Name: Argyle Backpackers
Address: 14 Argyle Place, Edinburgh, EH9 1JL, GB

8/10

Excellent

24 Jul 2026

Suzanne

Un endroit amical et calme, à distance de marche du centre ville. Les toilettes et les cuisines communes sont bien entretenues, le perdonnel est réellement très sympatique.

6/10

Pleasant

12 Jul 2026

Jessica

It was fine, especially if you’re looking for an inexpensive and good location.

Family

8/10

Excellent

10 Jul 2026

Dmitri

The two kitchens were good

Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jul 2026

Charlotte

Great place. Well situated

Family

8/10

Excellent

06 Jul 2026

Ken

Great location. Parking was a bit tricky and very expensive. Rooms were clean and basic but fine. Shared bathroom was fine too.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2026

Rashmi

Nice location
Friendly staff

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jun 2026

Daniel

It’s a lovely hostel with lots of charm and kind folks who are helpful and giving of their time.

If you’re looking for character, guitars to play, comfy places to sit, and an unpretentious spot with access to the best of Edinburgh, this is your spot.

There’s a great co-op across the street with organic produce and lots of vegan-friendly food. That’s a plus.

Family

8/10

Excellent

20 Jun 2026

Hunter

Excellent,quiet location, one easily walkable mile from royal mile and train station, shower our of commission on our floor, coffee service poorly stocked

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

18 Jun 2026

Alan

No amenities. Bring your own towel

2/10

Poor

05 Jun 2026

Trevor

When I was trying to check in there was a woman in pyjamas who had been locked out her room. It was only 6pm but the front desk was closed and she was desperately trying to call the emergency number. No one answered and there was no way to leave a message, other than through expedia (they did not answer until the following morning) and when I left an hour later she was still trying to get help. The shower on my floor was broken, and I never did see anyone at the front desk.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

01 Jun 2026

Andrew

The property has two kitchens and an outdoor yard-very convenient. You will have to bring your own towels.

Parking is on the street, but no cost overnight.

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

30 May 2026

David

There was mold in the bathroom. There was no hot water. The window did not close and latch tight. The bed was less to be desired. It was terrible. The towels were the size for a child. The place was disgusting, including the refrigerator with rotten food.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 May 2026

David

Close to main areas. Highly recommend

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

17 May 2026

Lisa

I liked the idea of the free stuff in the fridge, board games in the other room, because it’s not in the city centre, peace and quiet, there’s a pub across the road, fish and chip shop and a Scotmid a few mins walk, buses into town, couldn’t really ask for a better place 🙂

Self

8/10

Excellent

16 May 2026

Hilary-Maye

The garden view was absolutely beautiful and I highly recommend it for anyone considering traveling to Edinburgh. My only issue was that the boiler system kept returning a fault, which meant there was no heat or hot water for any shower connected to it. The staff were amazing and gave me a space heater and fortunately there were other showers that were connected to an electric heating system that were useable. Other than that, the location was perfect! Easy to walk and/or catch the bus to any and all things in Edinburgh. Beautiful neighborhood, incredibly safe and everyone respected the food system. There were tons of shops nearby as well and the WiFi was amazing, along with 2 fully stocked kitchens for use and 2 bathrooms on each of the 3 floors.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

13 May 2026

RAHUL

Not very clean, dusty but cozy

10/10

Exceptional

07 May 2026

Mackenzie

Absolutely wonderful people, especially Jesus!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

06 May 2026

Samira

All goog, i lıke clean quet comfotobel

Self

8/10

Excellent

03 May 2026

Tom

Location brilliant. Nice and quiet. Will stay again

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2026

Venus

My stay was good. The place is old but considering the pice it was alright. The bathrooms were really clean even with all the guest coming and going. I usually don’t have a problem with stairs but these are spiral and small. For me it wa a bit of a challenge carrying up my luggage so that’s something to on.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

18 Apr 2026

Alfredo

Good price, well located

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2026

Reina

There are two bathrooms on each floor, so I never had any issues with crowding.

On the second floor, the shower and toilet are in separate areas, which was very convenient.

The kitchen is well-equipped and there are two of them. There are two refrigerators in total and eight stove burners, so I never had any trouble cooking. Sometimes there is free food available if you're lucky.

There is seating in the kitchen, as well as an indoor terrace and a garden, so the space feels very open and comfortable.

