High Street Hostel
8 Blackfriars Street - 0131 557 3984
Popular place for long-termers.
This was the very first hostel I stayed in, and it was a wonderful experience. This large hostel is located just off the Royal Mile only a short
walk from the castle. The dorm rooms sleep about 12 people, and the bathrooms and shower rooms are co-ed. The staff were friendly when
I was there, and they offer really interesting, free walking tours. I've met people who've stayed there long-term and have only good things to
say. This hostel allows you to work for your night's accommodation which comes in handy when your budget starts to get tight. The common
area is large, and meeting people is a snap over a game of pool, or by the jukebox. The kitchen is well-equipped and has storage space for
regulars.
Fun, good location, but I couldn't sleep.
This hostel has a lot of character, is in a great location and it is relatively cheap, but the two nights that I spent there
were the only two nights of my trip I didn't sleep. The beds weren't comfortable and didn't have a clean feel to them. I didn't
mind the co-ed bathroom and shower area. They offered a free walking tour of the city which was pretty good. The rooms
didn't have locks. Considering I was in a 12 person dorm a personal locked cupboard would have been nice at least. A minutes walk
to the Haggis office, it's easy to go on organised tours if need be.