Cheap Hostels in Edinburgh

Travelling on a tight budget doesn't mean you have to compromise on the quality of your stay. We've researched and compiled a list of the top 3 cheap hostels in Edinburgh that offer a comfortable and affordable stay without compromising on the essentials. These hostels provide basic amenities and are perfect for those looking to save every penny while exploring the Scottish capital.

The Hostel

Dorms from €16

The Hostel in Edinburgh is a great option for travellers on a budget who want comfortable accommodation at a reasonable price. Located directly opposite Haymarket Train Station in the West End, the hostel offers easy access to the city's top attractions, including Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.

The hostel offers a range of facilities to ensure that guests have a comfortable stay. From free hot showers and 24-hour Wi-Fi to a pool table, lounge area with digital TV, and a garden, guests have plenty of options for entertainment and relaxation. The friendly and informative staff are also on hand to help with any questions or concerns that guests may have.

One of the best things about The Hostel is that there is no curfew, so guests can come and go as they please. The hostel also provides free tea and coffee facilities, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants within 100 metres of the property, making it a great option for those who want to experience the local nightlife.

Overall, The Hostel in Edinburgh offers great value for money, with comfortable accommodation and a range of facilities to ensure that guests have a pleasant stay.

Feedback from Hostelworld Guests

Overall, guests are very positive about The Hostel in Edinburgh and its affordable price. Many guests mention meeting people from all over the world and appreciate the humble and dedicated staff. While some note that there are no lockers and limited bathroom space, most guests found the facilities to be clean and comfortable. The hostel's kitchen and common areas were popular, although they could get crowded during peak hours. Despite some minor drawbacks, guests feel that The Hostel is a great value for money and a fantastic place to meet new people.

Hostel’s highlights:

  • Convenient location directly opposite Haymarket Train Station in the West End
  • Easy access to top attractions including Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile
  • Range of facilities including free hot showers, 24-hour Wi-Fi, pool table, and lounge area with digital TV
  • No curfew, allowing guests to come and go as they please

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High Street Hostel

Dorms from €16

High Street Hostel, located in the heart of Edinburgh, offers affordable accommodation with state-of-the-art facilities. The hostel has been a top-rated hostel for over a decade with a perfect location, friendly staff, and high standard security. The hostel's recent refurbishments have resulted in free hostel-wide Wi-Fi and personal power sockets with USB and bed lights next to every bed. With 24/7 hot showers and free tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, guests can enjoy the backpackers' atmosphere and meet people from all over the world.

High Street Hostel boasts a unique experience, combining the 470-year-old historical building's charm with modern amenities. Despite its old age, the hostel has the latest facilities, including a fully equipped kitchen and lounge area for guests. The hostel's staff is available 24/7, ensuring a fulfilling experience in the UK's favourite city. For budget travellers, High Street Hostel is the perfect choice, offering the most competitive prices in the city. Guests can also enjoy discounts at local restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues.

Overall, High Street Hostel is a great value for money with its perfect location, state-of-the-art facilities, and friendly staff.

Feedback from Hostelworld Guests

Guests generally appreciate the cheap price and good value for money at High Street Hostel. The hostel is praised for its great location and friendly staff who are available 24/7. Some guests have mentioned minor issues, such as unhelpful staff and other people's belongings in their room/locker, but overall the property is considered nice for the price. Guests appreciate the hostel's laid-back atmosphere, nice communal areas, and well-equipped kitchen. Some guests have also commented on the pleasant decoration of the hostel, such as the flowers in the windows. Overall, guests recommend High Street Hostel as a good option for a budget stay in Edinburgh.

Hostel’s highlights:

  • Top-rated hostel for over a decade
  • 24/7 hot showers and free tea, coffee, and hot chocolate
  • Fully equipped kitchen and lounge area
  • Competitive prices and discounts at local restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues

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Castle Rock Hostel

Dorms from €17

If you're looking for an affordable, value-for-money hostel in Edinburgh, Castle Rock Hostel is the place to be. Located just beside Edinburgh Castle, this hostel offers an ideal location for exploring the city. The hostel is housed in a grand old building that's full of art, character, and antiquity.

