a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

2.0 star property

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Photo gallery for a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

Check-in/check-out kiosk
Lobby sitting area
Front of property
Billiards
Courtyard

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Breakfast available
  • Bar
  • Laundry room

Explore the area

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50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1NE
  • Place, Royal Mile
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Grassmarket
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Edinburgh Castle
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Airport, Edinburgh (EDI)
    ‪31 min drive‬

Room options

Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 22 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory

  • 26 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Twin Room

  • 16 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children)

  • 18 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Single Beds and 1 Single Bunk Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Quadruple Room

7.2 out of 10
Good
(10 reviews)
  • 22 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed and 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Twin room for Single use

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

8-Bed Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Single Bunk Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

6-Bed Room (Bunk Beds Only)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Single Bunk Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Similar properties

About this property

a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel

Along with a restaurant, this smoke-free hostel has a bar/lounge and a snack bar/deli. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, laundry facilities, a 24-hour front desk, and express check-out are onsite.
A&o Edinburgh City - Hostel offers 132 accommodations. This Edinburgh hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include showers. Housekeeping is offered daily and hair dryers can be requested.
Our customers tell us they can't get enough of the helpful staff at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from Royal Mile. Enjoy features like free WiFi in public areas, plus a restaurant and a bar.
  • Free WiFi
  • Grab something to eat at the restaurant or stop for a drink at the bar/lounge
  • Buffet breakfast served daily for a fee
  • Amenities include laundry facilities, an elevator, and a terrace
  • Guests have great things to say about the helpful staff and the clean accommodations
  • Steps from Royal Mile and 9 minutes by foot from Princes Street
  • Dogs welcome for a fee (restrictions apply)
There's a restaurant on site, as well as a snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces. A terrace, a vending machine, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel.

This Edinburgh hostel is smoke free.

For a fee, guests can enjoy buffet breakfast on weekdays from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and on weekends from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Bar 50 - This pub serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.

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

  • Annual offsets purchased for at least 10% of carbon footprint
  • 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 sourced food prioritised
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • Renewable energy used
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Some profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • 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: GBP 13 per pet, per night
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 1 pets
  • Certain rooms only
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately GBP 10 for adults and 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)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses some solar energy
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.
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

  • Children stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Pets are welcome in specific rooms only, which can be requested by contacting the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).

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

a&o Edinburgh City - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 299 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 380 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 181 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 77 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 63 out of 1000 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The shops were close and the staff were incredibly helpful and nice
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sally

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Really nice staff and very clean, very comfy beds
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jorge Alberto

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great location and clutter free.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Susan

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable beds and good location
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Daniel

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Blake

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very walkable to the Royal mile, great location!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Agnes

Yes room was spotless staff very nice and helpful
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very very clean and spotless, staff unbelievable and helpful. Definitely going back
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

shailendra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Grace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sophia

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

Great location for the fringe

Great location, comfortable room and lots of entertainment at the hostel.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Emmely

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

6/10 Okay

Neil

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice place
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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