Kick Ass Grassmarket is an adults-only hostel situated in Edinburgh's historic Old Town, directly beneath Edinburgh Castle. Guests can choose from traditional dormitory rooms, female-only dorms, or private double and twin rooms. The hostel features superior POD beds designed for enhanced privacy, each equipped with a privacy curtain, personal lighting, USB ports, and secure lockers. On-site amenities include a vibrant café and bar, a shared kitchen, and a lounge area with panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle. The hostel offers free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and organizes evening activities and free guided city tours. Its prime location provides easy access to major attractions such as the Royal Mile and Grassmarket area, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.
What each source says
- Priceline 4.2 4,436
- Google 4.3 1,522
- Tripadvisor 4.0 561
- Expedia 4.3 202
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
- Helpful Staff Guests consistently praise the staff for being friendly and professional, often highlighting their valuable local recommendations and well-organized social events like pub crawls and walking tours.
- High Cleanliness Standards The hostel is widely recognized for its clean, modern facilities, including well-maintained rooms and numerous individual shower and restroom options that are kept tidy throughout the day.
- Modern Pod Comforts The sleeping pods offer excellent privacy and personal space, featuring integrated charging ports, reading lights, and secure lockers, making them a preferred choice for budget-conscious travelers.
- Prime Location Situated in the heart of the Grassmarket, this hostel offers unbeatable proximity to major attractions like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, with many restaurants and shops right outside.
- Social Atmosphere Featuring an on-site bar, chill-out zones, and communal activities, the hostel provides a great environment for meeting fellow travelers without being overwhelming, perfect for those seeking a sociable stay.
Criticised
- Additional Costs and Fees Guests should be aware that amenities like towel rentals, luggage storage, and padlocks often incur extra fees, and the kitchen may have restrictive closing times for some guests.
- Annoying Shower Setup The push-button shower controls require constant pressing every few seconds, which many guests find frustrating, and inconsistent water temperatures can lead to unexpectedly cold or scalding showers.
- Lack of Elevator There is no lift, meaning guests must carry heavy luggage up several flights of stairs to reach higher floors, which poses a significant challenge for those with heavy bags.
- Noisy Environment Because of its location near bustling pubs and a vibrant party atmosphere, light sleepers often struggle with street noise, slamming doors, and sound traveling easily through the thin walls.
- Poor Room Ventilation Multiple guests report that the pods and rooms become stiflingly hot at night due to poor ventilation, as windows are often locked or limited, making for an uncomfortable sleeping environment.
The longer read
Kick Ass Grassmarket is exceptionally well-regarded for its prime location in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. Situated directly in the Grassmarket area, guests frequently praise the immediate access to iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle—which many rooms feature direct views of—and the Royal Mile. The hostel strikes a balance between being a social hub and a functional base for travelers. With a vibrant onsite bar, regular organized pub crawls, and social events, it is highly recommended for solo travelers looking to meet others. The atmosphere is generally energetic, making it a great base for those wanting to immerse themselves in the city’s nightlife and history.
Accommodation centers on a popular "pod" bed concept, which receives significant acclaim for providing superior privacy in a shared dorm environment. Each pod is typically equipped with individual power outlets, reading lights, and shelves. However, a recurring criticism involves climate control; many guests report that these pods, and the rooms in general, become uncomfortably hot and stuffy, especially in warmer weather, due to limited window access and poor ventilation. Additionally, potential guests should be aware that the building is an older, multi-story structure with no elevators. Carrying heavy luggage up multiple flights of stairs is a common complaint, so packing light is highly advised.
The hostel generally maintains a high standard of cleanliness, with many guests commending the modern bathrooms and well-equipped kitchen. The layout, which features numerous private shower-toilet units, is often cited as a major convenience that prevents long wait times. While most reviewers find the facilities well-maintained, some isolated reports mention occasional issues with inconsistent water temperatures, push-button shower timers, and recurring odors in certain bathroom or hallway areas. The staff consistently receive high praise for being friendly, proactive, and helpful, often going out of their way to assist with tour bookings or luggage storage.
Noise is a factor to consider, as the hostel is situated in a bustling nightlife district. While some rooms are quiet, street noise from Grassmarket and internal noise from thin walls and heavy doors can be disruptive for light sleepers. To maximize your stay, consider bringing earplugs and a sleep mask. While the hostel provides storage, guests should bring their own padlocks for lockers. Despite minor issues regarding ventilation and noise, the overwhelming consensus is that this hostel offers incredible value, convenience, and a welcoming social environment that stands out in the competitive Edinburgh market.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- 44-1312266351
- Website
- kickasshostels.co.uk
- Check in
- 14:00 · out 10:00
Facilities
- 24 Hours
- Accessible
- Activities
- Baggage Storage
- Bar
- Cafe
- Evening Entertainment
- Heating
- Internet
- Laundry
- Non Smoking Hotel
- Non Smoking Rooms
- Restaurant
- Safe
- Shared Kitchen
- Snack Bar
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.2 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 types of rooms and pod beds does Kick Ass Grassmarket offer for adults?
- How quiet is the atmosphere in the dorms and private rooms, especially given the central location?
- What is the vibe and drink selection at the on‑site bar, and is it suitable for a relaxed evening?
- Are there any additional charges for amenities such as towels, lockers, or breakfast at Kick Ass Grassmarket?
- How easy is it to walk to major attractions like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile from the hostel?
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.