The West End Hostel

7.6
Very Good
(733 reviews)

35 Palmerston Pl, Edinburgh EH12 5AU, United Kingdom

+44 131 225 3656

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Hotel Description

The West End Hostel, located at 35 Palmerston Pl, Edinburgh EH12 5AU, United Kingdom, offers a comfortable and convenient stay for travelers exploring the vibrant city of Edinburgh. Just an 8-minute walk from Haymarket train station and an 11-minute walk from the bustling shops on Princes Street, this affordable hotel/hostel is nestled in the lively West End, making it an ideal choice for guests seeking easy access to both city attractions and transportation. The surrounding area is rich in history and culture, with nearby attractions such as Dean Village, the Dean Gallery, and the iconic Edinburgh Castle, all within walking distance. The hostel’s simple yet welcoming design is perfect for solo travelers, groups, or families looking for a no-frills but comfortable place to stay. The warm and laid-back atmosphere encourages guests to relax and unwind in between exploring the city.
The West End Hostel offers a variety of room options to suit different needs and preferences. Dormitory-style rooms, ranging in size from 8 to 18 beds, provide a budget-friendly option for those seeking social interaction and a communal experience. For added privacy, modern private rooms are available, featuring en suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, ensuring that guests can easily stay connected during their visit. Additionally, lockers are provided in the dorm rooms to ensure the safety of personal belongings.
The hostel boasts a number of special amenities that make it stand out. Guests can enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, ideal for preparing their own meals, as well as a TV lounge where they can relax after a busy day of sightseeing. A self-service laundry is also available for guests to freshen up their clothes during their stay. For those who prefer a more leisurely breakfast, the hotel offers a brasserie-style restaurant serving breakfast to guests on a bed-and-breakfast rate. In the evening, the bar comes alive with occasional live music and quiz nights, adding a fun and social vibe to the stay.
Transportation to and from The West End Hostel is made easy by its prime location. The Haymarket train station is just a 9-minute walk away, providing easy access to other parts of Edinburgh and beyond. For those arriving by air, Edinburgh Airport is a 20-minute taxi ride or a 31-minute journey by public transit. The hostel is also well-connected to public transportation options, with several bus stops nearby, including West Maitland Street (5 minutes on foot) and Edinburgh Waverley (a 12-minute taxi ride). Guests can easily access major attractions such as the National Museum of Scotland, the Royal Mile, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse within a short walk or quick transit ride.
The health and safety of guests are top priorities at The West End Hostel. The property adheres to strict hygiene protocols, ensuring that common areas and rooms are kept clean and sanitized. A smoke-free policy is in place throughout the property, and all rooms are equipped with lockers to secure personal belongings. With the added convenience of a front desk and concierge services, guests can feel assured that their stay will be comfortable and well-supported.
When staying at The West End Hostel, there is no shortage of activities and experiences to enjoy. Guests can take a leisurely stroll through Dean Village or explore the nearby Dean Gallery, both within walking distance. For those seeking a bit of adventure, hiking up Arthur's Seat offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the Firth of Forth. Edinburgh’s rich cultural scene provides endless entertainment, with theater performances, live music events, and local festivals taking place year-round.
The hotel is surrounded by numerous top sights and attractions. Edinburgh Castle, a majestic 11th-century fortress, is just a 12-minute walk away and houses the Crown Jewels and the National War Museum of Scotland. The National Museum of Scotland is another must-see, offering exhibits on Scottish industrial history and natural history. The Royal Mile, a historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, is filled with quaint eateries and shops, making it a perfect spot for shopping and dining. The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, is just a short 13-minute walk from the hostel.
In addition to sightseeing, guests can explore a variety of nearby restaurants. The Palmerston, a local favorite, is just a 5-minute taxi ride from the hotel and offers a fine dining experience. For those craving Italian food, Locanda de Gusti, a popular restaurant just 5 minutes away by taxi, serves delicious Mediterranean cuisine. The First Coast Restaurant, also within a 5-minute taxi ride, offers a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients. For a taste of Greece, Fava Restaurant – Greek Kitchen is just 3 minutes away, serving authentic Greek dishes in a cozy atmosphere. MUMS Great Comfort Food, a Scottish restaurant located 9 minutes away by taxi, serves hearty, traditional meals in a welcoming setting.
The West End Hostel invites guests to enjoy its comfortable accommodations, excellent amenities, and prime location. Whether visiting Edinburgh for sightseeing, business, or a relaxing getaway, this hostel provides a welcoming environment that caters to all types of travelers.

