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a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

2.0 star property
Hostel near Royal Mile in Edinburgh

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Photo gallery for a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

Check-in/check-out kiosk
Front of property
Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Courtyard view
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served

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, National Museum of Scotland
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Grassmarket
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Airport, Edinburgh (EDI)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory

Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory

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

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

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

View all photos for Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets

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

Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory

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

View all photos for Twin Room

Twin Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin Room

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

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin room for Single use

  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for 8-Bed Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets

8-Bed Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

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

6-Bed Room (Bunk Beds Only) | Free WiFi, bed sheets

6-Bed Room (Bunk Beds Only)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

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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. Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street are also within half a mile (1 km).
View more Hostels in EdinburghOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Royal Mile - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • St. Giles' Cathedral - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • National Museum of Scotland - 6 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Grassmarket - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Edinburgh Castle - 12 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
  • ‪Whiski Bar & Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Royal Mile Tavern - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Royal Oak - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪HEYTEA - ‬1 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

Restaurant
Premier Inn Edinburgh - Princes Street
  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast available
  • 24/7 front desk
4.1 out of 5, Very Good, 96 reviews
$64 nightly
The price is $77
Mar 8 - Mar 9
Total with taxes and fees
Premier Inn Edinburgh - Princes Street

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 major credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
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 major credit cards, Visa, Mastercard, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products. 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 Feb 24, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel on Feb 26, 2026 start from $72.39, excluding 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 14.4 mi (32-min drive) from Seton Sands. 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. 290 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 383 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 188 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 77 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 62 out of 1000 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Rebecca

Traveled with partner
2 members of security entered the room without consent at 3.15am due to a noise complaint on floor 2…our room was on floor 3! I found it hard to settle after this issue and I did approach a member a staff about it during check out and was given a number to call to take the matter further!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

chris

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

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Susan

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

6/10 Okay

Grecelli

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The place is conveniently located near several tourist attractions, with plenty of restaurants to choose from nearby. The location makes it easy to explore the area, which we really appreciated. However, it can get quite noisy at night due to sounds from outside or the pub at the hostel, even with the windows closed. There’s no proper ventilation in the room, and it feels quite warm even when the heater isn’t on. When we arrived, two of the beds hadn’t been prepared, so we had to put on the bed linens and duvet covers ourselves. The room was also a bit dusty, and there were noticeable marks or stains on the uncovered pillows and duvets. The electrical sockets are all located in one spot near the radiator, which isn’t very convenient since it’s far from the bunk beds. This made it difficult for others in the room to charge their devices. There’s also only one small trash bin provided, which was used for both the toilet and the room. Considering it’s meant for a group or family stay, we found this setup not very practical or hygienic. Overall, the location is great and convenient for sightseeing, but the room could use some improvements in cleanliness, comfort, and layout to make it more suitable for group stays
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Agnes

Traveled with group
Yes room was spotless staff very nice and helpful
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Serena

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Alistair

Business traveler
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Items stolen
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Keith

Traveled with group
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

4/10 Poor

Amelia

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service

Disappointing

The room was small, had nowhere to hang a coat, no kettle and a remote control but no television. I was asked for a passport to check in. It was very noisy,but there was nothing anyone could have done about this. Not good value for £238.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean room, quiet night which i didnt expect.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debra

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

10/10 Excellent

Himanshi

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

THE PERFECT DORM EVER!

Really nice place, the staff was extremely helpful and friendly and welcoming! The girl on the first day was very sweet, the way she was handling all the customers was spectacular, v patient and really sweet and respectful! Krishna was also really nice and friendly and helpful! Overall the stay, beds, cleanliness everything was perfect!! It mad emt solo trip very comfortbale and exciting OH i forgot to mention the bar pub and the kareoke AMAZING 5 star ratings Live the drinks the vibe everything!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

SARAH

Traveled with family
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

4/10 Poor

WAI KI

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
I booked a room for 6 people but was given a room for 12 people. I found it very noisy. The guests made the beds in the middle of the night, which prevented me from sleeping. Some beds did not have sockets for charging.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Jerusha

advertising TV in private room but no TV’s were working. Hostel aware of this and didn’t inform me
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Kerry

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

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

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

HORRIFIC customer service and overcharged me by do

HORRIFIC customer service and overcharged me by double. I made a reservation to stay in a 10-bedroom dorm, and when I clicked to make the booking, I was told the rate was $37 for the night. Then, I was charged double once the booking was processed. I *immediately* called and asked them to refund me the difference, or otherwise cancel the reservation entirely. They refused, saying the booking was non-refundable. Their customer service, both via and email and in person, could not have been more rude either. STAY AWAY!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

shashi

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness
Towel only on extra payment. Bathrooms not so clean.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Yan

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Josue

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025