A&O Edinburgh City Exterior photoA&O Edinburgh City Exterior photoA&O Edinburgh City Business photo
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From86US$ /night
Check-in
03May2026Select date
Check-out
04May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1NE
-
Close to the Royal Mile
Very good
7.3
7.2
/10
2.5
/5

A&O Edinburgh City - A budget hostel with stylish decor, free WiFi, and a lively bar near Princes Street

Functioning as both a hostel and budget hotel, A&O Edinburgh City offers dormitories and private rooms with en suite bathrooms, parquet floors, and wardrobe storage. The property features Bar 50, a fully licensed restaurant and bar with Sky Sports, a pool table, and a menu including pizza and local beer. Located 700 metres from Princes Street, the hostel is within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Arthur's Seat. Guests can access free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and secure key-card entry. Dormitories sleep 4 to 8 guests, while private rooms include twin and single options, all with power showers. The building has 615 beds spread across upper floors reachable by lift. Reception staff at a & o Edinburgh City provide local recommendations for dining and attractions.

Pros

Stylish dormitories feature vintage-themed decor, reading lights, and en suite power showers.

Bar 50 serves pizza, cocktails, and hosts evening entertainment with Sky Sports and a pool table.

The Royal Mile location provides proximity to Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse, and Princes Street shops.

Free WiFi and 24-hour front desk service accommodate late arrivals and remote work needs.

Cons

Upper-floor rooms require lift access, which may delay movement during peak hours.

Limited menu variety at Bar 50 beyond pizza and standard bar fare.

“This establishment stands out for its exceptional value and prime location near the Royal Mile; the on-site bar, complete with a beer garden, offers surprisingly affordable drinks and tasty meals. Rooms are clean and modern, some featuring private bathrooms and comfortable beds, which creates a practical base for exploring Edinburgh.”
Hotel logo
Luke HarrisonEditor-in-Chief at Hotelewam
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Select your room type

A&O Edinburgh City offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Bed 4-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
14 m² 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Bed 6-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
16 m² 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Bed 8-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
18 m² 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Bed 10-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
20 m² 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
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Facilities

A&O Edinburgh City offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Very good
7.3/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Security
  • Locker room
  • Lift
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Coffee shop
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Billiard tables

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Picnic area/ Tables
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Baby pushchair
  • Children's buffet

Spa & Leisure

  • Karaoke
  • Live entertainment
  • Night club
  • Sun terrace
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
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A&O Edinburgh City Location

