A&O Edinburgh City Exterior photoA&O Edinburgh City Exterior photoA&O Edinburgh City Exterior photo

A&O Edinburgh City

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Check rooms and rates
From$277 /night
Check-in
24Jul
Check-out
25Jul
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1NE
-
Steps from the Royal Mile
Very good
7.2
7.2
/10
2.5
/5

Budget-friendly hostel with its own nightlife venue on the Royal Mile

Amenities & Entertainment

The hotel's on-site Bar50 is a well-established Edinburgh nightlife institution offering karaoke, live music, and stand-up comedy events. Guests also have access to billiards, pub crawls, and walking tours that explore local culture. The shared lounge and terrace provide spaces for socializing, while the 24-hour front desk and lockers add convenience.

Rooms

a&o Edinburgh City has 131 rooms, each with a private shower and toilet. Guests can choose between single and double rooms, family rooms with a double bed and bunk beds, or multi-bed rooms for 4 to 6 people. All rooms come with heating, key card access, and daily housekeeping.

Dining & Nightlife

Bar50 serves a snack bar menu, kids' meals, and a selection of wine and champagne. The hotel also has a coffee house on site and offers packed lunches for guests on the go. A kid-friendly buffet is available at breakfast, and special diet menus can be requested.

Location

The hostel sits on Cowgate, just off the Royal Mile and within a 5-minute walk of Waverley Station. Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, and the city's main shopping streets are all within 10 minutes on foot. The location puts guests directly in the heart of the Old Town's pubs, clubs, and restaurants.

Family & Accessibility

Family rooms accommodate up to 6 people with bunk beds, and the hotel provides strollers and a children's menu. Facilities for disabled guests include a lift, accessible rooms, and a designated smoking area. The 24-hour front desk, laundry service, and luggage storage make longer stays easier for families.

Highlights

Nightlife: Bar50 with karaoke, live music & stand-up comedy

Location: 5 min walk from Waverley Station & Royal Mile

Rooms: Private bathrooms in all 131 rooms

Family: Family rooms for up to 6 with strollers available

Services: 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, laundry

“This property's central location truly surprised me, a short walk to major attractions. The staff's accommodating nature stood out. For budget travelers, it's a practical choice, though one should know that it is a hostel, not a hotel.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels

Select your room type

The hotel provides many room choices—family rooms, doubles, and pet-friendly suites—with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers
  • Bed 4-Bed Dormitory Room
    2 persons
    14 m²
    1 Bunk bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Bed 6-Bed Dormitory Room
    2 persons
    16 m²
    1 Bunk bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Bed 8-Bed Dormitory Room
    2 persons
    18 m²
    1 Bunk bed
    Heating
    Shower
Show all rooms

Rates & availability calendar

See current prices and availability for your chosen dates!
July 2026 - July 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Hotels feature amenities designed to keep both you and your pet comfortable
Facilities: Very good
7.3/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Security
  • Locker room
  • Lift
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Coffee shop
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Billiard tables

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Picnic area/ Tables
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Baby pushchair
  • Children's buffet

Spa & Leisure

  • Karaoke
  • Live entertainment
  • Night club
  • Sun terrace
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
Show more

Location

50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1NE
Explore Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh from A&O Edinburgh City
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
5 minutes' walk
A treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits highlighting Scottish history, with stunning architecture and free admission.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
17 minutes' walk
A historic fortress dominating the skyline, offering panoramic views and rich royal history; well worth the visit.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Palace of Holyroodhouse
14 minutes' walk
The official residence of the monarch in Scotland, featuring beautiful gardens and opulent rooms open for public tours.
Scott Monument
Scott Monument
5 minutes' walk
A towering Victorian Gothic monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, offering a climb for stunning city views.
Arthur's Seat hike
Arthur's Seat hike
25 minutes' walk
A challenging hike offering breathtaking views over Edinburgh; perfect for adventure seekers looking for nature.
Yoga in the Meadows
18 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga sessions held in a picturesque park setting, ideal for unwinding amidst nature after a busy day.
Bar 50
2 minutes' walk
A lively bar with a vibrant atmosphere featuring local beers and cocktails; perfect for casual dining.
The Piemaker
4 minutes' walk
Renowned for its delicious handcrafted pies, offering a cozy dining experience with options for various diets.
Zara Fast Foods Pizza & Burger House
1 minute' walk
A casual eatery serving quick bites like pizza and burgers; ideal for a speedy meal after a day of sightseeing.
Pilgrim Bar
1 minute' walk
A vibrant bar featuring local music, craft beers, and a relaxed atmosphere, with regular live performances.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
17 minutes' walk
An intriguing attraction with optical illusions and family-friendly exhibits, it's fun for all ages.
Local transport and travel tips
  • City Centre
    Edinburgh 3 min  ·  200 m
  • Airports
    Edinburgh (EDI) 21 min  ·  13.6 km
    Glasgow (GLA) 133 min  ·  88.3 km
  • Train
    Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station 5 min  ·  400 m
  • Bus
    Bus stop 5 min  ·  400 m
Want access to early-bird pet-friendly hotel deals?
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
from 02:00-10:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP9.90 per person per day.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, Spanish, Italian, Hungarian, Polish, Greek, Russian, Slovak
Year renovated:
2010
Number of floors:
6
Number of rooms:
540
Former name
Safestay Edinburgh

