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a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

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

Photo gallery for a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

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

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • Pet-friendly
  • Laundry
The current price is AU$216
includes taxes & fees
25 Sept - 26 Sept

Explore the area

View map
50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1NE
  • Royal Mile
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • University of Edinburgh
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Edinburgh Castle
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Edinburgh (EDI)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Twin Room

Twin Room

Twin Room

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
Pet friendly
  • 16 sq m
  • 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
  • 26 sq m
  • 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
  • 26 sq m
  • 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
  • 22 sq m
  • 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
  • 18 sq m
  • 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
  • 26 sq m
  • 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
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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The price is AU$230
includes taxes & fees
28 Sept - 29 Sept
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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 - 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

  • ‪Cafe Edinburgh - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Bannerman's Bar - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Whiski Bar & Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Royal Mile Tavern - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Inn on the Mile - ‬2 min walk

About this property

a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

Hostel with a restaurant, steps from Royal Mile
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.

Similar properties

Front of property

CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh

  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast available
  • Bar
  • Laundry
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 1,023 reviews
The price is AU$256
includes taxes & fees
1 Oct - 2 Oct
CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh

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
  • 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 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: GBP 12.00 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

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 9.9 for adults and from 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)

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 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 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

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 3 Sept 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel on 25 Sept 2025 start from AU$215.86, 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. 278 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 396 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 192 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 73 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 61 out of 1000 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

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

8/10 Good

Daniel

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The people at the service desk were so wonderful and helpful. They let us store our luggage since we arrived before check in. They showed us where things were in the building and access to lifts so we could avoid hauling luggage up the stairs. The facilities and our room were kept clean. Our room was very cramped and tight, which we expected, but that was my only complaint. We had no room to open or lay out our suitcases. The 2 main beds were made up, but the bunk beds we had to put sheets on ourselves, which I didn't like. Overall a good stay and I would go back again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Keriann

Travelled with family
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

4/10 Poor

Mackenzie

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Jasmine Eleanore

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The Bar beneath the property was very loud and made sleeping terribly hard. The price for renting any kind of appliance was pretty high for the condition they were in (given, I didn't exactly expect new, super fluffy Towels that smelled of Roses but, at least without stains and holes would have been nice and the Hairdryer was not much of a help with drying my hair either). The 'privacy curtains' were a Joke given the didn't close properly or reach the matress.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 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

2/10 Terrible

Jake

Travelled with family
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

8/10 Good

Margaret

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
I saw that my opinion and satisfying DOESN'T MATTER........ what else opinion You needed?
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rajat

Business traveller, Travelled with group
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

8/10 Good

Matthew

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Micheal

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Rugby refuge

Very adequate while there for a rugby match. Excellent location just off the royal mile. Very safe and secure
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Travelled with family
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

8/10 Good

Bramble

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
My first solo trip, I was nervous about the concept of a hostel but a&o made it easy and made every opportunity to make available help known to me. My key card unfortunately stopped working but thankfully I only came and went once from my dorm so no real fault to place.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Liam

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Saskia

Travelled with group
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

10/10 Excellent

Fanny

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
La estancia fue increíble, súper accesible, el staff es muy amable, súper limpio todo y es de los mejores hostales
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Quynh

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I like the area. Easy to get around to other places and very close to shopping center.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gerard

Travelled with group
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

Grace

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

6/10 Okay

SHARON

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great clean facility - but noise from pub every night was very loud until the wee hours of the morning - very challenging !!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Paul

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

2/10 Terrible

Jeno

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel decided to change our room to a worse one, due to high demand without prior notice. They say we should be grateful to get what we've got.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was perfect as a reasonably priced late booking compared to extortionate hotel prices if all you were looking for was a bed and a shower. I was lucky to get a bunk room for 4 on my own
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024