Hostel
 Castle Rock Hostel

15 Johnston Terrace, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH12PW, United Kingdom – Excellent location – show map

Excellent location – rated 9.8/10! (score from 1824 reviews)

Real guests • Real stays • Real opinions

8.7
Excellent
1,822 reviews

Everything!! Location, comfort, cleanliness, staff, atmosphere/vibe and they even do your laundry for you!

Dominique Canada

Excellent location. Our 14 people room was nice and big.

Gabriela Uruguay

the property was great. good location great staff very friendly.

Barbra United States of America

Overall, it was a nice hostel experience. Everything was clean and the location couldn't have been better right next to the castle. I stayed on a Friday-Saturday so I missed the main activity nights, but I heard good things about them.

Melanie Netherlands

The location is right next to the Royal Mile and we could see the castle from our window! The staff were helpful and knowledgeable. The pub tour was a blast!

Jeanne United States of America

The location and the decoration! Also, the view from the room!

Savvas United Kingdom

Fantastic location, daily fun activities with the hostel. Great staff. Great vibe. One of the best if not the best hostel I've stayed in so far. Loved it!

Malin Switzerland

such a cool place, good location, clean, and friendly staff

Gillian United States of America

The location was just perfect. Right next to the castle. What a shame I had no view. The room was clean when I arrived.

Cesur United Kingdom

The location was wonderful. We met so many people.

Michelle United States of America
8.7
Excellent
1,822 reviews
  • What guests loved the most:
  • “Everything!! Location, comfort, cleanliness, staff, atmosphere/vibe and they even do your laundry for you!”
    Dominique Dominique Canada Canada
  • “Excellent location. Our 14 people room was nice and big.”
    Gabriela Gabriela Uruguay Uruguay
  • “the property was great. good location great staff very friendly.”
    Barbra Barbra United States of America United States of America
  • “Overall, it was a nice hostel experience. Everything was clean and the location couldn't have been better right next to the castle.”
    Melanie Melanie Netherlands Netherlands
  • “The location is right next to the Royal Mile and we could see the castle from our window! The staff were helpful and knowledgeable. The pub tour was a blast!”
    Jeanne Jeanne United States of America United States of America
  • “The location and the decoration! Also, the view from the room!”
    Savvas Savvas United Kingdom United Kingdom
  • “Fantastic location, daily fun activities with the hostel. Great staff. Great vibe. One of the best if not the best hostel I've stayed in so far. Loved it!”
    Malin Malin Switzerland Switzerland
  • “such a cool place, good location, clean, and friendly staff”
    Gillian Gillian United States of America United States of America
  • “The location was just perfect. Right next to the castle. What a shame I had no view. The room was clean when I arrived.”
    Cesur Cesur United Kingdom United Kingdom
  • “The location was wonderful. We met so many people.”
    Michelle Michelle United States of America United States of America

Categories:

  • Staff9.3
  • Facilities8.7
  • Cleanliness8.6
  • Comfort8.5
  • Value for money9.1
  • Location 9.8
  • Free WiFi8.6
High score for Edinburgh

Stay in the heart of Edinburgh – Excellent location – show map

In Edinburgh’s Old Town, Castle Rock Hostel is conveniently located 11 minutes’ walk from Waverley Train Station, and 3 minutes from Grassmarket and Edinburgh Castle. In a 19th-century building decorated with art, this adult-only property has colorful dormitories and free WiFi access.

The hostel offers accommodations exclusively for guests aged 18 years and older. Dormitories feature bunk beds with bedside lockers and have use of shared bathroom facilities with showers. There is a cozy lounge with a piano and large sofas by the fireplace, a movie room with big screen and an internet lounge with WiFi.

Breakfast is unfortunately not available at the moment, but we have a large self catering kitchen for guest use. Laundry and luggage storage services are also offered.

This hostel is around 5 minutes’ walk from Princes Street Gardens, The Scottish National Gallery and the National Museum of Scotland. It is also a pick-up point for free walking tours around the city.