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about A&O Edinburgh City from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
A&O Edinburgh City is appreciated for its central location, within easy reach of the city center and a short walk from the Royal Mile, making it convenient for exploring. Guests often highlight the presence of a lively bar with karaoke, right on-site, and some rooms face the courtyard. While most find the location ideal, a few guests have occasionally mentioned noise from the bar at night. The hostel also offers practical amenities such as a guest kitchen and beds equipped with curtains for added privacy.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 2298 verified reviews
6.8 /10
Nice
63 %
Recommend
Location
9.2/10
Staff
8.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
5.9/10
Breakfast
6.1/10
Pros
Central location
Clean rooms
Good value
Luggage storage
Cons
Long queues
Thin pillows
Noisy bar
Guest reviews
based on 2298 reviews
6.8/10
based on 5830 reviews
7.2/10
Brian from United Kingdom
Single
Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 02, 2026
9/10

Great location, great value!

amazing location friendly staff bed curtains guest kitchen
I found the location pretty amazing, right near everything. The staff was friendly and always ready to help, that's good. The room had curtains on each bed, so more privacy, , made it nice. I like that there a kitchen, it was available .
The shower area felt a little bit small, so it was difficult to change clothes in there.
Rooms
8/10
The room had storage under the beds, this helps to keep luggage tidy and out of the way. A bathroom and toilet were directly in the room, convenient. Each bed includes its own power socket.
0 Helpful
|
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Ella from Germany
Couple
Twin room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 31, 2026
6/10
convenient location train station awful noise late music
the location worked fine, being close to the train station.
the noise at night was awful. music from the bar went on late, i couldn't sleep properly because of it. i should have requested a room away from the noise.
0 Helpful
Grace from United Kingdom
Single
Twin room
2 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: November 25, 2025
9/10

central location, great value

helpful staff excellent location on-site bar great value
I found the staff very helpful. They managed check-ins efficiently! the location on cowgate was excellent, close to nightlife but the room faced a quieter street, i appreciated that. the on-site bar had events nightly. the price for a two-night stay during a festival was a fantastic value.
the light next to my bed was loose, so i couldn't use it!
Service
9/10
the staff was really patient and helpful during check-in! they were also quick to assist with any questions i had . i found their friendly demeanor reassuring and it definitely contributed to a positive overall experience!
0 Helpful
|
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Ella from United Kingdom
Single
Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 24, 2025
9.0/10

great central hub

clean room central location hot water
my twin room was clean and had enough space for my luggage. the location was great, close to the main city attractions and waverley station. they have internal rules, so i felt secure, and hot water was available anytime.
the bar could be a little noisy at times.
Dining
8/10
the hotel bar offered decent prices on food and drinks. they had a coffee machine that served special coffees during breakfast, a really nice touch to start the day.
Facilities
9/10
the room has two seperate shower rooms with toilet, so it was very conveninent. also, a kitchen was available for free use, and includes all needed appliances, that i used to prepare some meals.
Service
10/10
the staff at reception was friendly and helpful. a receptionist always available, even when my flight arrived in the late hours. the check-in was smooth and hassle-free, i really loved it.
Location
9/10
positioning of the hotel is really good because is very close to everything. royal mile is meters away, and there are many shops and restaurants nerby, so i can always find something to do.
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About A&O Edinburgh City
What time is check-in and check-out at A&O Edinburgh City?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
How far is A&O Edinburgh City from the city center?
The hotel is located 700 meters from the shops and nightlife of Princes Street.
What local attractions are close to A&O Edinburgh City?
Nearby attractions include the National Museum of Scotland (0.5 km), Scott Monument (1 km), and Holyrood Abbey (1 km).
Is there on-site dining at A&O Edinburgh City?
Guests can enjoy food and drink at Bar 50, the hotel's on-site pub and restaurant.
What breakfast options are available at A&O Edinburgh City?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 9 GBP.
What amenities are available in the rooms at A&O Edinburgh City?
Rooms include reading lights, en-suite bathrooms with power showers, and options for bunk beds.
What entertainment options does A&O Edinburgh City offer?
The hotel features evening entertainment, karaoke, live music, and a nightclub.
What facilities are available for guests at A&O Edinburgh City?
The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour reception, a locker room, and a lounge area.
Are there any nearby restaurants to A&O Edinburgh City?
Nearby restaurants include David Bann, Mother India's Cafe, and The World's End, all approximately 0.5 km away.
Does A&O Edinburgh City have business services?
The hotel provides secure key-card access and assistance from helpful staff.
What types of rooms are offered at A&O Edinburgh City?
The hotel offers single and double rooms, family rooms, and multi-bed dormitories.
How far is A&O Edinburgh City from the nearest train station?
Waverley Station, the nearest train station, is a short walk from the hotel.

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