Our first appointment was with the Globetrotter Hostel. Situated in the most beautiful area on the outskirts of the city we were stunned at the beauty of the location. An incredible combination of both this beauty as well as really fun hostel makes this one a great choice. It’s a little far out of the city but they have a regular shuttle bus which departs every half an hour from the city centre to the hostel so its never an issue to get around. There are also buses available from just outside the hostel. With lovely clean and tidy rooms and the best staff its one great hostel.

We had a good chat with Angela who explained to us the running of the place. She was just lovely and we were quite keen to spend a bit of time at the hostel however we had arrived a little on the late side and had to make our way across town to our next appointment so needless to say we were a little rushed. So we said our goodbyes and promised to visit again very soon. Next summer perhaps?

Tuesday 11am

Met with Marcus and Sandy at the Eglinton Youth Hostel who were really relaxed and friendly. This place is closing in October, and it’s a real shame as this place has bucket loads of character. It’s not a brand new hostel, but that’s not a problem as you’ve got everything you need here. It has such a great feel to it, and the staff are really friendly. It has a real homely feel to it, but is still vibrant enough to make new friends. Facilities are basic but good. A little out of the main centre, but not far from it, and is set next to a gorgeous park. It’s a great little hostel.

Tuesday 12 pm

Next up we went to visit Renata at Argyle Backpackers. Perhaps not the most easily accessible of them all as it is situated a bit far out of town but with excellent and regular bus routes that take you right to their front door you cant complain.

This hostel comes highly recommended because it is so very homely. The rooms are great and all very unique. The communal garden area and kitchen area is lovely and makes you feel like you are at your home away from home. With great staff and clean rooms what more could you want.

Tuesday 1 pm

We met with Mikesh at the Caledonian Backpackers, because Dodo, the manager, was unavailable. The place had an amazing character and feel to it. Dodo has painted amazing artwork on the walls, and it really adds life to the building. It’s in a good location, just near the Queensferry Road shops. There is also a bar called the Swamp Bar, which is famous around Edinburgh for the general population as well. Again, amazing mural artwork on the walls, and this is a bar that you would want to be in. Live music and open til 5am on the weekends, it would be a short stumble upstairs to your room. Great feel. Great hostel.

Tuesday 2 pm

Perhaps my favorite hostel in Edinburgh, Budget Backpackers is just incredible. With the loveliest staff and the most bright, sunny and colorful rooms with ample storage space it’s a fantastic location. We met with Shaun who gave us the grand tour. With plenty of art decorating the walls and ceilings there is never a dull moment in this place.

With fantastic communal areas and great kitchens spread out throughout the building it’s a perfect place to stay for the young backpacker. It is situated in an excellent and central location too.

Tuesday 3 pm

The Belford Hostel is again not right in the centre, but is not far from it and is set in a lovely area by a big park. The main thing to note straight away is this is not your everyday hostel building. It’s a converted church and it really is a beautiful building. Walking inside, I was curious to see how it would work as a hostel. There is a mix of dorm rooms, and privates, and some of the rooms were amazing, with stained glass windows. There is a lovely communal area downstairs, and an outside part where you can lie in the sun and work on your tan.

Tuesday 4 pm

We moved on to our next visit, Castle Rock Hostel. This place has a lot going for it. Amazing location with amazing views of the castle, incredibly friendly staff, great facilities and atmosphere to the hostel and nice rooms. Rachel and Katie welcomed us with open arms, and we immediately felt relaxed. There;s fantastic artwork on the walls, and a great outdoor place to sit. All the staff live in the hostel, and there is a lot of long termers there as well, but they don’t seem to take over, and short termers are also made to feel at home straight away. Great hostel. Excellent value.

Needless to say that after our antics on the Monday evening we headed to bed right after dinner, with full tummies and heavy heads we were out for the count as our heads touched the pillow.

Comprehensive list of Edinburgh Hostels.
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