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Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

2.5 star property
Travelers can retreat to a peaceful garden for quiet moments or step outside to wander through Edinburgh's historic streets just steps from the door

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Photo gallery for Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

A historic building with a stone facade, multiple windows, and a prominent corner turret. - Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate (Edinburgh)
A restaurant interior with colorful chairs, a mural, and large windows offering a view of the street. - Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate (Edinburgh)
A reception desk with a digital screen displaying a music video, a store bag sign, and a QR code for store bags. - Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate (Edinburgh)
Two people with backpacks in a building with a staircase and a hand sanitizer dispenser. - Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate (Edinburgh)
An outdoor patio area with tables and chairs, a stone wall, and a blue cow sculpture. - Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate (Edinburgh)
Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate brings vibrancy to its Royal Mile location while offering a tranquil garden where guests can escape the city bustle. The hotel provides in-room WiFi and puts visitors within walking distance of St. Giles' Cathedral and the charming Grassmarket area.

Reviews

7.2 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 17 of 17 rooms

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

A narrow hallway with bunk beds on one side and a green wardrobe on the other.

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

Laptop workspace, WiFi (free), bed sheets

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

Laptop workspace, WiFi (free), bed sheets

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

A room with bunk beds, wooden flooring, a window with curtains, and a hanging light fixture.

Bed in 6-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

A bunk bed in a hostel room with a yellow wall and a sign that reads "Safestay hostels".

Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

A room with bunk beds, wooden flooring, a window with curtains, and a hanging light fixture.

Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

A bunk bed with a green headboard and a white pillow.

Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bunk Twin Room Ensuite

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a green wall, a window with curtains, and a visible bathroom door.

Bunk Twin Room Ensuite

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Large Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

A narrow hallway with bunk beds on one side and a green wardrobe on the other.

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Ensuite

A bunk bed in a hostel room with a yellow wall and a sign that reads "Safestay hostels".

Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Ensuite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 6 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Shared Bathroom

A room with bunk beds, wooden flooring, a window with curtains, and a hanging light fixture.

Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Shared Bathroom

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 6 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 2-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a green wall, a window with curtains, and a visible bathroom door.

Bed in 2-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for 8-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

A bunk bed with a green headboard and a white pillow.

8-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for 6-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

A room with bunk beds, wooden flooring, a window with curtains, and a hanging light fixture.

6-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for 6-Bed Private Room Ensuite

A bunk bed in a hostel room with a yellow wall and a sign that reads "Safestay hostels".

6-Bed Private Room Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Quadruple Room Ensuite

Laptop workspace, WiFi (free), bed sheets

Quadruple Room Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Quadruple Room Shared Bathroom

A narrow hallway with bunk beds on one side and a green wardrobe on the other.

Quadruple Room Shared Bathroom

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Located in Old Town Edinburgh, a neighborhood in Edinburgh, Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate is near the airport and near a train station. Royal Mile and Grassmarket are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Princes Street Gardens and Portobello Beach. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Edinburgh International Conference Centre or Murrayfield Stadium. Visit our Edinburgh travel guide
Map
94 -116 Cowgate, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1JN

What's nearby

  • A cobblestone street lined with colorful buildings, a pub named 'Squeez,' and a shop called 'Pink.'
    Victoria Street
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • A stone pathway leading to historic buildings with a castle in the background.
    Grassmarket
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • A spacious, multi-level shopping mall with high ceilings and ornate railings.
    National Museum of Scotland
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • A cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, including a Gothic church and a classical building with arches.
    Royal Mile
    4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • A historic castle on a hill with a statue in the foreground.
    Edinburgh Castle
    9 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

  • Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station)
    7 min walk
  • St Andrew Square Tram Stop
    11 min walk
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
    37 min drive

Restaurants

  • Deacon Brodies Tavern
    5 min walk
  • Frankenstein
    4 min walk
  • The Elephant House
    6 min walk
  • Nando's
    5 min walk
  • Luckenbooths
    4 min walk

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Lockers
  • Luggage storage
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

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.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

More

  • Renovated entire property - June 2024
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Shower

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Laptop workspace

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

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 not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Towels fee: EUR 4 per person, per stay (or guests may bring their own)

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 and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Long-term renters welcome
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Frequently asked questions

Is Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

This property doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

What time is check-out at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate located?

Located in Old Town Edinburgh, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Parliament House, Royal Mile, and Grassmarket. Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle are also within 10 minutes. St Andrew Square Tram Stop is 11 minutes by foot and Princes Street Tram Stop is 13 minutes.

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Reviews

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate Reviews

7.2

Good

7.2

Cleanliness

6.8

Amenities

7.6

Staff & service

7.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 45 out of 145 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 37 out of 145 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 34 out of 145 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 9 out of 145 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 20 out of 145 reviews

Reviews

Verified

6/10 Okay

Rhonda

Liked: Staff & service
If you just need a room with a bathroom for a couple nights this will work nicely. I was pleasantly surprised. Staff, shops nearby,location were great and I would stay there again
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carlie

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Staff were extremely helpful when I had forgotten to request a bottom bunk for my tired old bones with few if any climbing skills. They went above and beyond to help find me another room. Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Xuyen