50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1NE
Map view
50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1NE
Nearby
Museum
National Museum of Scotland
390 m
Royal Mile
Royal Mile
390 m
High Street 2 Warriston's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
390 m
Church
St Giles' Cathedral
390 m
Monument
Scott Monument
390 m
32 Calton Hill
Nelson Monument
420 m
Store
Edinburgh Old Town
390 m
Museum
The Writers' Museum
390 m
Museum
Gladstone's Land
390 m
Nicolson Street
Surgeons' Hall Museums
390 m
Museum
Museum of Childhood
390 m
Museum
John Knox House
390 m
53 Princes Street
Princes Street
390 m
2 Chalmers Close High Street (opposite Museum of Childhood on Royal Mile)
Brass Rubbing Centre
390 m
Church
Mercat Cross
100 m
Gallery
City Art Centre
390 m
Cemetery
The Robertson Mausoleum
390 m
Restaurants
Bar 50
100 m
50 Blackfriars Street
Zara Fast Foods Pizza & Burger House
10 m
56 Blackfriars Street Old Town
The Piemaker
290 m
38 South Bridge
Pilgrim Bar
70 m
Cowgate
Greggs
110 m
85/87 Rose Street
Burrito 'n' Shake
330 m
97-99 South Bridge
The Tron
270 m
9 Hunter Square
Yocoko Noodle Bar
250 m
45 South Bridge
Zenobia
290 m
14A South Bridge
Forsyth's Tea Room
180 m
81 High Street Chalmers Close
Caffe Nero
230 m
4 Waverley Bridge Road Unit 2-4 Waverley Station
Explore Edinburgh
Local Highlights Near A&O Edinburgh City
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
National Museum of Scotland
5 minutes walking
A prime cultural hub showcasing Scotland's history and creativity. Don't miss the interactive exhibits and free admission.
Royal Mile
5 minutes walking
The historic thoroughfare connecting the Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, featuring shops and street performances.
Edinburgh Castle
17-minute walk
An iconic fortress perched atop Castle Rock, offering stunning views and rich history. Guided tours enhance the experience.
Scottish National Gallery
17-minute walk
Home to an impressive collection of European art from the Renaissance to the present. Visit for free during certain days.
Arthur's Seat Hike
25-minute walk
A popular hiking spot providing panoramic views of the city. Suitable for all skill levels, with trail maps available.
Yoga at The Meadows
17 minutes walking
Relaxation sessions in a spacious park setting. Classes offered year-round; check local listings for schedules.
Dynamic Earth
14-minute walk
An interactive science center showcasing Earth's natural wonders and climate challenges. Great for families with kids.
Grassmarket
17-minute walk
Lively area with shops, cafes, and nightlife, perfect for exploring local culture and enjoying vibrant street scenes.
Zara Fast Foods Pizza & Burger House
1 minute walking
Casual eatery known for delicious burgers and pizzas. Quick service and late-night hours cater to all appetites.
The Piemaker
4 minutes walking
Famous for its savory pies and pastries, featuring local ingredients and vegetarian options. A true taste of Scotland.
Bar 50
2 minutes walking
Relaxed bar atmosphere serving craft beers and light bites. Perfect for casual evenings with friends.
Pilgrim Bar
1 minute walking
A vibrant bar featuring local ales and a menu of British classics. Often hosts live music events for an energized vibe.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
17-minute walk
A fascinating attraction with optical illusions and a rooftop view of the city. Engaging for visitors of all ages.
The Edinburgh Playhouse
20-minute walk
A popular venue for musicals and concerts, showcasing top-tier performances. Check their schedule for upcoming shows.
The Usher Hall
20-minute walk
An iconic concert hall hosting a variety of performances from classical to contemporary music. Family-friendly options available.
The Bongo Club
20-minute walk
An eclectic venue known for DJs and live music. Offers a mix of intimate and larger events. Open to all ages on certain nights.
Getting around
City Centre
Edinburgh3 min  ·  200 m
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)21 min  ·  13.6 km
Glasgow (GLA)133 min  ·  88.3 km
Train
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station5 min  ·  400 m
Bus
Bus stop5 min  ·  400 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
from 02:00-10:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP9.90 per person per day. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, Spanish, Italian, Hungarian, Polish, Greek, Russian, Slovak
Year renovated:
2010
Number of floors:
6
Number of rooms:
530
Former name
Safestay Edinburgh

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about A&O Edinburgh City from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 2297 verified reviews
6.8/10
Nice
63%
Recommend
Breakfast
6.3/10
Cleanliness
7.3/10
Comfort
7.4/10
Facilities
7.3/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.6/10
Location
9.2/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.0/10
Staff
8.5/10
Value for money
7.3/10
Pros
Clean room
Central location
Friendly staff
Reasonably priced drinks
Cons
Small rooms
Noisy students
Hot room
Basic breakfast
Guest reviews
based on 5709 reviews
7.3/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About A&O Edinburgh City
What is the check-in and check-out policy at A&O Edinburgh City?
Check-in is at 15:00, and check-out is at 10:00.
Is there an airport bus service available from A&O Edinburgh City?
The hotel is a short walk from Waverley Station and the airport bus service.
What are the distances to key attractions from A&O Edinburgh City?
The hotel is 0.5 km from Scott Monument and approximately 1 km from the National Museum of Scotland.
What kind of dining options are available at A&O Edinburgh City?
On-site dining is available at Bar 50, which serves a variety of food and drinks.
Does A&O Edinburgh City offer free Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
What kind of room amenities can guests expect at A&O Edinburgh City?
Rooms include features such as en-suite bathrooms, reading lights, and spacious interiors.
Are there nearby restaurants to A&O Edinburgh City?
Nearby dining options include David Bann, Larder Go, Greggs, and Pilgrim Bar, all approximately 0.5 km away.
What types of rooms are available at A&O Edinburgh City?
The hotel offers single, double, family rooms, and multi-bed dormitories accommodating 4 to 6 guests.
What leisure activities are available at A&O Edinburgh City?
Guests can enjoy activities such as billiards, karaoke, live music, and pub crawls.
How far is A&O Edinburgh City from the city center?
The hotel is located 0.5 km from the shops and nightlife of Princes Street.
What payment methods are accepted at A&O Edinburgh City?
Accepted payment methods include Visa, Maestro, and MasterCard.
What additional services does A&O Edinburgh City provide?
The hotel includes a 24-hour reception, an ATM, and offers laundry services.

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Check-in
03May2026Select date
Check-out
04May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room