Safestay Edinburgh is a modern, well-managed hostel in a converted Georgian building in the Old Town. Offers a range of dorm and private en-suite rooms with a licensed cafe-bar, common areas, and good security. Well-suited to solo travellers and groups.
Safestay Edinburgh is a well-managed budget hostel in a converted Georgian building at 50 Blackfriars Street in Edinburgh's Old Town, a narrow close leading off the Royal Mile a short distance above the Cowgate. The building's handsome historic exterior is matched inside by a thoroughly modern fit-out that distinguishes Safestay from many older Edinburgh hostels. The Safestay brand, which operates a small network of European hostels in major cities, has invested meaningfully in the quality of facilities at this property, resulting in one of Edinburgh's better-appointed budget accommodation options. The hostel provides a broad range of room types: large co-ed dormitories, smaller four- and six-bed mixed and female-only rooms, and a selection of en-suite private rooms for guests who prefer a degree of privacy. The private en-suite rooms are a particular strength — they offer a hotel-like experience at substantially lower prices than nearby budget hotels. Beds are solid and comfortable, mattress maintenance is notably good, and cleanliness is a frequently highlighted attribute in guest feedback. Security is a priority, with electronic key card access to all room and building doors and secure lockers available in dormitory rooms for storing valuables. The licensed cafe-bar is a popular social feature, serving inexpensive food and drinks throughout the day and into the evening. The bar's presence creates a livelier atmosphere than the common room at many competing hostels, without being overwhelming. Common areas are comfortable, Wi-Fi is fast throughout the building, and a 24-hour staffed reception ensures that late arrivals and early departures are accommodated smoothly. The Blackfriars Street location gives easy walking access to all Old Town attractions — the Royal Mile is immediately above, the Cowgate nightlife corridor is immediately below, and Edinburgh Castle is a 10-minute walk uphill to the west.
Amenities
- Cafe-bar
- Common room
- Free Wi-Fi
- Luggage storage
- 24-hour reception
Location
50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh EH1 1NE
Highlights
- Georgian building with modern fit-out
- En-suite options available
- Licensed cafe-bar
- Secure lockers
- Old Town location
Tips for visiting
- The en-suite private rooms at Safestay represent excellent value — a hotel-like experience at hostel prices, and worth the modest premium over dormitory accommodation for travellers who value privacy.
- The Cowgate runs directly below Blackfriars Street and is Edinburgh's main live music strip; guests who enjoy nightlife will find numerous bars and venues within two minutes on foot.
- 24-hour reception makes Safestay Edinburgh well-suited to travellers arriving on late-night trains or planning early-morning departures by bus or flight.
- The licensed cafe-bar serves a cooked Scottish breakfast that compares well with nearby cafes at a lower price point; it opens early enough to fuel a full day of sightseeing.
- Book a female-only dormitory during the online booking process if this is a preference — they are listed as a separate room type and should be selected at the time of reservation rather than requested on arrival.
Accessibility
Safestay Edinburgh is housed in a converted Georgian building; while a lift is present in the building, not all areas and room types are fully accessible to wheelchair users due to historic architectural constraints. Guests with mobility requirements are advised to contact the hostel directly before booking to confirm whether suitable rooms and access routes are available.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Safestay Edinburgh have female-only dorm rooms?
Yes, Safestay Edinburgh offers dedicated female-only dormitory rooms in addition to co-ed dorms and private rooms. Female-only rooms should be selected during the online booking process, as they are listed as a distinct room category.
What security measures does Safestay Edinburgh have?
The hostel uses electronic key card access for all rooms and building entry points. Secure lockers are available in dormitory rooms for valuables. Reception is staffed around the clock, and the building is well-monitored.
How far is Safestay Edinburgh from the Royal Mile?
Blackfriars Street connects directly to the Royal Mile at its upper (northern) end; the junction is approximately one minute from the hostel entrance. Edinburgh Castle is a 10-minute walk west along the Royal Mile.
Is breakfast included at Safestay Edinburgh?
Breakfast is not included in the accommodation rate but is available for purchase at the hostel's cafe-bar, which serves a cooked Scottish breakfast. Many cafes on the adjacent Royal Mile and Cowgate also offer affordable breakfast options.
Does Safestay Edinburgh have a curfew?
Safestay Edinburgh operates a 24-hour reception and has no curfew. Guests can enter and leave at any time using their key card access.