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Argyle Backpackers

4.0 star property
Victorian hostel within easy reach of Edinburgh Castle

Choose dates to view prices

Argyle Backpackers offers a great location, putting you 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.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Free WiFi
  • Laundry facilities

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Library
  • Computer station
  • Lobby fireplace
  • Communal living room
  • Front-desk safe
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Refrigerator in a common area
  • Laundry service
  • Self-serve laundry

Feel at home (6)

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Separate dining area
  • Separate sitting area
  • Television
  • Garden
  • Terrace
$45 nightly
The total price is $54
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026
Total with taxes and fees

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

View all photos for Double Room

In-room safe, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room

7.6 out of 10
Good
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Yard
Patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Heating
Refrigerator
TV
  • 36 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Single Room

Single Room | In-room safe, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Room

Highlights

Yard
Patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Heating
Refrigerator
TV
  • 36 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Triple Room

Triple Room | In-room safe, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Triple Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Yard
Patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Heating
Refrigerator
TV
  • 36 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed OR 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Twin Room

Twin Room | In-room safe, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin Room

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Yard
Patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Heating
Refrigerator
TV
  • 36 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds OR 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Women only (4 people)

In-room safe, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Women only (4 people)

Highlights

Yard
Patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Heating
Refrigerator
TV
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm (6 people)

In-room safe, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm (6 people)

Highlights

Yard
Patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Heating
Refrigerator
TV
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Women only (6 people)

In-room safe, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Women only (6 people)

Highlights

Yard
Patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Heating
Refrigerator
TV
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm (4 People)

Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm (4 People) | In-room safe, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm (4 People)

Highlights

Yard
Patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Heating
Free rollaway/extra beds
Refrigerator
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Similar properties

Interior detail
Belford Hostel
  • Free WiFi
  • Laundry facilities
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, 33 reviews
Belford Hostel
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About the neighborhood

Map
14 Argyle Place, Newington, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH9 1JL

What's nearby

  • The Meadows - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • University of Edinburgh - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • National Museum of Scotland - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Grassmarket - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Edinburgh Castle - 17 min walk - 1.4 km

Getting around

  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 27 min drive
  • 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
  • ‪Kasbah Tandoori - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Detour - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Argyle Bar - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Argyle Backpackers

Argyle Backpackers offers a great location, putting you 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
    • 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)

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.

Also known as

Argyle Backpackers Hostel Edinburgh
Argyle Backpackers Hostel
Argyle Backpackers Edinburgh
Argyle Backpackers
Argyle Backpackers Hotel Edinburgh
Argyle Backpackers Edinburgh, Scotland
Argyle Backpackers Edinburgh
Argyle Backpackers Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Argyle Backpackers Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Edinburgh

Frequently asked questions

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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Reviews

Argyle Backpackers Reviews

7.6

Good

7.6

Cleanliness

8.4

Location

8.2

Staff & service

7.6

Eco-friendliness

7.2

Property conditions & facilities

Popular mentions

Location
Service staff
Room
Shower
Bathroom
Ambience
Bed
Kitchen

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

It was clean as comfortable.
Lee, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Only issue was one showers hot water didn’t work! But loved the place and the location!
Kate, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Nice hostel. Complimentary coffee and tea. Staff were nice and helpful
Danial, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Yes

All good nice location essy to walk to from city center and royal mile
Mattias, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Nice room with good beds, would stay again.
1-night trip

8/10 Very good

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, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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, 3-night trip

8/10 Very good

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!
2-night trip

6/10 Good

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, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Great stay for Edinburgh city. Easy check in, room basic but clean and comfortable. Kitchen facilities all good.
wendy, 5-night trip

8/10 Very good

Nice atmosphere, great location, delivers all it promises - no complaints.
James, 5-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The staff were so nice and helpful!
Isobel, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

For a good price the room is very comfortable & safe. My friend & I had a good night sleep. I would definitely stay again.

8/10 Very good

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, 2-night trip

4/10 Fair

My first time staying a hostel, my experience was expected I paid less I got a bad experience my fault I get it. When I checked in nothing was explained I was just given a set of keys and that was it. When I got to my room I didn’t realize I didn’t have a shower towel and when I realized it was after 6 pm and the front desk only operates from 10-6 pm another thing that was explained 😞 so the next morning I had to use my shirt to dry off after my shower. No toiletries or hair dryer available which is ok I understand. My bed only had a cover no bed sheets, narrow bed I could barely fit in it (me 5’9, 160 Lbs). There was people cooking in the kitchen that was next door and smelled the whole place smelled like Indian food. The location is bad it’s just far away from the main places in town. On the good side, the room was isolated and quiet which I loved, the front desk people were nice and helpful but really that’s all the good 😊
Alexander, 2-night trip

6/10 Good

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, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
3-night trip

6/10 Good

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
Hailey, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

I really enjoyed my stay here. I was in room 17 which is on the top floor. One toilet/shower room and one shower room on my landing meant I experienced no queues when needing to use the facilities. Great sized kitchen, lovely seating areas inside and out to enjoy your meals or a wee chat. I was staying here for work purposes and truly did enjoy my stay. A few reviews online I read before arriving gave me anxiety but these people are so ridiculous and imo over exaggerating. I feel if you grew up with a silver spoon in your mouth, you could find something to complain about. However if you can be a humble human, and appreciate a clean place to stay, in a nice location, with friendly staff and guests and appreciate the price that your paying, I think you will definitely enjoy your stay. The bathrooms were completely spotless each day with there being a little basket of freebies from previous guests which was lovely if you had forgot something and the kitchen was kept clean and tidy and well equipped which meant I didn’t have to spend money ordering take away and could just cook dinner at my leisure. My only issue was the WiFi situation, but it’s not the end of the world for me to be without WiFi. Would stay again if coming through to Edinburgh
Meghan, 2-night trip

6/10 Good

50 50 thank you the safe in my room was shut and it woudnt ipen and try and fix your tvs:)
Jose, 1-night trip

6/10 Good

Room for some improvements

Quite alright considering the price. The location was rather good and it was a fun experience living in an authentic Scottish town house. However, our double room lacked some pretty basic necessities, such as a bedside lamp and a wastebasket, that would’ve made for a more comfortable stay. Also, the shower was freezing cold, even after several minutes of waiting.
Katarina, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Very conveniently located, walking from train station and to points of interest and to restaurants. Very clean, and quiet, well organized.
Hugh, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Very clean, staff friendly and helpful
Stewart, 1-night trip