Liked: Staff & service
The rooms were clean and I like that the beds felt semi private since it covers your face. It is ideal to get a room with a private bathroom. The public one, I felt exposed since the top of the stall is open and both genders use it and it feels a bit dirty. It is very loud at night with the bar so bring ear plugs. The road to get to the front of the building feels desolate but when you turn the into the main corner of the street there are lots of stores to shop around.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

brendon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean rooms and helpful staff. Bedding was clean. Rooms were quiet and secure. Bunk beds aren’t bad, but the ladders to the top bunks are pretty narrow, making it difficult to get down from. Hallways are a bit narrow, but it’s in an old building. The location is fine, it’s on the lower street so you have a few young drunk people walking around late at night. Shops are nearby. Overall an enjoyable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I do recommend this hostel. It is in old town, Edinburgh, and it was awesome. The location is good. You will really enjoy it. The only thing I didn’t like is the way the showers they were facing the wall a very hard to get wet.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Darryl

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

Great location, perfect hostel for City Stays

Pleasant stay at the hostel. Having our own dorm was great and made it affordable for three people meeting up, visiting the City and just having a catch. Great location and close to the Cities parkrun that takes place on Saturday
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Jerilyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Felt safe and clean. Will definitely stay again if ever in Edinburgh.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Solange

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Over all a comfortable stay. It could definitely use some renovating and the stairs are strong concrete but molded oddly in certain areas. But the staff was extremely helpful and the area was very convenient for walking old Edinburgh.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Anne-Marie

Very friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Elisabeth

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
The location is amazing. Staff is very nice. The shared bathroom was not perfectly clean and a bit smelly, that's why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vineeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The only small hiccup was the shower water pressure, it felt a bit weak. Other than that, the place was clean, central, and the staff were friendly. overall great!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

melvin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Can’t say enough good about this place. Our second stay here. Staff and management are wonderful!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Hannah

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Beds and toilets were a little rickety, but otherwise it was pretty good. Convenient location, good staff, easy to get to places around it, and quite affordable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Alissa

Liked: Staff & service
Ok stay. Hostel close to things, but had a dirty ally cat feel. 4 person private room was so small. Basic metal bunk beds with a light on a power strip in the bunk. No handle to get up, no shelves or hooks to put things. Very tight quarters. Only 1 small rack of hooks in the room. Same for the community shower..4 hooks, no bench or shelf. Very small!! Rooms and bathrooms weren't super clean. There was something spilled down the head end of our bunk and the light fixure at me head hadn't been wiped in ages. Layer of black gunk around the lockers edges. Also, it was very noisy from the bar across the street to the squeaky door where people came in andout of all night long. We could hear ppl closings bathroom doorsand using the facilities at all times. Staff was friendly and there is a small foyer with sofas where a few ppl can hang out. Also a smalll dining area with 6 tables and benches where you could eat a sack meal.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
If you need a good nights sleep, you won't get it here. But! It is clean, and I (solo female traveler) felt safe.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Monika

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Central but dirty

VERY much noise from the bar next door. The room was dirty. The beds were hard. Had to pay extra for towels and luggage storage. Friendly staff. Good location, very central. We stayed for four nights.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great experience, exceeded my expectations over value for money. The bunks have privacy screens around the head and feet of the bed, which made sharing a room feel less invasive. Music can be heard from the bar around the front of the building (it’s summer, so we had the windows open) but it wasn’t an issue, my days were so packed with walking and exploring that I slept really well! I found the bed comfy. Showers did the job, I brought my own towel. Would recommend bringing a padlock for your locker if you are concerned about valuables, but it would better serve not bringing ‘valuables’ (if possible) in the first place. I love Edinburgh and a place like this really encourages me to visit more regularly. Thanks Safestay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Sydney

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The hostel was very close to the heart of the city, so it was near shopping, food, and activities. We didn’t need public transport for anything except getting to the airport. The hostel is directly next door to an outdoor bar/music venue, so there was noise at all hours of the day. Since there is no A/C, the windows needed to stay open, so we were constantly hearing whatever was going on across the street. It didn’t bother us any, but it may bother you if you are a light sleeper and/or are traveling with children. My one critique of the hostel is that the bathrooms were quite dirty, and they smelled pretty bad.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

STEPHEN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff friendly & helpful. Room clean. Bed allocation system chaotic. Breakfast Extremely limited. No wi fi. Bathroom door lock poor
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Zoe

Liked: Cleanliness

Not as advertised, expensive for not much

No hot water for the shower, no toilet in the en-suite I had paid for, no sanitary bins (communal mixed gender bathrooms even though paid for female ensuite room), no wifi or signal at the hostel which isn’t safe for solo travellers but also advertised as free wifi everywhere. No bar license yet so can’t serve drinks. Basically nothing that’s advertised is available, also charged double compared to what people in my room paid. Also randomly charged an extra £53 and not sure what for, noticed it on my banking once I got internet when in the city centre. Absolutely shocking. The guys on reception were helpful though at checkin.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. In the middle of downtown and it was very cute, cozy and accommodating. Would stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

aline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, friendly and helpful staff, so close to everything. Could use a bathroom rug, and perhaps a desk or chair in the room. Loud night club cross the window, but mostly just the sat night.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

eduardo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent ! Well located, super clean, definitely recommended
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness
We had a four person (two bunk) room with basic en suite facilities for the same price as a room in a good 5 star London hotel. Appalling value for money for a hostel. Not sure how they justify the exceptionally high pricing.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay for the price, but we were in a private room and had no drug users en-suite. There definitely were profuse users in and around the property, but we did not have any issues.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026