The Hostel
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Summary of reviewsThe Hostel in Edinburgh is widely praised for its prime and convenient location, making it an excellent base for travelers. Situated next to Haymarket train, tram and bus stations, it offers easy access to major city attractions like Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street, all within walking distance. Its central yet quieter neighborhood ensures a peaceful stay with bustling cafes, restaurants and shops nearby. Ideal for those who enjoy exploring on foot, The Hostel combines affordability with strategic placement, ensuring great value for visitors.
Guests also commend the incredibly friendly and welcoming staff, who consistently create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The team's kindness, attentiveness and readiness to assist with any requests contribute significantly to a satisfactory experience with special mentions of individuals like Adam and André for their exceptional service.
However, opinions on other aspects of the hostel are mixed. While many found the rooms clean and comfortable with clean beds and showers, others noted the rooms were cramped, stuffy and lacked sufficient ventilation. Complaints included limited space for personal belongings, insufficient charging units near beds and poor sound insulation, leading to disturbances from street noise and other guests. Cleanliness was generally appreciated, particularly with regular bathroom cleaning and powerful showers, though some areas, like shared bathrooms and kitchens, fell short.
The breakfast experience had divided opinions. While some guests found it sufficient, others felt it did not meet expectations and noted the absence of breakfast included in the daily rate. Nonetheless, the availability of free coffee and tea was a well-received perk.
The beds drew varied feedback as well. Some guests found them comfortable and cozy with clean sheets, while others criticized the old, saggy and lumpy mattresses, creaky frames and hygiene issues like potential bed bugs and dirty bedding.
Free Wi-Fi is available, but its quality varies. While stable in common areas, the Wi-Fi was often weak or completely unavailable in the bedrooms, causing inconvenience for those reliant on consistent internet access.
The hostel's proximity to vibrant nightlife and trendy pubs contributes to a youthful and social atmosphere, though this central location brings considerable noise, particularly at night, from various sources, possibly affecting the tranquility for some guests.
Overall, The Hostel's historical charm and authenticity, combined with its convenient location and friendly staff, make it a distinctive choice for travelers. However, potential visitors should be prepared for mixed experiences regarding room conditions, cleanliness, breakfast and the quality of beds and Wi-Fi.
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Guests also commend the incredibly friendly and welcoming staff, who consistently create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The team's kindness, attentiveness and readiness to assist with any requests contribute significantly to a satisfactory experience with special mentions of individuals like Adam and André for their exceptional service.
However, opinions on other aspects of the hostel are mixed. While many found the rooms clean and comfortable with clean beds and showers, others noted the rooms were cramped, stuffy and lacked sufficient ventilation. Complaints included limited space for personal belongings, insufficient charging units near beds and poor sound insulation, leading to disturbances from street noise and other guests. Cleanliness was generally appreciated, particularly with regular bathroom cleaning and powerful showers, though some areas, like shared bathrooms and kitchens, fell short.
The breakfast experience had divided opinions. While some guests found it sufficient, others felt it did not meet expectations and noted the absence of breakfast included in the daily rate. Nonetheless, the availability of free coffee and tea was a well-received perk.
The beds drew varied feedback as well. Some guests found them comfortable and cozy with clean sheets, while others criticized the old, saggy and lumpy mattresses, creaky frames and hygiene issues like potential bed bugs and dirty bedding.
Free Wi-Fi is available, but its quality varies. While stable in common areas, the Wi-Fi was often weak or completely unavailable in the bedrooms, causing inconvenience for those reliant on consistent internet access.
The hostel's proximity to vibrant nightlife and trendy pubs contributes to a youthful and social atmosphere, though this central location brings considerable noise, particularly at night, from various sources, possibly affecting the tranquility for some guests.
Overall, The Hostel's historical charm and authenticity, combined with its convenient location and friendly staff, make it a distinctive choice for travelers. However, potential visitors should be prepared for mixed experiences regarding room conditions, cleanliness, breakfast and the quality of beds and Wi-Fi.
