Live prices for your dates · free cancellation on many rooms

Hostel · Edinburgh · Edinburgh

Argyle Backpackers

A calm, community-focused hostel in Edinburgh's West End, a short stroll from restaurants, shops, and the city's main sights.

  • Quiet yet central location
  • Spacious shared kitchen and lounge
  • Garden and conservatory to unwind
7.3 Very good 1423 reviews Booking.com 7.3 · 1423 reviews

About

Argyle Backpackers

Argyle Backpackers sits on a quiet street in Edinburgh's West End, within easy walking distance of the city centre and just steps from a leafy park. The hostel offers a relaxed, community feel, with a garden, a conservatory, and a spacious shared kitchen where guests can cook and chat.

Rooms range from female-only and mixed dorms to private doubles and triples, most with garden views. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and the hostel provides luggage storage, laundry facilities, and a TV lounge. It's an adults-only property, so the atmosphere stays calm and focused on socialising without the noise of family groups.

  • No smoking on site
  • Safe deposit box
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

4 reasons to book
  • Quiet location near the city centre — Guests repeatedly praise the balance of being close to Edinburgh's attractions while staying on a peaceful street.
  • Spacious shared kitchen and common areas — The kitchen is a highlight for many, with free tea and coffee, a large fridge, and plenty of space to cook and socialise.
  • Garden and conservatory for relaxation — A garden, garden furniture, and a conservatory give guests outdoor and indoor spots to unwind after exploring.
  • Friendly and helpful staff — Guests consistently note the welcoming and accommodating team, who go out of their way to assist.

Worth weighing

4 to weigh
  • Basic rooms in lower-rated categories — Rooms and service score 6.7, below the overall rating, suggesting that some guests find the accommodation simple.
  • Adults-only policy — The hostel does not accept children, which may not suit families travelling together.
  • No pets allowed — Guests travelling with animals will need to look elsewhere, as pets are not permitted on site.
  • No on-site parking — No parking is listed, so guests arriving by car may need to find public parking nearby.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub

Double Room

  • 1 Double bed,2 Single beds,1 King-size bed
  • Garden view
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub

4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room

Deluxe Room

6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

Essentials

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating
  • Housekeeping
  • Ironing facilities
  • No smoking on site

Social & Relaxation

  • Garden area
  • Garden furniture
  • Shared kitchen
  • BBQ facilities
  • Leisure/TV room
  • Board games
  • Fireplace

Services

  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Shops/Commercial services
  • Fax/Photocopying
  • Express check-in/out
  • VIP check-in/out
  • 24-hour security
  • Safe deposit box

Activities

  • Cycling

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

7.3
Very good 1423 reviews

Guest-rated 7.3/10 from 1,423 reviews

Booking.com · 7.3 · 1423 reviews
7.3Verified guest

“Great spot near trendy shops, with a spacious and spotless room, helpful staff, and a kitchen that had everything I needed.”

7.3Verified guest

“Roomy, clean, and comfortable beds. Friendly staff, handy location, and a lovely sense of community.”

7.3Verified guest

“A wonderful stay in Edinburgh. The location was perfect, a short walk from the centre. Clean hostel, well-equipped kitchens, comfy rooms, and friendly, helpful staff. Highly recommend.”

7.3Verified guest

“I had a great time here. Perfect location — a few stops from the centre but in a quiet area. The staff went above and beyond. Rooms had ironing and heating, the shared kitchen was well set up, and free Wi-Fi was fast. The garden was a nice spot to relax, and the TV room was great after exploring. Excellent service, definitely recommend.”

7.3Verified guest

“The location near the park and the street full of restaurants and shops was amazing. Rooms were spacious, and there were two kitchens and big living rooms to enjoy.”

7.3Verified guest

“Stayed over Christmas and the place was festive with decorations and lights. The staff were friendly, offering hot tea and coffee in the cosy common room. Great location, a short walk from shops and restaurants. Bathrooms were clean with hot showers and plenty of hot water. Free Wi-Fi was fast and reliable.”

04 — Location

Getting around Edinburgh

The property sits in Edinburgh.

Parks & relaxation: The hostel sits next to a leafy park, ideal for a morning stroll or a picnic. Guests mention it as a peaceful escape from the city bustle.

Food & drink: A short walk brings you to a street lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, offering plenty of options for meals and evening outings.

City centre access: Edinburgh's main attractions, including the Royal Mile and the castle, are within walking distance or a few bus stops away, with a direct airport bus stop nearby.

14 Argyle Place, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

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05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 13:00-23:59
Check-out
By 11:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
17 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 13:00 to 23:59, and check-out is by 11:00. Express check-in/out is available, and a VIP check-in option is offered.

Is parking available at the hostel?

No on-site parking is listed. Guests arriving by car may need to use public parking options in the surrounding area.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed at Argyle Backpackers. The property also operates an adults-only policy.

Does the hostel provide luggage storage?

Yes, luggage storage is available, along with locker rooms for securing your belongings.

Is there a shared kitchen?

Yes, the hostel has a fully equipped shared kitchen, which guests praise for its spaciousness and facilities, including free tea and coffee.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in rooms and throughout the property.

The bottom line

Argyle Backpackers is a dependable, no-frills hostel for travellers who want a quiet base near Edinburgh's centre without sacrificing a social atmosphere. It's a solid choice for solo backpackers and couples who value friendly staff, a good kitchen, and a garden to relax in.

7.3Honest take for value-seeking travellers

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