Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

Hotels
Safestay
6.4 (51 reviews)
94 -116 Cowgate, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1JN , Edinburgh , GB

Facilities

Free WiFi
24-hour front desk
Terrace
Garden
Luggage storage
Wheelchair accessible
Smoke-free property
Upper floors accessible by stairs only

Review Highlights

Pros:
Convenient location
Helpful staff
Affordability
Cons:
Noise disturbances
Cleanliness issues
Unresponsive maintenance

Categories

Cleanliness
4.98
Several reviews mentioned dirty bathrooms and general cleanliness issues.
Service
7.45
Staff was reported to be helpful, though there were complaints about responsiveness.
Location
7.99
The location is convenient, close to attractions and activities.
Room Quality
5.94
Mixed reviews; some complaints about noise and comfort.
Amenities
6.47
Amenities mentioned are acceptable but not outstanding.
Value for Money
5.93
Considered value for the price paid, despite some complaints.
Food and Beverage
5.98
Not much mention of food; assumed to be standard.
Overall Experience
6.45
Overall experience was moderate; an okay stay with various ups and downs.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-06 11:16

Property Description

Central Location
Immerse yourself in the heart of Edinburgh with Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate. Just a 5-minute walk from the iconic Royal Mile and the prestigious University of Edinburgh, you'll be perfectly situated to explore the city's historic landmarks and vibrant atmosphere.

Convenient Amenities
Enjoy the ease of complimentary wireless internet access, 24-hour front desk service, and the convenience of in-room air conditioning. Plus, start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast to fuel your adventures in Edinburgh.

Explore Nearby Attractions
With famous sites like Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street within close reach, Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate offers the perfect base to discover the charm and history of Scotland's capital city.

Ready to experience Edinburgh in comfort and style? Book your stay at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate now!

Important information:

Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access.

Check-in and check-out hours:

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets not allowed

  • Children and extra beds

    No rollaway/extra beds available

  • Accessibility

    No elevators

  • General

    Professional property host/manager

  • Children and extra beds

    No cribs (infant beds) available

Location

Guest Reviews

6.4
Based on 51 reviews
Cleanliness: 4.98
Service: 7.45
Location: 7.99
Room Quality: 5.94
Amenities: 6.47
Value for Money: 5.93
Food and Beverage: 5.98
Overall Experience: 6.45
K
Kit Yi
6
Pros:

職員很有耐性協助房間誤訂的問題,住宿旁是酒吧,會有點吵,也感覺有少少不安全的感覺

2025-10-09 via Nuitee
V
vanessa
2
Pros:

Séjour très décevant, sol de la chambre sale à notre arrivée, pas de lumière dans les toilettes partagé (donc la nuit vraiment pas pratique), une odeur d’urine pendant 48h horrible dans les toilettes, sol douche et lavabo remplis d’eau au sol, sanitaires sales. La salle de bain de notre palier en travaux mais nous n’avons pas été prévenus. Portes qui claquent la nuit un nombre incalculable de fois.
Équipe au courant des problèmes suite à un mail fait dès le lendemain de notre arrivée mais n’ont pas apportées d’améliorations. Un manager en week end, pas joignable donc nous n’avons pas pu échanger avec lui alors qu’il nous demandait pas retour de mail de venir le voir directement. Nous sommes en attente d’un retour de sa part pour une compensation financière. Hôtel.com a été mis au courant dès le lendemain de notre arrivée mais n’a pas réussi à joindre le personnel, ils ont fait un mail. Je suis également en attente d’hôtel.com de la suite à donner à notre dossier.

Le point positif est l’emplacement dans la vieille ville, très pratique, on peut tout faire à pied. Pour les personnes en recherche de faire la fête c’est la rue parfaite.

Bien dommage que l’établissement ne soit pas à l’image du prix payé.

2025-10-05 via Nuitee
V
Vineeth
10
Pros:

The only small hiccup was the shower water pressure, it felt a bit weak. Other than that, the place was clean, central, and the staff were friendly. overall great!

2025-09-29 via Nuitee
S
Solange family
8
Pros:

Over all a comfortable stay. It could definitely use some renovating and the stairs are strong concrete but molded oddly in certain areas. But the staff was extremely helpful and the area was very convenient for walking old Edinburgh.

2025-09-23 via Nuitee
E
ENRICO family
10
Pros:

Safe

2025-09-21 via Nuitee
E
Edgar Abraham friends
4
Pros:

Rentamos habitación con baño y regadera y no servía la regadera. Nos prometieron arreglarla y no lo hicieron.

