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

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, Grassmarket
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Royal Mile
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, University of Edinburgh
    ‪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

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

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

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

7.4 out of 10
Good
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the neighborhood

Edinburgh

City center stay.At this Edinburgh City Centre 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
  • Royal Mile - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • University of Edinburgh - 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
  • ‪Greyfriars Bobby's Bar - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Frankenstein - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪The Elephant House - ‬6 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.

Similar properties

An outdoor seating area with tables and chairs, a bar, and a staircase leading to an upper level.
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
Edinburgh City Centre
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
4.2 out of 5, Very good, 2,024 reviews
$98 nightly
The price is $123
Nov 9 - Nov 10
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

  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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 Oct 24, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate on Nov 3, 2026 start from $95, 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 5.7 mi (30-min drive) from Cramond 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

7.2

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 53 out of 176 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 45 out of 176 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 42 out of 176 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 12 out of 176 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 24 out of 176 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

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. In the middle of downtown and it was very cute, cozy and accommodating. Would stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good place to stay just walking distance to the place I visited plus not far from the train station
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect for a quick stop over in Edinburgh. Location was great, room was clean and felt safe. The only down fall is that there I a pub across the street that was quite loud late into the night, however, I stayed during the World Cup finals so it was understandable. I would stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was close to old city centre and super clean :)
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Staff & service
If you just need a room with a bathroom for a couple nights this will work nicely. I was pleasantly surprised. Staff, shops nearby,location were great and I would stay there again
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent ! Well located, super clean, definitely recommended
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were really nice, check in/check out was straight forward. 6 bed dorm was great. Thanks for everything!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, friendly and helpful staff, so close to everything. Could use a bathroom rug, and perhaps a desk or chair in the room. Loud night club cross the window, but mostly just the sat night.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Staff were extremely helpful when I had forgotten to request a bottom bunk for my tired old bones with few if any climbing skills. They went above and beyond to help find me another room. Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

2/10 Terrible

Liked: Cleanliness
We had a four person (two bunk) room with basic en suite facilities for the same price as a room in a good 5 star London hotel. Appalling value for money for a hostel. Not sure how they justify the exceptionally high pricing.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

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

10/10 Excellent

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

6/10 Okay

Liked: Staff & service
The rooms were clean and I like that the beds felt semi private since it covers your face. It is ideal to get a room with a private bathroom. The public one, I felt exposed since the top of the stall is open and both genders use it and it feels a bit dirty. It is very loud at night with the bar so bring ear plugs. The road to get to the front of the building feels desolate but when you turn the into the main corner of the street there are lots of stores to shop around.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Staff & service
There was a dance club nearby with bass that permeated the room--it was loud enough to hear the vocals until well after 2:00 AM. I had a terrible sleep.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

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

10/10 Excellent

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

6/10 Okay

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

10/10 Excellent

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

8/10 Good

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

8/10 Good

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

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

Very friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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