Luxury Hostel
Historic Hostel
Hostel near Nightlife Spots
Hostel for Adults Only
Small Hostel
4-Star Hostel
Guest Reviews
For travelers seeking an optimal base in Edinburgh, The Hostel provides a prime and convenient location, as highlighted by numerous guest reviews. Centrally positioned next to the Haymarket train, tram and bus stations, it offers easy access to various parts of the city and further afield. Guests mentioned the excellent connectivity to Edinburgh's key attractions with popular sites like the castle, Princes Street and Old Edinburgh within walking distances ranging from 10 to 25 minutes. The proximity to ample public transportation links also makes it a breeze to reach the airport.
This hostel's strategic placement in a quieter yet central neighborhood ensures a peaceful stay while being just a short stroll away from bustling cafes, restaurants and shops. Travelers appreciated the straightforward commute to their destinations and the convenience of having key locations nearby. Furthermore, the hostel's affordability combined with its excellent location impressed many visitors, ensuring a great value stay.
Ideal for backpackers and those who enjoy exploring the city on foot, The Hostel's situation allows guests to reach tourist spots easily and experience Edinburgh's vibrant atmosphere. Whether walking to iconic locations or catching a tram or bus, guests found the hostel well-placed for all their sightseeing and transportation needs.
Guests at The Hostel have shared mixed feelings about the breakfast experience. While a few found breakfast sufficient, others mentioned it not living up to the advertisement or expectations. A common point of feedback is the absence of breakfast included in the daily rate with some guests suggesting that it could be improved or added. For early risers, it’s worth noting that breakfast isn't available before 8:00 AM, which could be inconvenient for those with early departures. Despite these concerns, free coffee and tea are appreciated perks among the guests.
The reviews for 'The Hostel' present a mixed picture with varying opinions on the condition and suitability of the rooms. On the plus side, many guests found the rooms to be clean and comfortable with clean beds, showers and an organized environment. Those staying in private rooms often remarked on their comfort, though some noted they could be quite cold. Cleanliness was frequently highlighted, particularly in the beds and bathrooms and the hostel's proximity to local attractions like Edinburgh Castle was appreciated. Some travelers also felt safe and found the rooms to be warm during cold nights.
However, numerous guests criticized the rooms for being overly cramped with limited space for luggage or personal belongings. The ventilation was often deemed insufficient, resulting in stuffy or smelly conditions. The lack of individual charging units near each bed, privacy concerns and poor sound insulation—leading to disturbances from both street noise and other guests—were common complaints. Some found the beds uncomfortable and noisy, noting issues with lumpy mattresses or creaky frames. Shared rooms, particularly those with high bed counts, were described as excessively overcrowded with some rooms housing up to 21 people and lacking adequate storage or personal space.
Several reviews mentioned issues with heating with some rooms being too cold while others were too hot and humid. There were frequent remarks about dirty and messy conditions both in rooms and common areas with sporadic comments on insufficient cleaning and maintenance practices. The facilities, though generally having lockers, were criticized for their size and limited capacity, making it challenging for guests to secure their belongings.
While some guests had a pleasant stay, finding the rooms "ideal" or "sufficient," others found the conditions lacking and the experience uncomfortable. Thus, prospective visitors should weigh these varied experiences when considering a stay at 'The Hostel.'
While staying at "The Hostel," guests have offered mixed reviews about the beds. On the positive side, many found the beds to be comfortable with clean sheets and some even described the beds as cozy. Cleanliness was frequently noted with fresh-smelling bedsheets enhancing the sleeping experience for some visitors.
However, numerous guests have raised several concerns. The bunk beds, often triple-tiered, do not allow for comfortable sitting and many reported them to be creaky, shaky and unstable. The mattresses were often described as old, saggy, lumpy and musty-smelling with many mentioning they could feel the springs or coils. There were instances of broken beds and some held together precariously with duct tape. Hygiene issues such as potential bed bugs, blood stains and dirty bedding with crumbs were also highlighted. The lack of privacy curtains and sturdy ladders contributed to the discomfort for many guests. Overall, while some found the beds adequate and cozy, many others experienced significant discomfort due to the age, instability and cleanliness of the sleeping arrangements.
