Hostel a&o Edinburgh City

50 Blackfriars Street, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 1NE, United Kingdom – Excellent location – show map

Excellent location – rated 9.4/10! (score from 4237 reviews)

Real guests • Real stays • Real opinions

7.9
Good
4,237 reviews

Great price for downtown Edinburgh, easy walk to university and royal mile. We are a family of 4 (2 parents, 2 teens) and rented a 4--person room with 2 sets of bunk beds. Beds were about as comfortable as you'd expect...not luxurious, but also not as thin & lumpy as many hostel beds. Linens were left for us to make the beds with, and were very clean. Small toilet/shower room ensuite. My teenage sons would LOVE to come back without us -- the bar and lovely outdoor patio were hopping all evening until maybe 1-ish? Seemed like a super fun place for young people to stay awhile. Even with the bar/courtyard partying, it wasn't too, too loud and we were able to sleep fine with ear plugs. The front desk staff were also very friendly and kind, helped us with printing COVID paperwork and boarding passes in the morning before we left. We would absolutely stay again - great value.

Jennifer United States of America

The rooms need a chair or 2 and tv would be good.breakfast was good, room clean..staff friendly..

Diane United States of America

Location is perfect, very close to the royal mile & within walking distance to the train station

Rezareza United Kingdom

Location was perfect, bar and restaurant amazing, staff very helpful and kind.

Carlos Mexico

Patrick the receptionist is a very friendly person

Jamie United Kingdom

Great location, short walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station. Key card access for out of hours. Really friendly and helpful staff, they went above and beyond to sort a problem. Nice en-suite bathroom and plenty of storage. Liked the black out curtains around the beds.

Sarah United Kingdom

I stayed for a night, the room was clean, if someone looking for a budget friendly hostel will recommend it.

Shekhar United Kingdom

i like this hostel. good rate/ facilities ratio

Guntis Spain

We booked a dorm room to ourselves for 8 people and were given a dorm room for 10 which was great, and it had two toilets and two showers, which was excellent and unexpected!

Izzy United Kingdom

I like the receptionist girl, probably Spanish, very nice, helpful and polite.

Sylwester United Kingdom
7.9
Good
4,237 reviews
  • What guests loved the most:
  • “Great price for downtown Edinburgh, easy walk to university and royal mile. We are a family of 4 (2 parents, 2 teens) and rented a 4--person room with 2 sets of bunk beds.”
    Jennifer Jennifer United States of America United States of America
  • “The rooms need a chair or 2 and tv would be good.breakfast was good, room clean..staff friendly..”
    Diane Diane United States of America United States of America
  • “Location is perfect, very close to the royal mile & within walking distance to the train station”
    Rezareza Rezareza United Kingdom United Kingdom
  • “Location was perfect, bar and restaurant amazing, staff very helpful and kind.”
    Carlos Carlos Mexico Mexico
  • “Patrick the receptionist is a very friendly person”
    Jamie Jamie United Kingdom United Kingdom
  • “Great location, short walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station. Key card access for out of hours. Really friendly and helpful staff, they went above and beyond to sort a problem.”
    Sarah Sarah United Kingdom United Kingdom
  • “I stayed for a night, the room was clean, if someone looking for a budget friendly hostel will recommend it.”
    Shekhar Shekhar United Kingdom United Kingdom
  • “i like this hostel. good rate/ facilities ratio”
    Guntis Guntis Spain Spain
  • “We booked a dorm room to ourselves for 8 people and were given a dorm room for 10 which was great, and it had two toilets and two showers, which was excellent and unexpected!”
    Izzy Izzy United Kingdom United Kingdom
  • “I like the receptionist girl, probably Spanish, very nice, helpful and polite.”
    Sylwester Sylwester United Kingdom United Kingdom

Categories:

  • Staff8.3
  • Facilities7.6
  • Cleanliness7.6
  • Comfort7.5
  • Value for money8.1
  • Location9.4
  • Free WiFi7.7

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

You're eligible for a Genius discount at a&o Edinburgh City! To save at this property, all you have to do is sign in.

Just off the Royal Mile, a&o Edinburgh City has free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk and a lively restaurant and bar. Edinburgh Waverley Rail Station is 1,300 feet away.

