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Check-in
19Mar2026Select date
Check-out
20Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1NE
-
Close to the Old Town
Very good
7.2
7.3
/10
3.6
/5

Location

A&O Edinburgh City is situated in the heart of Edinburgh, making it accessible to key attractions. The hotel is a short 10-minute walk from Waverley Station and close to Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street. This central positioning allows guests to easily explore the rich history and culture of the city.

Room Types

The hotel offers a variety of room types, including shared dormitories and private rooms. Each private room provides an en-suite bathroom and can accommodate up to 4 guests. The dormitory options cater to different budgets, making it suitable for both solo travelers and groups.

Dining Options

A&O Edinburgh City includes an on-site bar and breakfast area serving breakfast buffets daily. The hotel offers a self-service kitchen for guests wanting to prepare their own meals. Local dining options are also abundant in the surrounding area, enhancing the culinary experience.

Amenities

The hotel features a game area with billiards and table football for guest entertainment. Additionally, a 24-hour reception is available to assist with inquiries and bookings. Laundry facilities are also on-site, catering to the needs of longer stays.

Parking Facilities

A&O Edinburgh City includes limited parking facilities available on-site. Parking spaces need to be reserved in advance due to availability. Guests with vehicles can enjoy secure parking close to the hotel.

Highlights

Location: 10-minute walk from Waverley Station

Rooms: shared dormitories and private rooms

Dining: breakfast buffets daily

Amenities: game area with billiards

“A&O Edinburgh City stands out for its excellent staff, often mentioned as a highlight, and a sociable ground-floor restaurant and bar. The central location makes it easy to explore the city on foot. In my opinion, this is a practical base for budget-conscious travelers, offering a clean and well-maintained environment.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
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Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value 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 10-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Bed 12-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
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Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking
Facilities: Very good
7.1/10Review 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
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
5 minutes walking
Home to diverse collections, this museum showcases Scotland's history and culture, featuring free entry and interactive exhibits.
The Real Mary King's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
5 minutes walking
Historic close with guided tours showcasing Edinburgh's underground city life; a unique glimpse into the city's past.
Scott Monument
Scott Monument
5 minutes walking
Victorian Gothic monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott; climb its 287 steps for panoramic city views.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
17 minutes walking
Iconic fortress atop Castle Rock; explore rich history, the Honours of Scotland, and stunning views from the battlements.
Arthur's Seat Hike
25 minutes walking
Challenging hike with rewarding views; accessible via footpaths and perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. No booking required.
Yoga Classes at The Meadows
18 minutes walking
Relaxing yoga sessions in a scenic park; classes available year-round. Ideal for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
Bar 50
Bar 50
2 minutes walking
Casual bar offering a diverse menu; enjoy burgers and local beers in a vibrant atmosphere. Reservations not needed.
The Piemaker
The Piemaker
4 minutes walking
Famous for its hearty savory pies; perfect for a quick, delicious meal. Vegetarian options available.
Zara Fast Foods Pizza & Burger House
Zara Fast Foods Pizza & Burger House
1 minute walking
Quick service for pizza and burgers; great for families looking for casual dining at any time.
Pilgrim Bar
Pilgrim Bar
1 minute walking
Lively bar known for craft beers and live music; features weekly open mic nights in a friendly atmosphere.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
17 minutes walking
Interactive exhibition with optical illusions and an impressive rooftop view; fun for all ages, with tickets available onsite.
Getting around town
City Centre
Edinburgh3 min  ·  700 ft
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)21 min  ·  8.5 mi
Glasgow Airport (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

What past guests shared about their stay
Review score
Based on 2287 verified reviews
6.8/10
Nice
64%
Recommend
Breakfast
6.2/10
Cleanliness
7.2/10
Comfort
7.2/10
Facilities
7.1/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.7/10
Location
9.1/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.0/10
Staff
8.4/10
Value for money
7.0/10
Pros
Central location
Clean rooms
Luggage storage
Good value
Breakfast included
Cons
Long check-in queue
Thin pillows
Noisy environment
Guest reviews
based on 5709 reviews
7.2/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About A&O Edinburgh City
What is the distance from A&O Edinburgh City to the city center?
A&O Edinburgh City is located just 700 meters from the shops and nightlife of Princes Street.
What are the check-in and check-out times at A&O Edinburgh City?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
Are there any dining options at A&O Edinburgh City?
The hotel features Bar 50, which serves a food menu with pizza and bar fare, as well as a drink menu.
What are some nearby restaurants to A&O Edinburgh City?
Nearby restaurants include David Bann, Larder Go, and Greggs, all within 0.5 km.
Does A&O Edinburgh City offer free Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
What types of rooms are available at A&O Edinburgh City?
Room options include single, double, family rooms with bunk beds, and multi-bed rooms for 4 to 6 people.
What entertainment options are available at A&O Edinburgh City?
Guests can enjoy billiards, karaoke, live music performances, and pub crawls on-site.
How far is A&O Edinburgh City from the nearest major attractions?
The hotel is approximately a 5-minute walk from the National Museum of Scotland and 1 km from Holyrood Abbey.
Is breakfast available at A&O Edinburgh City?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 9 GBP.

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Check-in
19Mar2026Select date
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room