Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

2.5 star property
Travelers can retreat to a peaceful garden for quiet moments or step outside to wander through Edinburgh's historic streets just steps from the door

Choose dates to view prices

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate brings vibrancy to its Royal Mile location while offering a tranquil garden where guests can escape the city bustle. The hotel provides in-room WiFi and puts visitors within walking distance of St. Giles' Cathedral and the charming Grassmarket area.

Reviews

6.8 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry room
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk
The current price is ฿2,117
฿2,540 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Jan - 19 Jan

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 17 of 17 rooms

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Daily housekeeping
Laptop workspace
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Single Bunk Beds

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

Highlights

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

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

Highlights

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

Bed in 6-Bed Female Dorm Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Daily housekeeping
Laptop workspace
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Single Bunk Beds

Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite

Highlights

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

Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Daily housekeeping
Laptop workspace
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Single Bunk Beds

Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Daily housekeeping
Laptop workspace
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Single Bunk Beds

Bunk Twin Room Ensuite

Highlights

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

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Daily housekeeping
Laptop workspace
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Single Bunk Beds

Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Daily housekeeping
Laptop workspace
  • Sleeps 1
  • 6 Single Beds

Bed in 6-Bed Male Dorm Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Daily housekeeping
Laptop workspace
  • Sleeps 1
  • 6 Single Beds

Bed in 2-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Daily housekeeping
Laptop workspace
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Single Beds

8-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Daily housekeeping
Laptop workspace
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Single Beds

6-Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Daily housekeeping
Laptop workspace
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Single Beds

6-Bed Private Room Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Daily housekeeping
Laptop workspace
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Single Beds

Quadruple Room Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Daily housekeeping
Laptop workspace
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Beds

Quadruple Room Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Daily housekeeping
Laptop workspace
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Beds

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About the area

Located in Edinburgh City Centre, a neighbourhood in Edinburgh, Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate is near the airport and near a train station. Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle are notable landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Grassmarket and Princes Street. Check out an event or a game at Murrayfield Stadium, and consider making time for Edinburgh Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed.
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 (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station) - 7 min walk
  • St Andrew Square Tram Stop - 11 min walk
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Three Sisters - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Luckenbooths - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Frankenstein - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Balcony Cafe - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪George IV Bar - ‬6 min walk

About this property

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

Hotel remodelled in 2024 and located near University of Edinburgh
A short walk from Royal Mile and Princes Street, Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate provides a terrace, a garden and laundry facilities. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this hotel include:
  • A 24-hour front desk, a vending machine and smoke-free property
  • Luggage storage
Room features
All 230 rooms feature comforts such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, as well as perks such as free WiFi.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Lockers
  • Luggage storage
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

More

  • Renovated entire property - June 2024
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Shower

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Laptop workspace

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

  • Towels fee: EUR 4 per person, per stay (or guests may bring their own)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Long-term renters welcome

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

Property is also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?

As of 15 Jan 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate on 18 Jan 2026 start from ฿2,117.06, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?

This property doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime.

What time is check-out at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate located?

Located in Edinburgh City Centre, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Parliament House, Grassmarket and University of Edinburgh. Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle are also within 10 minutes. St Andrew Square Tram Stop is 11 minutes by foot and Princes Street Tram Stop is 13 minutes.

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Reviews

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate Reviews

6.8

6.8

Cleanliness

6.0

Amenities

7.2

Staff & service

6.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 107 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 27 out of 107 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 29 out of 107 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 107 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 17 out of 107 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

OLIUL

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Everything was good except the noise it was noisy till 4AM
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Aythami José

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fue un viaje de pareja, nos quedamos en la habitación 123: una habitación privada con dos literas y en la propia habitación. Habíamos visto varias opciones para quedarnos la última noche en Edumburgo y la relación calidad/precio nos pareció buena, a juzgar por las fotos de la habitación y su aviso de que el hostal se reformó "completamente" hace poco. Sin embargo, ya sólo al entrar en el pasillo general y luego a la escalera, nos pareció un lugar mediocre y descuidado. La habitación fue peor: se oía mucho ruido, el radiador hacía ruido, el extractor del baño se oía demasiado durante mucho tiempo; olía raro y a humedad, el acabado gotelé no quedaba bien, el acabado de la pintura de las puertas parecía hecha por un niño de cinco años; el WC era pequeño... Las cosas bien: la ducha, las camas y las taquillas privadas. Pero nada de esto compensa el dinero que pagamos por una noche. Es difícil descansar en esa habitación, y las puertas de las zonas comunes no tienen nada que amortigüe los golpes de las puertas de las idas y venidas de la gente por los pasillos. No lo recomiendo en absoluto. Muy mala experiencia y la sensación de engaño con lo de "completamente reformado" me deja una sensación de haber sido engañado.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Adam

