a&o Hostel Edinburgh City offers budget-friendly accommodation in the heart of Edinburgh. Situated near the Royal Mile, this hostel provides easy access to popular attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Guests can choose from a variety of room types, including shared dormitories and private rooms, all designed for comfort and functionality. The hostel features communal areas where travelers can relax and socialize, as well as a bar and breakfast services, ensuring a convenient stay. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the historic city.
What each source says
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Central Location This hostel is ideally situated in the heart of the Old City, making it easy to walk to major attractions, shopping, and social hotspots.
- Cleanliness Many reviewers find the facility and rooms clean and well-maintained, making for a more pleasant stay.
- Good Value Compared to hotels, especially during peak seasons like the Fringe Festival, this hostel offers a reasonably priced option for budget-conscious travelers.
- Helpful Staff Many guests have reported that the reception and bar staff are friendly, helpful, and willing to assist with questions or emergencies.
- On-Site Bar and Social Atmosphere The hostel features a lively on-site bar with reasonable drink prices, live music, and a beer garden, providing a fun place to socialize.
Criticised
- Cleanliness Issues Some guests have mentioned dirty rooms upon arrival, with dust, uncleaned bathrooms, and occasional mold in the shower areas.
- Inconsistent Room Maintenance There are reports of maintenance issues like broken shower brackets, slow draining showers, and malfunctioning lights and outlets.
- Lack of Air Conditioning Rooms often lack air conditioning and adequate ventilation, leading to uncomfortable warmth, especially during warmer months.
- Mattress and Bed Quality Some guests have reported uncomfortable beds with springs coming out or being too firm, and creaky bunk beds.
- Noise Levels The hostel can be very noisy, especially in rooms near the bar or facing the street, with noise from pub crawls and music extending into the late hours.
The longer read
A&O Hostel Edinburgh City enjoys a superb location in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, within easy walking distance of major attractions like the Royal Mile and shopping areas. This makes it ideal for exploring the city. The hostel generally provides clean and modern rooms, with some reviewers specifically praising the cleanliness of the facilities and en-suite bathrooms. The availability of private rooms with bathrooms is a plus for those seeking more comfort and privacy than a typical dorm setting. Many reviewers found the staff to be friendly and helpful, contributing positively to their overall experience. A significant number of reviewers mentioned noise as a recurring issue. The on-site bar, while convenient, can be a source of considerable noise, especially at night, potentially disrupting sleep. Thin walls also contribute to noise from neighboring rooms and hallways. Some reviewers recommended requesting rooms on higher floors to mitigate the noise. Beds receive mixed reviews. While some found them comfortable, others reported uncomfortable mattresses with springs or squeaky bunk beds. Some guests were required to make their own beds upon arrival, which was not universally appreciated. Several reviewers mentioned the lack of air conditioning in rooms, making them uncomfortably warm, particularly during warmer months. While fans are sometimes provided, they may be dirty or inadequate. Some guests noted issues with bathroom maintenance, including dirty showers, mold, and poorly draining showers. Breakfast receives mixed reviews, with some finding it acceptable and others considering it limited and not worth the price. A few reviewers had issues with the key cards malfunctioning frequently, requiring repeated trips to the front desk. Accessibility is a mixed bag. While the hostel attempts to accommodate wheelchair users, the main entrance has a steep slope, and the elevator situation can be problematic. Some reviewers reported that one of the elevators was out of service for an extended period, and getting to some rooms requires navigating stairs. While generally clean, some reviewers noted instances of uncleanliness, such as dusty floors or uncleaned bathrooms.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +441315241989
- Website
- smartcityhostels.com
- Check in
- 15:00 · out 10:00
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| Tue | 24 Hours |
| Wed | 24 Hours |
| Thu | 24 Hours |
| Fri | 24 Hours |
| Sat | 24 Hours |
| Sun | 24 Hours |
Facilities
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accessible
- Bar
- Electric Kettle
- Housekeeping
- Internet
- Laundry
- Restaurant
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 3.7 against a median of 4.4 across the 93 venues we hold for Edinburgh, where the most-reviewed is Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What room options and amenities are available at a&o Hostel Edinburgh City?
- How close is a&o Hostel Edinburgh City to major attractions in Edinburgh and what is the neighborhood like?
- What do previous guests say about their experience staying at a&o Hostel Edinburgh City?
- Is a&o Hostel Edinburgh City easily accessible by public transport and does it offer parking options?
- Does a&o Hostel Edinburgh City have on-site dining, communal spaces, or social activities for guests?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.