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a&o Hostel Edinburgh City

Property class: 2
Hostel near Royal Mile in Edinburgh

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for a&o Hostel Edinburgh City

A hotel lobby with a wooden floor, a red carpet, and a reception desk.
A historic stone building with a blue door labeled 'a&o' and banners for 'aohostels.com'.
An outdoor patio area with wooden tables and benches, yellow umbrellas, and a view of the interior through a glass wall.
A bar setting with a person seated at a table, a glass of beer, and a basket of food items.
A modern lobby with a blue door, round seating, a Zuronet ATM, and a stone wall.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast available
  • Bar
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a map
50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1NE
  • Place, Royal Mile
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, University of Edinburgh
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Princes Street
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Airport, Edinburgh (EDI)
    ‪31 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a window with curtains, and a small table with two orange stools.

Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory

7.8 out of 10
Good
(8 reviews)
  • 237 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a small table, and a window with curtains.

Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

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

View all photos for Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory

A corridor with bunk beds, wooden flooring, and a door at the end.

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

View all photos for Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory

A dormitory room with bunk beds, wooden flooring, and a door leading to another room.

Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory

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

View all photos for Twin Room

A bedroom with a wooden headboard, white bedding, a window with curtains, and a radiator.

Twin Room

7.0 out of 10
Good
(18 reviews)
  • 172 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children)

A hotel room with a bunk bed, a single bed, a small table, and a door leading to a hallway.

Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children)

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

View all photos for Quadruple Room

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a desk, and a window with curtains.

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

View all photos for Twin room for Single use

A hotel room with a wooden floor, a bed with white linens, a small table, a chair, a bathroom with a sink and mirror, and a window with curtains.

Twin room for Single use

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for 8-Bed Room

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a window with curtains, a radiator, and a small orange ottoman.

8-Bed Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for 6-Bed Room (Bunk Beds Only)

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a wooden door, and a small table with chairs.

6-Bed Room (Bunk Beds Only)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Triple Room

A hotel room with a bunk bed, a single bed, a small table, and a door leading to a hallway.

Triple Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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About the neighborhood

Edinburgh

City center stay.A stay at this Edinburgh City Centre hostel places you steps from Royal Mile and within a 10-minute walk of University of Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle and Grassmarket are also within half a mile (1 km).
View more Hostels in EdinburghOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Royal Mile - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • University of Edinburgh - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • St. Giles' Cathedral - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Grassmarket - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Princes Street - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles

Getting around

  • Edinburgh Waverley Station - 5 min walk
  • St Andrew Square Tram Stop - 11 min walk
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 33 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The City Cafe - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Bannerman's Bar - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪WHISKI Bar & Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Advocate - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Mitre - ‬2 min walk

About this property

a&o Hostel Edinburgh City

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 Hostel Edinburgh City.

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 Hostel Edinburgh City offers 132 accommodations. This Edinburgh hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests have access to shared bathrooms. Bathrooms include showers. Housekeeping is offered daily and hair dryers can be requested.

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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)
  • Shared bathroom
  • Shower

More

  • Bulk dispensers for toiletries
  • 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

  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • An effective city/local tax rate of 6.00 percent will be charged

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

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).
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

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 Hostel Edinburgh City to the airport?

A&o Hostel Edinburgh City 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 Hostel Edinburgh City?

As of Oct 24, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at a&o Hostel Edinburgh City on Nov 2, 2026 start from $145, 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 Hostel Edinburgh City have an airport shuttle?

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

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

This hostel is 3.2 mi (12-min drive) from Portobello Beach and 5.7 mi (28-min drive) from Cramond Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does a&o Hostel Edinburgh City offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at a&o Hostel Edinburgh City, 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 Hostel Edinburgh City?

No, there is no casino at this hostel.

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

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 Hostel Edinburgh City?

Free parking is not available at this hostel.

Does a&o Hostel Edinburgh City have a pool?

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

Does a&o Hostel Edinburgh City have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does a&o Hostel Edinburgh City have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hostel.

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

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

a&o Hostel Edinburgh City Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 291 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 378 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 185 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 78 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 69 out of 1001 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely stay in a very nice location. Staff at reception were absolutely lovely and were super helpful! Will gladly stay here again :)
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location, bar on property was great.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hostel is close to royal miles one of the tourist attractions in Edinburgh. Definitely worth it for solo traveler
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great area!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Older property but well maintained. Check in and out was quick and easy, the staff was very friendly and helpful. The location was perfect, right in the middle of the city. We stayed in a family room and would absolutely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Basic hostel. Loud part of town at night, but clean safe place to stay in a shared room for cheap.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

6/10 Okay

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

10/10 Excellent

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

2/10 Terrible

Liked: Staff & service
Hostel was overbooked on the weekend of the marathon - reception staff were amazing at handling the situation and got us somewhere else quickly but still quite stressful for all the family the night before my race.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Staff & service
Staff was polite and helpful with directions. Breakfast had no eggs, and the coffee machine was not working well. Also, I wish I did not have to pay for a towel, and the bar downstairs below my room was very noisy, so I did not get much sleep.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

8/10 Good

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

10/10 Excellent

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

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The location at the bottom of the street near the Cowgate was ok but I needed to take into account the incline up to the high street. Closeness to station and transport is good. Breakfast adequate for the day’s excursions. Needed to get to bus station and did it in 20mins. At 80 years of age I was proud of myself! There were many senior citizens in the building. My only criticism would be not knowing the layout and procedure for food etc all doable.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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