A&O city hostel edinburgh

There were kids and teenagers everywhere, running along the corridors and making a lot of noise. Outside noise came through all night too, especially from the street, because the window didn't seal properly. The room was tatty and could have been much cleaner. The bed was comfortable and the shower was nice, at least.

We booked a private family room and found it clean, with really friendly staff. The bar downstairs has a lively atmosphere and is a good spot for a drink or meeting people. Everything is walkable from this great location. We skipped breakfast, though I saw plenty of options when I was there. A perfect budget hostel.

The location is right in the centre of the old town, close to the main sights and down the hill, so there's no climb to get there. Staff were friendly at both check-in and check-out, and the place looked modern and clean. There seemed to be a strong social atmosphere, though I arrived late and left early, so didn't get to enjoy much of it. The bed was extremely squeaky, which made for an uncomfortable night, and there was no light or power outlet by the bed. My room and bunk were right by a window facing the bar, so sleep wasn't going to happen. There weren't lockers in the room, which should be a basic feature in a hostel. Making your own bed was also a ridiculous policy. I know it's a budget hostel, not a five-star hotel, but making the bed should still be included when you're on vacation. It was especially annoying on the top bunk, where you have to try not to disturb other guests. Pretty much everyone was complaining about it. Seriously, they should end that policy. I haven't seen another hostel require it.

The location was the thing that sold me: just a five minute walk from the train station, right in the heart of Old Town. As a solo female traveller, I felt very safe. The rooms are roomy, with large wire rolling bins under the beds for storage. Staff were kind, helpful, and always happy to answer questions or offer tips on places to explore. Thanks so much, you were awesome! There's also a lively ground floor bar and breakfast service. I had a wonderful stay and would absolutely come back.