Argyle Backpackers puts you in a great location, within a 15-minute walk of University of Edinburgh and Grassmarket. 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.
Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station) - 21 min walk
Edinburgh Waverley Station - 22 min walk
Edinburgh Haymarket Station - 26 min walk
Princes Street Tram Stop - 21 min walk
St Andrew Square Tram Stop - 24 min walk
Haymarket Tram Station - 27 min walk
Restaurants
The Library Cafe - 8 min walk
Victor Hugo Delicatessen - 5 min walk
Cafe Artista - 5 min walk
Detour - 1 min walk
Uplands Roast - 6 min walk
About this property
Argyle Backpackers
Argyle Backpackers puts you in a great location, within a 15-minute walk of University of Edinburgh and Grassmarket. 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
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
Rollaway/extra bed available
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
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
Towels fee: GBP 2.00 per person, per stay
Optional extras
Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
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 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 19-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle and 20 minutes' walk from Royal Mile.
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Argyle Backpackers Reviews
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
7.4/10
Cleanliness
8.2/10
Staff & service
6.8/10
Amenities
7.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
7.6/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
Service staff
Location
Room
Bathroom
Shower
Ambience
Bed
Kitchen
Reviews
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
8/10 Very good
Aug 6, 2025
Ok
Fint til prisen og tæt på Edinburgh centrum. Lidt slidt og beskidt
Dorte
Dorte, 3-night trip
6/10 Good
Jun 5, 2025
Nice for the value
Sagar
Sagar, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 10, 2025
Easy to check in and out!
Courage
Courage, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 9, 2025
Nice hostel. Complimentary coffee and tea. Staff were nice and helpful
Danial
Danial, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jul 30, 2025
Ostello in quartiere molto pittoresco
Hostello che si trova in un quartiere davvero stupendo, tranquillo ma allo stesso tempo vivo, e a due passi da un parco bellissimo ideale per passeggiate o relax. A 15 minuti a piedi dal Castello, molto strategico. La struttura è molto silenziosa, perfetta per riposare. Il letto è comodo e garantisce un buon sonno. Il bagno era abbastanza pulito, anche se con qualche piccolo margine di miglioramento.
La cucina è ben attrezzata, con tutti i comfort necessari per cucinare in autonomia. Molto belli anche il giardino e piacevoli da vivere.
Nel complesso un soggiorno più che positivo. Consigliato!
Sara
Sara, 2-night trip
2/10 Poor
Aug 28, 2025
Terrible check-in experience
Terrible check-in experience. For two days we tried to get information on how to access our room because we were arriving at night, but we never received any response. We even called, and they promised to send the details, but nothing ever came. An absolute nightmare of a check-in.
Hennadii
Hennadii, 1-night trip
6/10 Good
Jun 8, 2025
The building had old charm.
The pipes were very noisy in our room every time the water was run.
Brynn
Brynn, 1-night trip
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
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
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 8, 2024
Nice room with good beds, would stay again.
Verified traveler
1-night trip
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
2/10 Poor
May 23, 2025
The room was very dirty, floor full of hairs and bathroom as well.
Ines
Ines, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Sep 29, 2024
Vraiment bien si vous aimer les auberges de jeunesse
Marie-Aude
Marie-Aude, 2-night trip
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
4/10 Fair
Aug 16, 2025
Not for me.
I reserved what was supposed to be a single room with a private bathroom. No bathroom and the room was so small with a single bed and no furniture except a table with a vase on it. The problem I really had was that the only parking NEAR the place was all permitted. If you wanted to stay there you had to park a few blocks away and walk back. Not good for anyone. I decided to look elsewhere and found a nice place that had parking and a bigger room. This place is OK if you're young and have no issues walking all over the place. The gentleman behind the counter was new but very helpful. His name was Tom. Shout out to him!!
PAUL
PAUL, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 19, 2024
Pretty decent hostel.
Pamela
Pamela, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 4, 2023
Fabulous location, good set up, excellent value
Jessica
Jessica, 1-night trip
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
8/10 Very good
Oct 10, 2023
Nice atmosphere, great location, delivers all it promises - no complaints.
James
James, 5-night trip
2/10 Poor
Aug 13, 2025
The evening check-in went smoothly, and the first person we met was quite friendly.
However, the next morning was far less pleasant. We asked for a towel at reception and were "greeted" by a closed door. have rarely encountered someone so rude. The towel cost £2, but card payments were not accepted. We were forced to withdraw £10 and pay fees, on top of mandatory service charges already listed on the property's page. The so-called "towel" turned out to be a tiny mat... ridiculous.
The bathroom was fairly clean, but the water pressure was almost non-existent.
As for the rooms, they were not very clean (old hairs remained on the sheets) and, above all, the beds were extremely uncomfortable.
Verified traveler
1-night trip
4/10 Fair
May 16, 2025
Preis/Leistung vom anderen Stern. Das Bett war ca 35cm hoch, das ganze „Zimmer“ eher schmuddelig mit merkwürdigen Flecken auf dem Teppich.
Die Dusche auf unserer Etage funktionierte nicht. Generell sehr hellhörig.
Absolut nie wieder und nicht empfehlenswert.
Benedikt
Benedikt, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 26, 2023
The staff were so nice and helpful!
Isobel
Isobel, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Dec 8, 2023
El personal és muy amable y servicial.
Alojamiento senzillo, limpio y comodo
Solo llegabamos para dormir y genial.
sonia
sonia, 2-night trip
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.