SAFESTAY EDINBURGH COWGATE, Edinburgh

The hostel sits in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, putting Edinburgh Castle (10 minutes on foot), the Military Tattoo (300 metres), and the Festival Theatre (400 metres) within easy reach. The street is a busy nightlife corridor, with outdoor pub terraces opposite the entrance generating loud music until around 1am most nights. For airport access, Edinburgh Airport is 11 km away; no shuttle is provided, but the train station is a short walk. A taxi can be ordered from reception and typically arrives within five minutes. The location is walkable to the city centre, but those driving must use paid public car parks nearby.

Accommodation includes 2-bed bunk twins, 4-bed, 6-bed, and 8-bed mixed dorms, as well as female-only dorms and private rooms. Some rooms have private bathrooms, while others use shared facilities on the floor. Bed linen is provided. Towels are not included and can be purchased for £6 at reception. Each dorm bed typically has a locker, a reading light, and a USB socket. Rooms with shared bathrooms may have limited power sockets (often only two for a four-bed room, located near the bottom bunks). Many rooms lack windows and air conditioning, creating a hot and humid environment in warmer weather. Beds are described as comfortable with privacy screens on some bunks, but metal frames can be noisy when climbing.

Breakfast is a continental buffet offering bread, pastries, cereals, porridge pots, and hot drinks. Coffee and tea are also available for free each morning in the common area. The property has no restaurant or kitchen for guest use; however, a vending machine (snacks and drinks) is on site, and there is a snack bar offering bar snacks. The Cowgate area is packed with pubs and restaurants - BrewDog Edinburgh and Deacon Brodie's Tavern are each about a 3-minute walk away. Around 0.5 km you'll find The Witchery by the Castle, Howies Victoria, and Makars Gourmet Mash Bar.

WiFi is free throughout the building, though coverage can be intermittent on higher floors. The 24-hour front desk allows for late check-in and express check-in/out. Luggage storage is available for £4.50 per suitcase before check-in or after check-out. Lockers inside the rooms are free, but you need your own padlock or you can buy one at reception. Daily housekeeping is provided free of charge. The property has a coffee house on site, a bar, and a shared lounge/TV area with outdoor furniture. Vending machines for drinks and snacks are available. A hairdryer can be borrowed from reception. No laundry facilities are available.