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Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

2.5 star property
City-center hotel within walking distance of Royal Mile

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Photo gallery for Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

Stunning historic building with a robust facade and ornate detailing, featuring a prominent corner tower.
Terrace/patio
1 bedroom, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets
Guests can access amenities and services in this public space.
Terrace/patio
Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate, a vibrant hotel near the Royal Mile, offers a tranquil garden to unwind. Stay connected with in-room WiFi and enjoy easy access to St. Giles' Cathedral and Grassmarket.

Reviews

6.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Non-smoking
  • Free WiFi

Main amenities (9)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Terrace
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Garden
  • Vending machine
  • Self-serve laundry
  • Luggage storage
  • Lockers available

Feel at home (4)

  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities
The current price is CA $157
CA $189 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 1 - Sep 2

Room options

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Showing 17 of 17 rooms

View all photos for 6-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

1 bedroom, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

6-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Laptop workspace
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Beds

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

1 bedroom, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Laptop workspace
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

1 bedroom, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Laptop workspace
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

1 bedroom, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Laptop workspace
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Ensuite

1 bedroom, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Laptop workspace
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 1
  • 6 Twin Beds

View all photos for 6-Bed Private Room Ensuite

1 bedroom, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

6-Bed Private Room Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Laptop workspace
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Beds

View all photos for Bunk Twin Room Ensuite

1 bedroom, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bunk Twin Room Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Laptop workspace
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Large Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed in 2-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

1 bedroom, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 2-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Laptop workspace
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

1 bedroom, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Laptop workspace
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

1 bedroom, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Laptop workspace
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for 8-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

1 bedroom, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

8-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Laptop workspace
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Beds

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Shared Bathroom

1 bedroom, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Laptop workspace
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 1
  • 6 Twin Beds

View all photos for Quadruple Room Shared Bathroom

1 bedroom, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Quadruple Room Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Laptop workspace
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

1 bedroom, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Laptop workspace
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

1 bedroom, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Laptop workspace
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

1 bedroom, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Laptop workspace
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Quadruple Room Ensuite

1 bedroom, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Quadruple Room Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Laptop workspace
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds

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About the area

Map
94 -116 Cowgate, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1JN

What's nearby

  • Royal Mile - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • University of Edinburgh - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Grassmarket - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Princes Street - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Edinburgh Castle - 10 min walk - 0.9 km

Getting around

  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 31 min drive
  • Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station) - 5 min walk
  • Edinburgh Waverley Station - 6 min walk
  • Edinburgh Haymarket Station - 26 min walk
  • St Andrew Square Tram Stop - 10 min walk
  • Princes Street Tram Stop - 12 min walk
  • Balfour Street Tram Stop - 26 min walk

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Piper's Rest - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Bannerman's Bar - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Bar 50 - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The City Cafe - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

You'll be in a fantastic location at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate, just a 5-minute walk from Royal Mile and University of Edinburgh. A terrace and a garden are other highlights. The property is just a short walk to public transportation: St Andrew Square Tram Stop is 10 minutes and Princes Street Tram Stop is 12 minutes.

Languages

English

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 230 rooms
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 10:00 AM
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Children

    • No cribs (infant beds)
DONE

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms (speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices))
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • No onsite parking
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage

Facilities

  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Lockers available

Accessibility

  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning

Sleep well

  • Bed sheets provided

Freshen up

  • Shower only
  • Hair dryer (on request)

Stay connected

  • Laptop-friendly workspace
  • Free WiFi (speed of 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices))

More

  • Daily housekeeping

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Towels are available for an extra charge of EUR 4 per person, per stay (or guests may bring their own)

Policies

This property does not have elevators.
Long-term renters welcome.
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard

Also known as

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate Hotel
Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate Edinburgh
Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate Hotel Edinburgh

Frequently asked questions

Are pets allowed at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?

Sorry, pets aren't allowed.

Is parking offered on site at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?

Sorry, there's no onsite parking at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

What is there to do at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate and nearby?

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate has a garden.

What's the area around Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate like?

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate is in Old Town Edinburgh, a short 5-minute walk from Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station) and 4 minutes' walk from Royal Mile.

