Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

Best of all, they free hot water. Thank you very much. Needs to have a microwave to warm up food.

Opposite is the bar, which is very noisy, but it is convenient for entertainment and has a good atmosphere.

The room itself was clean, but the surrounding areas were not as good. The showers on my side were not even there so we had use our neighbors and there was one day in which there was no hot water at all. The one bathroom we had in our area had to light and was smelly most of the time. Again, the room was clean and did not smell, it was also huge so everyone had plenty of room for everything. The staff was super friendly I can’t complain about that and they also had the best washing machines and dryers ever. The location is pretty central but there is no elevator so if you get a room on the 4th floor that’s gonna be rough.

General location ,hostel is very clean, the staff are very welcoming ,there’s also a buffet breakfast

"My stay at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate was excellent in every aspect. The location is perfect for exploring the city on foot, close to historic sites and lively areas. The dorm and shared bathroom were clean and well maintained. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and always willing to help with recommendations or questions. The facilities were comfortable and suited solo travelers very well, with a safe atmosphere that made it easy to meet other guests. Overall, I highly recommend this hostel for anyone visiting Edinburgh, especially solo travelers looking for convenience, cleanliness, and great service."

I stayed at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate from Sep 10–12, 2025. The location is excellent, right in the city center, and the staff were polite and helpful. For budget-friendly accommodation, it offers good value. However, there are a few areas where the experience could be improved: Beds: The bunk beds were quite loose and made a lot of noise with every movement, which disturbed sleep. Lockers: It would be much more convenient if lockers had an integrated pin-lock system. Having to buy a separate lock just for a short stay felt unnecessary. Noise at Night: Dorms can naturally be noisy, but there was excessive disturbance from snoring. On the second night, someone knocked on the door very loudly at 3 AM. Since all guests have electronic key cards, this should not have happened, and it was unsettling. Bathrooms: Cleanliness could be better. One of the toilets wasn’t flushing properly, and overall maintenance was lacking. Housekeeping: Fresh sheets were only provided after 6 PM on the second day, despite check-in being from 3 PM. This timing could be improved. Amenities: Providing simple slippers for bathroom use would be a small but thoughtful addition. Check-in/Check-out: Check-in at 3 PM feels quite late, while check-out at 11 AM feels early. A little flexibility would enhance the stay. Breakfast: Breakfast was fine for a short visit, but for longer stays it becomes repetitive. Overall, the hostel is a good choice for short, affordable stays in Edinburgh, with friendly staff and a great location. With a few improvements in facilities and guest comfort, it could easily deliver an even better experience.