What is the check-in and check-out policy at A&O Edinburgh City?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
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A&O Edinburgh City, Edinburgh
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Key details
About the Hotel
50 Blackfriars Street,
Edinburgh,
United Kingdom,
EH1 1NE,
Edinburgh
- Close to the Old Town
Very good
7.3
7.2
2.4
Loved by A&O Edinburgh City guests
"Great bar attached made for a very fun place to hang out."
"There is a food street with plenty of choices behind the hotel and very good cafes just opposite the hotel too!"
"He helped me to store my luggage and showed me a place where I could get changed (bearing in mind it was 10am usually the time people check out)."
Rooms and Dormitories
A&O Edinburgh City provides accommodations ranging from twin-bedded rooms to 12-bunk dormitories, all featuring small en-suite shower rooms. Bunk beds include provided bed linen for self-covering. Rooms vary in size from 14 to 21 square meters. Dormitory rooms include wardrobes and parquet floors, with private bathrooms featuring showers. Rooms on the upper floors are accessible by lift. Feature walls display vintage luggage wallpaper, purple bedlinen, brightly colored lockers, and individual reading lights.
Dining and Drinks
A&O Edinburgh City features Bar 50, a licensed restaurant and bar with Sky Sports and a pool table. A food menu offers pizza and other bar fare, alongside a drink menu featuring alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. The bar serves fresh cocktails, whiskey, and local beer. Breakfast for children between 7 and 17 years costs 3.80 GBP.
Leisure and Facilities
A&O Edinburgh City offers free WiFi and a 24-hour front desk. Guests have access to an ATM on the premises. Secure key-card access is standard. A large pub is located on the lower ground floor with street access. During the day, the atmosphere is relaxing, with a lively hub by night.
Location and Access
A&O Edinburgh City is located on the Royal Mile, near independent retailers, cafes, restaurants, and bars, and 700 meters from Princes Street shops and nightlife. Landmarks nearby include St Giles' Cathedral (0.5 km), the Scottish National Gallery (1 km), and Edinburgh Castle (1 km). It is also close to Holyrood, St Giles, and Greyfriars, and approximately 2 km from Arthur's Seat hike and Calton Hill. Waverley Station, the airport bus, and St Andrew Square tram stop provide transport links.
Services Available
A&O Edinburgh City provides a 24-hour front desk. Reception staff can offer advice on the best spots in town during the summer. The hostel is a large hidden building with 615 beds.
“A&O Edinburgh City shines with its proximity to the railway station and Royal Mile, making city exploration effortless; plus, the on-site bar creates a lively social atmosphere. I especially appreciate that the family rooms are clean and the staff accommodating to early departures. For budget-conscious travellers, this place gets the essentials right.”
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Select your room type
Cozy rooms, spacious suites, and family-friendly homes, all with flexible cancellation policies & special deals
Bed 4-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
155 sq. feet
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Bed 6-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Bed 8-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
195 sq. feet
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Bed 10-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
room details
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Price and room availability calendar
Check availability and rates for your selected dates!
Facilities
Enjoy premium amenities for a relaxing stay with your pet
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
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A&O Edinburgh City Location
50 Blackfriars Street,
Edinburgh,
United Kingdom,
EH1 1NE,
Edinburgh
Map view
50 Blackfriars Street,
Edinburgh,
United Kingdom,
EH1 1NE,
Edinburgh
City landmarks
Museum
Edinburgh Castle
4400 ft
Landmark
Arthur's Seat hike
1.4
mi
Palace
Palace of Holyroodhouse
3800 ft
Gallery
Scottish National Gallery
4400 ft
Park
Princes Street Gardens
4400 ft
Museum
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
4400 ft
Landmark
Calton Hill
1.1
mi
Park
Holyrood Park
3800 ft
Museum
Dynamic Earth
3800 ft
Botanical Garden
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
1.4
mi
Museum
The Museum of the Royal Scots and the Royal Regiment of Scotland
4400 ft
Landmark
The Scotch Whisky Experience
4400 ft
Square
Grassmarket
4400 ft
Nearby
Museum
National Museum of Scotland
1300 ft
Royal Mile
Royal Mile
1300 ft
High Street 2 Warriston's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
1300 ft
Church
St Giles' Cathedral
1300 ft
Monument
Scott Monument
1300 ft
32 Calton Hill
Nelson Monument
1400 ft
Store
Edinburgh Old Town
1300 ft
Museum
The Writers' Museum
1300 ft
Museum
Gladstone's Land
1300 ft
Nicolson Street
Surgeons' Hall Museums
1300 ft
Museum
Museum of Childhood
1300 ft
Museum
John Knox House
1300 ft
53 Princes Street
Princes Street
1300 ft
2 Chalmers Close High Street (opposite Museum of Childhood on Royal Mile)
Brass Rubbing Centre
1300 ft
Church
Mercat Cross
400 ft
Gallery
City Art Centre
1300 ft
Cemetery
The Robertson Mausoleum
1300 ft
Restaurants
Bar 50
400 ft
50 Blackfriars Street
Zara Fast Foods Pizza & Burger House
100 ft
56 Blackfriars Street Old Town
The Piemaker
1000 ft
38 South Bridge
Pilgrim Bar
300 ft
Cowgate
Greggs
400 ft
85/87 Rose Street
Burrito 'n' Shake
1100 ft
97-99 South Bridge
The Tron
900 ft
9 Hunter Square
Yocoko Noodle Bar
900 ft
45 South Bridge
Zenobia
1000 ft
14A South Bridge
Forsyth's Tea Room
600 ft
81 High Street Chalmers Close
Caffe Nero
800 ft
4 Waverley Bridge Road Unit 2-4 Waverley Station
Explore Edinburgh
Explore the Heart of Edinburgh
National Museum of Scotland
5 minutes' walk
Celebrated for its diverse exhibits, this museum offers free admission and fascinating artifacts from Scotland's history.
