Key details

About the Hotel

50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1NE

Steps from the Historic Old Town

Nice

6.9

7.2

/10

2.5

Loved by A&O Edinburgh City guests

Central location

Amicable staff

Clean rooms

Modern bathrooms

Free luggage service

"Property allows you to leave bag in a luggage rooms."

Marta from Poland

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"Rooms were impeccable and we were very happy with the compliance with current regulations (as you can imagine we were wary of how it would be)."

Georgina A from United Kingdom

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"Amazing location right by The Royal Mile, Room was basic but clean, large bathroom, very hot shower."

Daphne

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Budget-friendly hostel with its own nightclub and live events on Cowgate

Entertainment & Nightlife

The hotel operates its own on-site nightclub, Bar50, which functions as a well-known fixture in Edinburgh's nightlife scene. Guests can attend nightly events including karaoke, live music performances, stand-up comedy, and live sport events broadcast in the bar. The hotel also organizes pub crawls, walking tours, and classes about local culture for those who want to explore the city's social side.

Rooms & Accommodations

A&O Edinburgh City offers 131 rooms, from single and double rooms up to family rooms with a double bed and bunk bed, as well as multi-bed dormitories for 4 to 6 people. Every room includes a private bathroom with shower and toilet, and daily housekeeping is provided. The hotel also supplies baby strollers for guests traveling with small children.

Amenities & Services

A 24-hour front desk, luggage storage lockers, and a tour desk are available on site, along with an ATM/cash machine. Guests can use the shared lounge and TV area, outdoor terrace with picnic area and sun terrace, and a designated smoking area. The hotel offers laundry service, packed lunches, and vending machines for snacks and drinks.

Dining

On-site dining includes the hotel's own coffee house and a bar that serves wine, champagne, and a kid-friendly buffet with special diet menus. Breakfast is offered each morning, and the bar also provides a snack bar menu and kids' meals. Fruits are available as part of the dining options.

Pets & Accessibility

The hotel is pet-friendly and allows pets on the property. Facilities for disabled guests include wheelchair-accessible features, and the hotel has a lift to all floors. Family rooms, non-smoking rooms, and heating are standard throughout the building.

Highlights

Nightlife: On-site nightclub Bar50 with karaoke & live comedy

Rooms: 131 rooms with private bathrooms

Activities: Pub crawls, walking tours, local culture classes

Family: Family rooms and baby strollers available

Dining: Coffee house, kid-friendly buffet, bar with wine

Pets: Pets permitted on property

“For budget travelers, this could be it: the location places you steps from Edinburgh's Old Town. Just be prepared for some noise-and maybe bring your own soap. It's a spot where location trumps luxury, so adjust expectations accordingly.”

Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

Location: Perfect

9.1/10Review score

View our interactive map

Highlights from guests

DiningGreat Pub Vibes

The downstairs pub was fantastic! I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and the convenience of having it right in the building.

David from United Kingdom

Review on

BathroomSurprisingly Nice

The bathroom was surprisingly nice and clean. The hot shower was great after a day of exploring the city.

Maria from Spain

Review on

Room FeaturesPrivacy a Plus

The curtains on the beds made the room feel more private. This was great while sharing a dorm.

Ingrid from Sweden

Review on

Guest ParkingEasy Storage

I could store my luggage. Lockers of different sizes are available. I felt confident my belongings were secure.

Kenji from Japan

Review on

Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included

Bed 4-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
155 sq. feet
1 Bunk bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Bed 6-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet
1 Bunk bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Bed 8-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
195 sq. feet
1 Bunk bed
Heating
Shower
room details

Show all rooms

Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones

Facilities: Very good

7.0/10Review 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

Guest Parking

No parking available.

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

A&O Edinburgh City Location

50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1NE

Map view

City landmarks

Museum

Edinburgh Castle

4400 ft

Landmark

Arthur's Seat hike

1.4 mi

Palace

Palace of Holyroodhouse

3800 ft

Museum

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

4400 ft

Gallery

Scottish National Gallery

4400 ft

Landmark

Calton Hill

1.1 mi

Park

Princes Street Gardens

4400 ft

Landmark

The Scotch Whisky Experience

4400 ft

Museum

Dynamic Earth

3800 ft

Park

Holyrood Park

3800 ft

Botanical Garden

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

1.4 mi

Square

Grassmarket

4400 ft

Theatre

Royal Lyceum Theatre

4400 ft

University

University of Edinburgh

4600 ft

Nearby

2 Warriston's Close

The Real Mary King's Close

1300 ft

High St.

Royal Mile

1300 ft

Church

St Giles' Cathedral

1300 ft

Monument

Scott Monument

1300 ft

Museum

Museum of Childhood

1300 ft

32 Calton Hill

Nelson Monument

1400 ft

Store

Edinburgh Old Town

1300 ft

Theatre

Festival Theatre

1300 ft

Museum

The Writers' Museum

1300 ft

Nicolson Street

Surgeons' Hall Museum

1300 ft

Museum

Gladstone's Land

1300 ft

Public Building

The Scottish Parliament

1400 ft

Gallery

City Art Centre

1300 ft

Museum

John Knox House

1300 ft

43-45 High Street

Scottish Storytelling Centre

1400 ft

2 Chalmers Close High Street (opposite Museum of Childhood on Royal Mile)

Brass Rubbing Centre

1300 ft

Restaurants

Bar 50

400 ft

50 Blackfriars Street

Zara Fast Foods Pizza & Burger House

100 ft

56 Blackfriars Street Old Town

The Piemaker

1000 ft

38 South Bridge

Pilgrim Bar

300 ft

Cowgate

Greggs

400 ft

85/87 Rose Street

Burrito 'n' Shake

1100 ft

97-99 South Bridge

The Tron

900 ft

9 Hunter Square

Yocoko Noodle Bar

900 ft

45 South Bridge

Zenobia

1000 ft

14A South Bridge

Forsyth's Tea Room

600 ft

81 High Street Chalmers Close

Caffe Nero

800 ft

4 Waverley Bridge Road Unit 2-4 Waverley Station

Explore Edinburgh

Explore Edinburgh's Vibrant Scene

National Museum of Scotland

5 minutes walking

Exhibits on Scottish history and culture, including artifacts and interactive displays. Free admission makes it accessible.