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
good
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

münevver

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Temizlik iyi değildi. Idalar havalandırılmıyor. Çalıianlar güler yüzlü
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

ALLAN

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
hall muito fedido, muitas escadas e nao tinha toalhas e nem tapetes no banheiro, lugar so para dormir uma noite mesmo.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Kit Yi

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
職員很有耐性協助房間誤訂的問題,住宿旁是酒吧,會有點吵,也感覺有少少不安全的感覺
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

vanessa

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Séjour très décevant, sol de la chambre sale à notre arrivée, pas de lumière dans les toilettes partagé (donc la nuit vraiment pas pratique), une odeur d’urine pendant 48h horrible dans les toilettes, sol douche et lavabo remplis d’eau au sol, sanitaires sales. La salle de bain de notre palier en travaux mais nous n’avons pas été prévenus. Portes qui claquent la nuit un nombre incalculable de fois. Équipe au courant des problèmes suite à un mail fait dès le lendemain de notre arrivée mais n’ont pas apportées d’améliorations. Un manager en week end, pas joignable donc nous n’avons pas pu échanger avec lui alors qu’il nous demandait pas retour de mail de venir le voir directement. Nous sommes en attente d’un retour de sa part pour une compensation financière. Hôtel.com a été mis au courant dès le lendemain de notre arrivée mais n’a pas réussi à joindre le personnel, ils ont fait un mail. Je suis également en attente d’hôtel.com de la suite à donner à notre dossier. Le point positif est l’emplacement dans la vieille ville, très pratique, on peut tout faire à pied. Pour les personnes en recherche de faire la fête c’est la rue parfaite. Bien dommage que l’établissement ne soit pas à l’image du prix payé.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vineeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The only small hiccup was the shower water pressure, it felt a bit weak. Other than that, the place was clean, central, and the staff were friendly. overall great!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Solange

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Over all a comfortable stay. It could definitely use some renovating and the stairs are strong concrete but molded oddly in certain areas. But the staff was extremely helpful and the area was very convenient for walking old Edinburgh.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

ENRICO

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Safe
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Edgar Abraham

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rentamos habitación con baño y regadera y no servía la regadera. Nos prometieron arreglarla y no lo hicieron.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Mikel

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Si quieres llegar a Edimburgo y encontrarte sin habitación, este es tu sitio. Te aseguro fuertes emociones según te enteres que no hay opción.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Angel daniel

Disliked: Staff & service
Sebring tener mas atencion a los niños, se entiende que es un hostal pero mis dos noches parecia kinder en recreo a las 12:00 am mas de 10 niños corriendo por los pasillos gritando y tocando las Puertas de todas las habitaciones que estaban a su alcance, el personal comiendose los mocos fuera en el patio
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Rhojane

It was a great place. Near by at downtown.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Barbara

Liked: Staff & service
Staff gentile, location fantastica in pieno centro della città, vero punto di forza della struttura. Mi sono trovata bene, non bisogna aspettarsi molto, la pulizia non è buona, ma per stare qualche giorno va bene. La posizione dell'ostello è ottima.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Ganesh Pandian

Liked: Staff & service
Value for money except minor complaint.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Reygina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was easy to find ! The staff are all lovely and helpful ! Excellent location walking distance from everything ! A lot of toilets and washing facilities. Clean beds and lockers for your stuff ( bring your own lock ). Would recommend ear plugs because it’s right across from three sisters and they play live music until like 3 am but that’s no fault of the hostel at all! I was prepared by the reviews so I brought earplugs, eyelash and had a good night sleep. All in all good place and did the job 😁
Three sisters from the window
Hostel essentials !
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

james

Disliked: Room comfort

An ok place to stay if you love to party

The biggest thing that made my stay not so enjoyable,is that the bar across the street was so loud you heard the music in the room. Therefore it made it a bit challenging to go to sleep at night. Also outside of the hostel in the smoking area, the ashtrays were full. I asked the staff where I could empty the ashtrays. The staff said they would empty the ashtrays and they finally emptied them a day later.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Nadia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
clean, spacious room and toilet. Not enough hanging hooks. Windows MUST be changed, loud music comes from the pub in front until 3 A.M !!!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Colin

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Sydney

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location, perfect hostel for City Stays

Pleasant stay at the hostel. Having our own dorm was great and made it affordable for three people meeting up, visiting the City and just having a catch. Great location and close to the Cities parkrun that takes place on Saturday
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Calvin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect place thank You
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Elisabeth

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025