Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only) Hostel Edinburgh People photoKick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only) Hostel Edinburgh Hostel Beds photoKick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only) Hostel Edinburgh Exterior photo

KICK ASS GREYFRIARS (ADULTS ONLY), Edinburgh

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Check rooms and rates
From$64 /night
Check-in
20Aug
Check-out
21Aug
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room

About the Hotel

37-39 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1JR-
Next to the Old Town

Key Highlights

Central location within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Waverley station.

Free WiFi throughout the property.

24-hour reception and luggage storage for flexible arrival and departure.

Daily social events including pub crawls, whisky tastings, and live music.

Adults-only atmosphere (18+).

Lockers in rooms and a separate luggage storage room.

Hotel Details

Location

In the heart of Edinburgh's Grassmarket area, a 4-minute walk from the National Museum of Scotland and 9 minutes from Waverley station.
The hostel sits on historic Grassmarket, directly below Edinburgh Castle. Most city-centre attractions are within a 10- to 15-minute walk, including the Royal Mile, Princes Street, and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (1 km). Edinburgh Airport is 10 km away and reachable via the Airlink bus (about 45 minutes including walking). No parking is available on site, but paid public car parks exist within walking distance. The area is lively with pubs and restaurants, especially on weekend nights, which contributes to street noise.

Accommodation

Shared dorms and private twin/double rooms, all with shared bathrooms and individual lockers.
Rooms range from 25 to 50 m² and include heating, work desks, and in some rooms a sink. Bunk beds have individual reading lights and USB ports, but no privacy curtains. Lockers in the room fit a small suitcase; larger items can be stored in the luggage room for £1 after check-out. All bathrooms are located on the corridor and include showers, toilets, and hairdryers in larger shower rooms. Towels are available for rent (£3.50). The property is not soundproofed, so corridor and street noise can be heard in rooms; free ear plugs are offered. Windows open only a crack, which may affect air circulation in some rooms. Heating is provided, but temperature control can be limited.

Dining

On-site restaurant serving international cuisine with vegetarian and vegan options, plus a bar and breakfast buffet.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, offering pub-style dishes such as burgers and chicken fingers. Breakfast is a continental buffet served from 7:00 to 11:00 (additional charge of £4 at check-in, £4.50 afterwards) with bread, cheese, ham, yogurt, and fruit. There is also a snack bar and vending machines for drinks and snacks. Note that there is no guest kitchen at this branch; however, the sister hostel four minutes away has a shared kitchen that guests may use.

Wellness and Leisure

On-site leisure includes a sun terrace, garden, games room, and nightly entertainment.
The hostel has a sun terrace and garden with outdoor furniture, a games room with billiards (free), a bar area with live music and DJs on select nights, and scheduled activities such as movie nights, pub crawls (additional charge), whisky tastings, and pub quizzes. Board games are available. There is no pool or spa.

Facilities and Services

Free WiFi, 24-hour reception, luggage storage, laundry, and business centre.
WiFi is free throughout the property. The 24-hour front desk can assist with tours and directions. Luggage storage is free before check-in and costs £1 per locker after check-out. Laundry facilities (washing machine and dryer) are available with an app-based booking system, and an iron is provided. Other amenities include a business centre, trouser press, vending machines, and key card access with 24-hour security, CCTV, and fire alarms.
Highly rated by guestsof Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)
Professional managementFriendly staffClean facilityGreat locationLarge lockersDelicious breakfast
  • Dining

    Yummy Kitchen

    “They have a kitchen with very yummy food, so you don't need to look for a restaurant or supermarket to eat out.”

    Javier from Spain
    Review on
  • Media & Entertainment

    Karaoke Night!

    “Karaoke nights made it easy to interact with people and have fun. Making new connections is always fun.”

    Priya from India
    Review on
  • Room Features

    Cozy Beds

    “Comfy beds with thick duvets - needed in this weather. Each bed had USB outlets.”

    Oliver from Australia
    Review on
  • Bathroom

    Super Clean

    “Showers and bathrooms were always so clean. There were unisex and single sex bathrooms available.”

    Emma from Canada
    Review on

Critical Operational Notes

  • No on-site parking; paid parking is available nearby.
  • Adults only (18+); children and pets are not allowed.
  • Check-in from 14:00, check-out until 10:00.
  • Breakfast is available for an additional charge (£4 when booked at check-in, £4.50 afterwards).
  • All bathrooms are shared; no en-suite or private bathroom options.
  • No kitchen facilities at this branch; a kitchen is available at the sister hostel 4 minutes away.
  • Luggage storage is free before check-in; after check-out it costs £1 per locker.
  • Quiet hours from 22:00 to 06:00; free ear plugs available at reception.

Most popular facilities

at Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)
Wi-Fi
Kitchen facilities
Laundry
Food/ Drinks
TV
Adults only

Top Strategic Tips

  • 01

    Use the free luggage storage before check-in to explore the city without your bags; after check-out it costs £1 per locker.

