Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

Hotel with a 24-hour front desk, 4-minute walk to Royal Mile

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Where to?

Dates

November 2025

1

December 2025

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.

Popular amenities

Air conditioning
24/7 front desk
Housekeeping
Laundry
Free WiFi

includes taxes & fees

10 Nov - 11 Nov

Room options

Check availability for these dates

Tonight

Nov 1 - Nov 2

Tomorrow

Nov 2 - Nov 3

All rooms

1 bed

2 beds

3+ beds

Showing 17 of 17 rooms

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning

Renovated in 2024

Laptop workspace

Daily housekeeping

Sleeps 1
2 Twin Bunk Beds

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning

Renovated in 2024

Private bathroom

Laptop workspace

Daily housekeeping

Sleeps 1
2 Twin Bunk Beds

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning

Renovated in 2024

Private bathroom

Laptop workspace

Daily housekeeping

Sleeps 1
2 Twin Bunk Beds

Bed in 6-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning

Renovated in 2024

Laptop workspace

Daily housekeeping

Sleeps 1
3 Twin Bunk Beds

Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning

Renovated in 2024

Private bathroom

Laptop workspace

Daily housekeeping

Sleeps 1
3 Twin Bunk Beds

Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning

Renovated in 2024

Laptop workspace

Daily housekeeping

Sleeps 1
3 Twin Bunk Beds

Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning

Renovated in 2024

Laptop workspace

Daily housekeeping

Sleeps 1
4 Twin Bunk Beds

Bunk Twin Room Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning

Renovated in 2024

Private bathroom

Laptop workspace

Daily housekeeping

Sleeps 2
1 Large Twin Bunk Bed

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning

Renovated in 2024

Laptop workspace

Daily housekeeping

Sleeps 1
2 Twin Bunk Beds

Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning

Renovated in 2024

Laptop workspace

Daily housekeeping

Sleeps 1
6 Twin Beds

Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning

Renovated in 2024

Laptop workspace

Daily housekeeping

Sleeps 1
6 Twin Beds

Bed in 2-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning

Renovated in 2024

Laptop workspace

Daily housekeeping

Sleeps 1
2 Twin Beds

8-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning

Renovated in 2024

Laptop workspace

Daily housekeeping

Sleeps 8
8 Twin Beds

6-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning

Renovated in 2024

Laptop workspace

Daily housekeeping

Sleeps 6
6 Twin Beds

6-Bed Private Room Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning

Renovated in 2024

Laptop workspace

Daily housekeeping

Sleeps 6
6 Twin Beds

Quadruple Room Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning

Renovated in 2024

Laptop workspace

Daily housekeeping

Sleeps 4
4 Twin Beds

Quadruple Room Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning

Renovated in 2024

Laptop workspace

Daily housekeeping

Sleeps 4
4 Twin Beds

About the area

94 -116 Cowgate, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1JN

What's nearby

Royal Mile - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
University of Edinburgh - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
Grassmarket - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
Princes Street - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
Edinburgh Castle - 10 min walk - 0.9 km

Getting around

Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station) - 5 min walk
St Andrew Square Tram Stop - 10 min walk
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 31 min drive

Restaurants

‪Bannerman's Bar - ‬1 min walk
‪The Piper's Rest - ‬2 min walk
‪Cabaret Voltaire - ‬1 min walk
‪Salt Horse - ‬2 min walk
‪The Royal Oak - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

Hotel remodelled in 2024 and located near Royal Mile

A short walk from University of Edinburgh and Princes Street, Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate provides a terrace, a garden and laundry facilities. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.

Other perks at this hotel include:

A 24-hour front desk, a vending machine and luggage storage
Smoke-free property

Room features

All 230 rooms feature comforts such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, as well as perks such as free WiFi.

Similar properties

Free WiFi
Breakfast available
Bar
Laundry

includes taxes & fees

9 Nov - 10 Nov

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 transport

No on-site 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
Smoke-free property

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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

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

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 credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted

Long-term renters welcome

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

This property does not have any lifts

Property is also known as

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate Hotel

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate Edinburgh

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate Hotel Edinburgh

Frequently asked questions

Is Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?

As of 1 Nov 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate on 10 Nov 2025 start from €61.40, 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.

How much is parking at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?

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?

Checkout 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 Edinburgh Vaults, Royal Mile and University of Edinburgh. Grassmarket and Princes Street are also within 10 minutes. St Andrew Square Tram Stop is 10 minutes by foot and Princes Street Tram Stop is 12 minutes.

