A&O Edinburgh City Exterior photoA&O Edinburgh City Exterior photoA&O Edinburgh City Business photo
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From229US$ /night
Check-in
18Apr2026Select date
Check-out
19Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Hotel Details

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

Amenities

A&O Edinburgh City includes a shared kitchen and bar area, creating a communal atmosphere for guests. The hotel offers a game room and a children's play area for entertainment. Additionally, there are bike rentals available for those who wish to explore the city on two wheels.

Rooms

A&O Edinburgh City boasts over 200 rooms, catering to solo travelers and groups alike. The accommodation options range from private rooms to dormitories with shared bathrooms. Some rooms include en-suite facilities to enhance guest privacy.

Location

Situated just a short distance from the city center, A&O Edinburgh City provides easy access to local attractions. The hotel is conveniently located near the bustling Edinburgh Waverley train station. Guests can explore Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile within walking distance.

Dining

Guests can prepare their own meals in the hotel's shared kitchen, allowing for flexibility and convenience. A bar serves drinks and snacks throughout the day for easy refreshment. The hotel also offers a breakfast buffet featuring a selection of options.

Children

A&O Edinburgh City welcomes families with children, providing family rooms that accommodate larger groups. The hotel features a play area, ensuring that the youngest guests have a space to engage in fun activities. A children's menu is available in the dining area to cater to younger tastes.

Highlights

Location: Short distance from city center

Rooms: Over 200 rooms, private and dormitory options

Dining: Shared kitchen and bar

Children: Family rooms and play area

“The central location, a Royal Mile stroll away, clearly wins here. A 24-hour reception is always a plus. On my visit, the bar stood out as a highlight.”
Hotel logo
Charlotte EvansHead of Editorial at Hotelsdowntown
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Select room type

Choose from double rooms, family suites, and premium stays. Enjoy breakfast, flexible cancellations, and exclusive deals.
Bed 6-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Bed 8-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
195 sq. feet 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Bed 12-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Quadruple Room
2 persons
155 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Click button to see more rooms
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Facilities

Hotel has comfortable rooms, premium services, and a prime downtown location
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
1300 ft
Royal Mile
Royal Mile
1300 ft
High Street 2 Warriston's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
1300 ft
Church
St Giles' Cathedral
1300 ft
Monument
Scott Monument
1300 ft
32 Calton Hill
Nelson Monument
1400 ft
Store
Edinburgh Old Town
1300 ft
Museum
The Writers' Museum
1300 ft
Museum
Gladstone's Land
1300 ft
Nicolson Street
Surgeons' Hall Museums
1300 ft
Museum
Museum of Childhood
1300 ft
Museum
John Knox House
1300 ft
53 Princes Street
Princes Street
1300 ft
2 Chalmers Close High Street (opposite Museum of Childhood on Royal Mile)
Brass Rubbing Centre
1300 ft
Church
Mercat Cross
400 ft
Gallery
City Art Centre
1300 ft
Cemetery
The Robertson Mausoleum
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
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
5 minutes' walk
A vibrant museum showcasing Scotland's history and culture with interactive exhibits. Free admission makes it accessible for all.
Royal Mile
Royal Mile
5 minutes' walk
The historic heart of Edinburgh lined with shops, eateries, and street performers, perfect for a leisurely stroll and local vibes.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
17-minute walk
Iconic fortress offering breathtaking city views. Explore its rich history and intriguing exhibits; guided tours available.
Arthur's Seat Hike
25-minute walk
A thrilling hike to an ancient volcano with stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh. Suitable for all skill levels.
Yoga at The Meadows
15-minute walk
Relaxing outdoor yoga classes in a picturesque park. Ideal for unwinding while enjoying nature's beauty, suitable for all levels.
Bar 50
Bar 50
2 minutes' walk
A trendy bar with an inviting atmosphere specializing in local craft beers and modern British dishes. Reservations recommended.
The Piemaker
The Piemaker
4 minutes' walk
Cozy eatery famous for its delicious Scottish pies made from local ingredients. Offers hearty options for all dietary needs.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
17-minute walk
An engaging venue featuring optical illusions, interactive exhibits, and stunning city views. Great for families and all ages.
Scott Monument
Scott Monument
5 minutes' walk
Gothic tower dedicated to Sir Walter Scott. Climb 287 steps for breathtaking views of the city. A unique cultural experience.
Getting around
City Centre
Edinburgh3 min  ·  700 ft
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)21 min  ·  8.5 mi
Glasgow (GLA)133 min  ·  54.9 mi
Train
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station5 min  ·  1400 ft
Bus
Bus stop5 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 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 summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
A&O Edinburgh City is favored for its central location, placing guests within walking distance of major tourist attractions and close to Waverley train station. The rooms often feature bunk beds with curtains for added privacy, and some include two shower rooms and two toilet rooms, especially convenient for shared accommodations. There's usually a lively atmosphere with karaoke and a downstairs bar, which extends into the late hours, something light sleepers might want to consider. Guests also appreciate practical amenities such as the 24-hour reception, vending machines, and free luggage storage.
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Review score
Based on 2293 verified reviews
6.8/10
Nice
63%
Recommend
Location
9.2/10
Staff
8.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.0/10
Breakfast
6.3/10
Pros
Perfect location
Clean rooms
Helpful staff
Comfy beds
Good value
Cons
Noisy hallways
Guest reviews
based on 2293 reviews
6.8/10
based on 5694 reviews
7.2/10
Sophia from Greece
Single
Twin room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 06, 2025
7/10
great locationprivate bathroomsmall roomprivate space
the location is great. it was quite easy to get everywhere i needed to go. i also appreciated the private bathroom inside my room and the useful desk.
i found the shower to be a little awkward. it was in a small room shared with the toilet. there was also no other private space to change.
0 Helpful
Amelia from Canada
Single
Twin Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:November 03, 2025
6/10

