The Baxter Hostel is a lively and affordable hostel located in the heart of Edinburgh, just a short walk from the city's iconic landmarks. Offering a range of dormitory and private room options, it caters to travelers of all types. Guests can enjoy a communal kitchen, a cozy lounge area, and a bar, making it a perfect social environment. The hostel's central location allows easy access to popular attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and various shops and eateries. With a friendly atmosphere and helpful staff, The Baxter Hostel aims to provide a comfortable stay for all visitors.
What each source says
- Priceline 3.8 1,657
- Google 4.0 434
- Tripadvisor 4.0 385
- Expedia 4.2 137
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
- Clean Facilities The hostel maintains a high standard of cleanliness throughout the rooms and bathrooms.
- Complimentary Breakfast A simple but appreciated breakfast is included, featuring eggs, cereal, bread, juice, coffee and tea, allowing guests to prepare their own meals and save on food costs.
- Excellent Location This hostel is conveniently located near Waverley Station and Princes Street, making it easy to access transportation and explore the city's main attractions.
- Friendly and Helpful Staff Guests consistently praise the staff for being welcoming, helpful, and creating a positive atmosphere.
- Social Atmosphere The Baxter Hostel provides a cozy and sociable environment, making it easy to meet other travelers and share experiences.
Criticised
- Limited Privacy The dorm rooms lack privacy curtains on the beds, which can be an issue for light-sensitive sleepers or those who prefer more personal space.
- Noise Issues Some guests have mentioned noise disturbances due to thin walls and doors that can be loud when closing, potentially affecting sleep quality.
- Small Bathrooms The bathroom facilities are quite small and can feel cramped, especially during peak times, with limited space around the sinks.
- Small Common Area The kitchen and common area can get crowded, especially during breakfast, making it difficult to move around or prepare food.
- Stairs Only Access The hostel is located on the upper floors with no elevator, potentially posing a challenge for guests with heavy luggage or mobility issues.
The longer read
The Baxter Hostel in Edinburgh enjoys high marks for its prime location, friendly and helpful staff, and cleanliness. Situated conveniently close to Waverley Station and Princes Street, it offers easy access to transportation, major attractions, and the city center. Reviewers consistently praise the staff's welcoming demeanor, helpfulness, and the inclusive atmosphere they create. The hostel's cleanliness is another frequently cited positive, with beds and bathrooms generally well-maintained.A significant draw for budget-conscious travelers is the inclusive breakfast, which typically includes eggs (that guests can cook themselves), bread, cereal, milk, juice, coffee, and hot chocolate. The kitchen, while sometimes crowded, is well-equipped, allowing guests to prepare their meals. The common room is lauded as a comfortable and sociable space for relaxation and interaction with fellow travelers.However, several reviewers mention the limited space as a drawback. The bathrooms, in particular, are described as small and sometimes congested, with a limited number of showers and sinks for the number of guests. The size of the rooms, especially the larger dorms, can also feel cramped, leaving little room for luggage or movement. Some reviewers suggest that privacy curtains on the beds would improve the experience.Another recurring concern is the lack of an elevator, as the hostel is located on the upper floors, requiring guests to navigate a narrow, winding staircase, which can be challenging with heavy luggage. Some reviewers also mention noise issues, including thin walls and noisy doors.Despite these drawbacks, the Baxter Hostel's strengths generally outweigh its weaknesses, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking a budget-friendly and well-located accommodation in Edinburgh. The positive atmosphere, friendly staff, and inclusive breakfast contribute to a pleasant and memorable stay.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +441315031001
- Website
- thebaxterhostel.com
- Check in
- 15:00 · out 10:00
| Mon | 24 Hours |
|---|---|
| Tue | 24 Hours |
| Wed | 24 Hours |
| Thu | 24 Hours |
| Fri | 24 Hours |
| Sat | 24 Hours |
| Sun | 24 Hours |
Facilities
- 24 Hours
- Baggage Storage
- Heating
- Housekeeping
- Internet
- Non Smoking Rooms
- Shared Bathroom
- Shared Kitchen
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 3.9 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 facilities does The Baxter Hostel in Edinburgh offer?
- How close is The Baxter Hostel to main attractions and public transport in Edinburgh?
- What is the social atmosphere like at The Baxter Hostel and is it suitable for solo travelers?
- How does The Baxter Hostel ensure safety and security for its guests?
- What do previous guests say about their experience staying at The Baxter Hostel in Edinburgh?
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.