The location is in a quiet area with traditional British houses. There is a convenience store about a 2-minute walk away, which is very convenient. There is also a large park next to the university nearby, which is perfect for relaxing.

The staffs are friendly and helpful!

I would definitely love to stay here again. 😌

Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 Mar 2026

Laura

The room was clean and comfortable. Staff very friendly and helpful. A good location close to the city centre.

Self

8/10

Excellent

19 Feb 2026

Jamie

Good position, clean room and perfectly adequate for a couple of nights exploring in Edinburgh.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

13 Feb 2026

tadeusas

Good

Business

10/10

Exceptional

07 Feb 2026

tadeusas

Good

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jan 2026

Hadeel

the staff are really helpfull

8/10

Excellent

28 Dec 2025

Seohyun

가격대비 괜찮습니다.
중심가는 아니지만 걸어다닐만 합니다.
무엇보다 주방이 있어서 좋았습니다

Self

8/10

Excellent

15 Dec 2025

Gabor

No issues

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Nov 2025

Mark

Efficient and particularly helpful with storage of baggage.

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

30 Oct 2025

Alexander

My first time staying a hostel, my experience was expected I paid less I got a bad experience my fault I get it.
When I checked in nothing was explained I was just given a set of keys and that was it.
When I got to my room I didn’t realize I didn’t have a shower towel and when I realized it was after 6 pm and the front desk only operates from 10-6 pm another thing that was explained 😞 so the next morning I had to use my shirt to dry off after my shower. No toiletries or hair dryer available which is ok I understand.
My bed only had a cover no bed sheets, narrow bed I could barely fit in it (me 5’9, 160 Lbs).
There was people cooking in the kitchen that was next door and smelled the whole place smelled like Indian food.
The location is bad it’s just far away from the main places in town.
On the good side, the room was isolated and quiet which I loved, the front desk people were nice and helpful but really that’s all the good 😊

Self

10/10

Exceptional

25 Oct 2025

Catherine

Great value in an amazing location. A shared property that is well maintained and feels safe. Fanastic host.

Business_and_leisure

10/10

Exceptional

13 Oct 2025

Stewart

Very clean, staff friendly and helpful

Self

10/10

Exceptional

10 Oct 2025

Lee

It was clean as comfortable.

Self

8/10

Excellent

08 Oct 2025

Elizabeth

Reliably convenient no frills accommodation

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Oct 2025

Danielle

Good location, good price, recommend!

8/10

Excellent

10 Sep 2025

Kate

Only issue was one showers hot water didn’t work! But loved the place and the location!

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

27 Aug 2025

Hennadii

Terrible check-in experience

Terrible check-in experience. For two days we tried to get information on how to access our room because we were arriving at night, but we never received any response. We even called, and they promised to send the details, but nothing ever came. An absolute nightmare of a check-in.

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

19 Aug 2025

David John

Just not very clean, not well kept. Uncomfortable bed. I just think that having a festival on shouldn't mean putting prices up sky high. £87 it shouldn't even be £7.

Self

4/10

Poor

16 Aug 2025

PAUL

Not for me.

I reserved what was supposed to be a single room with a private bathroom. No bathroom and the room was so small with a single bed and no furniture except a table with a vase on it. The problem I really had was that the only parking NEAR the place was all permitted. If you wanted to stay there you had to park a few blocks away and walk back. Not good for anyone. I decided to look elsewhere and found a nice place that had parking and a bigger room. This place is OK if you're young and have no issues walking all over the place. The gentleman behind the counter was new but very helpful. His name was Tom. Shout out to him!!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

06 Aug 2025

Dane

Central and very affordable

Leisure Friends

2/10

Poor

20 Jun 2025

Anna E

My daughter went to visit the university and arrived at the premises at around 6.45. The hostel had not sent a code to get in. She could not get access to the hostel. No staff were in the building despite her arriving before 9.30 (the time it said you needed to phone ahead). We phoned and sent messages but no response. She gained access because of another guest. Luckily the other guest was able to unlock the keybox, otherwise she would have been completely stuck. A day later we have had no response. The information said the front desk was manned till five and to make contact if arriving after 9.30 but no one was there. Luckily my daughter was not alone and the other guests were able to help her. They described having a similar problem earlier in the day. My daughter was also surprised when she did get in not to have a proper bed as all the photos showed beds. The kitchen was nice, but the service was nonexistent.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jun 2025

