A&O Edinburgh City Exterior photoA&O Edinburgh City Exterior photoA&O Edinburgh City Business photo
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From51US$ /night
Check-in
10Apr2026Select date
Check-out
11Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1NE
-
Close to the Old Town
Very good
7.2
7.2
/10
3.6
/5

Location

A&O Edinburgh City is situated in the vibrant city center, just a short walk from the iconic Edinburgh Castle. The hotel offers easy access to public transport, with the Edinburgh Waverley train station and various bus lines nearby. Guests can explore famous attractions like the Royal Mile and Arthur's Seat within minutes.

Accommodation

The hotel offers 159 rooms, with options ranging from shared dormitories to private family rooms. Each room includes amenities such as flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms, catering to diverse traveler needs. Families benefit from special family rooms designed to comfortably accommodate children.

Dining

A&O Edinburgh City features an on-site bar and a café, where guests can enjoy a variety of beverages and light snacks. The breakfast buffet provides a selection of options to kickstart the day. Guests have the convenience of dining in a relaxed atmosphere without leaving the hotel.

Entertainment

For entertainment, the hotel offers a game room equipped with billiards and table soccer, providing leisure options for guests. There is also an outdoor terrace, perfect for gathering and socializing. Nearby, guests can explore nightlife options, including pubs and live music venues.

Business Amenities

A&O Edinburgh City is equipped with meeting rooms suitable for small conferences and gatherings. The hotel provides necessary audiovisual equipment to facilitate business events. Guests can take advantage of complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel for work or leisure activities.

Highlights

Location: vibrant city center, just a short walk from Edinburgh Castle

Accommodation: 159 rooms, options from shared dormitories to private family rooms

Dining: on-site bar and café with breakfast buffet

Entertainment: game room and outdoor terrace

“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.”
Hotel logo
Isabella MooreSenior Editorial Director at Petfriendlyhotels
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Select your room type

Cozy rooms, spacious suites, and family-friendly homes, all with flexible cancellation policies & special deals
Bed 6-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Bed 8-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
195 sq. feet 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Bed 10-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Bed 12-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
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Facilities

Enjoy premium amenities for a relaxing stay with your pet
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
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A&O Edinburgh City Location

50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1NE
Map view
50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1NE
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
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
National Museum of Scotland
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
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
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
Scott Monument
5 minutes' walk
A stunning Gothic monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, featuring an observatory offering panoramic city views.
Hiking at Arthur's Seat
25 minutes' walk
An iconic hike offering breathtaking views of Edinburgh, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and a great workout.
Yoga at The Meadows
16 minutes' walk
Relaxation sessions set in the scenic Meadows park, perfect for unwinding amidst nature and connecting with fellow yogis.
Bar 50
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
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
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
Pilgrim Bar
1 minute' walk
Relaxed bar featuring live music and a quirky atmosphere, making it great for casual nights out with friends.
Central Hall
10 minutes' walk
A venue for cultural events and performances, ideal for families seeking enriching experiences during their stay.
Getting around
City Centre
Edinburgh3 min  ·  700 ft
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)21 min  ·  8.5 mi
Glasgow (GLA)133 min  ·  54.9 mi
Train
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station5 min  ·  1400 ft
Bus
Bus stop5 min  ·  1400 ft
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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:
530
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 excellent location near the Royal Mile and its convenient proximity to the railway station, making city exploration easy. Guests often point out the comfortable beds, each equipped with a curtain, spotlight, USB, and electric socket, ensuring a pleasant stay. The presence of a bar serving food adds to the convenience, though some guests have mentioned noise from the inner courtyard at times. You can also find useful facilities such as an ATM and vending machines.
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Review score
Based on 2293 verified reviews
6.8/10
Nice
63%
Recommend
Location
9.2/10
Staff
8.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.0/10
Breakfast
6.3/10
Pros
Good location
Friendly staff
Clean rooms
Cons
Noisy courtyard
Guest reviews
based on 5709 reviews
7.2/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About A&O Edinburgh City
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.
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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Check-in
10Apr2026Select date
Check-out
11Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room