St Christopher's Edinburgh Original

Cam and Evens were on duty when we checked in around midnight, and made us feel welcome straight away. We'd booked two beds in the 18-bed mixed dorm, but arriving so late as two girls, we felt a bit uneasy when we saw the room. They kindly suggested an upgrade, and I'm glad we talked to them. They were clearly concerned about our comfort and safety, and offered a great upgrade at a very reasonable price. Their kindness and professionalism made our Edinburgh stay unforgettable. Highly recommend for the amazing staff and how well they look after guests. Thank you, Cam and Evens!

I spent one night in an eight-bunk room with a friend, plus the other six people. Your experience obviously depends on who else is sharing the room. The location is exceptional: leave Edinburgh Waverly by the right exit and you can see the front. It's technically not accessible accommodation for everyone, but was pretty good for access otherwise, with three steps at the entrance and a lift to the rooms and common spaces. It may not suit me next time, but should work well if you can manage those steps. Free WiFi, and each bed had a light, curtain, and plug socket. Mine also had USB sockets, with storage under the bunk. Bring a lock, earplugs, and an eyemask. Being sociable helps, but isn't necessary for a good time.

At £130 for two nights, it was a mix of good and bad. The hostel is very close to the train station and within walking distance of the city centre, which is terrific. That's about the only real plus. The rooms are extremely crowded and packed, with shared rooms and bathrooms. I think my room had around 12 people. The price felt high for the amenities, and the staff were hit or miss. I've stayed in many hostels around Europe, and this was one of the most densely packed. Given all that, £130 wasn't worth it. A more reasonable price might have earned a higher rating. Definitely look around for other options.

The location is good and the price is fine for a cheap hostel, but the rules weren't respected. Guests slammed doors when leaving their rooms, and nobody checked the hairdryer late at night. The reception staff seemed asleep at the wheel. Shared spaces like the bathrooms should be cleaned at least three times a day, especially with mixed rooms. The experience was okay this time, but I won't come back.