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Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

2.5 star property
Hotel near University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

Front of property
Terrace/patio
Shower, hair dryer
Bar (on property)
Reception

Reviews

7.0 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View in a map
94 -116 Cowgate, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1JN
  • Place, Grassmarket
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Royal Mile
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Edinburgh Castle
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Edinburgh (EDI)
    ‪30 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

Laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

Laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

Laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

Laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

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

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

Laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

Laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

Laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bunk Twin Room Ensuite

Laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bunk Twin Room Ensuite

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Large Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

Laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Ensuite

Laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1
  • 6 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Shared Bathroom

Laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 6 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 2-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

Laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 2-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for 8-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

Laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

8-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for 6-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

Laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

6-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for 6-Bed Private Room Ensuite

Laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

6-Bed Private Room Ensuite

  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Quadruple Room Ensuite

Laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Quadruple Room Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Quadruple Room Shared Bathroom

Laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Quadruple Room Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

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About the neighborhood

Edinburgh

City center stay.At this Old Town Edinburgh hotel, you'll be well placed to visit University of Edinburgh and Grassmarket, both within a 5-minute walk. Royal Mile and Princes Street are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Victoria Street - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Grassmarket - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • National Museum of Scotland - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Royal Mile - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Edinburgh Castle - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

  • Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station) - 7 min walk
  • St Andrew Square Tram Stop - 11 min walk
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Deacon Brodies Tavern - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Frankenstein - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Nando's - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Eve - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Luckenbooths - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

Hotel near University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh
Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate offers its guests a terrace, a vending machine, and a garden. WiFi is free in public spaces. A complete renovation of Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate was completed in June 2024.

This Edinburgh hotel is smoke free.

  • 230 guestrooms or units
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • No smoking on site
  • Lockers available
Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate offers 230 accommodations with air conditioning. This Edinburgh hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access, with a speed of 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices). Bathrooms include showers. Housekeeping is offered daily and hair dryers can be requested.

Similar properties

Bar (on property)
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
Old Town Edinburgh
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
4.2 out of 5, Very Good, 1,898 reviews
$195 nightly
The price is $233
Jun 26 - Jun 27
Total with taxes and fees
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Shower

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Laptop workspace

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • 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.

  • Towels fee: EUR 4 per person, per stay (or guests may bring their own)

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
Long-term renters welcome
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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. No onsite parking is available. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. Long-term renters welcome. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate Hotel
Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate Edinburgh
Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate Hotel Edinburgh

Frequently asked questions

How close is Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate to the airport?

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate is 7.8 mi (37-min drive) away from the Edinburgh Airport (EDI) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?

As of Jun 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate on Jun 28, 2026 start from $150, 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 Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate.

How close is Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate to the beach?

This hotel is 3.3 mi (21-min drive) from Portobello Beach and 19.3 mi (58-min drive) from Silver Sands Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate offer free breakfast?

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?

Free parking is not available at this hotel.

Does Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate have a pool?

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate does not have a pool.

Does Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate to downtown Edinburgh?

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate is 0.3 mi away from Edinburgh.

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate Reviews

Reviews

7.0

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 126 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 33 out of 126 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 31 out of 126 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 9 out of 126 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 18 out of 126 reviews

7.0/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

6.4/10

Amenities

6.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
the rooms were spotless and the staff were courteous
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

OLIUL

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Everything was good except the noise it was noisy till 4AM
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Rhojane

It was a great place. Near by at downtown.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

SUTHASINEE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really near market, castles, museum and compare with the price I’ll give it 10/10
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Calvin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect place thank You
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Darryl

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

Great location, perfect hostel for City Stays

Pleasant stay at the hostel. Having our own dorm was great and made it affordable for three people meeting up, visiting the City and just having a catch. Great location and close to the Cities parkrun that takes place on Saturday
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Solange

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Over all a comfortable stay. It could definitely use some renovating and the stairs are strong concrete but molded oddly in certain areas. But the staff was extremely helpful and the area was very convenient for walking old Edinburgh.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Jerilyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Felt safe and clean. Will definitely stay again if ever in Edinburgh.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ENRICO

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Safe
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vineeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The only small hiccup was the shower water pressure, it felt a bit weak. Other than that, the place was clean, central, and the staff were friendly. overall great!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Adam

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
good
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Elisabeth

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
The location is amazing. Staff is very nice. The shared bathroom was not perfectly clean and a bit smelly, that's why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Anne-Marie

Very friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

melvin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Can’t say enough good about this place. Our second stay here. Staff and management are wonderful!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Hannah

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Beds and toilets were a little rickety, but otherwise it was pretty good. Convenient location, good staff, easy to get to places around it, and quite affordable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Nadia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
clean, spacious room and toilet. Not enough hanging hooks. Windows MUST be changed, loud music comes from the pub in front until 3 A.M !!!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Ganesh Pandian

Liked: Staff & service
Value for money except minor complaint.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Colin

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
I liked the closeness to pubs and clubs & the smoking area. I hated the bunk beds & the noise of the people in the room with me. I didn't sleep at all
Big reception area was good but the room was awful. I couldn't sleep, the bunk beds are noisy & uncomfy.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Liliane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
For just one night the hostel was ok. The only thing that bothered me was the large group of people who were together and talking very loudly and with music playing late at night.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Reygina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was easy to find ! The staff are all lovely and helpful ! Excellent location walking distance from everything ! A lot of toilets and washing facilities. Clean beds and lockers for your stuff ( bring your own lock ). Would recommend ear plugs because it’s right across from three sisters and they play live music until like 3 am but that’s no fault of the hostel at all! I was prepared by the reviews so I brought earplugs, eyelash and had a good night sleep. All in all good place and did the job 😁
Three sisters from the window
Hostel essentials !
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The only downside was the noise from the doors outside our room banging, and the conversations being had outside our room late at night and early in the morning. But for £40, what would we expect? We'd stay again, though.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Staff & service
It was clean but everything is a money grab, 5£ here 6£ there. It felt like I was going to get asked to bring my own toilet paper
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

james

Disliked: Room comfort

An ok place to stay if you love to party

The biggest thing that made my stay not so enjoyable,is that the bar across the street was so loud you heard the music in the room. Therefore it made it a bit challenging to go to sleep at night. Also outside of the hostel in the smoking area, the ashtrays were full. I asked the staff where I could empty the ashtrays. The staff said they would empty the ashtrays and they finally emptied them a day later.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Jess

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Would not recommend staying here, rude staff and constantly felt very unsafe in the building.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Muhammad

Liked: Staff & service
Duvet was very small
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025