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a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

2.0 star property

Photo gallery for a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

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

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Bar
  • Laundry room

Explore the area

View map
50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1NE
  • Place, Royal Mile
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Grassmarket
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Edinburgh Castle
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Airport, Edinburgh (EDI)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory

Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory

Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single 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)
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory

Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory

Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

View all photos for Twin Room

Twin Room

Twin Room

  • 16 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children)

  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Single Beds and 1 Single Bunk Bed

View all photos for Quadruple Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Quadruple Room

7.2 out of 10
Good
(10 reviews)
  • 22 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed and 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Twin room for Single use

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin room for Single use

  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for 8-Bed Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets

8-Bed Room

  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Single Bunk Beds

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

6-Bed Room (Bunk Beds Only)

6-Bed Room (Bunk Beds Only)

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Single Bunk Beds

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About the area

Edinburgh

With a stay at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel, you'll be centrally located in Edinburgh, steps from Royal Mile and 12 minutes by foot from Edinburgh Castle. .This hostel is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from University of Edinburgh and 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Grassmarket.
View more Hostels in EdinburghOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Royal Mile - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • St. Giles' Cathedral - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • National Museum of Scotland - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Grassmarket - 7 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Edinburgh Castle - 12 min walk - 1.0 km

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

  • ‪Whiski Bar & Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Bannerman's Bar - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Royal Mile Tavern - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Royal Oak - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Cabaret Voltaire - ‬2 min walk

About this property

a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

Hostel with a restaurant, steps from Royal Mile
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.
Make yourself at home in one of the 132 guestrooms. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms have showers and hair dryers.
Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access. This hostel also features a television in a common area, tour/ticket assistance, and a vending machine.
You can enjoy a meal at the restaurant serving the guests of a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel, or stop in at the snack bar/deli. Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. Buffet breakfasts are served on weekdays from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and on weekends from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee.
Featured amenities include express check-out, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities.
Buffet breakfasts are available for a surcharge on weekdays between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM and on weekends between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
Bar 50 - This pub serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.

Property amenities

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

Restaurants on site

  • Bar 50

Things to do

  • Bicycle storage
  • Billiards/pool table
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Laundry facilities
  • Vending machine
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Terrace

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
  • Lift (235 centimetre wide door)

More

  • 100% renewable energy
  • Annual offsets purchased for at least 10% of carbon footprint
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Smoke-free property
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Water dispenser usage encouraged

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 allowed for an extra charge of GBP 13 per pet, per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total pets
Specific rooms only; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Children can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • 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)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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

We should mention

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

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

a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 289 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 383 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 189 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

6/10 Okay

Grecelli

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 traveller
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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 traveller

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

6/10 Okay

Yan

Travelled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Facilities old, toilet not working well, shower room dirty. Bonus points, walking distance to the train station and the old town, royal miles.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Robert, Beckenham

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The dorm that I was assigned was not like those illustrated. I specifically booked to stay here because all of the images include photos of bunks with curtains (I don't mind a dorm but I do think a curtain is pretty much essential to get a decent night's sleep). Also, the room shared a shower room with the dorm nextdoor which meant that fellow guests would often turn the lights on unexpectedly, etc.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Muhamad

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay

Business traveller
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