Argyle Backpackers puts you just a 5-minute drive from Royal Mile and University of Edinburgh. Free WiFi is an added perk, and guests looking to stay active can check out the nearby hiking/biking trails. A terrace and a garden are offered, and in-room conveniences at this Victorian hostel include refrigerators and microwaves. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff.
National Museum of Scotland - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
Grassmarket - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
Royal Mile - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
Edinburgh Castle - 19 min walk - 1.7 km
Getting around
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 38 min drive
Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station) - 22 min walk
Edinburgh Waverley Station - 23 min walk
Edinburgh Haymarket Station - 26 min walk
Princes Street Tram Stop - 22 min walk
St Andrew Square Tram Stop - 24 min walk
Haymarket Tram Station - 27 min walk
Restaurants
The Library Cafe - 8 min walk
Red Box Marchmont - 5 min walk
Argyle Place - 1 min walk
The Argyle Bar - 1 min walk
Uplands Roast - 8 min walk
About this property
Argyle Backpackers
Argyle Backpackers puts you just a 5-minute drive from Royal Mile and University of Edinburgh. Free WiFi is an added perk, and guests looking to stay active can check out the nearby hiking/biking trails. A terrace and a garden are offered, and in-room conveniences at this Victorian hostel include refrigerators and microwaves. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff.
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
18 rooms
Arranged over 3 floors
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: noon; Check-in end time: midnight
Express check-in/out available
Early check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 11:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
DONE
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and lockbox information; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 9:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE
Children
No cribs (infant beds)
DONE
Pets
Pets not allowed
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi and wired internet access in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free offsite parking within 0.7 mi
DONE
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Barbecue grills
Shared microwave
Shared refrigerator
What to do
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Working away
Computer station
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Tour/ticket assistance
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Luggage storage
Multilingual staff
Facilities
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Garden
Picnic area
Terrace
Library
Fireplace in lobby
Television in common areas
Communal living room
Bicycle parking
Victorian architecture
Accessibility
Visual alarms in hallways
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
2 stairs to reach property
Room amenities
Be entertained
14-inch TV
Digital TV channels
Home comfort
Heating
Sleep well
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Patio
Yard
Individually furnished
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Freshen up
6 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer (on request)
Toilet paper
Stay connected
Free WiFi
Food and drink
Refrigerator
Freezer
Microwave
Shared kitchen access
Stovetop
Oven
Toaster
Cookware, dishes, and utensils
Blender
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Recycling
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
Towels are available for an extra charge of GBP 2 per person, per stay (or guests may bring their own)
Children & extra beds
Rollaway beds are available for GBP 30 per night
Policies
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector on site.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
National rating
This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitScotland, the National Tourist Board for Scotland.
Does Argyle Backpackers offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Argyle Backpackers does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Argyle Backpackers?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Argyle Backpackers?
No, unfortunately, but there's free parking nearby.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Argyle Backpackers?
Check-in start time: noon; Check-in end time: midnight. Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge (subject to availability). Express check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Argyle Backpackers and nearby?
Have fun during the warmer months with activities nearby such as hiking. Enjoy amenities like a picnic area and a garden.
Does Argyle Backpackers have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a patio and a yard.
What's the area around Argyle Backpackers like?
Argyle Backpackers is a short 6-minute walk from University of Edinburgh and 15 minutes' walk from Grassmarket.
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Reviews
Argyle Backpackers Reviews
7.6
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
7.6
Cleanliness
8.4
Location
8.2
Staff & service
7.2
Property conditions & facilities
Popular mentions
Location
Service staff
Room
Bathroom
Shower
Ambience
Bed
Kitchen
Reviews
Verified
6/10 Good
Apr 18, 2026
Good price, well located
Alfredo
Alfredo, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 5, 2026
the staff are really helpfull
Hadeel
Hadeel, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 6, 2025
Good location, good price, recommend!
Danielle
Danielle, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 25, 2025
Great value in an amazing location. A shared property that is well maintained and feels safe. Fanastic host.
Catherine
Catherine, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 10, 2025
It was clean as comfortable.
Lee
Lee, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 10, 2026
There are two bathrooms on each floor, so I never had any issues with crowding.
On the second floor, the shower and toilet are in separate areas, which was very convenient.
The kitchen is well-equipped and there are two of them. There are two refrigerators in total and eight stove burners, so I never had any trouble cooking. Sometimes there is free food available if you're lucky.
