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Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

Property class: 2.5
Hotel near Royal Mile in Edinburgh

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

A historic building with a stone facade, multiple windows, and a prominent corner turret.
A reception desk with a digital screen displaying a music video, a store bag sign, and a QR code for store bags.
A restaurant interior with colorful chairs, a mural, and large windows offering a view of the street.
Two people with backpacks in a building with a staircase and a hand sanitizer dispenser.
An outdoor patio area with tables and chairs, a stone wall, and a blue cow sculpture.

Reviews

7.2 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, Victoria Street
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Grassmarket
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Royal Mile
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Airport, Edinburgh (EDI)
    ‪30 min drive‬

Room options

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

A narrow hallway with bunk beds on one side and a green wardrobe on the other.

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

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

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

Bunk beds in a room with yellow walls.

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

7.0 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

Bunk beds in a room with yellow walls.

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

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

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

A room with bunk beds, wooden flooring, a window with curtains, and a hanging light fixture.

Bed in 6-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

A bunk bed in a hostel room with a yellow wall and a sign that reads "Safestay hostels".

Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

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

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

A room with bunk beds, wooden flooring, a window with curtains, and a hanging light fixture.

Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

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

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

A bunk bed with a green headboard and a white pillow.

Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

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

View all photos for Bunk Twin Room Ensuite

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a green wall, a window with curtains, and a visible bathroom door.

Bunk Twin Room Ensuite

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

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

A narrow hallway with bunk beds on one side and a green wardrobe on the other.

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

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

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

A bunk bed in a hostel room with a yellow wall and a sign that reads "Safestay hostels".

Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Ensuite

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

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

A room with bunk beds, wooden flooring, a window with curtains, and a hanging light fixture.

Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Shared Bathroom

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

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

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a green wall, a window with curtains, and a visible bathroom door.

Bed in 2-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

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

View all photos for 8-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

A bunk bed with a green headboard and a white pillow.

8-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

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

View all photos for 6-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

A room with bunk beds, wooden flooring, a window with curtains, and a hanging light fixture.

6-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

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

View all photos for 6-Bed Private Room Ensuite

A bunk bed in a hostel room with a yellow wall and a sign that reads "Safestay hostels".

6-Bed Private Room Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Quadruple Room Ensuite

Bunk beds in a room with yellow walls.

Quadruple Room Ensuite

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

View all photos for Quadruple Room Shared Bathroom

A narrow hallway with bunk beds on one side and a green wardrobe on the other.

Quadruple Room Shared Bathroom

  • 1 bedroom
  • 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 Royal Mile and Grassmarket, both within a 5-minute walk. Edinburgh Castle and University of Edinburgh 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 - 4 min walk - 0.3 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
  • ‪The Elephant House - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Nando's - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪The Three Sisters - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

Hotel near Royal Mile 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.

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  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
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  • 24/7 front desk
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Oct 5 - Oct 6
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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 Sep 9, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate on Oct 6, 2026 start from $136, 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 14.4 mi (41-min drive) from Seton Sands. 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

7.2

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 50 out of 157 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 40 out of 157 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 36 out of 157 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 11 out of 157 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 20 out of 157 reviews

7.2/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay for the price, but we were in a private room and had no drug users en-suite. There definitely were profuse users in and around the property, but we did not have any issues.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

brendon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean rooms and helpful staff. Bedding was clean. Rooms were quiet and secure. Bunk beds aren’t bad, but the ladders to the top bunks are pretty narrow, making it difficult to get down from. Hallways are a bit narrow, but it’s in an old building. The location is fine, it’s on the lower street so you have a few young drunk people walking around late at night. Shops are nearby. Overall an enjoyable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I do recommend this hostel. It is in old town, Edinburgh, and it was awesome. The location is good. You will really enjoy it. The only thing I didn’t like is the way the showers they were facing the wall a very hard to get wet.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Alan

Disliked: Cleanliness
2 shops local as well as a lively night club outside rooms 132 / 232 /332, Fellow guests pretty annoying with the sleep patterns & noise with lockers
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Rhojane

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

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 review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Calvin

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

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 review

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 review

8/10 Good

Anne-Marie

Very friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified review

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 review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

ENRICO

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

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 review

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 review

4/10 Poor

Hailey

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
This property is in an excellent location. It is close to the Grassmarket where city tour busses can pick you up and get you where you need to go. The staff (in general) were helpful and were willing to answer questions. If you want a clean environment look elsewhere. I don’t think the bathrooms were cleaned at all the whole week I was there. Trash piled up on the floors and next to the toilets, the showers had hair and mold. It was extremely loud due to the three sisters across the street throwing massive parties every night. I know it was a cheap option and you get what you pay for but I wasn’t expecting this level of unclean. However, if you don’t mind any of what I said above then it’s perfect for you. Also, there are no lifts/ elevators. So, if you have difficulty with stairs it is not the right property for you. All that being said I had an ok, visit. I, however, will not go back. As it did not leave a good impression.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2026
Verified review

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 review

8/10 Good

Adam

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

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 review

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 review

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 review

8/10 Good

Ganesh Pandian

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

6/10 Okay

Alissa

Liked: Staff & service
Ok stay. Hostel close to things, but had a dirty ally cat feel. 4 person private room was so small. Basic metal bunk beds with a light on a power strip in the bunk. No handle to get up, no shelves or hooks to put things. Very tight quarters. Only 1 small rack of hooks in the room. Same for the community shower..4 hooks, no bench or shelf. Very small!! Rooms and bathrooms weren't super clean. There was something spilled down the head end of our bunk and the light fixure at me head hadn't been wiped in ages. Layer of black gunk around the lockers edges. Also, it was very noisy from the bar across the street to the squeaky door where people came in andout of all night long. We could hear ppl closings bathroom doorsand using the facilities at all times. Staff was friendly and there is a small foyer with sofas where a few ppl can hang out. Also a smalll dining area with 6 tables and benches where you could eat a sack meal.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026