Kick Ass Greyfriars

8.4
Excellent
(1280 reviews)

37-39 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JR, United Kingdom

+44 131 226 6351

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Hotel Description

Kick Ass Greyfriars, located at 37-39 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JR, United Kingdom, is a lively and distinctive hostel housed in a charming Victorian building with a turreted tower. Situated in the heart of Edinburgh, the hotel offers guests an unbeatable location just a minute's walk from the vibrant Grassmarket, and only a short 5-minute stroll to the majestic Edinburgh Castle. The surrounding area is bustling with energy, featuring historical landmarks such as the Royal Mile and the Scottish Parliament, alongside a variety of local shops, pubs, and cafes that offer an authentic taste of Edinburgh’s rich culture. The hotel’s design reflects a youthful and contemporary vibe with fun touches, including a colorful, VW Camper-themed café, creating a welcoming atmosphere for travelers seeking both comfort and excitement in the city. Whether you're visiting for a short getaway or an extended stay, Kick Ass Greyfriars offers an ideal base for exploring Edinburgh’s many attractions. The rooms at Kick Ass Greyfriars offer simple yet comfortable accommodation, with shared bathrooms and showers. Guests can enjoy well-maintained linens in both the private rooms and dorms. For added convenience, the hotel provides fully equipped, self-catering kitchens for those who prefer to prepare their own meals. The bright dining area features a pool table, providing a social space for guests to relax, while the TV lounge offers views of the nearby Edinburgh Castle and computers for guest use. This lively space creates an engaging atmosphere, encouraging both social interaction and personal downtime. The rooms themselves, while basic, are designed to offer a restful and affordable stay, perfect for those who prioritize budget-friendly travel without compromising on comfort. In addition to the essential amenities, Kick Ass Greyfriars offers a range of special features to enhance the guest experience. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, allowing guests to stay connected at all times. The hotel also offers a vibrant bar where guests can unwind and enjoy a drink after a day of sightseeing. For those interested in self-catering, the hotel's kitchen facilities provide everything needed to cook meals, and the communal spaces allow guests to socialize while enjoying their meals. The hotel's colorful and quirky design, including its unique café and VW Camper-themed spaces, provides a playful contrast to the historic surroundings of Edinburgh, ensuring a memorable stay. Kick Ass Greyfriars is also conveniently located near a range of public transportation options, making it easy for guests to explore Edinburgh and beyond. The hotel is just a short 11-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley, the main railway station, and a mere 9-minute taxi ride to Haymarket Station. For international travelers, Edinburgh Airport is approximately 29 minutes away by taxi, offering access to numerous flights connecting the city to major European and international destinations. The hotel’s prime location means guests are never far from the city’s top sights, including Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Royal Mile, all within a 10-minute walk. Health and safety are top priorities at Kick Ass Greyfriars, with a smoke-free property and a commitment to maintaining clean and safe environments for all guests. Although the hotel does not feature air conditioning, the staff ensures that the rooms are well-ventilated and comfortable. The hotel also adheres to strict hygiene and cleanliness protocols, so guests can feel confident in the measures taken to ensure their well-being. There are numerous exciting things to do around Kick Ass Greyfriars. Guests can visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle, which houses Scotland's Crown Jewels and the National War Museum of Scotland, just an 8-minute walk from the hotel. The National Museum of Scotland is another must-see, located only 4 minutes away on foot, offering an extensive collection of Scottish cultural history. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy hiking up Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano offering panoramic views of the city and Firth of Forth, which is only a 16-minute walk from the hotel. For a taste of the local nightlife, Kick Ass Greyfriars is situated in an area famous for its pubs and vibrant bars, with guests often praising the nearby beer garden and the bustling atmosphere. Lastly, a visit to the Royal Mile, just 7 minutes away on foot, is an essential part of the Edinburgh experience, offering an array of charming shops and eateries. The area around Kick Ass Greyfriars is home to a range of excellent dining options, with something for every taste. For a true Scottish dining experience, guests can visit Makars Mash Bar, just a 6-minute taxi ride from the hotel, or MUMS Great Comfort Food, located only 4 minutes away. Vittoria on the Bridge, an Italian restaurant, is also nearby, offering delicious Italian dishes just 2 minutes from the hotel. For a more casual bite, The Outsider Restaurant is a 5-minute taxi ride away, serving a variety of tasty dishes. For those looking to savor traditional Scottish cuisine, Howies Restaurant is another fantastic option, just 6 minutes away. Kick Ass Greyfriars invites you to experience the perfect blend of historic charm, vibrant atmosphere, and budget-friendly accommodation in one of Europe’s most exciting cities. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a longer stay, the hotel's central location, excellent amenities, and unique design will make your visit to Edinburgh unforgettable. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy this one-of-a-kind hostel in the heart of Edinburgh!