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Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate Reviews

Reviews

6.8

Good

6.8/10

Cleanliness

7.2/10

Staff & service

5.6/10

Amenities

6.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Perfect place thank You
Calvin, 1-night trip

8/10 Good

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.
Elisabeth, 2-night trip

2/10 Terrible

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
Big reception area was good but the room was awful. I couldn't sleep, the bunk beds are noisy & uncomfy.
Colin, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Really near market, castles, museum and compare with the price I’ll give it 10/10
SUTHASINEE, 1-night trip

8/10 Good

Felt safe and clean. Will definitely stay again if ever in Edinburgh.
Jerilyn, 3-night trip

8/10 Good

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.
Sydney, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

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!
Melanie, 2-night trip

6/10 Okay

The only downside was the noise from the doors outside our room banging, and the conversations being had outside our room late at night and early in the morning. But for £40, what would we expect? We'd stay again, though.
Stephen, 1-night trip

8/10 Good

For just one night the hostel was ok. The only thing that bothered me was the large group of people who were together and talking very loudly and with music playing late at night.
Liliane, 1-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Can’t say enough good about this place. Our second stay here. Staff and management are wonderful!
melvin, 3-night trip

8/10 Good

Very friendly staff
Anne-Marie, 1-night trip

6/10 Okay

Beds and toilets were a little rickety, but otherwise it was pretty good. Convenient location, good staff, easy to get to places around it, and quite affordable.
Hannah, 2-night trip

2/10 Terrible

Would not recommend staying here, rude staff and constantly felt very unsafe in the building.
Jess, 4-night trip

8/10 Good

The bunk beds were rough. Saturday nights are noisy but other nights were quiet.
Karen, 3-night trip

2/10 Terrible

Outdated, not clean, hot water didn’t work. Loud, way better options around
Justin, 1-night trip

6/10 Okay

If you need a good nights sleep, you won't get it here. But! It is clean, and I (solo female traveler) felt safe.
Lisa, 1-night trip

2/10 Terrible

I had a worst experienced in this hostel, its a small space and too noisy because the building is accross the pub bar and the toilets are so dirty and the showers terrible it won’t shut off and the water that came out was too hot! I am not gonna recommend this hostel to anyone!
Helen, 3-night trip

6/10 Okay

No individual charging port, only had a power strip that had to be charged. No shelf or light in the bunks. No bathroom in the room, had to use a communal bathroom. Which would have been fine but two of the three showers were out of order and the toilet didn’t have toilet paper. Location was good.
Brittney, 4-night trip

2/10 Terrible

Lousy storage, have to pay for a lock. Poor room layouts. So loud opposite the pub
Rebecca, 2-night trip

6/10 Okay

Good but…

Good position but the service is very basic. You have to pay for any extra.
Chiara, 1-night trip

6/10 Okay

Staff friendly & helpful. Room clean. Bed allocation system chaotic. Breakfast Extremely limited. No wi fi. Bathroom door lock poor
STEPHEN, 3-night trip

2/10 Terrible

The booking system is totally unreliable. Double booking of a same bed is common. Staff is trying very hard to fix this system errors but they keep coming. Maybe wait until they are really ready if you don't want to be a lab mouse.
Arthit, 3-night trip

2/10 Terrible

Massive facility that's poorly kept. No toilet paper, soap or toilet seats in the bathroom! Only sell (don't rent) towels for 6 pounds if you dare use their showers. Loud club across the street. We rented a private and were told when we checked in that the room wasn't available and we had to take a shared room instead. No solutions were available bc the manager wasn't onsite. If you like not sleeping, loud music and no safe place to lock up your stuff, then this is the place for you.
Meret, 1-night trip

4/10 Poor

April 2025 stay at Cowgate safestay

I like the location in old town. However it was very hot inside the rooms there were no fans and the windows did not open. The first room I was put into was so small before bunks that I could barely move and they put me on a top bunk which I requested a bottom bunk. I was very unhappy about this and asked to be moved. The initial response was no that they were full in fact overbooked and I was told they did not know where everyone was going to steep that night. This was disturbing news to me. What are the staff came back and offered to move me to a six bunk room someone had not checked in and there was a mix up. This was a completely satisfactory bed and there was room in the room to move however again it was hot and stuffy and the windows did not open. I found the continent of breakfast to be very expensive for what was offered. I was also not very impressive there was nowhere to store food in a cooler or fridge. It was quite noisy with a bar two bars across the street however I dear plugs in the noise didn't bother me. The slamming of the doors did. Although I really like the location I would not stay here again. It is not close to the tram from the airport however I did not mind the walk. I also felt nickled and dimed. Even though I had a reservation for that day they charged me for luggage storage and after I checked out and had a few hours to spare the charged me another few pounds. There's a lot that could be done to improve the services offered here.
Karen, 2-night trip

2/10 Terrible

Not as advertised, expensive for not much

No hot water for the shower, no toilet in the en-suite I had paid for, no sanitary bins (communal mixed gender bathrooms even though paid for female ensuite room), no wifi or signal at the hostel which isn’t safe for solo travellers but also advertised as free wifi everywhere. No bar license yet so can’t serve drinks. Basically nothing that’s advertised is available, also charged double compared to what people in my room paid. Also randomly charged an extra £53 and not sure what for, noticed it on my banking once I got internet when in the city centre. Absolutely shocking. The guys on reception were helpful though at checkin.
Zoe, 1-night trip