All rooms and dormitories at a&o Edinburgh City have large bunk beds and private bathrooms with power showers. All rooms are spacious, and feature stylish décor.

a&o Edinburgh City is home to the popular Bar 50, a fully licensed restaurant and bar with Sky Sports and a pool table.

Located just 2,300 feet from the shops and night-life of Princes Street, a&o Edinburgh City is half a mile from Holyrood Palace. Princes Street Gardens are a 5-minute walk away.

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

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.5 for a two-person trip.

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Located in the real heart of Edinburgh, this property has an excellent location score of 9.4!

Breakfast Info

Continental, Vegetarian, Buffet

Saved to 7897 lists

Most popular amenities

Free WiFi
Pet friendly
Family rooms
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Facilities for disabled guests
Bar

ATM: Need cash? This property has an ATM on site.

Lock in a great price for your upcoming stay

Get instant confirmation with FREE cancellation on most rooms!

Availability

When would you like to stay at a&o Edinburgh City?

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Approximate prices for a 1-night stay
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Sleeps Accommodation Type Price
Max adults: 1
Single Room
  • 1 twin bed
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Max adults: 2. Max children: 1
Twin Room
  • 2 twin beds
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Max adults: 3. Max children: 2
Triple Room
  • 2 twin beds and
  • 1 bunk bed
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Max adults: 1
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Max adults: 4
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Max adults: 6
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Max adults: 8
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5 properties in Edinburgh like a&o Edinburgh City were booked in the last 12 hours on our site

4 reasons to choose a&o Edinburgh City

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

Guest reviews

7.9
Good
 · 4,237 reviews
Read all reviews
  • Staff8.3
  • Facilities7.6
    Kitchen
  • Cleanliness7.6
    Bathroom, Housekeeping
  • Comfort7.5
    Quiet room, Bathroom, Room temperature
  • Value for money8.1
    Convenient location
  • Location9.4
    Central location, Food and drink options nearby
    Quiet area
  • Free WiFi7.7

Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Jennifer United States of America

    “Great price for downtown Edinburgh, easy walk to university and royal mile. We are a family of 4 (2 parents, 2 teens) and rented a 4--person room with 2 sets of bunk beds. Beds were about as comfortable as you'd expect...not luxurious, but also not as thin & lumpy as many hostel beds. Linens were left for us to make the beds with, and were very clean. Small toilet/shower room ensuite. My teenage sons would LOVE to come back without us -- the bar and lovely outdoor patio were hopping all evening until maybe 1-ish? Seemed like a super fun place for young people to stay awhile. Even with the bar/courtyard partying, it wasn't too, too loud and we were able to sleep fine with ear plugs. The front desk staff were also very friendly and kind, helped us with printing COVID paperwork and boarding passes in the morning before we left. We would absolutely stay again - great value.”

  • Diane United States of America

    “The rooms need a chair or 2 and tv would be good.breakfast was good, room clean..staff friendly..”

  • Rezareza United Kingdom

    “Location is perfect, very close to the royal mile & within walking distance to the train station”

  • Carlos Mexico

    “Location was perfect, bar and restaurant amazing, staff very helpful and kind. ”

  • Jamie United Kingdom

    “Patrick the receptionist is a very friendly person”

  • Sarah United Kingdom

    “Great location, short walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station. Key card access for out of hours. Really friendly and helpful staff, they went above and beyond to sort a problem. Nice en-suite bathroom and plenty of storage. Liked the black out curtains around the beds.”

  • Shekhar United Kingdom

    “I stayed for a night, the room was clean, if someone looking for a budget friendly hostel will recommend it.”

  • Guntis Spain

    “i like this hostel. good rate/ facilities ratio”

  • Izzy United Kingdom

    “We booked a dorm room to ourselves for 8 people and were given a dorm room for 10 which was great, and it had two toilets and two showers, which was excellent and unexpected!”

  • Sylwester United Kingdom

    “I like the receptionist girl, probably Spanish, very nice, helpful and polite.”

Got a question?

Find more info in the questions and answers. Need something else? Send your own question to the property below.

About a&o Edinburgh City

Welcoming Booking.com guests since Nov 3, 2009

We speak your language

The property usually replies within a few days

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

  • Is it quiet at night?

    Due to our location in the city centre, at peak times some noise at night is unfortunately unavoidable. However our night team conduct regular security walks to keep noise from within the hostel to a minimum. Wherever possible, we will always accommodate any requests for a quieter room.

