Edinburgh Backpackers Hostel

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Reviews

1. Jesse ter Beek ★☆☆☆☆

   Somehow our experience kept getting worse and worse. Abysmal service is the first and foremost thing I will remember about this place. Never before have I encountered such uncooperative, unreasonable and particularly unfriendly staff. From a positive experience in the past at this very establishment we decided to book here again, but this time in a private room. We were travelling for a few months and passing through Edinburgh before departing for the airport the next day. As a result, we accumulated a lot of luggage, of which we were under the impression would be able to be stored at this location since we had done that before with roughly the same amount. We could not have been more wrong. Upon arrival we were unpleasantly surprised by a grumpy receptionist with an attitude who plainly told us they don't do the kind of storage we were looking for. Assuming we could reasonably converse with one another we asked what the alternative was after being refused. With a simple shrug we were told to find a spot ourselves. In other words, "not my problem". Note that we booked this room a month beforehand and specifically stated that we were in critical need of luggage storage. Nevertheless, we were sent off without any reason. As if that wasn't enough we were also shocked at the sight of our room. A sorry excuse for a 2-person private room which essentially was a 1-person room fitted with 2 remarkably gross beds. If we did not improvise our way around it, we would be able to keep each other's feet warm. That was the way the room was furnished. The 'flatscreen-tv' was the size of a postcard so you would need binoculars to even see if it was on or not. The rest of the room was tolerable at best (for this price range). We do not expect the most luxury in a backpackers hotel, but even then, do not advertise it, let alone charge for it. Upon checkout we were hopeful to encounter someone behind the reception who would be able to have a reasonable conversation, only to find out we had to talk to the same lady who so 'pleasantly' checked us in the night before. Needless to say our conversation was completely void of reason or empathy. We had to check out at 10am and we had to leave Edinburgh centre at 2pm, so we planned to have 4 relaxed hours (without luggage) exploring the city by daylight, but after being rudely refused again, there was no chance of doing any of that with all our luggage. Not being able to store it here (or anywhere else for that matter, it was odd-sized luggage), we had no option but to skip our complete itinerary for Edinburgh and proceeded to the airport soon after checkout. Very special thanks to the lovely lady at this place, for literally ruining our stay, plans and patience in Edinburgh. The wondrous location in the midst of Edinburgh's heart is wasted on such a 'hotel' like this. Please, to save your high spirits and your sanity, pay just a little more for a stay somewhere else. Anywhere but here.

   almost 2 months ago
2. Siem Pontman ★☆☆☆☆

   My first stay at this place was very nice! Good staff and place for luggage storage, including a bike. Specifically because of this I booked a room here again, but this time it was a very, very bad experience. When I arrived the staff was very unfriendly and not cooperative in the slightest. Last time storing my bike at the reception was no problem at all, but this time they plainly said no and told me to take it upstairs. Even blind people could have seen that that was pretty much impossible. After 30 minutes I was finally done, but then the room was the next unpleasant surprise. It was dirty overall, the floor was uneven and the wall was missing some pieces. The bed was so dirty I had to use my own bedding. At checkout I had the same receptionist with the same unpleasant attitude. After politely asking if I could leave my luggage for a few hours before leaving for the airport she simply shipped me off with “We had this conversation already”. Upon asking what an alternative was she just shrugged and told me that it wasn’t her problem. The location was great, but that was by far the only positive aspect about this stay.

   almost 2 months ago
3. Brian Sanchez ★★★★☆

   This hostel was very nice had a kitchen. The location was great about a 15 minute walk from the main bus terminal or 5 minute walk from the train. You feel at the center from all major attractions staying here. Disliked · This is still a hostel so you may get noisy people but not fault of the hostel. There was an interaction with a staff and a guest apparently the guest did not wash his dish but in the main lounge area she raised her voice in front of everyone saying I saw you through the cameras you did not clean I already told you to clean your dish and next time is going to be $5. Don't know for sure who was right or wrong but raising your voice as a staff is never acceptable.

   almost 3 months ago

1. Ella Hicks ★★★★★

   Our twin room was lovely and the location is incredible, right at the centre of Edinburgh. The price is very good value especially for the location. Room was quiet, even as we were in the room next to the alley. Staff were very lovely and accommodating. Would stay again.

   almost 3 months ago
2. Emily Sinclair ★★★★★

   Stayed in a private room which honestly was great. Reception very helpful when I arrived very early. The room was good and bed was comfy. Bathroom was good. Yes lots of noise from the alleyway outside but just wear ear plugs. Couldn't get much better for a location. And the price couldn't get much better at this time of year. Thanks!

   almost 4 months ago
3. Chris ★★★★★

   Stayed in a twin with shared bathroom. We were on the second floor and being old, traditional buildings there is no lift. The stairs are also a bit uneven so may need care. The rooms are a good size and comfortable. We didn't miss any storage and just left things in bags or hung over a chair. There are hooks for hanging things. The kitchen has everything you could need including a large fridge freezer and instructions for trouble free sharing. There was a toilet on our floor and a toilet and bath/shower and further shower on the floor above. Excellent central location, but it is on a fairly central street, so if the window is open and people are outside, you will hear it Window -sash broken, we stuck a book in it to keep open for air. There is a very powerful heater in the room, struggled to turn it off or down.. probably should just have asked how! Would be happy to return.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Gemma M ★★★★★

   Stayed in single room which was great for overnight stay. The single rooms are in a separate corridor to shared rooms, which makes them quiet. Shared showers and toilets were clean and modern, with female only facilities. Staff are extremely friendly, always saying hello and reception is 24 hrs. Perfect location at the bottom of the Royal Mile and next to train station. Highly recommend.

   almost 3 years ago
2. Myriam Mugnier ★★★☆☆

   The Backpackers hostel is very well situated in the middle of the city centre. The team was nice and the dormitory cleaned. However, I couldn't sleep because of the noise in the corridor.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Ted S ★★★★☆

   Lots and lots of stairs but where else can you stay that’s right in the city center and at a great price? Spent one night in the dorms which were basic but fine and two in a private room which was perfect. There’s a small kitchen and community room though with everything right outside, not much reason to stay in. Just bring an umbrella and go!

   almost 3 years ago

1. Chase DeLong (Flippysize) ★★★★★

   I absolutely loved my stay here! I was in the largest size mixed room, and extended my stay after my second night. The rooms, common area, kitchen, and reception are all very clean, and I never found any issues or concerns. The bathrooms are nice, with great temperature control and water pressure in the showers. The staff are all super nice and friendly, and even played pool with the residents on their off time. They even offer laundry services, where they will wash and dry your clothes for you (and they ask what you want air dried). During my stay my room ranged from partially full, to nearly completely full, and I enjoyed it fully the entire time. Location-wise, the hostel is practically on the royal mile, and makes all of Edinburgh accessible in a very short walk. If I stay in Edinburgh again and wish to stay in the royal mile area, I absolutely will come back to Edinburgh Backpackers Hostel.

   almost 3 years ago

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