One of the standout features of this hostel is its multiple lounges, which offer plenty of space to meet other travellers or find a quiet corner. The hostel also offers popular, highly praised walking tours and pub crawls.

If you're travelling with a group of 5 or more people, it's recommended that you contact the hostel directly prior to booking. The reception is now open 24/7, and there's free Wi-Fi available throughout the hostel. Other amenities include bed-side lockers in all rooms, a 24-hour safe for total security, luggage storage, and free hair dryers.

In summary, Castle Rock Hostel offers a vibrant atmosphere, superb location, and great facilities, all at an affordable price. It's perfect for backpackers who are looking for a comfortable and friendly place to stay in Edinburgh.

Feedback from Hostelworld Guests

Guests who stayed at Castle Rock Hostel in Edinburgh were impressed with its cheap price and great value for money. They particularly appreciated its location, right next to Edinburgh Castle and walking distance to the old town and other attractions. The hostel also had a friendly and helpful staff, a big and clean kitchen, and comfortable and quiet rooms. Guests enjoyed the laid-back and inviting atmosphere, which facilitated meeting other travellers and making new friends. Overall, guests thought that Castle Rock Hostel was a great choice for solo travellers or anyone on a budget looking for a fun and affordable stay in Edinburgh.

Hostel’s highlights:

  • Superb location just beside Edinburgh Castle
  • Multiple lounges for meeting other travellers or finding a quiet corner
  • Free Wi-Fi, bed-side lockers, and 24-hour safe
  • Vibrant atmosphere with art everywhere and great views over the city

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Best Value Hostels in Edinburgh

Looking for the perfect balance between affordability and quality? Our selection of the best value hostels in Edinburgh provides excellent facilities, services, and locations at a reasonable price, ensuring that you get the most out of your trip to this beautiful city. These hostels offer a range of amenities, from comfortable beds and clean bathrooms to social spaces and communal kitchens, catering to a variety of preferences and budgets.

Royal Mile Backpackers

Dorms from €19

Royal Mile Backpackers is a popular hostel among Hostelworld travellers, thanks to its prime location right in the centre of Edinburgh on the pedestrian section of the Royal Mile, close to major attractions like the castle and the train station. Guests appreciate the hostel's character, warmth, and helpful staff who provide thoughtful extras like shelves in the showers and power sockets by each bed. The open-plan kitchen and dining area create a friendly atmosphere, making it easy to meet new people. The lounge area with an open fire is a great place to relax and chat.

One of the highlights of this hostel is its affordability. With prices that won't break the bank, Royal Mile Backpackers offers excellent value for money. The hostel provides various amenities, including free tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, free Wi-Fi, and free hairdryers and straighteners. Towel hire is also available for free, and guests can enjoy local food and drinks discounts. Moreover, the hostel offers a tour booking service and advice, making it easy to explore Edinburgh and beyond.

Overall, Royal Mile Backpackers is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers who want to stay in a central location in Edinburgh without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Feedback from Hostelworld Guests

The guests of Royal Mile Backpackers have given great reviews about the hostel's facilities, staff, and location. They have mentioned the hostel's cleanliness, cosy atmosphere, and good value for money. The staff is friendly and helpful, providing a comfortable stay for the guests. The breakfast is generous and sets guests up for the day. The location is perfect, right on the Royal Mile and near the train and bus stations. Some guests have mentioned the lockers being a bit small, but overall, the hostel is great for solo travellers or groups of friends. The rooms have fun names and the atmosphere is chill, making it easy to meet new people.

Hostel’s highlights:

  • Prime location in the centre of Edinburgh
  • Laid-back, friendly, and helpful staff
  • Affordable prices and excellent value for money
  • Amenities include free tea, coffee, and Wi-Fi

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Princes Street Hostel

Dorms from €21

Princes Street Hostel is the perfect choice for travellers on a budget who are looking for comfortable accommodation in the heart of Edinburgh. With the train, bus and tram station all within a 2-minute walk, finding the hostel is easy. The hostel offers a mix of private and shared rooms, all equipped with comfortable beds, fresh linen, superior quality mattresses, and USB/power sockets. The communal facilities include a fully equipped kitchen and lounge area, perfect for cooking your own meals, socialising and relaxing after a long day of sightseeing.

