Safestay Edinburgh

Formerly the Smart City Edinburgh, this 623-bed property has a split personality. During the school year, about half of it serves as residence hall for the nearby University of Edinburgh, while all of its beds are sold as a hostel during the summer. Though the lobby was fully renovated in 2016 and feels fresh and contemporary -- with striped pink-and-yellow carpeting, comfortable tartan armchairs, and a couple of vending machines with not only sodas but also headphones, lotion, and other essentials -- the rest of the property is basic and more hostel-like, featuring long, carpeted hallways, linoleum-clad staircases, and few ornaments. 

The property is popular with groups of young travelers and school trips (which can cause noise problems at times), and the atmosphere is bustling and even a tad rowdy. The bar downstairs is a popular hangout spot for college students in the evening, and there is always something going on, including pool competitions, sports screenings, and open mic and quiz nights. Two large blackboards in the lobby announce all the activities taking place that week. The hostel's bustling vibe is better suited for those willing to join in on the fun than for travelers wanting to get some rest at night, so the latter may be better off at the Code Hostel or The Baxter, both of which have quieter atmospheres and comfortable rooms. High Street Hostel is a good alternative for those wanting to socialize but also have a better chance of peaceful sleep. 

The Safestay Edinburgh is located on a small, cobblestone street off the Royal Mile. This Old Town location is perfect for travelers wanting to explore the city’s sights, as most major attractions are just a short walk away. St Giles’ Cathedral and the National Museum of Scotland are each less than a five-minute walk away, and Edinburgh Castle, shopping along Princes Street, the Scottish National Gallery, and Calton Hill are all within 15 minutes of the hostel. Waverley Station (Edinburgh’s main public transportation hub) is also an easy seven-minute stroll away, and buses and trams connecting the city center and the airport are also nearby. The drive to the airport takes about half an hour. 

The hostel offers a wide array of room types, from private double, triple, and quadruple rooms, to dorms with up to 12 beds, and female-only units. Laminate floors and big windows make rooms pleasant, but there is only the bare minimum in each, namely beds and lockers (locks not provided, but available for purchase at reception). Everything is kept clean and well-maintained, and beds have comfortable mattresses, free linens, and reading lights. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and private rooms come with electric kettles and towels. Guests staying in dorms have to bring their own towel or rent it for a daily fee at reception. 

All rooms and dorms have their own en-suite bathroom, complete with a sink, toilet, and shower (but no toiletries). In some cases, the shower is in a separate cabin, which is convenient when sharing a room with lots of people, and larger dorms have two showers and two toilets. 

Bachelor and bachelorette parties are allowed, and the hotel is popular with groups, so nights can be loud and rowdy at times. There is a security guard on-site, but that only seems to keep the noise down for a little while, as the hostel is big. Street noise can also be an issue, so light sleepers may want to ask for a room facing the back of the building. 

The hostel has a large pub on the lower ground with direct access from the street, which makes it popular with students from the nearby University of Edinburgh. There is a food menu with pizza and other bar fare, as well as a drink menu with a wide array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. The atmosphere is lively and fun, and there are pool tables, TVs for sports, big Chesterfield couches, and lots of tables of different sizes for socializing. The patio has a handful of picnic tables and a few heaters. A decent breakfast is served in the bar every morning for a fee, but there is also a shared kitchen where guests can store and cook their own food free of charge. Large groups can request to add buffet dinners and packed lunch to their rate.

The hostel also features laundry facilities (including three washers and three dryers) and loaner iron and ironing boards. Reception is open 24/7, and there is security at night. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.