The Hostel presents a mix of experiences regarding its cleanliness. On the positive side, many guests found their rooms, bathrooms and common areas to be clean with some specifically noting that the bathrooms were cleaned regularly and the showers were often hot and powerful. The hostel is described as clean and comfortable overall with clean beds and showers being a common highlight.
However, not all reviews were favorable. Some guests pointed out issues with cleanliness, particularly in shared bathrooms and kitchens, which were often described as dirty and unclean. Complaints included broken shower doors, inconsistent shower temperatures and general unhygienic conditions. There were also mentions of unpleasant odors and crowded rooms, which impacted the overall comfort. Some guests noted that despite regular cleaning efforts, cleanliness sometimes fell short, especially in high-traffic areas.
Overall, while there are commendable aspects of cleanliness at The Hostel, there are areas that require more consistent attention and improvement to meet all guests' expectations.
The hostel has received extensive praise for its exceptionally friendly and welcoming staff. Numerous reviews highlight the team's kindness and politeness with many guests noting that the staff made them feel at home right from their arrival. They describe the employees as incredibly attentive, always ready to assist with any requests and ensuring every detail is taken care of. The warmth and helpful nature of the staff, including the receptionists and kitchen team, have been particularly appreciated, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
The interaction between staff and guests often extends to creating a congenial environment where everyone is engaged and positive attitudes prevail. Many guests noted that the staff did their best to rectify any issues, such as power outlet errors, showing a consistent effort to maintain a pleasant stay. Special mentions were given to individuals like Adam and André for their friendliness and efficiency and the manager on duty for being particularly accommodating.
While the majority of reviews speak highly of the staff's demeanor and professionalism, there were occasional mentions of unprofessionalism, slow responses and less helpful experiences with some members. Despite a few isolated negative encounters, the consensus remains overwhelmingly positive with the staff being a key highlight of the hostel, contributing significantly to guests' overall satisfactory experience.
The Hostel offers free Wi-Fi, which is a great perk for guests hoping to stay connected during their visit. However, the quality of the internet varies considerably across the premises. While some guests enjoyed a stable and strong connection, particularly in common areas like the reception, many found the Wi-Fi in the bedrooms to be problematic. Reports indicate that the connection can be weak, buggy and at times entirely unavailable in individual rooms. This inconsistency has led to inconvenience for those who rely on reliable internet access. Nonetheless, the availability of free Wi-Fi throughout the premises is appreciated, even if it does not always meet the highest standards.
The Hostel offers a prime location for those wanting to be close to the vibrant nightlife and trendy pubs of the city center. Its proximity to numerous pubs and cafes creates a youthful atmosphere perfect for social travelers and groups of friends looking to enjoy the local scene. However, this central location comes with its drawbacks, as the noise level at and around the hostel is quite high, especially at night. The noise stems from various sources, including traffic on the main road, nearby train station, street vendors and fellow guests who sometimes continue their parties late into the night. This can make it difficult for some to find peace and quiet, despite petitions for reduced noise levels. Overall, The Hostel is ideal for those who prioritize a lively social environment over tranquility.
The Hostel offers an adult-only experience, presenting a variety of dormitory options, ranging from smaller dorms for 5 people to larger mixed dormitories accommodating up to 21 guests. This exclusivity provides a more mature atmosphere, ideal for those seeking company within a certain age group. The central location is particularly convenient, ensuring easy access to local attractions. However, it is also characterized by noticeable noise from city trams throughout the night. While the common areas are open to everyone, the overall setting ensures a lively and energetic ambiance for adult travelers.
Nestled in a district teeming with historical significance, 'The Hostel' offers convenient access to some of the city's most treasured sites. Guests appreciate the short and easy walk to the castle and the close proximity to Princes Street and multiple museums. Its central location allows visitors to explore historic city sites, monuments and a beautiful park all within walking distance. The hostel, housed in a beautiful building that retains much of its original fabric despite modern updates, exudes a uniquely authentic and old-fashioned charm. This aura of history combined with a mix of intriguing rooms and stories makes it a distinctive choice for travelers who value character and authenticity. With its quiet atmosphere and connections to major transport hubs like Haymarket Station and a tram stop directly serving the airport, 'The Hostel' stands out as an affordable and convenient lodging option in the heart of the historic district.