Meghan

I really enjoyed my stay here. I was in room 17 which is on the top floor. One toilet/shower room and one shower room on my landing meant I experienced no queues when needing to use the facilities. Great sized kitchen, lovely seating areas inside and out to enjoy your meals or a wee chat.
I was staying here for work purposes and truly did enjoy my stay. A few reviews online I read before arriving gave me anxiety but these people are so ridiculous and imo over exaggerating.
I feel if you grew up with a silver spoon in your mouth, you could find something to complain about. However if you can be a humble human, and appreciate a clean place to stay, in a nice location, with friendly staff and guests and appreciate the price that your paying, I think you will definitely enjoy your stay. The bathrooms were completely spotless each day with there being a little basket of freebies from previous guests which was lovely if you had forgot something and the kitchen was kept clean and tidy and well equipped which meant I didn’t have to spend money ordering take away and could just cook dinner at my leisure. My only issue was the WiFi situation, but it’s not the end of the world for me to be without WiFi. Would stay again if coming through to Edinburgh

Business

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2025

Bella

Area is absolutely perfect for exploring Edinburgh! Grocery stores are at a walkable distance, the street feels safe and quiet, and all of the major tourist attractions are at a walkable distance. It was nice to be away from the city centre bustle, but close enough to be able to walk there when you wish. Convenient check in and checkout. Kitchens had everything you need and even some free stuff which was nice! Garden/patio area was very pretty and we enjoyed spending time out there :)

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

08 Jun 2025

Brynn

The building had old charm.
The pipes were very noisy in our room every time the water was run.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

05 Jun 2025

Sagar

Nice for the value

2/10

Poor

23 May 2025

Ines

The room was very dirty, floor full of hairs and bathroom as well.

10/10

Exceptional

09 May 2025

Danial

Nice hostel. Complimentary coffee and tea. Staff were nice and helpful

6/10

Pleasant

09 May 2025

Jared

Decent, but you get what you paid for

Cheap by edinburgh standards, so you get what you paid for really. Cleanliness wasnt the best but its a room in a good location which was what we were looking for

Partner

8/10

Excellent

14 Apr 2025

Verified traveler

Good place to stay

This is a nice place to stay in Edinburgh if you are intending to be out most of the time and don't need a fancy hotel! It's very much a hostel but it's in a quieter area of the city with lots of nice cafes and brunch places around. Easy 20 min walk from the station. Clean enough but it is an old town house so not immaculate!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2025

Courage

Easy to check in and out!

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2025

Hugh

Very conveniently located, walking from train station and to points of interest and to restaurants.

Very clean, and quiet, well organized.

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

16 Mar 2025

DAVID

Really good

Really good hostel. Only thing is if they could mention the towel policy in the instructions email. I'll stay again for sure.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

08 Dec 2024

Jose

50 50 thank you the safe in my room was shut and it woudnt ipen and try and fix your tvs:)

6/10

Pleasant

23 Nov 2024

Craig

Budget price, budget room.

Its a budget hostel, so no complaints. I needed a cheap room to stay in/go back too after clubbing until 3am.

I had a single bedroom which was through behind the kitchen. Nice and quiet, clean bedding, and warm enough. Carpet could do with a good hoover though !

I would use again for the same purpose.

Self

8/10

Excellent

09 Oct 2024

devichandana

.

10/10

Exceptional

08 Oct 2024

Verified traveler

Nice room with good beds, would stay again.

Friends_and_family Friends

2/10

Poor

30 Sep 2024

Denese

Arrived after the desk was closed and got our keys out of the lock box (labeled with my name and room number). Someone else was in our room already. Nobody ever responded to our calls to the emergency needs phone number after leaving 3 voicemails over an hours time. Took our money and had no room.

8/10

Excellent

21 Aug 2024

wendy

Great stay for Edinburgh city. Easy check in, room basic but clean and comfortable. Kitchen facilities all good.

2/10

Poor

08 Jul 2024

Kenneth

Internet did not work reliably, shower water heater on top floor was broken so we had cold showers. I told the staff lady but it didn't get fixed. Very noisy floorboards, Windows didn't fully close and neither did the blinds so it was very bright at night. Stained carpets, uncomfortable beds, musty bedding. Overpriced, not value for money at all.