  • 02

    Bring a padlock for the in-room lockers, or buy one at reception for £4.

  • 03

    Request a room away from the street if you are a light sleeper; free ear plugs are available at reception.

  • 04

    Book a private twin/double room if you prefer not to share a dorm, but note that all bathrooms are shared.

Choose your room type

Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only) — double rooms, family rooms, and suites. Breakfast options and free cancellation available on selected rates
  • Bed 4-Bed Dormitory Room
    2 persons
    25 sq. feet
    1 Bunk bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Bed 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    2 persons
    25 sq. feet
    1 Bunk bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Bed 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    2 persons
    25 sq. feet
    1 Bunk bed
    Heating
    Shower
Show all rooms

Hotel Price Calendar

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August 2026 - August 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

What's included at Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only) — facilities and services available during your stay
Facilities: Very good
7.9/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Adults only
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Billiard tables

Guest Parking

  • Dryer

Services

  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Business

  • Business centre

Children

  • Board games
  • Game room

Spa & Leisure

  • Live entertainment
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Trouser press

Self-catering

  • Dryer
Show more

Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only) Location

37-39 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1JR
Explore Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh's Treasures
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
National Museum of Scotland
6 minutes' walk
Named for its diverse displays, this museum features Scottish history and culture with free admission and guided tours available.
Edinburgh Castle
13-minute walk
An iconic symbol of Scotland, this historic castle offers breathtaking views and fascinating exhibits on Scottish history.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
20 minutes' walk
The official residence of the monarch in Scotland, this palace showcases stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
Scottish National Gallery
13-minute walk
Home to a rich collection of European art, this gallery features works from the Renaissance to the present, with free admission.
Arthur's Seat hike
30 minutes' walk
A popular hike offering scenic views of Edinburgh, suitable for adventure seekers; accessible via public transport for convenience.
Yoga at The Meadows
15 minutes' walk
Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions are available in this park, perfect for rejuvenation while soaking in nature's serenity.
Oink
3 minutes' walk
Specializing in hog roast sandwiches, this casual eatery offers delicious local flavors in a cozy atmosphere; vegetarian options available.
Deacon's House Cafe
4 minutes' walk
An inviting space with Scottish dishes, known for its hearty breakfasts and homemade cakes, suitable for various dietary needs.
Let Me Eat Too
1 minute's walk
A warm, vibrant atmosphere serves diverse vegan cuisine; popular for its creative dishes and commitment to fresh ingredients.
The Bow Bar
3 minutes' walk
A cozy pub offering a wide selection of craft beers; known for its friendly vibe and occasional live music performances.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
13-minute walk
An engaging attraction with fun visual effects and interactive exhibits, suitable for families and those curious about optical illusions.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Edinburgh 6 min  ·  1700 ft
  • Airports
    Edinburgh (EDI) 21 min  ·  8.5 mi
    Glasgow (GLA) 132 min  ·  54.6 mi
  • Bus
    Bus stop 2 min  ·  400 ft
Book early and pay less
See available rates for your dates
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP5 per person per day.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
Spanish, Italian, Arabic
Number of rooms:
214
Former name
Budget Backpackers Hostel

Guest Reviews and Ratings

What guests said after staying at Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)
Review score
Based on 1981 verified reviews
8.0 /10
Great
85 %
Recommend
Breakfast
6.9/10
Cleanliness
8.0/10
Comfort
7.9/10
Facilities
7.9/10
Free WiFi
8.4/10
Location
9.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.9/10
Staff
8.9/10
Value for money
8.3/10
Pros
Clean rooms
Convenient location
Good breakfast
Available lockers
Cons
No parking
Noisy doors
Guest reviews
based on 5717 reviews
8.0/10
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.
Open reviews
FAQs
About Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)
What are the check-in and check-out times at Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)?
Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
What is the closest airport to Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)?
The hotel is located 10 km from Edinburgh Airport.
How far is Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only) from Edinburgh Castle?
Kick Ass Greyfriars is 0.5 km from Edinburgh Castle.
Is breakfast available at Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)?
A continental or à la carte breakfast is offered for an additional charge of 6 GBP.
What dining options are available at Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)?
The hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar that serves a variety of food at reasonable prices.
Are there any popular restaurants near Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)?
Nearby restaurants include Vittoria on the Bridge (0.5 km), Oink (0.5 km), and Grassmarket Cafe (0.5 km).
What amenities are provided in the rooms at Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)?
Rooms are fitted with bedside reading lights and a shared bathroom with a dryer.
Is Wi-Fi available at Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
What entertainment options does Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only) offer?
Guests can enjoy billiards, evening entertainment, movie nights, and pub crawls.
What languages do the staff speak at Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)?
Staff members are fluent in Arabic, English, Spanish, and Italian.
What recreational facilities are available at Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)?
The hotel features a games room with board games and a pool table.
Is there a communal kitchen at Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)?
Yes, a communal kitchen is available for guests to use.
How far is Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only) from the city center?
The hotel is located within 100 meters of the city center.

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