Mixed Experience at City Center

high noiseunresponsive website
The noise levels were rather high. I could hear everything happening in the hallway and adjacent rooms. The soundproofing was minimal at best. the lack of clear information about nearby parking became an issue. I was driving and could not find the information, I suspect a ticket resulted from entering a restricted zone.
0 Helpful
Joseph from United Kingdom
Family with children
Bed 4-Bed Dormitory Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:September 14, 2025
9.2/10

Excellent Location and Friendly Staff!

large dormitoryseparate toiletground floortiny space
I received an upgrade to a large dormitory with five bunk beds. The room included two sets of separate toilets and bathrooms. Everything was clean and equipped with liquid soap. The bar on the ground floor did not disturb my sleep. I slept soundly at night.
The shower shared a tiny space with the toilet. Keeping things dry was difficult. There was no private space to change after showering. The front desk staff were lovely, kind, and helpful though!
Rooms
9/10
The bed had its own curtains and power socket. A bathroom and a toilet were located in the room, offering convenience and privacy staying in this space.
Service
10/10
The staff was friendly and helpful, especially Lauren, who provided solutions with a smile. The reception staff were efficient, giving clear instructions and ensuring great service at all times.
Location
10/10
The hotel is a few meters from the Royal Mile, offering many shops and restaurants. The location is close to many tourist areas, providing easy access to bus and train services.
Dining
8/10
Breakfast is available for £9.95, offering good value for the cost. There is a bar on the ground floor, providing drinks and entertainment for the guests .
Facilities
9/10
The hotel provides a well-equipped kitchen for free use, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. There is a good communal area available to meet others and socialize .
0 Helpful
|
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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 from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
How close is A&O Edinburgh City to local attractions?
The hotel is located 0.5 km from Princes Street and 0.5 km from the National Museum of Scotland.
What breakfast options are available at A&O Edinburgh City?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 9 GBP.
What amenities are available in the rooms at A&O Edinburgh City?
Rooms feature en-suite bathrooms, reading lights, and spacious interior with storage options.
How much does it cost for children to have breakfast at A&O Edinburgh City?
Breakfast for children aged 7 to 17 costs 3.80 GBP.
What recreational activities does A&O Edinburgh City offer?
Guests can enjoy billiards, live performances, karaoke, and pub crawls on-site.
Is Wi-Fi available at A&O Edinburgh City?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
What language do the staff at A&O Edinburgh City speak?
The staff can communicate in English and other languages.
What nearby restaurants can guests find near A&O Edinburgh City?
Nearby dining options include David Bann, Mother India's Cafe, and Pilgrim Bar, all located 0.5 km away.
What are the main highlights of A&O Edinburgh City?
Facilities include a 24-hour reception, a lounge area, a snack bar, and a TV room.

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18Apr2026Select date
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room