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

08 Jul 2024

Kenneth

Internet did not work reliably, shower water heater on top floor was broken so we had cold showers. I told the staff lady but it didn't get fixed. Very noisy floorboards, Windows didn't fully close and neither did the blinds so it was very bright at night. Stained carpets, uncomfortable beds, musty bedding. Overpriced, not value for money at all.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

22 Jun 2024

Verified traveler

Not very welcoming, not very helpful at all,

8/10

Excellent

22 Jun 2024

Jennifer

We really enjoyed our stay here. Probably best hostel we’ve stayed in. Staff were super friendly and helpful (Tanika in particular). Had 2 kitchens and multiple bathrooms which was nice. Area is far away enough to be peaceful but not too far that you can still easily walk anywhere.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

17 Jun 2024

Philippe

Old and musty

I know this is a budget option but the place is just dirty and falling apart. Staff are nice but I was dependent on helpful other guests to get me in and sorted. So old and musty in the rooms and my room was only accessible through a communal kitchen.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2024

Verified traveler

Definitely exceeded our expectations. Although its is a cozy beaten up hostel, with shared bathroom/WC and kitchen, we felt like we were home. Meadows Park is nearby, we could walk pretty much everywhere. Reception/crew was not engaging much. Nonetheless, great value for money.

Business Family

6/10

Pleasant

30 May 2024

LAURENCE

Don't expect much

Rooms in different buildings. Ok and not too expensive for one or two night. Toilet was leaking in the stairs. You are young and don't really care how everything looks 'cause you are not going be around very much anyway? If yes, it's gonna be perfect.

6/10

Pleasant

27 May 2024

Laura

They were not prepared for our stay but made arrangements in a short period of time. The property is old and well used but is clean. Hot water (or even warm), however, was non-existant on the third floor. Note there are are all shared bathrooms in rhis place. We missed this bit of info in the description so were shocked!!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2024

Pamela

Pretty decent hostel.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

15 May 2024

Susan

Easy access to bus which took us to the Tram

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jan 2024

Grant

The staff was fantastic karma the fellow guests were pleasant to be around, they had a lovely and fully equipped kitchen to cook meals in and all in all I loved the vibe and having my morning coffee on the back covered patio! Absolutely plan on coming back for my vacation next year!!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

30 Nov 2023

Elizabeth

Very much enjoyed my stay at argyle backpackers. Would stay again. Very homey feel and was a pleasure to meet other travelers. Within walking distance to all of the major sights in Edinburgh, including the train station.

10/10

Exceptional

18 Nov 2023

Masyitah

For a good price the room is very comfortable & safe. My friend & I had a good night sleep. I would definitely stay again.

Leisure Friends

4/10

Poor

06 Nov 2023

Verified traveler

Filthy

The whole place was filthy, even the communal carpets were not hoovered. Tried to use the shower on my floor and I waited for 5 mins for hot water to work before giving up. The light above the shower in this room didn’t work so it would have been very dark anyway. Ended up using the shower on the floor below which had hot water but it came out like a trickle. The whole place felt like it could use a refurb and whilst I understand it is budget accommodation I did not feel as though I got value for money.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

02 Nov 2023

Hailey

Overall very fair for price
Shared shower didn’t work perfectly but was usable.
Good area close to bus station that runs to city centre frequently, nice location.
Easy check in, they were very nice.
Very quiet area, room wasn’t very sound proof to the halls, but everyone was quiet and respectful, so nothing waking us up.
3/5

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Oct 2023

Isobel

The staff were so nice and helpful!

Business_and_leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

10 Oct 2023

J

brilliant

everything was absolutely brilliant

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

10 Oct 2023

James

Nice atmosphere, great location, delivers all it promises - no complaints.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 Aug 2023

Trish

Basic accommodation. Remember and take a towel

Friends_and_family Friends

2/10

Poor

21 Aug 2023

Amber

There is no clarification on the website that the property has a communal bathroom that must be shared with other members on your floor. Additionally, you must strip your own bed along with no fan or AC that is in the room. It is fine if you are okay with that but a lot of missing things we were not aware of for the price point

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Aug 2023

Walid

family friendly

10/10

Exceptional

06 Aug 2023

Craig

Met by lovely people from Aust and NZ. Made us feel quite at home. Nothing was too much bother. The concierge was amazing and very helpful 👌

