Quadruple Room
- Sleeping arrangements for 4 persons
- Shower
Hostel · Edinburgh · Edinburgh
Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate
A straightforward 2-star hostel in Edinburgh's Old Town, within 5 minutes' walk of the Museum on the Mound and close to transport links.
- 5-minute walk from Museum on the Mound
- Close to train and bus stations
- 24-hour reception and security
7.1
Very good
2986 reviews
Booking.com 7.1 · 2986 reviews
About
Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate
Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate is a 2-star hostel situated on Cowgate, in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. Its address places it within a short walk of the Museum on the Mound, and guests consistently highlight the convenience of being close to the city's main train and bus stations.
The hostel offers a shared lounge, a terrace, and a bar/lounge area, along with practical amenities like 24-hour reception, luggage storage, and lockers. Rooms range from private twins and quads to shared dormitories, with some single-sex options.
- No smoking on site
- 24-hour reception
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
4 reasons to book- Unbeatable central location — Within 5 minutes' walk of the Museum on the Mound and close to both the train and bus stations, making it a practical base for exploring the city.
- Friendly and helpful staff — Guests repeatedly mention the warm welcome and efficient service at check-in.
- Lively, social atmosphere — The hostel has a welcoming vibe, with a shared lounge and bar area that guests enjoyed.
- Good value for money — Several guests noted that the price was fair for the location and facilities provided.
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Worth weighing
3 to weigh- Mixed dormitory comfort — Reviews are positive overall, but one guest noted the bathroom shower could be improved, suggesting some facilities may be dated.
- Potential noise from nearby nightlife — Cowgate is known for its clubs, and one guest mentioned a nearby club; some rooms may experience noise, though the specific room was 'reasonably quiet'.
- No pets allowed — Pets are not permitted on the premises, which may be a limitation for some travellers.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
Shared Bathroom Room
- 1 Bunk bed
- Shower
- Balcony
6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Male only
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
Dormitory Room Female only
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
Shared Bathroom Dormitory Room
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Non-smoking
- Balcony
Twin Room
- 1 Bunk bed
- Shower
- Heating
4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Heating
6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Female only
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Heating
Shared Bathroom Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Heating
Dorm 4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Female only
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Heating
6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Non-smoking
- Heating
- Balcony
Shared Bathroom Quadruple Room
- Sleeping arrangements for 4 persons
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
General
- 24-hour reception
- Express check-in/ -out
- Luggage storage
- Key card access
- No smoking on site
Food & Drink
- Snack bar
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Vending machines
- Welcome drink
Comfort
- Free Wi-Fi in rooms
- Heating
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
Services
- Housekeeping
- 24-hour security
- Locker room
- Fax/Photocopying
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 7.1/10 from 2,986 reviews
Booking.com · 7.1 · 2986 reviews
7.1Verified guest“We had a great time at Safestay, mainly thanks to the fantastic location. Being near the train and bus stations made getting around easy. The staff were friendly, and the atmosphere was lively and welcoming. Our room was tidy and the clean bedding was a nice extra.”
7.1Verified guest“Our stay at Safestay was pleasant, with a very convenient location just a short walk from the city center. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the check-in process was smooth and quick. The facilities were clean, and we appreciated the newly refurbished toilets. Overall, it felt like good value for the price.”
7.1Verified guest“The location was perfect and my room was reasonably quiet despite the nearby club. The bathroom shower could use some improvements, but I'd still recommend this hostel for its convenience.”
7.1Verified guest“The location was perfect for reaching major attractions, and the staff were friendly and helpful.”
7.1Verified guest“I chose it for a summit, and the location was ideal. Staff and facilities were great for both business and leisure. I enjoyed the ambiance and service.”
04 — Location
Getting around Edinburgh
The property sits in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Old Town: The hostel sits on Cowgate, a historic street in the Old Town, within easy walking distance of attractions like the Museum on the Mound.
Transport links: Guests highlight the proximity to the main train and bus stations, making arrivals and day trips straightforward.
96 Cowgate Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH1 1JN, United Kingdom
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 15:00-23:59
- Check-out
- By 11:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Property
- 141 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 15:00 to 23:59, and check-out is by 11:00.
Is parking available at the hostel?
The input doesn't specify any parking facilities, so you may need to use public parking nearby.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed on the property.
Does the hostel have Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in rooms.
Is there a shared lounge or common area?
Yes, the hostel has a shared lounge, a leisure/TV room, and a terrace.
The bottom line
A solid, no-frills hostel in an excellent location for exploring Edinburgh's Old Town, backed by a friendly team and a social atmosphere. If you prioritise centrality and value over quiet or luxury, this is a dependable choice.
7.1Best for budget travellers who want to be in the thick of it.
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