bit too warm at night (March), and the shower room design is not friendly for people that in a normal body size… the door is very very narrow.
TANG King, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

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)
Keriann, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Staff were very good and the bar at the hostel is great. The food was lovely
Gerard, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

10/10 Amazing Staff and great location

Amazing Staff and great location
Jason, 3-night trip

2/10 Poor

BOOKED ONLY TO BE TOLD THERES NO ROOM & NO REFUND

Absolutely appalling!!!!! Booked a room via hotels.com and when showing up to check in. I was told that there’s absolutely NO record of my reservation whatsoever in their system. And that they are totally fully booked. Not even room in the broom cupboard. Therefore I had to pay £380 for a taxi home (went door to door to other hotels but Edinburgh festival is on and all full) Having booked through hotels.com, I was told by the receptionist that I was the one that had to get in contact with Hotels.com to sort the refund. I have since been told from hotels.com that after speaking to the hostel, that they did indeed have my reservation (even though they didn’t when I showed up) and are now not going ahead with my refund! Funnily enough, I said this very thing to the receptionist and the person from Hotels.com that of course the hostel will say they had my reservation and “I didn’t turn up” and will no longer be eligible for a refund. How absolutely disgusting from both parties. Shocking, shocking, shocking
Jonathan, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

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.
Michelle, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Lovely place

Best place to stay
Morris, 2-night trip

2/10 Poor

Not suitable for families

Family rooms are not very suitable. Mirrored something like a prison cell. Kids had to make their own beds as only one bed had been dressed. No facilities in the room bar the bathroom sink which is located outside the bathroom door.
Jake, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

Week in edinburgh

We arrived a day later than originally planned due to an airline strike. We had informed the hostel a couple of days in advance by both phone and email, but when we got there, our reservation wasn’t in the system, even though it had already been paid for. Because of that, we had to wait at the reception for about an hour while the staff sorted things out with Hotels.com. In the end, we did get a room, which was overall in decent condition and clean. Big thumbs up for the bathroom and shower, which were surprisingly nice and well-kept. The room was quite hot due to a heatwave and there was no air conditioning, but that’s pretty understandable in a city like Edinburgh where extreme heat isn’t that common. One downside was the luggage storage room. It was ridiculously small considering the size of the hostel and the number of guests needing to store their bags.
Juho, 5-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

We stayed in a private double room with its own bathroom. The location was wonderful as was the staff. I would stay again.
Jennifer, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Lively bar great spot
Ken, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Rooms were quite modern, great place to just lay our head down. Very good price. Got towels in the room and soap. Would definitely recommend
Saskia, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

clean,safe,close to the main landmarks of the city
Cesar, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

We just needed to stay there for the night and get going on a tour in the morning - early, so it was cheap, and perfect, exactly what we expected.
Demos, 1-night trip