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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
Lobby sitting area
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served
Reception
Front of property
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
  • Housekeeping
The current price is €115
includes taxes & fees
5 Oct - 6 Oct

Room options

Check availability for these dates

Tonight

Sep 18 - Sep 19
Check availability for tonight Sep 18 - Sep 19

Tomorrow

Sep 19 - Sep 20
Check availability for tomorrow Sep 19 - Sep 20
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
  • 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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 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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About the area

Located in Old Town Edinburgh, a neighbourhood in Edinburgh, a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel is near a train station. Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle are notable landmarks, and travellers 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.
Visit our Edinburgh travel guideOpens in a new window
View more Hostels in EdinburghOpens in a new window
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 - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Cabaret Voltaire - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Burrito 'n Shakes - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The City Cafe - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪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 such as:
  • Buffet breakfast (surcharge), express check-out and tour/ticket information
  • A 24-hour front desk, a vending machine and secured bike storage
  • A water dispenser, ATM/banking services and a billiards/pool table
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff
Room features
All 132 rooms include amenities such as free WiFi. Guest reviews highly rate the cleanliness rooms at the property.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Eco-friendly toiletries and showers
  • LED light bulbs and daily housekeeping

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 are 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 on 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.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

  • 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)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

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 18 Sept 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel on 5 Oct 2025 start from €114.73, 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.

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?

Checkout is at 10 AM. Late checkout 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 away 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. 278 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 398 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 193 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 73 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 61 out of 1003 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Fanny

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

Morris

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

Lovely place

Best place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

4/10 Poor

Janice

When myself and friends checked in at reception we were told the room was different to the one booked! I had booked a quad room with 2 single beds and a set of bunk beds it had been changed to 2 sets of bunk beds bearing in mind I booked this in January and 2 of us could not get on the top bunk one of us had knee problems the other was 74 years old and couldn’t possibly get on the top bunk. I received no email to say the room had been changed and the receptionist said nothing could be done and didn’t seem bothered, we had to put the mattress on the floor so my friend could get some sleep.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

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

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

Micheal

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

Quynh

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

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

2/10 Terrible

Saya

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
I appreciated that they had an easily accessible luggage room. Fortunately, my roommates were quite tidy, and the bathroom wasn’t in bad condition. However, I have to mention a serious flaw. I stayed in a room with eight double bunk beds, but the top bunks didn’t have any power outlets. I asked the person in the lower bunk if I could use one of the outlets near his bed (since each lower bunk had two), but because he had asked me out as soon as I arrived—and I declined—he simply ignored me. Leaving that individual aside, the real issue is the system itself. Guests shouldn’t have to negotiate with each other for something as essential as access to electricity. It’s a completely flawed setup. I won’t be staying here again. Tourists rely on their phones for navigation, communication, and planning—who would choose accommodation where there’s no guarantee you can even charge your device???
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

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