This is our guests' favorite part of Edinburgh, according to independent reviews.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.9 for a two-person trip.

Castle Rock Hostel has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Nov 15, 2013

Show me more

Most popular amenities

Free WiFi
Non-smoking rooms
24-hour front desk
Laundry
Heating

Property Highlights

Located in the real heart of Edinburgh, this property has an excellent location score of 9.8!

Saved to 3448 lists

Availability

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4 reasons to choose Castle Rock Hostel

  • Prices you can't beat!
  • Booking is safe
  • Manage your bookings online
  • The staff speaks English

Guest reviews

8.7
Excellent · 1,822 reviews
Read all reviews
Categories:
  • Staff9.3
  • Facilities8.7
  • Cleanliness8.6
  • Comfort8.5
  • Value for money9.1
  • Location 9.8
  • Free WiFi8.6
High score for Edinburgh

Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Dominique
    CanadaCanada
    “Everything!! Location, comfort, cleanliness, staff, atmosphere/vibe and they even do your laundry for you!”
  • Gabriela
    UruguayUruguay
    “Excellent location. Our 14 people room was nice and big.”
  • Barbra
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “the property was great. good location great staff very friendly.”
  • Melanie
    NetherlandsNetherlands
    “Overall, it was a nice hostel experience. Everything was clean and the location couldn't have been better right next to the castle. I stayed on a Friday-Saturday so I missed the main activity nights, but I heard good things about them.”
  • Jeanne
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “The location is right next to the Royal Mile and we could see the castle from our window! The staff were helpful and knowledgeable. The pub tour was a blast!”
  • Savvas
    United KingdomUnited Kingdom
    “The location and the decoration! Also, the view from the room!”
  • Malin
    SwitzerlandSwitzerland
    “Fantastic location, daily fun activities with the hostel. Great staff. Great vibe. One of the best if not the best hostel I've stayed in so far. Loved it!”
  • Gillian
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “such a cool place, good location, clean, and friendly staff”
  • Cesur
    United KingdomUnited Kingdom
    “The location was just perfect. Right next to the castle. What a shame I had no view. The room was clean when I arrived.”
  • Michelle
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “The location was wonderful. We met so many people.”
Property questions and answers
Browse questions from guests for anything extra you want to know about the property

The property usually replies within a few days

  • How far are you from the Bus Stop (Direct Special Bus, not local bus) to the airport? I need to take the bus at 4am in the morning, and I don't want to have to walk far. I am not asking about the Airport train because it does not run that early in the moning. Thx
    Hi, It is about a 10min walk to the Airlink 100 bus stop from our Hostel. The bus leaves every 10min 24hrs a day. If you have any further questions, please let us know. Kind regards, Castle Rock Crew
    Answered on December 9, 2019
  • Are people who are booking for a single person use going to be in rooms with other people? Just wondering due to COVID
    Hi Thanks for getting in touch! At the present moment we are allocating single person travellers to their own room, with their own allocated shower and toilet. Hope this helps Luke
    Asked about: Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room • Answered on December 15, 2020
  • Hiya, I travel solo and stopping in Edinburgh for feew days... I like the vibe of ur place, just not sure about sharing a dorm with others regarding covid... So I am curious how u approach the situation? Thank you for ur answer, best regards, Petra x
    Hi there! Our COVID protocols mean that all bookings get their own room, so you won't be sharing with anyone :) Hope to see you soon! Castle Rock Crew x x
    Answered on June 17, 2021
  • I will be traveling with e other people. coming from airport would taxi or bus be easier?
    We normally recommend the bus (Airlink 100) as it is inexpensive, quick and easy.
    Answered on July 12, 2022
  • I'm arriving late at night, is it safe to walk from the bus stop to the hostel?? thank youu
    Hi, yes it is !
    Answered on December 18, 2021

  • Still looking?

    Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.

Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.

