CoDE Pod Hostels – THE LoFT

Tucked away in a tiny alley between two of Edinburgh’s busiest streets, the 30-bed CoDE Pod Hostels - THE LoFT packs a lot of style and value for money into a compact building. The interior design is mostly straightforward, both in common spaces and rooms, though industrial-style elements such as treated wood, metal accents, subway tiles, and exposed brick give spaces an inviting, contemporary feel. Unlike at many other hostels in town, the formula here is not low prices and rickety bunk beds, but instead privacy and comfort. Instead of a big lounge covered in posters announcing student parties and bar crawls, the small reception area -- which doubles as the breakfast room and only common space -- is a cozy spot for socializing, with several tables and free tea and coffee available 24/7. A blackboard on the main hallway highlights a few of the activities and events available in town that week, including yoga classes and concerts. 

This mellow vibe, along with a room concept that promotes a good night’s sleep rather than long chats with the neighbors, draws travelers seeking cheap accommodation without the party atmosphere of other hostels. Those wanting something more party-friendly have quite a few options in town, including the High Street Hostel, which is located directly on the Royal Mile and offers spacious dorms with up to 12 beds. Beds, though, have thin mattresses, and there have been reports of queues for showers in the morning. Big groups wanting to all stay together may want to check out the Inn Place, which offers private rooms with several bunk beds, bathrooms, and hotel-style amenities such as electric kettles, plasma TVs, and toiletries. If there aren’t any beds available at the CoDE, The Baxter is a good alternative, with free breakfast, a central location, and lots of style. Bathrooms, though, are more comfortable at CoDE Pod Hostels - THE LoFT 

Located on a small alley in the New Town, CoDE Pod Hostels - THE LoFT has an ideal location for those planning to explore the city on foot. Rose Street, known for its shops and bars, is literally steps from the main entrance, while Princes Street -- Edinburgh’s top shopping destination -- is about two minutes on foot from the hotel. The Scottish National Gallery, Scott Monument, and St Andrew Square are all less than a five-minute walk from the hotel, and other major attractions such as Calton Hill, the Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the National Museum of Scotland can all be reached in about 15 minutes. There are several bus and tram stops within two blocks of the hostel, which makes getting to other sights such as Murrayfield and the Edinburgh Zoo easy, fast, and cheap. Waverley Station and the airport bus and tram can be found a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The drive to the airport takes about half an hour.

The hotel has six dormitories, including three with four beds and three with six. Instead of regular bunks, beds are Japanese-style pods built perpendicular to the wall, with sturdy wooden ladders, blackout curtains, and thick mattresses. Far from feeling claustrophobic, pods are spacious and comfortable -- they’re all about a meter (40 inches) wide and tall enough to sit upright, which is more space than what most standard bottom bunks offer. Each pod has a long wooden shelf outfitted with a power socket, two USB ports, and a reading light, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Sheets are provided in all beds, while towels can be rented for a daily fee. Guests are assigned a code-operated locker in their room with enough space to fit in a carry-on bag and a purse, and bigger suitcases can be stored in a corner of the room or in a larger locker adjacent to the reception for a fee. Motion sensors activate blue nightlights placed under the bottom pods. 

Each floor of the hostel has a four-bed dorm, a six-bed dorm, and a big, clean bathroom with two spacious showers, a toilet cabin, and a big window. Hairdryers are provided in all rooms, and each dormitory has a wooden crate with toiletries left behind by other guests. Shower gel is also available in all bathrooms, and all showers have a big changing space with hooks for towels and clothes. 

The top floor of the building is occupied by the hostel’s stylish studio, outfitted with a fully equipped kitchenette, dining area, and double bed. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows open onto a private, furnished terrace with pretty views of the surrounding rooftops, and there is a large private bathroom with a shower, toiletries, and a toilet.

There is also a four-bed, female-only dorm. 

A free and filling continental breakfast is served daily in the lobby, complete with bread and pastries from a local community bakery, eggs, fresh waffles, cereal, juice, and hot drinks. There is no full bar on-site, but free tea and coffee are available 24/7, and guests are welcome to bring their own drinks to the hostel. There are no coin-operated washer/dryers at the hostel, but guests can request same-day laundry service, which includes clothes being folded and delivered to the room. Those taking short trips outside of town can store their luggage on-site for a daily fee, and the hostel has an agreement with some tour companies that offer small discounts to guests. Although reception is not open 24/7, late arrivals and early check-outs can be arranged.