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    Answered on September 22, 2019
  • Can I leave my luggage and go if I reach before the check-in time? Do you provide the facility to store luggage after check-out? If yes, How much do you charge for that?

    Hi! Yes, We have a free storage room for you luggage before you can check in or after you checked out. Kind Regards

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    Answered on December 13, 2019
  • Hello, can you tell me how much parking is? Thank you.

    The car park next to our hostel is approximately £25 per 24 hours. We offer a deal with a car park 10 minutes walk away to secure 24 hours of parking for only £12

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    Answered on December 21, 2019
  • The private room has a sheet and towel?

    Hello! All private rooms have sheets and towels included.

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    Asked about: Triple Room • Answered on July 24, 2021
  • Can my 2 children sit in the bar area with me and play pool table if so until what time? Thanks

    Yes, they can play pool there, but the pools need to be prebooked first at the reception.

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    Answered on July 23, 2021
  • concerning id photo id i aint got a passport all i have is a disabled pass with my photo on it and a disabled british rail trvel pass will tht do

    Hello. This is also fine.

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    Answered on August 30, 2021
  • Hi. Do you have anywhere I'd be able to store a mountain bike during my stay? Thanks

    Hi there. We have a bicycle park where you can lock your bike. It is inside our yard and the gate is close at night, so it is safe.

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    Answered on May 2, 2021
  • what time is check-in and check out?

    Hello. During the week, the check in starts from 3pm and check out is until 10am. On weekends, check out is until 11am.

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    Answered on August 7, 2021
  • Hi do you have facilities for secure cycle storage?

    Hi there, we have a bicycle park in the yard of our hostel where you can lock your bike. The gate is close at night and we have CCTTV, so it is safe.

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    Answered on May 2, 2021
  • Do you provide laundry service? If yes, how much I have to pay for it? Thank you

    We do have a laundry room. £3.60 and £1.90 for drying. You will need to have coins to pay for it. Regards, Reception Team

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    Answered on September 20, 2020
  • Is there a chance to check in earlier than 3 pm?

    Please contact the costumer service of a&o.

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    Answered on July 13, 2021
  • Hi, Is the Good breakfast optional? Thanks. Kind regards, Lorenzo

    Hi, You can purchase pre-made breakfast on reception for £6. Kind Regards,

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    Answered on July 20, 2020
  • Is your bar open and football on tv still available just now

    Hello, The bar is open and tv is still available including football as well. Please note that we have a limited channels. Regards, Reception Team

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    Answered on September 18, 2020
  • Is there free parking

    There is no in-house parking. However, there are several parking facilities nearby. The reception will be happy to help you with more information here

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    Answered on July 29, 2021
  • Hi there, I am interested in booking a room from Sunday 1 until Tuesday 3 or Thursday 4 August, I will be driving to Edinburgh and need a parking space for these dates. How much is it please and how far/close is it? Cheers, Elena

    There is no in-house parking. However, there are several parking facilities nearby. The reception will be happy to help you with more information here

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    Answered on July 29, 2021
  • Is one room dormitory 8 beds? Thank tou

    If you chose that, yes.

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    Answered on August 13, 2021
  • Hi, Are there cooking facilities open?

    You can use the guest kitchen with time slots

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    Answered on August 18, 2021
  • hi is the room mixed with tier customer or just mixed withing the family stay

    You can also book it privately.

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    Asked about: 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room • Answered on August 8, 2021
  • Hi there, if I was to book a room of 8? Would I get all 8 beds for me and my guests?

    Hello. Yes, it should be this way.

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    Answered on August 11, 2021
  • do you allow stag groups?

    Hi there. Yes we accept groups, as long as your follow the current government restrictions. At the moment groups up to 6 people or 2 households can meet outside.

