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a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

2.0 star property
Hostel with a restaurant, steps from Royal Mile

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

Free WiFi, bed sheets
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served
Lobby sitting area
Front of property
Reception

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Pet-friendly
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 11 of 11 rooms

View all photos for Twin Room

Twin Room

Twin Room

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
Pet friendly
  • 172 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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)

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • 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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • 279 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Quadruple Room

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Quadruple Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Quadruple Room

7.2 out of 10
Good
(10 reviews)

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed and 2 Twin Beds

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children)

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Beds and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

6-Bed Room (Bunk Beds Only)

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for 8-Bed Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets

8-Bed Room

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Single Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Room

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
Pet friendly
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • 279 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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)

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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About the area

Located in Old Town Edinburgh, a neighborhood in Edinburgh, a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel is near a train station. Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Grassmarket and Princes Street. Check out an event or a game at Murrayfield Stadium, and consider making time for Edinburgh Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed.
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Map
50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1NE

What's nearby

  • Royal Mile - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • University of Edinburgh - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Grassmarket - 7 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Princes Street - 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

  • Bannerman's Bar
  • ‪Cabaret Voltaire - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Burrito 'n Shakes - ‬3 min walk
  • The City Cafe
  • ‪The Edinburgh Larder - ‬2 min walk

About this property

a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

Hostel near Royal Mile
A short walk from University of Edinburgh and Princes Street, a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel provides a terrace, a garden, and laundry facilities. The on-site restaurant, Bar 50, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition to a bar, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also find perks like:
  • Buffet breakfast (surcharge), express check-out, and tour/ticket assistance
  • A vending machine, a 24-hour front desk, and secured bicycle storage
  • A water dispenser, ATM/banking services, and a billiards/pool table
  • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Room features
All 132 rooms have amenities such as free WiFi. Guest reviews highly rate the clean rooms at the property.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Eco-friendly toiletries and showers
  • LED light bulbs and daily housekeeping

Languages

English, French, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Slovak, Spanish

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 9.90 for adults and GBP 4.95 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
  • Elevator (93 inch 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 organized tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Smoking not allowed
  • 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 12.00
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: GBP 12.00
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of GBP 12.00 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

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately GBP 9.9 for adults and GBP 4.95 for children
  • Pet fee: GBP 12.00 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in fee: GBP 12.00 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: GBP 12.00 (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

Frequently asked questions

Is a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel pet-friendly?

Yes, this hostel allows dogs (limit 1 total). There's a fee of GBP 12.00 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much does it cost to stay at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

As of Aug 15, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel on Aug 31, 2025 start from CA $200.54, 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.

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 is available for a fee of GBP 12.00 (subject to availability).

What time is check-out at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

Check-out is at 10 AM. Late check-out is available for GBP 12.00 (subject to availability).

Where is a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel located?

Located in Old Town Edinburgh, this hostel is steps from Edinburgh Vaults and Royal Mile. University of Edinburgh and Grassmarket are also within 10 minutes. St Andrew Square Tram Stop is 11 minutes by foot and Princes Street Tram Stop is 14 minutes.

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a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 280 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 398 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 195 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 72 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 59 out of 1004 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent accomadations. Fantastic atmosphere. Easy walking to everywhere!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zoe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Family of four stayed for two nights. Staff were lovely on arrival and were really helpful. Great location, perfect for a city break when you want to be out and about. Would stay at again and recommend for a cheap and easy stay in the centre of the city.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carl

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a cool place to stay so close to the Mile. We got to do so much in the two days. Love the bar area.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Anita

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy check-in, had to queue but that was fine. Friendly staff and very helpful. Clean room, basic but everything we needed in the family room. Good mattresses but squeaky frames, large towels and good facilities. Great spot for getting around town and sights.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

TADATOSHI

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I can not choose this again
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Colette

Liked: Cleanliness
I took some of my own toiletries and some disappeared ( not by anyone staying as I had my own room)
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rajat

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really like to stay, it was really clean and the staff is really, really helpful
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

Ann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We can't sleep at night because there's a bar on the Ground floor and the sound nuisance until 4am. No air conditioner and we can't shut the window to avoid the noise.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Honie

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

Amazing staff!

Great staff and convient location! Great job! Thank you all!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Grace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

shailendra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

TANG King

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice and cute place. The staff are super helpful. Love the pub downstairs. Getting a bit too warm at night (March), and the shower room design is not friendly for people that in a normal body size… the door is very very narrow.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Keriann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent area in Old Town! They let us check in early and store our bags and gave us excellent directions to catch the bus to the airport from near the Scott monument. We were so tired from the 19,000 steps we got in daily that we were able to sleep well through the bar music(which was present til 1am but relatively quiet.) We felt safe, with our 3 young adult children…and that’s equal on our list with cleanliness. Thanks A&O on Blackfriars street in Edinburgh (sooooo close to the center of the Royal mile (and Edinburgh castle and King Arthur’s Sear and Holyrood Palace)
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gerard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were very good and the bar at the hostel is great. The food was lovely
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

10/10 Amazing Staff and great location

Amazing Staff and great location
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Morris

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

Lovely place

Best place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

2/10 Terrible

Jake

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

Not suitable for families

Family rooms are not very suitable. Mirrored something like a prison cell. Kids had to make their own beds as only one bed had been dressed. No facilities in the room bar the bathroom sink which is located outside the bathroom door.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We stayed in a private double room with its own bathroom. The location was wonderful as was the staff. I would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Ken

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lively bar great spot
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Saskia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were quite modern, great place to just lay our head down. Very good price. Got towels in the room and soap. Would definitely recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Cesar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
clean,safe,close to the main landmarks of the city
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Demos

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
We just needed to stay there for the night and get going on a tour in the morning - early, so it was cheap, and perfect, exactly what we expected.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We only stayed for 1 night but we were very impressed with everything from check in to check out
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angela

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

Great hostel.

Great hostel located in the center of old city, walking distance to everything. Our family of 5 rented an entire dorm room of 4 bunk beds and it was great. Each had a private curtain to pull and had 2 private showers and toilets in the room. A little loud in terms of thin walls and noisy floor when walking, but nothing a pair of ear plugs could not fix for light sleepers. Great bar attached made for a very fun place to hang out.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mery

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

Nice cental clean accommodation

Good locations. Accommodation was clean but towels should be included.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024