2025-09-19 via Nuitee
M
Mikel family
2
Pros:

Si quieres llegar a Edimburgo y encontrarte sin habitación, este es tu sitio. Te aseguro fuertes emociones según te enteres que no hay opción.

2025-09-13 via Nuitee
A
Angel daniel
2
Pros:

Sebring tener mas atencion a los niños, se entiende que es un hostal pero mis dos noches parecia kinder en recreo a las 12:00 am mas de 10 niños corriendo por los pasillos gritando y tocando las Puertas de todas las habitaciones que estaban a su alcance, el personal comiendose los mocos fuera en el patio

2025-09-03 via Nuitee
R
Rhojane
6
Pros:

It was a great place. Near by at downtown.

2025-09-01 via Nuitee
B
Barbara
6
Pros:

Staff gentile, location fantastica in pieno centro della città, vero punto di forza della struttura. Mi sono trovata bene, non bisogna aspettarsi molto, la pulizia non è buona, ma per stare qualche giorno va bene. La posizione dell'ostello è ottima.

2025-09-01 via Nuitee
G
Ganesh Pandian family_with_children
8
Pros:

Value for money except minor complaint.

2025-08-30 via Nuitee
R
Reygina
10
Pros:

The property was easy to find ! The staff are all lovely and helpful ! Excellent location walking distance from everything ! A lot of toilets and washing facilities. Clean beds and lockers for your stuff ( bring your own lock ). Would recommend ear plugs because it’s right across from three sisters and they play live music until like 3 am but that’s no fault of the hostel at all! I was prepared by the reviews so I brought earplugs, eyelash and had a good night sleep. All in all good place and did the job 😁

2025-08-18 via Nuitee
J
james
6
An ok place to stay if you love to party
Pros:

The biggest thing that made my stay not so enjoyable,is that the bar across the street was so loud you heard the music in the room. Therefore it made it a bit challenging to go to sleep at night. Also outside of the hostel in the smoking area, the ashtrays were full. I asked the staff where I could empty the ashtrays. The staff said they would empty the ashtrays and they finally emptied them a day later.

2025-08-17 via Nuitee
N
Nadia
6
Pros:

clean, spacious room and toilet. Not enough hanging hooks. Windows MUST be changed, loud music comes from the pub in front until 3 A.M !!!

2025-08-09 via Nuitee
C
Colin
2
Pros:

I liked the closeness to pubs and clubs & the smoking area. I hated the bunk beds & the noise of the people in the room with me. I didn't sleep at all

2025-08-04 via Nuitee
S
Sydney friends
8
Pros:

The hostel was very close to the heart of the city, so it was near shopping, food, and activities. We didn’t need public transport for anything except getting to the airport. The hostel is directly next door to an outdoor bar/music venue, so there was noise at all hours of the day. Since there is no A/C, the windows needed to stay open, so we were constantly hearing whatever was going on across the street. It didn’t bother us any, but it may bother you if you are a light sleeper and/or are traveling with children. My one critique of the hostel is that the bathrooms were quite dirty, and they smelled pretty bad.

2025-07-30 via Nuitee
D
Darryl
10
Great location, perfect hostel for City Stays
Pros:

Pleasant stay at the hostel. Having our own dorm was great and made it affordable for three people meeting up, visiting the City and just having a catch.

Great location and close to the Cities parkrun that takes place on Saturday

2025-07-28 via Nuitee
M
Melanie
10
Pros:

Great experience, exceeded my expectations over value for money. The bunks have privacy screens around the head and feet of the bed, which made sharing a room feel less invasive. Music can be heard from the bar around the front of the building (it’s summer, so we had the windows open) but it wasn’t an issue, my days were so packed with walking and exploring that I slept really well! I found the bed comfy. Showers did the job, I brought my own towel. Would recommend bringing a padlock for your locker if you are concerned about valuables, but it would better serve not bringing ‘valuables’ (if possible) in the first place.
I love Edinburgh and a place like this really encourages me to visit more regularly. Thanks Safestay!

2025-07-12 via Nuitee
C
Calvin
10
Pros:

Perfect place thank
You

2025-07-11 via Nuitee
E
Elisabeth family
8
Pros:

The location is amazing. Staff is very nice. The shared bathroom was not perfectly clean and a bit smelly, that's why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.

2025-07-11 via Nuitee