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Location
This hostel's strategic placement in a quieter yet central neighborhood ensures a peaceful stay while being just a short stroll away from bustling cafes, restaurants and shops. Travelers appreciated the straightforward commute to their destinations and the convenience of having key locations nearby. Furthermore, the hostel's affordability combined with its excellent location impressed many visitors, ensuring a great value stay.
Ideal for backpackers and those who enjoy exploring the city on foot, The Hostel's situation allows guests to reach tourist spots easily and experience Edinburgh's vibrant atmosphere. Whether walking to iconic locations or catching a tram or bus, guests found the hostel well-placed for all their sightseeing and transportation needs.
Breakfast
Rooms
However, numerous guests criticized the rooms for being overly cramped with limited space for luggage or personal belongings. The ventilation was often deemed insufficient, resulting in stuffy or smelly conditions. The lack of individual charging units near each bed, privacy concerns and poor sound insulation—leading to disturbances from both street noise and other guests—were common complaints. Some found the beds uncomfortable and noisy, noting issues with lumpy mattresses or creaky frames. Shared rooms, particularly those with high bed counts, were described as excessively overcrowded with some rooms housing up to 21 people and lacking adequate storage or personal space.
Several reviews mentioned issues with heating with some rooms being too cold while others were too hot and humid. There were frequent remarks about dirty and messy conditions both in rooms and common areas with sporadic comments on insufficient cleaning and maintenance practices. The facilities, though generally having lockers, were criticized for their size and limited capacity, making it challenging for guests to secure their belongings.
While some guests had a pleasant stay, finding the rooms "ideal" or "sufficient," others found the conditions lacking and the experience uncomfortable. Thus, prospective visitors should weigh these varied experiences when considering a stay at 'The Hostel.'
Beds
However, numerous guests have raised several concerns. The bunk beds, often triple-tiered, do not allow for comfortable sitting and many reported them to be creaky, shaky and unstable. The mattresses were often described as old, saggy, lumpy and musty-smelling with many mentioning they could feel the springs or coils. There were instances of broken beds and some held together precariously with duct tape. Hygiene issues such as potential bed bugs, blood stains and dirty bedding with crumbs were also highlighted. The lack of privacy curtains and sturdy ladders contributed to the discomfort for many guests. Overall, while some found the beds adequate and cozy, many others experienced significant discomfort due to the age, instability and cleanliness of the sleeping arrangements.
Cleanliness
However, not all reviews were favorable. Some guests pointed out issues with cleanliness, particularly in shared bathrooms and kitchens, which were often described as dirty and unclean. Complaints included broken shower doors, inconsistent shower temperatures and general unhygienic conditions. There were also mentions of unpleasant odors and crowded rooms, which impacted the overall comfort. Some guests noted that despite regular cleaning efforts, cleanliness sometimes fell short, especially in high-traffic areas.
Overall, while there are commendable aspects of cleanliness at The Hostel, there are areas that require more consistent attention and improvement to meet all guests' expectations.
Staff
The interaction between staff and guests often extends to creating a congenial environment where everyone is engaged and positive attitudes prevail. Many guests noted that the staff did their best to rectify any issues, such as power outlet errors, showing a consistent effort to maintain a pleasant stay. Special mentions were given to individuals like Adam and André for their friendliness and efficiency and the manager on duty for being particularly accommodating.
While the majority of reviews speak highly of the staff's demeanor and professionalism, there were occasional mentions of unprofessionalism, slow responses and less helpful experiences with some members. Despite a few isolated negative encounters, the consensus remains overwhelmingly positive with the staff being a key highlight of the hostel, contributing significantly to guests' overall satisfactory experience.
Wi-Fi
Nightlife
Adult Only
Historic
No, The Hostel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Hostel.
No, The Hostel doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at The Hostel.
No, The Hostel doesn't have a gym.
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