Edinburgh Castle
17 minutes' walk
Historic fortress with spectacular views, showcasing Scotland's royal history and a selection of crown jewels.
The Real Mary King's Close
5 minutes' walk
Underground historic street revealing Edinburgh's past. Guided tours offer an insightful look into life back in the 1600s.
Scott Monument
5 minutes' walk
A stunning Gothic monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, featuring an observatory offering panoramic city views.
Bar 50
2 minutes' walk
Lively spot known for its local craft beers and casual vibe. Ideal for tasty bites and socializing after a day out.
The Piemaker
4 minutes' walk
Famous for its artisanal pies, this cozy eatery encompasses a taste of Scotland with locally sourced ingredients.
Zara Fast Foods Pizza & Burger House
1 minute' walk
Casual eatery offering quick bites like pizzas and burgers-perfect for families or a fast meal on the go.
Pilgrim Bar
1 minute' walk
Relaxed bar featuring live music and a quirky atmosphere, making it great for casual nights out with friends.
Getting around
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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.
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Pros
Good location
Friendly staff
Clean rooms
Cons
Noisy courtyard
Guest reviewsbased on 2312 reviews
Gilbert from United Kingdom
Couple
Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 08, 2026
6/10
mixed experience at this lodging
poor drainageexcessive noise
the room felt quite cramped i kept bumping into things. the shower drained poorly causing water to pool. also the noise from the nearby bar was excessive impacting sleep quality. i found it hard to unwind.
0 Helpful
matthew from united kingdom
Single
twin room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 27, 2026
9.0/10
central location, good value
clean objectsightseeing proximitywide selectionhelpful staff
The hotel was clean and smelled fresh throughout my stay. its proximity to various sightseeing locations was convenient. i particularly enjoyed the breakfast. There was a wide selection available for everyone. the staff members were polite and helpful, especially when assisting foreign visitors.
The water temperature in the shower was consistently lukewarm. I found that unsatisfactory.
Dining
9/10
breakfast offered many choices and the hours suited most schedules, giving flexibility. there were options for various dietary needs, including vegetarian and gluten-free items, assuring everyone had ample choices.
Location
10/10
The hotel's location was central. Many attractions are within walking distance. it took me less than ten minutes to reach the main train station! i found various convenience stores nearby, so i could easily buy supplies.
Rooms
8/10
The room was better than expected. It had everything needed for a short stay. the room included shower gel and liquid hand soap. That was helpful. the beds were arranged as bunk beds, and the linens were clean.
Service
9/10
the staff was friendly and provided helpful information regarding local attractions. they offered secure luggage storage, with lockers, for use before check-in and after check-out. i found the staff readily available to assist with any questions
0 Helpful
|
oliver from united kingdom
Single
triple room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 03, 2026
9.0/10
convenient stay close to the royal mile
great locationequipped kitchenpersonal power socketsmall shower room
i found the location really superb. it was just a short walk from the royal mile and nearby shops. the kitchen was equipped for free use. my bed had its own curtains and a power socket, which i found quite handy.
the shower room felt small. it was difficult to change my clothes inside. i think adding a bit more space or some hooks would help.
Dining
8/10
The hotel provided a good breakfast. It included several options like cereals, yogurts, and pastries.
Facilities
9/10
this place has social areas. these are on the ground floor. the free kitchen access was a plus, especially for preparing simple meals . it offered a money saving solution.
Rooms
10/10
the triple room felt spacious. it has individual storage under the beds. there were two separate sinks and a well maintained toilet in the room and i found the bed comfortable. it really served its purpose
0 Helpful
|
Lewis from United Kingdom
Twin Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:December 21, 2025
8/10
basic accommodation Near royal mile
central locationclean spacehot room
location is Central. I could leave my luggage after check out. The room included a basic but clean space and a large bathroom.
it WAS really hot in our room. The window is not the type that i could open fully. I had to rent towels.
Dining
9/10
There is A bar, and you can get food there. I SAW people sharing time with others there. The drink prices seem reasonable.
0 Helpful
|
Lewis from United Kingdom
Single
Twin room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:November 26, 2025
6/10
mixed feelings About my stay
centralconvenient locationpoor soundproofing
the location was certainly CENTRAL and convenient.
the room was very noisy, i could hear everything happening outside all NIGHT, i wish the soundproofing was better or i had remembered to bring earplugs.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About A&O Edinburgh City
How far is A&O Edinburgh City from the nearest railway station?
The hostel is a few minutes' walk from a railway station, making it easily accessible.
Is breakfast available at A&O Edinburgh City?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 9 GBP.
Which popular attractions are near A&O Edinburgh City?
Nearby attractions include the National Museum of Scotland (0.5 km), Scott Monument (0.5 km), and Holyrood Abbey (1 km).
What on-site dining options does A&O Edinburgh City have?
The hostel features Bar50, which serves food and drinks, including pizza and bar fare.
What room amenities are available at A&O Edinburgh City?
Rooms include reading lights, en-suite bathrooms, and lockers.
What facilities are available for leisure at A&O Edinburgh City?
Guests can enjoy a sundeck, billiards, live entertainment, and karaoke.
What services does A&O Edinburgh City provide?
The hostel offers a 24-hour reception, laundry services, and an ATM on-site.
How close is A&O Edinburgh City to Princes Street?
The hostel is located just 700 meters from the shops and nightlife of Princes Street.
What kind of rooms are available at A&O Edinburgh City?
The hostel offers rooms ranging from single and double rooms to multi-bed rooms for 4 to 6 people.
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