The double rooms with shared bathrooms are perfect for solo travellers or couples who want to save money while still having a comfortable place to stay. The dormitory rooms are ideal for groups, friends and individual travellers on a budget, with 4-beds to 10-beds room options, all with shared bathroom facilities, USB plugs and a locker for personal belongings. Some of the dorms are female-only, providing a comfortable and safe environment for everyone.

Princes Street Hostel also offers quadruple and larger private rooms, perfect for families and friends looking for affordable accommodation in the heart of Edinburgh. With basic amenities and shared bathroom facilities, these rooms provide everything needed for a pleasant stay.

Overall, Princes Street Hostel is a great value for money option, with its clean and cosy rooms, convenient location, and communal facilities. Whether you're travelling solo, with friends, or family, this hostel provides a comfortable and affordable stay in the heart of Edinburgh.

Feedback from Hostelworld Guests

Guests generally think Princes Street Hostel offers good value for money. The staff is described as friendly, helpful, and accommodating. Guests appreciate the clean and modern facilities, although some have commented on the low water pressure and variable temperature in the showers. The location is praised for being central and convenient. The hostel is on the fourth floor with no lift, which some guests have found challenging. The hostel is generally considered safe, particularly for solo female travellers. Overall, guests who have stayed at Princes Street Hostel recommend it as a great place to stay for those on a budget.

Hostel’s highlights:

  • Convenient location in the heart of Edinburgh, close to train, bus and tram stations
  • Mix of private and shared rooms, with comfortable beds and USB/power sockets
  • Fully equipped kitchen and lounge area for socialising and relaxing
  • Female-only dorms available for a comfortable and safe environment

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CoDE Pod – The CoURT

Dorms from €27

CoDE Pod Hostel offers an urban concept of budget accommodation with a central location and a premium quality sleeping environment. The Asian-style pod concept and secure keypad entry systems are unique features that add to the experience. Formerly a courthouse and jail, the hostel has transformed the cool holding cells into private rooms and added high tech pods to the original courtroom. The location is ideal, with major sights within walking distance, and the train and bus station just a few minutes away.

The hostel maintains minimum brand standards, including clean rooms and bathrooms, high-quality mattresses and linen, and a healthy breakfast. Additionally, the welcoming, friendly, and knowledgeable staff make for a comfortable and hassle-free stay. The hostel's well-thought-out design provides a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for exploring Edinburgh.

CoDE Pod Hostel offers an excellent value for money, providing guests with premium quality accommodation at a low cost.

Feedback from Hostelworld Guests

Guests rave about CoDE Pod – The CoURT for its cleanliness, unique pod-style arrangement, and central location in Edinburgh's Old Town. The hostel's staff are described as kind, helpful, and welcoming, creating a cosy atmosphere for socialising and meeting new friends. Guests appreciate the privacy offered by the pod sleeping arrangements, with built-in lockers, pod lights, and USB ports. While the common areas can get a bit crowded during peak meal times, the hostel offers a healthy breakfast and friendly communal kitchen. The value for money is considered excellent by most guests, with reasonable prices and a premium sleeping environment at a low cost. The only downside mentioned by some is that the price can vary dramatically, with some weekend bookings becoming quite expensive. Overall, CoDE Pod – The CoURT is highly recommended for its quality, comfort, and affordability.

Hostel’s highlights:

  • Unique Asian-style pod concept and secure keypad entry systems
  • Central location within walking distance of major sights and transport connections
  • Minimum brand standards, including clean rooms and bathrooms, high-quality mattresses and linen, and a healthy breakfast
  • Well-thought-out design provides a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for exploring Edinburgh

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Conclusion

Edinburgh is a city that offers a rich history, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant culture. However, exploring this beautiful city can be expensive. With the budget-friendly hostels mentioned in this article, you can have a comfortable and affordable stay while exploring the Scottish capital. Whether you're a solo traveller, a group of friends, or a family, these hostels cater to a variety of preferences and budgets. So go ahead and book your stay, knowing that you won't have to break the bank to have an unforgettable time in Edinburgh.