Best Hostels in Edinburgh

Description:

Castle Rock Hostel, backpacking hostel offers dormitory accommodation, is situated just off the Royal Mile on the south side of Edinburgh Castle, underneath the castle ramparts. This could well be the best-equipped hostel in the city. It offers free wifi, a free walking tour every morning at 10:35am, a free pub crawl every Thursday and a free pool competition on Wednesdays. Breakfast is only £1.80 and Laundry service £3.50.

During incelement there are lots of things to do in the lounge area: choose a board game, dabble in the art of ping-pong or take a cue on the pool table.

Prices: Dorms 8-16 beds (Mon- Thurs) £8; Dorms 8-16 beds (Fri- Sun) £12; Quad rooms £15

Description:

Tucked away on the Royal Mile, this small hostel suits those looking for something a bit quieter than the usual chaos of the better-known backpacker options. It's a splendid location for excursions around the Old Town and a good base for trips to surrounding attractions. The lounge is comfortable and less busy than the nearby High Street Hostel, which is under the same ownership. Booking in advance is advised all year round.

Beds start at £13

Breakfast served 7.30am-10.30am for only £1.90
Towel Hire -20p
Long term luggage storage 50p per day / -5 per month.
Laundry service- £2.50 to £3.50

Description:

High Street Hostel first opened its doors in 1985 and was, originally, the first independent youth hostel in Edinburgh. It's just off the High Street, superbly central and very much a backpacker establishment, with an easygoing atmosphere and friendly, helpful staff. Save money on restaurant bills and make your own meals in the communal kitchen. If you don't want to cook, splash out a mere £2 on breakfast. Evening meals can be arranged if there is suitable demand. The hostel is open 24 hours daily.

Don't forget to ask the staff about the hostel's historic building - the main reception area was first constructed in 1564, and its original owner had a dark and interesting past - he was implicated in the murder of Mary, Queen of Scots!

Dorms of up to 12 beds - £13.50; Dorms of up to 18 beds - £13.00; Quads - £15.00; Private Twins - £22.50

Description:

A converted church with stained glass windows, this hostel overlooking Dean Village provides a funky atmosphere. Braveheart cartoons adorn the entrance; there is also a pool table and darts board, and in the summer, barbecues are held in the garden.

Description:

Located on the coast of the Firth of Forth, this inn boasts pool tables, large screen sports, arcade games, board games, and even a video jukebox. The hostel also has a great selection of bar meals and a drinks promotion every night.

8 Share rooms - £15.00 pp/pn
6 Sharerooms - £16.00 pp/pn
6 Share ensuite rooms - £18.00 pp/pn
4 Share ensuite rooms - £19.00 pp/pn
Twin & Double rooms - £46.00 per room per night

Description:

This Edinburgh youth hostel is any backpackers dream. With bright, airy rooms you'll have tons of space to stretch out and meet your new roommates. Located in the heart of the Old Town you're always right where you want to be. With 24-hour reception and no curfew you're the one who decides what schedule you'll live by - you'll never be locked out. And with a built in bar and restaurant that schedule could extend into the wee hours of the morning. After waking the next day, it's only a flight of stairs you'll have to tackle to find food as complimentary breakfast is served in the restaurant.

Description:

This popular hostel is situated in the Old Town and makes an ideal base for exploring the city. It's very busy so book in advance if possible. The 24 hour reception makes the hostel ideal for revelers and late arrivals and it caters for the budget conscious by providing bunk style dorms, sleeping 6-15. For those seeking more privacy, there are four doubles, a twin room and a triple, housed in a fully fitted self-catering apartments.

Dormitory accommodation from £8.00 per person per night.

Full Scottish breakfast at next door Southern Cross Café for £3.95.

Weekly discounted rates from September to May £60.00 per week

Description:

Each year, Euro Hostels Edinburgh leases university accommodation while the students are on their summer vacation. The accommodation comprises self contained, fully equipped apartments for between 3 and 12 people. All bedrooms are fully private, either twin or single bedded, sharing ample bathroom facilities (wc, whb, bath and shower) and have the use of a communal lounge and kitchen with sink, electric stove, oven and fridge freezer. It's an ideal set up whether you are in town with a group or traveling on your own.

Prices start at just £19 per person per night and are never more than £39, even during Festival. This year it is open from June 10-September 4, 2011.

Description:

Housed in a University Halls of Residence for the busy summer months of July and August, this hostel provides Edinburgh visitors with budget single-room accommodation. As the name suggests, its location is an ideal base to explore the city and is worth considering if attending the Edinburgh International Festival. It is clean and there are adequate amenities, including a self-catering kitchen and laundry facilities. There's no need to bring a sheet or sleeping bag as all linen is provided. It may not have the charm and character of other hostels but it at least gives the residents a secure, personal space free from dormitory woes like the orchestra of snorers and late arrivals rummaging in rucksacks. Reception opens at 2pm.

A licenced Café / Bistro is available to guests and visitors alike. Open to all between 10am until 9pm (11am weekends), serving a wide range of delicious hot and cold snacks.

In addition, the 70-seater full-service Bistro is open from 7.30 for Breakfast then serving light and main meals from 10am (11am weekends). Food ranges from traditional Scotch recipes to more European inspired dishes, all at exceptional prices.

Large plasma screens can be found throughout the...