Argyle Backpackers

We slept well and had the shared spaces to ourselves when we wanted, so the stay felt peaceful. The rooms and amenities suited us, and the bathrooms, bedrooms and common areas were welcoming and well kept. For the price, it’s very much worth a stay. Reception is staffed only limited hours, which is something to bear in mind if you might need help. We didn’t need any assistance, so it wasn’t an issue for us. Towels can be rented, but cash only, which was a little inconvenient. Our main room problem was a window that wouldn’t close, leaving it chilly and letting in unpleasant smells. One morning the hallways smelled strongly of weed, and we suspect it came from the room next door. The smell reached our room overnight and made things uncomfortable.

For Hogmanay, this was the cheapest place we found. It’s about 1.2 miles from Princess Street, and the walk into the centre through The Meadows Park is enjoyable. Reception staff were friendly and polite, and padlocks are available there for £5. There’s a kitchen, laundry, a gathering hall with books and board games, a piano and a backyard, plenty for backpacker needs. Wi-Fi was the weak spot: around 0.06 MB/s download and 0.08 MB/s upload in an average case, and at night it got so bad it disconnected by itself.

The beds are uncomfortable as anything, but the place is spotless and the kitchens are stocked with the works, full stovetops, air fryers, microwaves and more. The location is lovely, everything’s so pretty. I loved it here and had great conversations with everyone. Miss you, Caledonia, I’m coming back!!!

It’s outside Edinburgh’s busy area, which I liked. The hostel has a cool, homey feel, with guests hanging out in the kitchen, cooking and sharing food. I loved it.