a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

Hostel with a restaurant, steps from Royal Mile

Choose dates to view prices

Where to?

Dates

November 2025

11

December 2025

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.

Good

Popular amenities

Bar
24/7 front desk
Pet friendly
Laundry

￥17,569 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 17 - Nov 18

Room options

Check availability for these dates

Tonight

Nov 11 - Nov 12

Tomorrow

Nov 12 - Nov 13

All rooms

1 bed

2 beds

3+ beds

Showing 11 of 11 rooms

Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory

Exceptional

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries

Daily housekeeping

22 sq m
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bunk Bed

Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries

Daily housekeeping

26 sq m
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bunk Bed

Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory

Very good

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries

Daily housekeeping

26 sq m
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bunk Bed

Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory

Very good

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries

Daily housekeeping

26 sq m
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bunk Bed

Twin Room

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries

Pet friendly

Daily housekeeping

16 sq m
Sleeps 2
2 Twin Beds

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

Quadruple Room

Good

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries

Daily housekeeping

22 sq m
Sleeps 4
1 Twin Bunk Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Twin room for Single use

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries

Pet friendly

Daily housekeeping

Sleeps 1
2 Twin Beds

8-Bed Room

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries

Daily housekeeping

Sleeps 8
4 Twin Bunk Beds

Quadruple Room

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries

Daily housekeeping

Sleeps 4
2 Twin Bunk Beds

6-Bed Room (Bunk Beds Only)

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries

Daily housekeeping

Sleeps 6
3 Twin Bunk Beds

About the neighborhood

EH1 1NE, Scotland, Edinburgh, 50 Blackfriars Street

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

‪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

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 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

Similar properties

Free WiFi
Breakfast available
Bar
Laundry

￥17,346 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 13 - Nov 14

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

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.

How much does it cost to stay at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?

As of Nov 11, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel on Nov 17, 2025 start from ￥14,641, excluding 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?

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

7.6

Good

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10 Excellent

Debra

Oct 3, 2025

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

Sep 19, 2025

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

Susan

Aug 5, 2025

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

Jul 29, 2025

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

Carl

Jul 1, 2025

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

Grace

Oct 9, 2024

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

Great stay!

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Peter

Aug 18, 2025

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

why?

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Aug 13, 2025

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

Disliked: Room comfort

Not for the faint hearted but would suit some!

To be fair we stayed on a very hot day during Edinburgh festival and didnt know the hostel was a venue. The room was far too hot (a fan maybe at least?) which meant we couldn't close the window without feeling like we were going to be cooked alive in our beds. Sadly the window was directly over the venue. A good place for the young or party goers or insomniacs.

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gerard

Nov 4, 2024

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

Morris

Jun 23, 2024

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

Lovely place

Best place to stay

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Ken

Jun 17, 2024

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

Lively bar great spot

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Keriann

May 14, 2025

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

8/10 Good

Jeff

Jun 28, 2023

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

Staff were friendly and helpful. Location was great

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Jul 8, 2024

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

Exceptional

Perfect location. Amazing staff. Great food

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mery

Sep 2, 2024

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

Nice cental clean accommodation

Good locations. Accommodation was clean but towels should be included.

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Janice

Aug 18, 2025

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

Findlay

Dec 14, 2023

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

Perfect setting

8/10 Good

Michelle

May 29, 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Jan 3, 2025

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

Mette

Jul 26, 2024

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

Perfect location

Well placed and got everything we need right in the middle of old town but the bottom of my bed was bended and with holes

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Ruben

Apr 2, 2024

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

Decent joint

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Shelly

Apr 25, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Right in the middle of everything. The staff was wonderful.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

6/10 Okay

Johannes

Oct 23, 2024

Liked: Staff & service

It's a Hostel. You get what you pay for.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Juho

Jul 13, 2025

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Week in edinburgh

We arrived a day later than originally planned due to an airline strike. We had informed the hostel a couple of days in advance by both phone and email, but when we got there, our reservation wasn’t in the system, even though it had already been paid for. Because of that, we had to wait at the reception for about an hour while the staff sorted things out with Hotels.com. In the end, we did get a room, which was overall in decent condition and clean. Big thumbs up for the bathroom and shower, which were surprisingly nice and well-kept. The room was quite hot due to a heatwave and there was no air conditioning, but that’s pretty understandable in a city like Edinburgh where extreme heat isn’t that common. One downside was the luggage storage room. It was ridiculously small considering the size of the hostel and the number of guests needing to store their bags.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Findlay

Dec 20, 2023

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

Excellent as usual

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

Reviews

Popular amenities

Room options

Check availability for these dates

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory

Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory

Highlights

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

Highlights

View all photos for Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory

Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory

Highlights

View all photos for Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory

Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory

Highlights

View all photos for Twin Room

Twin Room

Highlights

View all photos for Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children)

Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children)

Highlights

View all photos for Quadruple Room

Quadruple Room

Highlights

View all photos for Twin room for Single use

Twin room for Single use

Highlights

View all photos for 8-Bed Room

8-Bed Room

Highlights

Quadruple Room

Highlights

6-Bed Room (Bunk Beds Only)

Highlights

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About the neighborhood

What's nearby

Getting around

Restaurants

About this property

a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

Similar properties

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Property amenities

Internet

Food and drink

Restaurants on site

Things to do

Family friendly

Conveniences

Guest services

Outdoors

Accessibility

More

Room amenities

Bedroom

Bathroom

More

Policies

Check-in

Check-out

Special check-in instructions

Access methods

Pets

Children and extra beds

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

You need to know

We should mention

Property is also known as

Frequently asked questions

Have a question?

a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel Reviews