Located in Edinburgh (Marchmont), Argyle Backpackers is within a 15-minute walk of University of Edinburgh and Grassmarket. .This hostel is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) from Royal Mile and 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station) - 7 min drive
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 27 min drive
Restaurants
The Library Cafe - 8 min walk
Victor Hugo Delicatessen - 5 min walk
Detour - 1 min walk
Uplands Roast - 6 min walk
Leaf And Bean Marchmont - 4 min walk
About this property
Argyle Backpackers
Victorian hostel in Edinburgh
Argyle Backpackers offers 18 accommodations with safes and shared/communal kitchens. Rooms open to patios. These individually furnished accommodations have separate dining areas. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided. Guests have access to shared bathrooms. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers.
This Edinburgh hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Digital television is provided. Housekeeping is offered daily and hair dryers can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on request.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
Make yourself at home in one of the 18 individually furnished guestrooms, featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Rooms have private patios. Prepare your meals in the shared/communal kitchen. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have bathtubs or 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. Additional features at this Victorian hostel include a fireplace in the lobby, tour/ticket assistance, and a picnic area.
Featured amenities include complimentary wired internet access, a computer station, and express check-in.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet
Parking and transport
Free offsite parking within 1,127 metres
Things to do
Library
TV in common areas
Family friendly
In-room microwave
In-room refrigerator
Laundry facilities
Rollaway/extra bed
Separate in-room dining area
Conveniences
Laundry facilities
Limited-hour front desk
Luggage storage
Safe at front desk
Shared microwave
Shared refrigerator
Guest services
Dry cleaning/laundry service
Housekeeping (daily)
Multilingual staff
Tour and ticket assistance
Business services
Computer station
Outdoors
Barbecue grill
Garden
Picnic area
Terrace
Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
2 steps to reach entrance
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Visual alarms in hallways
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
More
3 floors
Communal living room
Designated smoking areas
Fireplace in lobby
Victorian architecture
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Rollaway/extra bed
Bathroom
6 shared bathrooms (in-room sinks)
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer (on request)
Toilet paper
Entertainment
14-inch TV with digital channels
Food and drink
Blender
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Freezer
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Separate dining area
Shared kitchen access
Toaster
More
Heating
Individual furnishings
Recycling
Safe
Separate sitting area
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: noon; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and lockbox information; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 9:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours), lockbox
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available
Payment types
Important information
Fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:
Towels fee: GBP 2.00 per person, per stay
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
Optional extras
Late check-out is available for a fee (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 credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
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
This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
National rating
This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitScotland, the National Tourist Board for Scotland.
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
My daughter went to visit the university and arrived at the premises at around 6.45. The hostel had not sent a code to get in. She could not get access to the hostel. No staff were in the building despite her arriving before 9.30 (the time it said you needed to phone ahead). We phoned and sent messages but no response. She gained access because of another guest. Luckily the other guest was able to unlock the keybox, otherwise she would have been completely stuck. A day later we have had no response. The information said the front desk was manned till five and to make contact if arriving after 9.30 but no one was there. Luckily my daughter was not alone and the other guests were able to help her. They described having a similar problem earlier in the day. My daughter was also surprised when she did get in not to have a proper bed as all the photos showed beds. The kitchen was nice, but the service was nonexistent.
Anna E
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Meghan
Business traveller
18 Jun 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
I really enjoyed my stay here. I was in room 17 which is on the top floor. One toilet/shower room and one shower room on my landing meant I experienced no queues when needing to use the facilities. Great sized kitchen, lovely seating areas inside and out to enjoy your meals or a wee chat.
I was staying here for work purposes and truly did enjoy my stay. A few reviews online I read before arriving gave me anxiety but these people are so ridiculous and imo over exaggerating.
I feel if you grew up with a silver spoon in your mouth, you could find something to complain about. However if you can be a humble human, and appreciate a clean place to stay, in a nice location, with friendly staff and guests and appreciate the price that your paying, I think you will definitely enjoy your stay. The bathrooms were completely spotless each day with there being a little basket of freebies from previous guests which was lovely if you had forgot something and the kitchen was kept clean and tidy and well equipped which meant I didn’t have to spend money ordering take away and could just cook dinner at my leisure. My only issue was the WiFi situation, but it’s not the end of the world for me to be without WiFi. Would stay again if coming through to Edinburgh
Area is absolutely perfect for exploring Edinburgh! Grocery stores are at a walkable distance, the street feels safe and quiet, and all of the major tourist attractions are at a walkable distance. It was nice to be away from the city centre bustle, but close enough to be able to walk there when you wish. Convenient check in and checkout. Kitchens had everything you need and even some free stuff which was nice! Garden/patio area was very pretty and we enjoyed spending time out there :)
Bella
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
8/10 Good
Anya
10 Jun 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Anya
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
6/10 Okay
Brynn
Travelled with partner
8 Jun 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The building had old charm.
The pipes were very noisy in our room every time the water was run.
Nice hostel. Complimentary coffee and tea. Staff were nice and helpful
Danial
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
6/10 Okay
Jared
9 May 2025
Liked: Staff & service
Decent, but you get what you paid for
Cheap by edinburgh standards, so you get what you paid for really. Cleanliness wasnt the best but its a room in a good location which was what we were looking for
This is a nice place to stay in Edinburgh if you are intending to be out most of the time and don't need a fancy hotel! It's very much a hostel but it's in a quieter area of the city with lots of nice cafes and brunch places around. Easy 20 min walk from the station. Clean enough but it is an old town house so not immaculate!
Really good hostel. Only thing is if they could mention the towel policy in the instructions email. I'll stay again for sure.
DAVID
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
6/10 Okay
Jose
8 Dec 2024
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
50 50 thank you the safe in my room was shut and it woudnt ipen and try and fix your tvs:)
Jose
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
6/10 Okay
Craig
23 Nov 2024
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Budget price, budget room.
Its a budget hostel, so no complaints. I needed a cheap room to stay in/go back too after clubbing until 3am.
I had a single bedroom which was through behind the kitchen. Nice and quiet, clean bedding, and warm enough. Carpet could do with a good hoover though !
I would use again for the same purpose.
Arrived after the desk was closed and got our keys out of the lock box (labeled with my name and room number). Someone else was in our room already. Nobody ever responded to our calls to the emergency needs phone number after leaving 3 voicemails over an hours time. Took our money and had no room.