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. Walking distance to the National Museum of Scotland and Greyfriars Kirkyard

2. 11 min walk to nearest train station, Edinburgh Waverley

3. Guests praised the lively bar and beer garden atmosphere

4. Unique VW Camper-themed café and bright dining area with pool table

5. Close proximity to Edinburgh Castle, just an 8-minute walk

6. No pets allowed, making it ideal for allergy-sensitive guests

7. Wi-Fi available throughout the property for guests' convenience

8. Self-catering kitchen facilities for those wishing to prepare their own meals

9. Smoke-free property ensuring a clean and healthy environment

10. Near to vibrant nightlife and pubs, perfect for guests who enjoy socializing


10 Exceptional

Location rating

Top sights

Edinburgh Castle
8 min
National Museum of Scotland
4 min
Royal Mile
7 min
Palace of Holyroodhouse
13 min
Arthur's Seat
16 min

Nearest locations

Cafe Andaluz Old Town
1 min
Vittoria on the Bridge
2 min
MUMS Great Comfort Food
4 min
Mariachi Restaurant
4 min
The Outsider Restaurant
5 min
Le Bistrot
5 min
The Cellar Door
5 min
Makars Mash Bar
6 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Check-in14:00
Check-out10:00
Location rating10
Nearest airportEdinburgh Airport
Travel time to airport29 min

Nightly price (Only for reference price for sample day)

Check-in: Fri, Dec 06
Check-out: Sat, Dec 07
    Official Hotel

    $331

    Booking.com

    $79

    Hostelworld

    $80

    LateRooms.com

    $269

    Hotels.com

    $301

    Expedia.com.vn

    $301


Location

37-39 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JR, United Kingdom

Airports:

Edinburgh Airport

Taxi: 29 min

Transit: 37 min

Glasgow Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 19 min

Transit:

Haymarket

Taxi: 9 min

Walking: 23 min

Edinburgh Waverley

Walking: 11 min

National Museum of Scotland

Walking: 5 min

Forrest Road

Walking: 4 min

Victoria Street

Walking: 6 min


Nearby locations

10

Exceptional Location

Edinburgh Old Town

Lively area with Edinburgh Castle & Scottish Parliament, plus pubs & shops along the Royal Mile.

Top Attractions

Top Restaurants


Amenities and Facilities

Pets

No pets

Parking & transportation

Parking

Self parking

Services

Front desk

Baggage storage

Self-service laundry

Housekeeping

Policies & payments

Smoke-free property

Credit cards

Debit cards

NFC mobile payments

Cash

Food & drink

Restaurant

Bar

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

9.4

10 reviews

Wonderful
8
Excellent
1
Good
1
Below Average
0
Not Good
0
Cover Image for Vidya Devi

Vidya Devi

5/5
I joined a pub crawl hosted by this hostel bar as a solo traveler and I was very impressed with the level of service and experience. The staff were amazing. Alex stood out with his energy and attentiveness. He ensured that the evening went smoothly and that we were comfortable and having fun, and I could tell he was passionate about delivering an above average experience for guests. All in all, the night was very memorable and enjoyable, and I had a great time. I even found myself returning to this bar multiple times during my stay in the city, and at every visit the service was very satisfactory. It was a pleasure to be here. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in Edinburgh!

RB

Renae B

5/5
I had never experienced staying in a hostel. I found this place while researching where to stay in Edinburgh. The location was perfect., right next to the Grassmarket. The staff were very kind and helpful. …

JG

Juzla L G

5/5
The ambiamce of the restaurant is neat and tidy. |The room is excellence and neat. Price is worth it. |Common toilets well clean and tidy. |The staffs are amazing and helpful. |Will recommend to our friends and families.|Thank you so much guys! ||Will come back soon. |🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Cover Image for Lipe

Lipe

5/5
The location is fantastic, as the hostel is close to most landmarks, like the Castle, the shared room I stayed in was quiet and comfortable for sleeping. The toilet and shower were clean. The only downside was the breakfast, as there weren’t many food options available

Room 5

Service 5

Location5

Cover Image for Keshav Sapkota

Keshav Sapkota

5/5
Highly recommend. The hostel is located pretty much in the central, very friendly staff, and seems quite clean. There's room freshener everywhere so it smells pleasant. Loads of toilets and showers around for rooms without ensuites. Bar has a nice area to relax. Also it's pretty quiet on the bedrooms.

Room 5

Service 5

Location5

Cover Image for Tamara Jimenez Ruiz

Tamara Jimenez Ruiz

5/5
Best hostel I've ever been. Super friendly and helpful staff, clean, big, and with lost of things to do and join (like karaoke night). The location is awesome, right we're you need to be to explore Edinburgh. The ambient it's great and the test of the guess are really respectful too. I'm glad I choose you guys. Thanks for everything 🥰

Room 5

Service 5

Location5

Cover Image for David Mellor

David Mellor

3/5
Location is the best thing about this place. I know its described as a hostel but we paid extra for a twin room which had bunk beds. We had to share 2 bathrooms with several other rooms so we often had to wait. The showers were electric and bounced between too hot and too cold. Shower door was hanging off. Soap dispenser empty for the duration. One toilet seat not attached. I suppose it depends on what you're used to and what you're prepared to pay.Had a brilliant time in Edinburgh!!

Cover Image for Jeremy Hannaford

Jeremy Hannaford

5/5
Edinburgh can be expensive to try and vacation in. Kick Ass Hostels here has an excellent location with some awesome staff and some great room options. We had a private room for three people and we had everything we needed, shy of the bathroom which was right down the hall.It's in a prime location for Edinburgh so if you want something cheaper and right in the heart of the city, this is your place to go, whether by yourself or with a group.

AG

Andrea G

4/5
This was the first hostel I have ever stayed in, and I was feeling quite anxious about it as I have heard plenty of horror stories about hostel life & the mixed bag it can be. …

Cover Image for Ben Krause

Ben Krause

5/5
Was there this week and the group activities they offered were class, extremely friendly staff, huge shout outs to Alex and James for being such great and helpful lads.Definitely recommend staying here if you're traveling by yourself and trying to get in touch with international people. Really enjoyed it and the rooms and bathroom facilities were also above average for a hostel. All in all I really enjoyed it here!