Edinburgh West Side Hostel

7.6
Very Good
(65 reviews)

479 Gorgie Rd, Edinburgh EH11 3AD, United Kingdom

+44 7505 069465

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Hotel Description

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the Edinburgh West Side Hostel offers budget-friendly, no-frills accommodation for adults seeking a comfortable yet straightforward stay. Positioned at 479 Gorgie Rd, Edinburgh EH11 3AD, United Kingdom, this hostel is perfectly situated for those wishing to explore the rich culture and history of Scotland's capital. Just a two-minute walk from Saughton Park, guests can enjoy the tranquility of the park while still being close to major transport links, including a 14-minute walk to the Balgreen tram stop, which connects the hostel to the wider city. The famous Edinburgh Zoo is also only 2 miles away, making it a great choice for animal lovers. Set above a traditional pub, the hostel exudes a laid-back, cozy atmosphere perfect for those on a budget who don’t want to compromise on location. The design style of the hostel is minimalist, offering practical amenities without the extras, ideal for independent travelers looking to enjoy the city's offerings without unnecessary frills.
The hostel features spartan dormitory-style rooms that sleep between 4 to 6 people. These shared dorms come with basic amenities such as bunk beds, free Wi-Fi, and shared bathroom facilities with showers. While the rooms are simple, they provide everything guests need for a restful night's sleep after a busy day exploring Edinburgh. The hostel also offers a lounge area where guests can relax and socialize. For those looking to prepare their own meals, the communal kitchen is fully equipped with a washing machine, making it ideal for longer stays or those wishing to save on dining out.
While Edinburgh West Side Hostel keeps things simple, it offers several conveniences to enhance your stay, such as free Wi-Fi throughout the property. The shared kitchen allows guests to prepare their own meals, and the lounge area is perfect for unwinding. The hostel also provides parking facilities for those traveling by car, though on-street parking is limited and may incur charges during certain hours. The hostel's location means you’re never far from key public transportation options, including bus stops and tram stations. With the Balgreen tram stop just a 14-minute walk away, guests have easy access to key city attractions, while a taxi ride to Edinburgh’s city center takes only around 10 minutes.
Safety and health measures are taken seriously at the Edinburgh West Side Hostel, with the property being smoke-free and designed to provide a safe, secure environment for adult travelers. Although there is no fitness center, spa, or other luxury amenities, the hostel’s location and its simple, clean, and functional accommodations make it a great choice for travelers looking for a practical place to stay in Edinburgh.
When it comes to things to do, the Edinburgh West Side Hostel is within easy reach of numerous local attractions and activities. Guests can enjoy a stroll in Saughton Park, just steps from the property, or take a short tram ride to explore the famous Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, and Royal Mile. The hostel's central location also means that there is no shortage of restaurants, cafes, and bars nearby. Whether you're visiting for sightseeing or simply to enjoy the local atmosphere, Edinburgh West Side Hostel is an excellent base for your adventures.
Nearby attractions include the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the historic Royal Mile, and the stunning Arthur's Seat, which offers panoramic views of the city. A little further out, guests can explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the Queen in Scotland, or enjoy the natural beauty of Arthur's Seat. For those interested in learning more about Scotland’s history, the National Museum of Scotland offers a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s industrial past.
As for dining, there are plenty of great options within walking distance of the hostel. Locanda de Gusti offers delicious Italian cuisine just a short taxi ride away, while Navarasa Indian Street Kitchen serves vibrant Indian dishes a mere minute’s walk from the property. The Skyline Restaurant, First Coast Restaurant, and Dine Murrayfield all provide wonderful dining experiences, with menus ranging from gourmet cuisine to comforting pub fare.
Whether you're visiting Edinburgh for a short city break or a longer stay, Edinburgh West Side Hostel offers an affordable and comfortable base. The simple but well-equipped rooms, communal kitchen, and prime location make it a top choice for those looking for a no-frills stay. With its proximity to key city attractions and transport links, this hostel is the perfect choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to experience the best that Edinburgh has to offer.