Area info *
Guests loved walking around the neighborhood!
Excellent location – show map
Located in the historic old town

Stay in the oldest part of Scotland's capital, where gas lamps light up elegant buildings and cobblestone streets. Nearby, the impressive Edinburgh Castle looks over the city.

What's nearby
  • The Scotch Whisky Experience
    0 miles
  • Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
    0 miles
  • Grassmarket
    0.1 miles
  • Armstrong's Vintage
    0.1 miles
  • Royal Mile
    0.1 miles
  • Gladstones Land
    0.1 miles
  • Princes Street Gardens
    0.1 miles
  • Central Library
    0.1 miles
  • National Library of Scotland
    0.2 miles
  • Edinburgh Castle
    0.2 miles
Restaurants & cafes
  • Restaurant Royal Mile Tavern
    0.5 miles
  • Cafe/Bar Hideout Cafe
    0 miles
  • Restaurant Fiddler's Arms
    0.1 miles
Top attractions
  • The Real Mary King's Close
    0.2 miles
  • National Museum of Scotland
    0.3 miles
  • University of Edinburgh
    0.4 miles
  • Edinburgh Playhouse
    0.7 miles
  • Arthur's Seat
    1.3 miles
  • Murrayfield Stadium
    1.7 miles
  • Royal Yacht Britannia
    2.4 miles
  • Edinburgh Zoo
    2.9 miles
  • Dalhousie Castle
    7.5 miles
  • Forth Bridge
    8.8 miles
Closest Airports
  • Edinburgh Airport
    6.5 miles
  • Dundee Airport
    35.5 miles
  • Glasgow Airport
    48.2 miles
How to get to Castle Rock Hostel from Edinburgh Airport
    Public transportation
* All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.
Missing some information? Yes / No
Great! Thanks for your response.
Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.
Amenities of Castle Rock Hostel

Most popular amenities

Free WiFi
Non-smoking rooms
24-hour front desk
Laundry
Heating
Kitchen
  • Shared kitchen
Activities
  • Tour or class about local culture
  • Walking tours
  • Movie nights
  • Stand-up comedy Off-site Additional charge
  • Pool table
Internet
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking
No parking available.
Services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Lockers
  • Baggage storage
  • Tour desk
  • Laundry
  • 24-hour front desk
Entertainment & Family Services
  • Board games/Puzzles
Safety & security
  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • 24-hour security
  • Safe
General
  • Adults only
  • Designated smoking area
  • Smoke-free property
  • Heating
  • Non-smoking rooms
Languages Spoken
  • Afrikaans
  • English
  • Spanish
  • French
Missing some information? Yes / No
Great! Thanks for your response.
Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.
Sustainability initiatives
This property has taken steps to provide more sustainable and eco-friendly travel

House rules Castle Rock Hostel takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in

From 3:00 PM

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in

Check-out

Until 10:30 AM

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children not allowed.

Crib and extra bed policies

There's no capacity for cribs at this property.

This property doesn't offer extra beds.

Age restriction

The minimum age for check-in is 18

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Mastercard Visa American Express Castle Rock Hostel accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print

Guests must be over the age of 18 years. Guests aged 17 or younger will not be granted entry to the property. Children are not permitted.

When booking for 5 guests or more, different policies and additional supplements will apply. A collection of individual bookings of friends/family is still classed as a group. Please contact the property directly for full terms.

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

Food and beverage services at this property may be limited or unavailable due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

It's not possible to stay at this property for coronavirus (COVID-19) quarantine purposes.

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.

FAQs about Castle Rock Hostel

  • The prices at Castle Rock Hostel may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

  • Check-in at Castle Rock Hostel is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is until 10:30 AM.

  • Castle Rock Hostel offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):

    • Pool table
    • Stand-up comedy
    • Walking tours
    • Movie nights
    • Tour or class about local culture

  • Castle Rock Hostel is 650 feet from the center of Edinburgh.

  • From the nearest airport, you can get to Castle Rock Hostel by:

    • Tram 40min