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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

Located in Edinburgh's heart, a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel offers a warm atmosphere, practical laundry facilities, and secure bike storage. Guests enjoy meals at Bar 50 all day and relax with in-room WiFi. Attentive staff ensures a memorable experience for all.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 10 of 10 rooms

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory

Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory | Free WiFi, bed sheets

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

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory | Free WiFi, bed sheets

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 8-Bed Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory

Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory | Free WiFi, bed sheets

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 Twin Room

Twin Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin Room

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Pet friendly
Daily housekeeping
  • 16 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 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

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 Twin room for Single use

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin room for Single use

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Pet friendly
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin 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 6-Bed Room (Bunk Beds Only)

6-Bed Room (Bunk Beds Only) | Free WiFi, bed sheets

6-Bed Room (Bunk Beds Only)

Highlights

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

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About the neighborhood

Map
50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1NE

What's nearby

  • Royal Mile - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • University of Edinburgh - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • St. Giles' Cathedral - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Princes Street - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Grassmarket - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles

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

  • ‪Whiski Bar & Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Bannerman's Bar - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Royal Oak - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Edinburgh Larder - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Cabaret Voltaire - ‬2 min walk

About this property

a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

Hostel near Royal Mile
University of Edinburgh and Grassmarket are located near a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel, which 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 a billiards/pool table
  • Smoke-free premises, ATM/banking services, and bicycle parking
  • A water dispenser, an elevator, and tour/ticket assistance
  • 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

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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 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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.

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 Edinburgh City Centre, 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. 285 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 388 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 192 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 77 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 62 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

6/10 Okay

Susan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6/10 Okay

Yan

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Facilities old, toilet not working well, shower room dirty. Bonus points, walking distance to the train station and the old town, royal miles.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 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

Sarah

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was great at the property. It had a few issues like a broken shower handle and the window opening to the bar, plus the keys were finicky, but it was really clean in the room and I felt really welcomed and safe.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Neil

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

8/10 Good

Heather

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
It was reasonably clean, the shower was a little awkward being in a tiny rome shared with the toilet, it was difficult to keep anything dry, and there wasnt any other private space to change. The front desk clerks were lovely, kind, and helpful.
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

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

Great Location off the Royal Mile.

For the price we paid, this is very good. No fuss, no frills. Central location is superb for the Fringe is fab.Ensuit shower for our twin room was very clean. Sheets and the room was acceptable. Room was a bit stuffy, but there was a fan which helped. No complaints.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Grace

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

4/10 Poor

WAI KI

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
I booked a room for 6 people but was given a room for 12 people. I found it very noisy. The guests made the beds in the middle of the night, which prevented me from sleeping. Some beds did not have sockets for charging.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2025

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

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

6/10 Okay

shashi

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness
Towel only on extra payment. Bathrooms not so clean.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Jerusha

advertising TV in private room but no TV’s were working. Hostel aware of this and didn’t inform me
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Peter

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
why?
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
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