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. Spartan dorms with bunk beds and shared bathrooms

2. Located just a two-minute walk from Saughton Park

3. Free Wi-Fi throughout the hostel for all guests

4. Communal kitchen with a washing machine for guest use

5. Located above a traditional pub for added convenience

6. Adult-only property, offering a relaxed atmosphere

7. Short walking distance to public transport links, including Balgreen tram stop

8. Nearby to popular attractions like Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile

9. On-street parking available with limited free parking times

10. Affordable accommodation ideal for budget travelers


6.2 Good

Location rating

Top sights

Edinburgh Castle
16 min
National Museum of Scotland
14 min
Royal Mile
15 min
Palace of Holyroodhouse
20 min
Arthur's Seat
27 min

Nearest locations

Navarasa Indian Street Kitchen
1 min
Chop Chop @ Luckies
1 min
Pepe's
1 min
The Skyline Restaurant
4 min
Dine Murrayfield
6 min
Locanda de Gusti
7 min
First Coast Restaurant
7 min
Fahrenheit Restaurant & Bar
8 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Check-in14:00
Check-out10:00
Location rating6.2
Nearest airportEdinburgh Airport
Travel time to airport20 min

Nightly price (Only for reference price for sample day)

Check-in: Fri, Dec 06
Check-out: Sat, Dec 07
    Booking.com

    $65

    Bluepillow.com

    $65


Location

479 Gorgie Rd, Edinburgh EH11 3AD, United Kingdom

Airports:

Edinburgh Airport

Taxi: 20 min

Transit: 33 min

Glasgow Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 7 min

Transit: 1 hr 31 min

Transit:

Edinburgh Waverley

Taxi: 16 min

Walking: 1 hr 6 min

Haymarket

Taxi: 9 min

Walking: 38 min

Edinburgh Park

Taxi: 10 min

Walking: 57 min

South Gyle

Taxi: 9 min

Walking: 55 min

Chesser Avenue

Walking: 1 min


Nearby locations

6.2

Good Location

Set above a pub, this no-frills adults-only hostel is 2 minutes’ walk from Saughton Park, a 14-minute walk from the Balgreen tram stop and 2 miles from Edinburgh Zoo.

Top Attractions

Top Restaurants


Amenities and Facilities

Pets

No pets

Policies & payments

Smoke-free property

Wellness

No fitness center

No spa

Internet

Wi-Fi

Pools

No pools

No hot tub

Rooms

No air conditioning


Reviews

100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo

4.0

10 reviews

Wonderful
0
Excellent
2
Good
1
Below Average
2
Not Good
5
LI

Luke I

2/5
Pros: ||Good location, decently clean, well-equipped kitchen, nice small outdoor area, free Wi-Fi. Cheap ||Cons:||No mirrors in bathrooms, no bedside lights in rooms, £20 cash deposit for key, not great signage, no lockers or storage spaces in rooms, no lock on front door. Room smells funky

DE

Daniel E

1/5
Host was aggressive and unreasonable. Dirty. Bed was old and broken. Wifi unreliable. Host angry. I was disappointed. Host made me feel uneasy. I found a better cheaper place in the centre. The woman host behaved bad.

DM

Dougie M

3/5
This is a clean & well maintained place, admittedly they haven't quite finished building it (who doesn't need a portable bathroom sink?) but the beds are soft, the water runs warm in the shower & the facilities all work well. …

a

andr079

1/5
The worst hostel I've ever stayed at, really bad location in such a weird place for s hostel to be in. 20 mins out of town, above a rough pub, very unsavoury characters hanging around. 10am check out! …

SK

Stefanos K

2/5
Always have hot water.||Good transportations to the city and to airport. ||Owner was good man. He gave me to try a Scottish typical food he cooked and help me in check out. ||Bed are comfortable and the room was warm. …

Cover Image for Emma Dyce

Emma Dyce

1/5
The website doesn't mention it's above a bar. You hear everything from below. No staff at reception when i arrived. The "parking" that was advertised is really only a few spaces behind the building. The wifi throughout the building is a lie. I'm not getting any signal in my room.

AS

Anton S

4/5
Nice place to stay if on a budget...very clean ,great kitchen facilities, friendly & helpful owners. There is a pub right below (with a rather powerful sound system) that offers fairly priced drinks and food. Would definitely stay again.

at

andrew t

1/5
Terrible experience from the start really, due to the fact that i put a lot of faith in the west side hostel as I was really ecxited to visit Edinburgh for the first time and endulge upon its culture. …

Cover Image for TJBN

TJBN

1/5
Stay away! Horrible customer services, made to feel as I was an inconvenience. Then tried to charge above and beyond hostel prices and refused to give change for a £20. Also poor facilities, like 1 shower between 10 guests....There are better hostels than this.

Cover Image for Vicky HIlton

Vicky HIlton

4/5
Small and comfortable. Located behind and above the pub. Staff not on site all of the time but if you ring they are here within 5 minute's. Quick to sort out problems if any arise and not too pricey.