Skip to main content

a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

2.0 star property
Travelers unwind with meals at Bar 50 or challenge friends to pool games at this vibrant Edinburgh hostel where relaxation meets adventure

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

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Bar
  • Laundry room
The current price is HK$579
HK$695 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Jan - 29 Jan

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 10 of 10 rooms

View all photos for 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
  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • 279 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single 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
  • 279 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

View all photos for 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
  • 279 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

View all photos for Twin Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin Room

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
Pet friendly
  • 172 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single 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
Pet friendly
  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Single Beds and 1 Single 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
Pet friendly
  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed and 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Twin room for Single use

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin room for Single use

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
Pet friendly
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for 8-Bed Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets

8-Bed Room

Highlights

Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for 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 Single Bunk Beds

You may also like

Ad
Interior

Holiday Inn Express - Edinburgh City Centre by IHG

Edinburgh City Centre
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 1,065 reviews
The price is HK$549
HK$659 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Jan - 26 Jan
Holiday Inn Express - Edinburgh City Centre by IHG
Mod logo
Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures!
Sign inSign up, it's free

About the area

Located in Edinburgh City Centre, 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 guide
View more Hostels in Edinburgh
Map
50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1NE

What's nearby

  • sunset time, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland
    Royal Mile
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • University of Edinburgh which includes heritage elements and heritage architecture
    University of Edinburgh
    4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Walter Scott Monument in the Rainy Day, Edinburgh, Scotland
    Princes Street
    6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Scenic sight in Edinburgh with the Castle in the background. Scotland.
    Grassmarket
    7 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland
    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
  • Cabaret Voltaire
    2 min walk
  • Burrito 'n Shakes
    3 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 a billiards/pool table
  • ATM/banking services, smoke-free property and a vending machine
  • A TV in reception, a lift and bike parking
  • 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

Similar properties

Aerial view
St. Christopher's Inn Edinburgh - Hostel
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available
  • Bar
7.8 out of 10, Good, 354 reviews
St. Christopher's Inn Edinburgh - Hostel

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 10 for adults and GBP 5 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 13
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: GBP 13
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 are allowed for an extra charge of GBP 13 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 10 for adults and from GBP 5 for children
  • Pet fee: GBP 13 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in fee: GBP 13 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: GBP 13 (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 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

We should mention

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

Property is also known as

Smart City Hostels Safestay Hostel Edinburgh
Smart City Hostels Safestay Hostel
Smart City Hostels Safestay Edinburgh
Smart City Hostels Safestay
Safestay Edinburgh Hostel
Smart City Hostels by Safestay
a o Edinburgh City
a o Edinburgh City Hostel
Safestay Edinburgh Royal Mile
a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel Edinburgh
a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

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 13 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 20 Jan 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel on 28 Jan 2026 start from HK$578.93, 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 13 (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 13 (subject to availability).

Where is a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel located?

Located in Edinburgh City Centre, this hostel is steps away from Museum of Childhood 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.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel Reviews

7.6

Good

7.6

Cleanliness

8.8

Location

8.0

Staff & service

7.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 288 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 384 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 189 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 77 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 62 out of 1000 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very central location clean and modern facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Susan

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

Keith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Really great stay for a night! Probably the most afforable hostel in the area and centrally-located. Close to Old Town and most of the major sites. My friend and I had a private room, which was spacious, very clean and just right. There is a bar directly downstairs where you can hear noise, but it wasn’t too bad. There’s a lot of younger folks / gen-z staying here, but definitely there are folks of all ages as well. Friendly staff, and lots of thingd to
Stayed 1 night in Oct 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

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean room, quiet night which i didnt expect.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 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

Himanshi

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

THE PERFECT DORM EVER!

Really nice place, the staff was extremely helpful and friendly and welcoming! The girl on the first day was very sweet, the way she was handling all the customers was spectacular, v patient and really sweet and respectful! Krishna was also really nice and friendly and helpful! Overall the stay, beds, cleanliness everything was perfect!! It mad emt solo trip very comfortbale and exciting OH i forgot to mention the bar pub and the kareoke AMAZING 5 star ratings Live the drinks the vibe everything!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 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

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

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

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We stayed in a private double room with its own bathroom. The location was wonderful as was the staff. I would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Cesar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
clean,safe,close to the main landmarks of the city
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

TANG King

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice and cute place. The staff are super helpful. Love the pub downstairs. Getting a bit too warm at night (March), and the shower room design is not friendly for people that in a normal body size… the door is very very narrow.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 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

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

Blair

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

Best Hostel in Scotland!

Really well placed in the centre of Edinburgh, Staff were amazing and really happy with overall cleanliness and comfort of rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason

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

Saskia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were quite modern, great place to just lay our head down. Very good price. Got towels in the room and soap. Would definitely recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

James

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

Great for a quick turnaround

I was barely in the property for 8 hours, it provided everything I needed: a bed, bathroom facilities and somewhere to get food and drink, would stay here again
Stayed 1 night in Aug 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