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

28 Jun 2023

Tara

Full-grown-adult-friendly hostel, nice location

Everyone was quiet and respectful, staff is very nice. Location is an easy walk to city centre. Bathroom situation is not ideal - had to search property for an open bathroom a couple of times. Fans needed in upper floor rooms! Climate change is here and even Scotland is hot.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

27 Jun 2023

Alexandra

Location is good, staff kind, date property all over. Could do with a refresh

6/10

Pleasant

25 Jun 2023

Helen

It was in a quiet area close to a big park. The internet was very patchy or non existent. Being a very old building, when people moved around during the night al the floors creaked., meaning sleep was interupted.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

23 Jun 2023

Verified traveler

Great place! But the WiFi was very bad

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jun 2023

Jessica

Fabulous location, good set up, excellent value

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

26 May 2023

Maranda

I honestly loved this property. It was so homey and I would definitely come back. You stay with other people but you can lock your door and people keep to themselves. You also share a bathroom which for me was fine. My brother and I were only there for two days. Very cozy.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 May 2023

Katharine

Great low-cost option

Great little place. Basic, very clean. Very friendly helpful staff. Nice kitchen and seating areas. Quiet street. Very good low-cost option

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

01 Mar 2023

June

Welcoming. Quirky. Homely

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

15 Sep 2022

Clarence

The room was very clean. Recent paint was obvious in different locations.

The shared toilet and shower were convenient, more than one per floor.
The common areas were clean and roomy. There was a good TV in the common area.

The free Wifi only worked on the main floor, although the network name appeared on other floors.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

29 Aug 2022

Thomas

Hostel

The hostel was ok. In need of a bit of a update. The bathroom was not very clean. The staff were friendly and welcoming.

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

28 Aug 2022

Kiera

This property was a fine place to rest our heads during a busy fringe season, nothing more. It was kind of dingy and run down, and felt unclean and cluttered in places. Carpets in the main areas desperately needed a Hoover. It did not appear that they had enough washrooms for all the guests. We saw staff at check in where they were very friendly, but never really interacted with them afterwards.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

28 Jun 2022

Karen

it was what we needed a place to sleep for the evening, pretty simple, which was fine and it felt safe

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

06 Apr 2022

Verified traveler

Clean and efficient

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

29 Nov 2021

Verified traveler

No frills hostel

Good location, reasonable price for a last-minute booking in a Saturday night in Edinburgh. Conveniently located next to the Meadows and across from a cute coffee shop. We stayed in a building a few doors down from the main office. Room was pretty basic, building was spare and a little run-down, kitchen was well-equipped.

6/10

Pleasant

07 Sep 2021

Anas

the property is ok , but has a weird smell around the carpet also the property needs some maintenance work done around as it getting old , but overall an OK stay for the price paid

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2021

Verified traveler

Perfect deal for 20£, excellent staff & service. Cheers

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

02 Dec 2019

Erin

My friend and I had a slightly underwhelming stay, fine for the most part but even for a hostel our twin room left something to be desired. Not even a bin in the room which we thought was odd and a pretty standard thing. Dirty walls and a plug socket that was hanging off. Two single beds positioned one in front of the other against the wall, without much space to move. For winter, the duvets were extremely thin, but the girl at the desk was very accommodating when I asked for another. Towels, hairdryer etc are also provided if you ask. We just felt it was a shame because the rooms themselves let the experience down- there was dirt and dead flies in one of the communal bathrooms, there wasn't even a little sense of comfort or character in the bedroom, there was incense burning somewhere so the place stank of it. Ive stayed in a wide range of hostels, hotels, airbnbs and I'm generally easily pleased, but sadly nothing about this place left me with any kind of lasting impression or the desire to go back. It's difficult finding anywhere in Edinburgh that delivers on both affordability and homeliness/cleanliness so while it just about did the job for two nights, we didn't find ourselves wanting to hang about the place any more than we needed to.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

19 Nov 2019

Karin

Good stay clean room and bathroom lovely service great prices

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

15 Oct 2019

Shay

Excellent location, very small rooms, we had one room with a faulty lock, not very clean, no service at reception before 9 o’clock, broadband connection kept coming and going, dirty kitchens, some of the issues were resolved after we posted first impressions on Expedia. We will not return.

Leisure Family