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From80US$ /night
Check-in
14Dec2025Select date
Check-out
15Dec2025Select 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
Perfect
7.1
7.2
/10
3.8
/5

Accommodation

A&O Edinburgh City offers 118 spacious rooms catering to various needs, including dormitory-style options and private rooms. Each room includes an en-suite bathroom, and guests can choose between single, double, and shared accommodations. Families can take advantage of family rooms, accommodating up to four guests.

Dining

On-site dining is available at the hotel's bar and restaurant, serving international dishes and local favorites. A&O Edinburgh City provides a fresh and free hot breakfast daily to all guests. Guests can also relax with drinks offered at the bar area.

Location

Located on the banks of the Water of Leith, A&O Edinburgh City is just a 5-minute walk from major attractions such as the Edinburgh Castle and the vibrant Grassmarket area. The hotel offers easy access to public transportation, with Haymarket train station a 10-minute walk away. Nearby shops, restaurants, and cultural sites enhance the urban experience.

Entertainment & Amenities

The hotel offers a games room with pool tables and a TV area for guests to unwind with entertainment options. A&O Edinburgh City also provides a spacious outdoor terrace, allowing guests to enjoy fresh air in a relaxing environment. Bicycles can be rented for guests looking to explore the city at their own pace.

Accessibility & Policies

A&O Edinburgh City is committed to being accessible for all guests, with elevators and wheelchair-friendly spaces throughout the property. The hotel implements environmentally-friendly practices, ensuring a lower carbon footprint. Pets are allowed in certain room types, making it easier for travelers with companions.

Highlights

Accommodation: 118 spacious rooms

Dining: fresh and free hot breakfast

Location: Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket area

Entertainment: games room, outdoor terrace

“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 10-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
20 m² 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Triple Room
2 persons
14 m² 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Family Room
2 persons
14 m² 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Quadruple Room Bunk beds only
2 persons
14 m² 
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

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free 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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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
390 m
Royal Mile
Royal Mile
390 m
High Street 2 Warriston's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
390 m
Church
St Giles' Cathedral
390 m
Monument
Scott Monument
390 m
32 Calton Hill
Nelson Monument
420 m
Store
Edinburgh Old Town
390 m
Museum
The Writers' Museum
390 m
Museum
Gladstone's Land
390 m
Nicolson Street
Surgeons' Hall Museums
390 m
Museum
Museum of Childhood
390 m
Museum
John Knox House
390 m
53 Princes Street
Princes Street
390 m
2 Chalmers Close High Street (opposite Museum of Childhood on Royal Mile)
Brass Rubbing Centre
390 m
Church
Mercat Cross
100 m
Gallery
City Art Centre
390 m
Cemetery
The Robertson Mausoleum
390 m
Restaurants
Bar 50
100 m
50 Blackfriars Street
Zara Fast Foods Pizza & Burger House
10 m
56 Blackfriars Street Old Town
The Piemaker
290 m
38 South Bridge
Pilgrim Bar
70 m
Cowgate
Greggs
110 m
85/87 Rose Street
Burrito 'n' Shake
330 m
97-99 South Bridge
The Tron
270 m
9 Hunter Square
Yocoko Noodle Bar
250 m
45 South Bridge
Zenobia
290 m
14A South Bridge
Forsyth's Tea Room
180 m
81 High Street Chalmers Close
Caffe Nero
230 m
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  ·  200 m
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)21 min  ·  13.6 km
Dundee Airport (DND)146 min  ·  97.1 km
Train
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station5 min  ·  400 m
Bus
Bus stop5 min  ·  400 m
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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
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.
Is parking available at A&O Edinburgh City?
The hotel does not offer on-site parking; however, there are public parking options available nearby.
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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