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a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

Property class: 2

Photo gallery for a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

A hotel lobby with a wooden floor, a red carpet, and a reception desk.
A historic stone building with a blue door labeled 'a&o' and banners for 'aohostels.com'.
A pool table in a room with a bar area and a green wall with a projector.
An outdoor patio area with wooden tables and benches, yellow umbrellas, and a view of the interior through a glass wall.
A modern lobby with a blue door, round seating, a Zuronet ATM, and a stone wall.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Breakfast available
  • Bar
  • Laundry room
The current price is AU$281
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug

Explore the area

View map
50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1NE
  • Place, Royal Mile
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, St. Giles' Cathedral
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Grassmarket
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Airport, Edinburgh (EDI)
    ‪31 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a window with curtains, and a small table with two orange stools.

Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • 22 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a small table, and a window with curtains.

Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

  • 26 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory

A corridor with bunk beds, wooden flooring, and a door at the end.

Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory

A dormitory room with bunk beds, wooden flooring, and a door leading to another room.

Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Twin Room

A bedroom with a wooden headboard, white bedding, a window with curtains, and a radiator.

Twin Room

  • 16 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

A hotel room with a bunk bed, a single bed, a small table, and a door leading to a hallway.

Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children)

  • 18 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Single Beds and 1 Single Bunk Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Quadruple Room

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a desk, and a window with curtains.

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
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Twin room for Single use

A hotel room with a wooden floor, a bed with white linens, a small table, a chair, a bathroom with a sink and mirror, and a window with curtains.

Twin room for Single use

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for 8-Bed Room

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a window with curtains, a radiator, and a small orange ottoman.

8-Bed Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Single Bunk Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a wooden door, and a small table with chairs.

6-Bed Room (Bunk Beds Only)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Single Bunk Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Room

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free Wi-Fi

Room

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free Wi-Fi

Room

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free Wi-Fi

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About the area

Edinburgh

A&o Edinburgh City - Hostel puts you in the heart of Edinburgh, steps from Royal Mile and within a 10-minute stroll of University of Edinburgh. Highlights at this hostel include a restaurant and in-room free WiFi. .Bar 50 is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the hostel's own lounge bar, you can stop for a drink. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, a snack bar/deli and laundry facilities. Buffet breakfast is available on weekdays between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM and on weekends between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM. .Attractions within a 10-minute walk of this Old Town Edinburgh hostel include Grassmarket and Princes Street.
View more Hostels in EdinburghOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Royal Mile - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • National Museum of Scotland - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Victoria Street - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • St. Giles' Cathedral - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Grassmarket - 7 min walk - 0.7 km

Getting around

  • Edinburgh Waverley Station - 5 min walk
  • St Andrew Square Tram Stop - 11 min walk
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 33 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Bella Italia - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Cafe Edinburgh - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Landy’s - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Caffè Nero - ‬5 min walk

About this property

a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

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
  • Lift
  • 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 a shower. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and hairdryers can be requested.

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26 Aug - 27 Aug
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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

  • Annual offsets purchased for at least 10% of carbon footprint
  • 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 sourced food prioritised
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • Renewable energy used
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Some profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • 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: 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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • An effective city/local tax rate of 5.00 per cent will be charged

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

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: from approximately GBP 10 for adults and from 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 credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses some solar energy
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that 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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. This property uses solar energy. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in all accommodation. 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).
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

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

What is the cancellation policy at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

A&o Edinburgh City - Hostel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

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

As of 23 Aug 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel on 30 Aug 2026 start from AU$281, 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.

Are there any beaches close to a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

The closest beach to a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel is Portobello Beach (4.8 km).

Does a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel serve breakfast?

Yeah, buffet brekkie is served weekdays between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM and on weekends from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

No, a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 299 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 378 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 186 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 78 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 64 out of 1005 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location, bar on property was great.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Prince

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great area!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sally

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Really nice staff and very clean, very comfy beds
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Colin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The shops were close and the staff were incredibly helpful and nice
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jorge Alberto

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great location and clutter free.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Susan

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

8/10 Good

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very central location clean and modern facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Debra

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

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Agnes

Yes room was spotless staff very nice and helpful
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

shailendra

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

10/10 Excellent

Grace

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

8/10 Good

Elyce

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a few issues upon arrival, as the key cards didn’t work and one of the elevators was out of service. However, the staff were extremely helpful and quickly addressed everything. While these issues were inconvenient, they didn’t seem to be within the hostel’s control. The staff really went above and beyond to make up for the inconvenience, which we appreciated. The facilities and amenities were good overall, and the room, while a bit small, was perfectly fine for a hostel—I've definitely stayed in smaller. Overall, I would highly recommend this place. The bar food was also excellent and definitely a highlight of the stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

chris

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

10/10 Excellent

SARAH

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sophia

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

Great location for the fringe

Great location, comfortable room and lots of entertainment at the hostel.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Maria Beatrice

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very good location in the Old Town, clean and buzzing, lovely staff
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified review

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

Emmely

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
We loved all the amenities. The bar was open late, so we could eat, drink, and meet people. We got our laundry done. The location is very convenient to the train station and lots to do in Edinburgh.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Neil

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice place
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Daphne

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

Great Location Clean Room

Amazing location right by The Royal Mile, Room was basic but clean, large bathroom, very hot shower. Amazing price for city centre and is ideal for a short city stay where you are out and about all day. Would stay again and would recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified review

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
Verified review

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