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    Answered on May 2, 2021
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
  • Museum of Childhood
    0.1 miles
  • Geoffrey Kiltmakers and Weavers
    0.1 miles
  • Edinburgh Law School
    0.1 miles
  • Edinburgh Festival Theatre
    0.2 miles
  • The Real Mary King's Close
    0.2 miles
  • City Art Center
    0.2 miles
  • St. Giles Cathedral
    0.2 miles
  • National Museum of Scotland
    0.2 miles
  • The City of Edinburgh Council
    0.2 miles
  • Edinburgh Sheriff Court
    0.2 miles
Top attractions
  • Royal Mile
    0.3 miles
  • Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
    0.4 miles
  • University of Edinburgh
    0.4 miles
  • Edinburgh Playhouse
    0.5 miles
  • Edinburgh Castle
    0.6 miles
  • Arthur's Seat
    1 miles
  • Murrayfield Stadium
    2.2 miles
  • Royal Yacht Britannia
    2.3 miles
  • Edinburgh Zoo
    3.3 miles
  • Dalhousie Castle
    7.3 miles
Closest Airports
  • Edinburgh Airport
    6.9 miles
  • Dundee Airport
    35.4 miles
  • Glasgow Airport
    48.6 miles
* All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.
Are you missing any information about this area?
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Amenities of a&o Edinburgh City

Most popular amenities

Free WiFi
Pet friendly
Family rooms
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Facilities for disabled guests
Bar
Outdoors
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace
  • Garden
Pets
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.
Activities
  • Live sports events (broadcast)
  • Live music/Performance
  • Tour or class about local culture
  • Walking tours
  • Bar crawls Additional charge
  • Evening entertainment
  • Nightclub/DJ
  • Karaoke
  • Pool table Additional charge
Food & Drink
  • Coffee house on site
  • Fruit Additional charge
  • Bottle of water Additional charge
  • Wine/Champagne Additional charge
  • Special diet meals (on request)
  • Snack bar
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
Internet
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Parking options available
  • Street parking
Front Desk Services
  • Lockers
  • ATM on site
  • Tour desk
  • 24-hour front desk
Cleaning Services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry Additional charge
Business Facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying Additional charge
Safety & security
  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV outside property
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Key card access
General
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Vending machine (snacks)
  • Vending machine (drinks)
  • Designated smoking area
  • Smoke-free property
  • Heating
  • Packed lunches
  • Elevator
  • Family rooms
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Non-smoking rooms
Languages Spoken
  • English
  • Spanish
  • Hungarian
  • Polish
Missing some info?
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Sustainability initiatives

This property has taken steps to provide more sustainable and eco-friendly travel

House rules a&o Edinburgh City takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in

3:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Check-out

2:00 AM - 10:00 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 of all ages are welcome.

Children 18 and above are considered adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

0 - 2 years
Crib by request
Free

Additional fees are not calculated automatically in the total cost and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

This property doesn't offer extra beds.

The maximum number of cribs allowed depends on the room you choose. Double-check the maximum capacity for the room you selected.

All cribs and extra beds are subject to availability.

No age restriction

There's no age requirement for check-in

Pets

Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.

Groups

When booking for more than 12 people, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Maestro Mastercard Visa a&o Edinburgh City accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print

This Hostel operates a 30-day maximum stay policy within a 90-day period.

Passport or driver’s license is required for check-in. Student cards are not accepted.

The guest making the booking must be over 18. Under 18s can stay in a private room with a parent or guardian, but cannot be accommodated in shared dormitories.

Bookings of 10 or more people are subject to different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Beds in the same dormitory room cannot be guaranteed.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), make sure you're booking this property in accordance with the destination's local government guidelines, including (but not limited to) the purpose of travel and maximum group size.

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).

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property is taking steps to protect the safety of guests and staff. Certain services and amenities may be reduced or unavailable as a result.

Due to coronavirus (COVID-19), this property adheres to strict physical distancing measures.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), wearing a face mask is mandatory in all indoor common areas.

Please inform a&o Edinburgh City of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

FAQs about a&o Edinburgh City

  • The following parking options are available to guests staying at a&o Edinburgh City (subject to availability):

    • Street parking

  • The prices at a&o Edinburgh City may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

  • Guests staying at a&o Edinburgh City can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 6.6).

    Breakfast option(s) include:

    • Continental
    • Vegetarian
    • Buffet

  • From the nearest airport, you can get to a&o Edinburgh City by:

    • Bus 15min

  • a&o Edinburgh City offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):

    • Pool table
    • Karaoke
    • Evening entertainment
    • Nightclub/DJ
    • Walking tours
    • Live sports events (broadcast)
    • Live music/Performance
    • Bar crawls
    • Tour or class about local culture

  • a&o Edinburgh City is 1,650 feet from the center of Edinburgh.

  • Check-in at a&o Edinburgh City is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is until 10:00 AM.