Edinburgh Castle

17-minute walk

Historic fortress with stunning views and the Scottish Crown Jewels. A must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

14 minutes walking

Official residence of the Queen in Scotland, featuring beautiful gardens and historical significance.

Scott Monument

5 minutes walking

Gothic monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, offering panoramic views of the city from its tower.

Arthur's Seat Hike

25 minutes walking

A rewarding hike with breathtaking views of Edinburgh. Great for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure.

The Meadows Park

17 minutes walking

Relaxing green space perfect for picnics, walks, and outdoor sports. Ideal for families and solo travelers.

Yoga at Green Health

7 minutes driving

Mindful yoga sessions offered in a serene environment. Pre-booking recommended for classes.

Bar 50

2 minutes walking

Casual bar serving local brews and snacks. Great atmosphere for unwinding after a day of exploring.

The Piemaker

4 minutes walking

Famous for its delicious pies made from fresh ingredients. A hearty meal option for all diners.

Pilgrim Bar

1 minute walking

Lively pub with great food, craft beers, and local whiskies. A favorite for casual dining.

Zara Fast Foods Pizza & Burger House

1 minute walking

Quick bites with a variety of pizzas and burgers. Perfect for families looking for a casual meal.

The Stand Comedy Club

10 minutes walking

Live comedy performances featuring established and emerging talent. Great fun for a night out.

Usher Hall

10 minutes walking

Historic concert hall hosting various live performances, from classical music to rock shows.

Bongo Club

15 minutes walking

Trendy nightclub with eclectic music styles and a vibrant atmosphere, ideal for nightlife enthusiasts.

Tips on navigating the city

City Centre
Edinburgh 3 min · 700 ft
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI) 21 min · 8.5 mi
Glasgow (GLA) 133 min · 54.9 mi
Train
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station 5 min · 1400 ft
Bus
Bus stop 5 min · 1400 ft

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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 GBP 10.0 per person.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Languages

English, Spanish, Italian, Hungarian, Polish, Greek, Russian, Slovak

Year renovated:

2010

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

540

Former name

Safestay Edinburgh

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

A&O Edinburgh City is often chosen for its prime location, just minutes from Greyfriars, Grassmarket, and right by the Royal Mile, making city exploration easy. Guests appreciate features like curtains on the beds that provide privacy and the convenience of having two toilets and two showers in some of the larger rooms. The on-site bar with nightly karaoke adds to the lively atmosphere, although some guests in courtyard-facing rooms have noted noise from evening entertainment that can last until late. Overall, many find it a good value, especially for those wanting to discover the city rather than looking for luxury.

Review score

Based on 3 verified reviews

8.2 /10

Great

100%

Recommend

Location

9.1/10

Staff

8.1/10

Facilities

7.0/10

Value for money

7.0/10

Pros

Central location

Clean rooms

Luggage storage

Cons

Long check-in queue

Thin pillows

Unclean cutlery

Avery from United States

Single

Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 15, 2026

7/10

clean room helpful staff unstable wifi broken lift

the staff there was helpful. the room was clean and beds was comfortable. its close to royal mile, too.

the wifi wasn't working after we got there. the lift also don't work at one time, and it was stuck at the 3rd floor. i didn't liked it.

0 Helpful

Gilbert from France

Single

Twin room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 30, 2026

8.5/10

great stay in convenient location

helpful staff quiet street clean bathroom accommodating personnel

the staff was very helpful and patient i noticed the location was great because it was near cowgate. the rooms faced a quieter street at night. the bathroom and shower area were clean. the on-site bar hosted events every night and the personnel were accommodating to guests

the room was super tiny and gave me the impression of a prison cell the sheets were not comfortable at all. there was no hair dryer provided in the room i found it quite disappointing. i will not return

Location

9/10

the hotel is located quite easily to reach everything around the town. the location offers convenient access to nearby attractions and public transportation. it's beneficial for exploring without extensive travel

Dining

8/10

the on-site bar had events every night which was a nice addition to the stay. the personnel in the bar were very accommodating to all guests. i noticed this even if they did not order drinks

0 Helpful

Amelia from United Kingdom

Single

Twin room

3 nights in June 2026

Reviewed: September 08, 2025

9/10

Central Stay with Good Amenities

central location full kitchen friendly staff

The location was very central and near many places. I liked the late check-out option for an additional fee. A full kitchen was available, and the luggage storage room helped a lot. Staff members were friendly and answered questions quickly.

The room lacked a place to hang clothes. There was no wardrobe, hooks, or hangers. This made it difficult to keep the room tidy.

Dining

8/10

Breakfast options are accessible in the mornings. I noticed the dining area offered ample seating . A bar is available and it provides a variety of beverages. The dining area also works as a social gathering place.

0 Helpful

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