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Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate Reviews

6.8

6.8/10

Cleanliness

7.2/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Amenities

6.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.6/10

Eco-friendliness

8/10 Good

Solange

23 Sept 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Vineeth

29 Sept 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

ENRICO

21 Sept 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Safe

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Jerilyn

16 May 2025

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

6/10 Okay

Nadia

9 Aug 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

clean, spacious room and toilet. Not enough hanging hooks. Windows MUST be changed, loud music comes from the pub in front until 3 A.M !!!

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Colin

4 Aug 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

I liked the closeness to pubs and clubs & the smoking area. I hated the bunk beds & the noise of the people in the room with me. I didn't sleep at all

Big reception area was good but the room was awful. I couldn't sleep, the bunk beds are noisy & uncomfy.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Stephen

11 Jun 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

The only downside was the noise from the doors outside our room banging, and the conversations being had outside our room late at night and early in the morning. But for £40, what would we expect? We'd stay again, though.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Sydney

30 Jul 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

12 Jul 2025

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

8/10 Good

Liliane

14 Apr 2025

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

For just one night the hostel was ok. The only thing that bothered me was the large group of people who were together and talking very loudly and with music playing late at night.

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Chiara

19 Jun 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Disliked: Staff & service

Good but…

Good position but the service is very basic. You have to pay for any extra.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

2/10 Terrible

Rebecca

22 Aug 2024

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Lousy storage, have to pay for a lock. Poor room layouts. So loud opposite the pub

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

2/10 Terrible

Fatin Syahmina

19 Jun 2024

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Ive never rated someone with a low rate but PLEASE READ this before you consider to stay at this place. I paid for 2 nights, and when i checked in they said the keys are broken. Hence, i didnt received any keys to check in. The staff brought me to my bed and said “here’s your bed, no 5”. 20 minutes later another woman came in and said to me “the staff said my bed is no 5.” Ive uneasy feeling of the staff didnt record our check in properly, but i just said “nvm you can stay in bed no 6”. Mind you everytime we go to the toilet, we need to stop the door with a bottle to prevent the door from being shutted (because we dont hv the keys). My nightmare didnt stop there. I went out for a hike at 2am (first night) and went back 1am on the next day just to find out that someone was sleeping on my bed and my stuff were gone. Crazy huh? When i checked with the receptionist, he said my bed was no 2. But even, bed no 2 ws also occupied!!! It was a long and hard day, but they let someone sleep on my bed and throw my stuff away. IM NOT EVEN CHECKING OUT YET. Solution? I need to wait like 30 minutes and they gave me new bed & room and i need to move all my things to the new room which was on the next level? Did i deserve this? The laundry also cant be used. They have no elevator. Oh u might want to turn the shower to the “cool” label if you wanna use hot water (: and always check if they have provided the tissue paper in the toilet first before you start your “business”. thank me later!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Adam

30 Oct 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities

good

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Edgar Abraham

19 Sept 2025

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Rentamos habitación con baño y regadera y no servía la regadera. Nos prometieron arreglarla y no lo hicieron.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Mikel

13 Sept 2025

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Si quieres llegar a Edimburgo y encontrarte sin habitación, este es tu sitio. Te aseguro fuertes emociones según te enteres que no hay opción.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Angel daniel

3 Sept 2025

Disliked: Staff & service

Sebring tener mas atencion a los niños, se entiende que es un hostal pero mis dos noches parecia kinder en recreo a las 12:00 am mas de 10 niños corriendo por los pasillos gritando y tocando las Puertas de todas las habitaciones que estaban a su alcance, el personal comiendose los mocos fuera en el patio

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Rhojane

1 Sept 2025

It was a great place. Near by at downtown.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Barbara

1 Sept 2025

Liked: Staff & service

Staff gentile, location fantastica in pieno centro della città, vero punto di forza della struttura. Mi sono trovata bene, non bisogna aspettarsi molto, la pulizia non è buona, ma per stare qualche giorno va bene. La posizione dell'ostello è ottima.

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Ganesh Pandian

30 Aug 2025

Liked: Staff & service

Value for money except minor complaint.

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Reygina

18 Aug 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

The property was easy to find ! The staff are all lovely and helpful ! Excellent location walking distance from everything ! A lot of toilets and washing facilities. Clean beds and lockers for your stuff ( bring your own lock ). Would recommend ear plugs because it’s right across from three sisters and they play live music until like 3 am but that’s no fault of the hostel at all! I was prepared by the reviews so I brought earplugs, eyelash and had a good night sleep. All in all good place and did the job 😁

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darryl

28 Jul 2025

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