There is seating in the kitchen, as well as an indoor terrace and a garden, so the space feels very open and comfortable.
The location is in a quiet area with traditional British houses. There is a convenience store about a 2-minute walk away, which is very convenient. There is also a large park next to the university nearby, which is perfect for relaxing.
The staffs are friendly and helpful!
I would definitely love to stay here again. 😌
Reina
Reina, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 8, 2024
Nice room with good beds, would stay again.
Verified traveler
1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
May 9, 2025
Nice hostel. Complimentary coffee and tea. Staff were nice and helpful
Danial
Danial, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 8, 2025
Very conveniently located, walking from train station and to points of interest and to restaurants.
Very clean, and quiet, well organized.
Hugh
Hugh, 2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Sep 10, 2025
Only issue was one showers hot water didn’t work! But loved the place and the location!
Kate
Kate, 3-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Oct 10, 2023
Nice atmosphere, great location, delivers all it promises - no complaints.
James
James, 5-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 1, 2025
Yes
All good nice location essy to walk to from city center and royal mile
Mattias
Mattias, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Aug 21, 2024
Great stay for Edinburgh city. Easy check in, room basic but clean and comfortable. Kitchen facilities all good.
wendy
wendy, 5-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 30, 2023
Very much enjoyed my stay at argyle backpackers. Would stay again. Very homey feel and was a pleasure to meet other travelers. Within walking distance to all of the major sights in Edinburgh, including the train station.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 26, 2023
The staff were so nice and helpful!
Isobel
Isobel, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Mar 16, 2025
Really good
Really good hostel. Only thing is if they could mention the towel policy in the instructions email. I'll stay again for sure.
DAVID
DAVID, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 28, 2024
The staff was fantastic karma the fellow guests were pleasant to be around, they had a lovely and fully equipped kitchen to cook meals in and all in all I loved the vibe and having my morning coffee on the back covered patio! Absolutely plan on coming back for my vacation next year!!
Grant
Grant, 3-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Apr 14, 2025
Good place to stay
This is a nice place to stay in Edinburgh if you are intending to be out most of the time and don't need a fancy hotel! It's very much a hostel but it's in a quieter area of the city with lots of nice cafes and brunch places around. Easy 20 min walk from the station. Clean enough but it is an old town house so not immaculate!
Verified traveler
2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 18, 2023
For a good price the room is very comfortable & safe. My friend & I had a good night sleep. I would definitely stay again.
Masyitah
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jun 22, 2024
We really enjoyed our stay here. Probably best hostel we’ve stayed in. Staff were super friendly and helpful (Tanika in particular). Had 2 kitchens and multiple bathrooms which was nice. Area is far away enough to be peaceful but not too far that you can still easily walk anywhere.
Jennifer
Jennifer, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 14, 2025
Area is absolutely perfect for exploring Edinburgh! Grocery stores are at a walkable distance, the street feels safe and quiet, and all of the major tourist attractions are at a walkable distance. It was nice to be away from the city centre bustle, but close enough to be able to walk there when you wish. Convenient check in and checkout. Kitchens had everything you need and even some free stuff which was nice! Garden/patio area was very pretty and we enjoyed spending time out there :)
Bella
Bella, 3-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
May 9, 2025
Decent, but you get what you paid for
Cheap by edinburgh standards, so you get what you paid for really. Cleanliness wasnt the best but its a room in a good location which was what we were looking for
Jared
Jared, 1-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Nov 23, 2024
Budget price, budget room.
Its a budget hostel, so no complaints. I needed a cheap room to stay in/go back too after clubbing until 3am.
I had a single bedroom which was through behind the kitchen. Nice and quiet, clean bedding, and warm enough. Carpet could do with a good hoover though !
I would use again for the same purpose.
Craig
Craig, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 3, 2024
Definitely exceeded our expectations. Although its is a cozy beaten up hostel, with shared bathroom/WC and kitchen, we felt like we were home. Meadows Park is nearby, we could walk pretty much everywhere. Reception/crew was not engaging much. Nonetheless, great value for money.
Verified traveler
3-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Nov 2, 2023
Overall very fair for price
Shared shower didn’t work perfectly but was usable.
Good area close to bus station that runs to city centre frequently, nice location.
Easy check in, they were very nice.
Very quiet area, room wasn’t very sound proof to the halls, but everyone was quiet and respectful, so nothing waking us up.
3/5