In the heart of Edinburgh, a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel offers a warm atmosphere with laundry facilities and secured bicycle storage. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Bar 50 or unwind with WiFi in your room. Helpful staff are always on hand to make your stay unforgettable.
Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station) - 5 min walk
Edinburgh Waverley Station - 7 min walk
Edinburgh Haymarket Station - 28 min walk
St Andrew Square Tram Stop - 11 min walk
Princes Street Tram Stop - 14 min walk
Balfour Street Tram Stop - 26 min walk
Restaurants
Bannerman's Bar - 1 min walk
Royal Mile Tavern - 2 min walk
Cabaret Voltaire - 2 min walk
Whistle Binkies - 3 min walk
noodle 'n' rice - 3 min walk
About this property
a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel
A&o Edinburgh City - Hostel puts you in a great location, within just a 10-minute walk of Royal Mile and University of Edinburgh. You can unwind with a drink at the bar/lounge, and the restaurant is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat. Other features include a snack bar/deli, a terrace, and a garden. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff. Public transportation is just a short walk: St Andrew Square Tram Stop is 11 minutes and Princes Street Tram Stop is 14 minutes.
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
132 rooms
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Express check-out available
Early check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 10 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
DONE
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
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE
Children
Children stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
No cribs (infant beds)
DONE
Pets
Pets allowed (dogs only, 1 total)*
Service animals welcome
Specific rooms only*
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Buffet breakfast (surcharge) 7:00 AM–10:00 AM on weekdays and 7:00 AM–11:00 AM on weekends
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Snack bar/deli
Water dispenser
Traveling with children
Children stay free (see details)
What to do
Pool table
Services
24-hour front desk
Tour/ticket assistance
Laundry facilities
Bike storage
Facilities
ATM/banking
Garden
Terrace
Television in common areas
Bicycle parking
At least 80% of food locally-sourced
Vegetarian dining options
Annual offsets purchased for at least 10% of carbon footprint
Humane treatment of captive wild animals
Locally-owned & organized tours & activities
Local artist showcase
At least 10% of profits reinvested in community & sustainability
Local culture & ecosystem education
100% renewable energy
Double-glazed windows
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Comprehensive food waste policy
No plastic coffee stirrers
No plastic drinking straws
Water dispenser
Reusable cups only
Reusable tableware only
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Elevator
Elevator door width (inches): 93
Assistive listening devices available
Room amenities
Sleep well
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Shower only
Eco-friendly toiletries
Hair dryer (on request)
Stay connected
Free WiFi
More
Daily housekeeping
Eco-friendly toiletries
Bulk dispenser for toiletries
LED light bulbs
Water-efficient showers only
Water-efficient toilets only
Special features
Dining
Bar 50 - This pub serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Buffet breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately GBP 10 for adults and GBP 5 for children
Early check-in can be arranged for an extra charge of GBP 13 (subject to availability)
Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge of GBP 13 (subject to availability)
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of GBP 13 per pet, per night
Policies
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.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher on site.
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Cashless transactions are available.
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
Does a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?
Yes, dogs are welcome, with a limit of 1 total. There's a charge of GBP 13 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.
What are the check-in and check-out times at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. There's a charge of GBP 13 for early check-in (subject to availability). Check-out time is 10 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge of GBP 13 (subject to availability). Express check-out is available.
What is there to do at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel and nearby?
A&o Edinburgh City - Hostel has a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel?
Yes, there's an onsite restaurant, Bar 50.
What's the area around a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel like?
A&o Edinburgh City - Hostel is in Old Town Edinburgh, a short 5-minute walk from Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station) and 3 minutes' walk from Royal Mile.
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Reviews
a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel Reviews
7.6
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
7.8
Cleanliness
8.8
Location
8.0
Staff & service
7.6
Property conditions & facilities
Popular mentions
Room
Service staff
Location
Bed
Bar
Bathroom
Toilet
Shower
Budget
Backpackers
Reviews
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 26, 2026
Great location, bar on property was great.
Martin
Martin, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 15, 2026
Really nice staff and very clean, very comfy beds
Sally
Sally, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Dec 21, 2025
Very central location clean and modern facilities
Daniel
Daniel, 1-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Nov 12, 2025
Comfortable beds and good location
Susan
Susan, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 3, 2025
Excellent Location and very friendly and helpful staff.
Debra
Debra, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 3, 2025
Yes room was spotless staff very nice and helpful
Agnes
Agnes, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 16, 2025
Very very clean and spotless, staff unbelievable and helpful. Definitely going back
chris
chris, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Nov 28, 2025
We loved all the amenities. The bar was open late, so we could eat, drink, and meet people. We got our laundry done. The location is very convenient to the train station and lots to do in Edinburgh.
Emmely
Emmely, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 19, 2025
Perfect spot. Very close a lot of popular places and has a good bar attached to it. Also the staff is very nice.
SARAH
SARAH, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 3, 2025
Very good location in the Old Town, clean and buzzing, lovely staff
Maria Beatrice
Maria Beatrice, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 29, 2025
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.
Daphne
Daphne, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 29, 2025
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.
Zoe
Zoe, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 8, 2025
Really like to stay, it was really clean and the staff is really, really helpful
Rajat
Rajat, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 18, 2025
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
Keith
Keith, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 10, 2024
10/10 Amazing Staff and great location
Amazing Staff and great location
Jason
Jason, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 8, 2025
Clean room, quiet night which i didnt expect.
Paul
Paul, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 4, 2024
Staff were very good and the bar at the hostel is great. The food was lovely
Gerard
Gerard, 2-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Aug 29, 2025
Facilities old, toilet not working well, shower room dirty. Bonus points, walking distance to the train station and the old town, royal miles.
Yan
Yan, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 15, 2025
Great place to stay, close to centre of Edinburgh.
Room was clean, warm and larger than expected. Twin room with 1 set of bunk beds. Overlook the beer garden, but with windows closed noise was minimal. As good as any hotel.
Staff very friendly, thanking us for choosing to stay their and if we need any help or advise just ask.
Our room was in a locked corridor that only keyholders could enter.
Bar is open until 1am, didn’t hear anything after that time. Hostel was very quiet after bar closing and at 9.30am when we checked out.
Didn’t have breakfast in hostel.
Linda
Linda, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jun 21, 2024
clean,safe,close to the main landmarks of the city
Cesar
Cesar, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 16, 2024
We stayed in a private double room with its own bathroom. The location was wonderful as was the staff. I would stay again.
Jennifer
Jennifer, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 23, 2025
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!!!
Himanshi
Himanshi, 3-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jun 25, 2025
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.
Anita
Anita, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 26, 2024
I like the area. Easy to get around to other places and very close to shopping center.
Quynh
Quynh, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 17, 2023
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.