Argyle Backpackers

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

6/10

Pleasant

29 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

There were two showers and one toilet for a floor full of people. The roof in our room was slanted which was okay for one night but may be difficult for a longer stay (especially for taller people). Maybe this could come with a warning or be included in the booking info. The kitchen was okay in terms of supplies but was short on space and it was very disorganized and messy when we were there. There was a nice sun room off one of the kitchens where you could eat.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

13 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Excellent hostel in prime location. Easy walk through a delightful park into the old town, with plenty of eating options nearby. Highly recommended.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

26 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Nice view. Great location. Mattress was a bit weird.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

08 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

The place was really dirty not the beds i hasten to add . The shower at our part was not in use , the staff didnt understand us , no chairs in room , the place just had a negleted air about and some parts were really dirty , the bins were filthy the kitchen was really dirty , and the lounge was disgusting and stank of wet dogs , for the money im afraid it was a disgrace

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

21 Jun 2019

Mathias

Just ok

Very rude person at the front desk when I wanted to get my deposit back. Noisy neighbors who woke me up at 5.45

8/10

Excellent

13 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Not disappointing!

Great service. Affordable private room (public bathroom). The bathrooms weren’t well-maintained and not very clean so I didn’t feel comfortable taking a shower there.

Pro tip: Be sure to bring your own towels! I had forgotten about that!

Location isn’t bad. Lots of stuff within a 20-30 minute walk, including great restaurants and city center and everything.

But it was hard to locate.

8/10

Excellent

29 May 2019

Verified traveler

Ok hostel, just depressing

Stayed here for 1night. The hostel is a bit depressing, just got no character. I couldn't stay here for any great length of time. Don't get me wrong the hostel is clean and tidy with 2 homely kitchens and a TV lounge. It's like going to your grandmother house that's the best I can describe it. The hostel is a good 15min walk from the city centre across the meadows

8/10

Excellent

27 May 2019

Verified traveler

Basic room but clean as were the toilets and kitchens.
Staff polite and helpful.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

26 May 2019

Verified traveler

Perect location... very comfortable and friendly... all facilities are great

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2019

Bryony

We will be back! Clean and comfortable

The staff here were really friendly and helpful and definitely made the stay here worthwhile. As a hostel you usually expect small and cramped places but there were two lovely kitchens and a lounge to meet your friends and if you're not a high maintenance hotel visitor and just want a nice clean bed for the evenings then this is the place to go! A 10 - 15 minute walk to a main area of the City means the location was fantastic and quiet in the evenings. Where I will be staying again for any future trips to Edinburgh!

Friends

8/10

Excellent

07 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Confortable and nice.
The hotel is very close to the city centre.

8/10

Excellent

29 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

Not bad, showers not great but overall, good location

8/10

Excellent

29 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

great location near University and lovely neighborhpood. very nice staff.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Nov 2018

Ann

Staff friendly,
Especially the first girl we met at reception.

10/10

Exceptional

02 Nov 2018

Chrissy

We enjoyed a good nights rest at the Argyll backpackers hostel. Beds where comfatable and the roim was clean and tidy.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Oct 2018

Akhil

It was really a good stay at Argyle.
Amazing service and helpful people.

4/10

Poor

30 Aug 2018

Verified traveler

Very good location. Within walking distance to sites in the city or easy bus connection. The kitchen and dining room were satisfactory. The bathrooms were tired and inadequate for the number of rooms. Our double room was on the top floor and was very small with just enough room for a double bed. It had a very low sloping ceiling that both my wife and I hit our heads. I found myself squatting around the room to avoid hitting my head again. We were in Edinburgh during the Fringe Festival and were lucky to find this over priced room. However, it was not worth the savings. I would not recommend the room we had.

8/10

Excellent

29 Aug 2018

Verified traveler

Nice kitchen and eating area by a back courtyard. Good location near activities. But the beds we're . . . meh. Staff was sometimes hard to find.

8/10

Excellent

19 Jul 2018

Verified traveler

Parking was difficult. Easy to walk to down town though the park.

6/10

Pleasant

20 Jun 2018

M

Ok hostel

The hostel was ok. We had a double room shared bath. Room itself was clean enough, bathroom could have been better. Location was good, 15 min walk to the city centre. Staff was very nice. It's an older building so things can get noisy but we didn't have issues with it.

8/10

Excellent

16 Jun 2018

Shannon

Great Hostel in a convenient location

Myself and my parents stayed here for 2 nights at the end of a 3 week journey through Ireland and Scotland. We had been spoiled up to this point with B&B's and hotels so I was a bit nervous about rounding our trip out with a hostel.

Upon arrival we were given the exact room configuration requested (it even had a sink in it which was GREAT!), on the 2nd floor. The hostel is a pleasant 10 minute walk to the Royal Mile & Castle (though a park and up some nice side-streets) and on a quiet enough street that noise didn't seem to be a problem here.

The only struggle we had was that the bunk bed was VERY creaky so every time I moved I felt like I was waking up my roomies and the ones in the room next door!

Overall an excellent stay, and though we didn't use the kitchen/common areas much in our short stay they seemed well stocked and maintained.

I would return here in a heartbeat, and recommend this hostel to friends & family traveling to Edinburgh

8/10

Excellent

13 Jun 2018

Cindy

Provided what we needed.

I have never stayed in a hostel before. I have to say my experience was good. I did not have high expectations. Room was clean bed comfortable. Shared toilet and showers ok. Shared kitchens ok, a little rough around the edges. Comfortable large light and airy living room. Mixture of travellers, ourselves visiting grandchildren, simple and straightforward meeting anxiety greeting.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Jun 2018

James

Convenient location but the building we were in smelt of cigarette smoke. Not a massive drama to us but worth mentioning in case it might be to others.