a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

2.0 star property
Hostel near Royal Mile in Edinburgh

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

Check-in/check-out kiosk
Billiards
Front of property
Courtyard
Free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Bar
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a map
50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1NE
  • Place, Royal Mile
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, St. Giles' Cathedral
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Grassmarket
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Airport, Edinburgh (EDI)
    ‪31 min drive‬

Room options

Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 237 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

  • 279 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)
  • 279 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • 279 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

Twin Room

  • 172 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children)

  • 194 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Beds and 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

Quadruple Room

7.2 out of 10
Good
(10 reviews)
  • 237 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed and 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

Twin room for Single use

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

8-Bed Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

6-Bed Room (Bunk Beds Only)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

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About the neighborhood

Edinburgh

City center stay.A stay at this Old Town Edinburgh hostel places you steps from Royal Mile and within a 10-minute walk of University of Edinburgh. Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Royal Mile - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Victoria Street - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • St. Giles' Cathedral - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Grassmarket - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Edinburgh Castle - 13 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

  • ‪Bannerman's Bar - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Royal Mile Tavern - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪noodle 'n' rice - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Cabaret Voltaire - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪WHISKI Bar & Restaurant - ‬2 min walk

About this property

a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

Hostel near Royal Mile in Edinburgh
There's a restaurant on site, as well as a snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces. A terrace, a vending machine, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel.

This Edinburgh hostel is smoke free.

  • 132 guestrooms or units
  • Deli
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Television in lobby
  • ATM
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
A&o Edinburgh City - Hostel offers 132 accommodations. This Edinburgh hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include showers. Housekeeping is offered daily and hair dryers can be requested.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Snack bar/deli

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 10 for adults and GBP 5 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Bicycle storage
  • Billiards/pool table
  • TV in common areas

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)

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 13
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: GBP 13
Express check-out available

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

  • Pets: GBP 13 per pet, per night
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 1 pets
  • Certain rooms only
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately GBP 10 for adults and GBP 5 for children
  • Pet fee: GBP 13 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in fee: GBP 13 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: GBP 13 (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses some solar energy
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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 according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    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. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. This property uses solar energy. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Children stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Pets are welcome in specific rooms only, which can be requested by contacting the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).

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

How close is a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel to the airport?

A&o Edinburgh City - Hostel is 8.1 mi (33-min drive) away from the Edinburgh Airport (EDI) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

As of Jun 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel on Jun 22, 2026 start from $175, 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.

Does a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel.

How close is a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel to the beach?

This hostel is 3 mi (14-min drive) from Portobello Beach and 19.5 mi (47-min drive) from Silver Sands Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel, but buffet breakfast is offered for a fee of GBP 10 for adults and GBP 5 for children. It's available on weekdays from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and weekends from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Is there a casino at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

No, there is no casino at this hostel.

What time is check-in at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Early check-in costs GBP 13 (subject to availability).

Is there free parking at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

Free parking is not available at this hostel.

Does a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel have a pool?

A&o Edinburgh City - Hostel does not have a pool.

Does a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hostel.

How close is a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel to downtown Edinburgh?

A&o Edinburgh City - Hostel is 0.3 mi away from Edinburgh.

a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 297 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 381 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 182 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 77 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 63 out of 1000 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The shops were close and the staff were incredibly helpful and nice
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sally

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Really nice staff and very clean, very comfy beds
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jorge Alberto

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great location and clutter free.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Susan

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable beds and good location
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very central location clean and modern facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent Location and very friendly and helpful staff.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Blake

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very walkable to the Royal mile, great location!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Agnes

Yes room was spotless staff very nice and helpful
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very very clean and spotless, staff unbelievable and helpful. Definitely going back
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

SARAH

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect spot. Very close a lot of popular places and has a good bar attached to it. Also the staff is very nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Emmely

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
We loved all the amenities. The bar was open late, so we could eat, drink, and meet people. We got our laundry done. The location is very convenient to the train station and lots to do in Edinburgh.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sophia

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

Great location for the fringe

Great location, comfortable room and lots of entertainment at the hostel.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Grace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

shailendra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was only really here for 8 hours to sleep and shower but the vibe was great, the staff were friendly and very helpful, and even the toilets in the bar were clean.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daphne

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
Verified

6/10 Okay

Neil

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

10/10 Excellent

Rajat

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really like to stay, it was really clean and the staff is really, really helpful
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent accomadations. Fantastic atmosphere. Easy walking to everywhere!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Zoe

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carl

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

10/10 Amazing Staff and great location

Amazing Staff and great location
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Keith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Really great stay for a night! Probably the most afforable hostel in the area and centrally-located. Close to Old Town and most of the major sites. My friend and I had a private room, which was spacious, very clean and just right. There is a bar directly downstairs where you can hear noise, but it wasn’t too bad. There’s a lot of younger folks / gen-z staying here, but definitely there are folks of all ages as well. Friendly staff, and lots of thingd to
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Morris

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

Lovely place

Best place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024