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. Walking distance to Dean Village and the Dean Gallery

2. 9 min walk to nearest train station

3. The hotel has a concierge

4. Guests praised the nightlife

5. Guests praised the bar

6. Self-service laundry available for guest convenience

7. Free Wi-Fi throughout the property

8. Brasserie-style restaurant serving breakfast

9. Fully equipped kitchen for guest use

10. Smoke-free property ensuring clean and safe environment


8.8 Excellent

Location rating

Top sights

Edinburgh Castle
12 min
National Museum of Scotland
9 min
Royal Mile
11 min
Palace of Holyroodhouse
13 min
Arthur's Seat
21 min

Nearest locations

Fava Restaurant - Greek Kitchen
3 min
Forage & Chatter
3 min
Rancho Steak House
3 min
Pho Viet
4 min
The Palmerston
5 min
Locanda de Gusti
5 min
First Coast Restaurant
5 min
Mia Italian Kitchen Dalry
5 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Check-in15:00
Check-out10:00
Location rating8.8
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
    Official Hotel

    $57

    Bluepillow.com

    $54

    Booking.com

    $57

    Hostelworld

    $56


Location

35 Palmerston Pl, Edinburgh EH12 5AU, United Kingdom

Airports:

Edinburgh Airport

Taxi: 20 min

Transit: 31 min

Glasgow Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 16 min

Transit: 1 hr 23 min

Transit:

West End

Walking: 9 min

Edinburgh Haymarket Station Stop HH

Walking: 9 min

Edinburgh Waverley

Taxi: 12 min

Walking: 31 min

Haymarket

Walking: 9 min

West Maitland Street (Stop HD)

Walking: 5 min


Nearby locations

8.8

Excellent Location

This simple hotel/hostel is an 8-minute walk from Haymarket train station and an 11-minute walk from shopping on Princes Street.

Top Attractions

Top Restaurants


Amenities and Facilities

Pets

No pets

Parking & transportation

No parking

Services

Front desk

Baggage storage

Concierge

Self-service laundry

Policies & payments

Smoke-free property

Credit 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

7.2

10 reviews

Wonderful
2
Excellent
5
Good
1
Below Average
1
Not Good
1
Cover Image for Marta Lipska

Marta Lipska

3/5
Not great, even for this priceThe price and location with good connection to the airport. I was glad I was there just waiting for a morning flight, would not like to stay longer.The WiFi wasn't working even though they had 5 different networks. The doors to the dorms were open and held with a chair when I arrived which was questionable in terms of security.There is no luggage locker available for a backpack / suitcase, just small lockers that you need to pay 1£ for to store small valuables. A used chewing gum was placed on the lamp / outlet next to my bed. If you're lucky enough to get a top bunk bed, you'll be able to sit straight in your bed, not sure if it's a possibility if you're placed on one of the lower beds. The bathrooms are in very bad condition. Forget about hand soap.The faucets are broken as well. The vibe in the kitchen and the"social area" next to it was bad as well. It's a dark basement, and the kitchen is closed until 8 am, which doesn't work well with eating a breakfast there. I've spent the rest of my stay in Edinburgh in a different hostel - similar price point and the experience there was waaaay better.

Cover Image for Sheh Maaz

Sheh Maaz

4/5
Pleasant place with clean tidy and maintained dormitory. I booked 8 bed female dormitory with ensuite washroom. My stay was comfortable.On main road just five minutes walk you have coffee houses eateries and halal food takeaways. Bus stop is very near. The staff here is responsible and friendly. All rooms and dorms have card entry. Good value for money you pay. Also you have lockers in the room. On site bar and coffee room is a good place to sit and chill.Kitchen facility with all crockery and electronics is there to cook food or make coffee/tea. Free basics like sugar, tea bags and spices also free to use.Excellent place for back packers and tourists in budget.

Cover Image for Chiara Alessandro

Chiara Alessandro

4/5
Staff is really nice, the hostel is safe (left all my bags for 2 days and my phone at the bar), room 2 is a little crowded but toilets are clean. Mohammed at reception is very friendly and caring, and they have 2 big TVs and ask what channel you want to watch. Big kitchen and very friendly atmosphere. The building is nice and located in a calm part of town, just a 20 min walk from city center.

RS

Ruth S

5/5
I’m 68 and wasn’t sure what to expect. All staff including the Manager, excellent, well mannered and thoughtful. I’m in a room with 17 others and people can be different every day but all good, nothing untoward. …

TH

Tia H

5/5
Very clean and friendly atmosphere. Staff were wonderful. I stayed on the second floor, room 4 (which is actually the 3rd floor for us Canadians) Walking the stairs can be quite tiresome but it was ok for me as once I left the room in the …

Cover Image for TheBeesKnees

TheBeesKnees

4/5
The best hostel I've stayed at by far! Rooms are nicely set up, the washroom/showers were clean with soap provided. Rooms were a nice temperature (no dreaded hostel heat!). There are a lot of stairs that add up if you're on the 3rd floor, but that's to be expected in an older building. The duvets are definetly warm, so if you run hot I'd bring larger pajamas and just sleep on top.The only thing that would be amazing to add would be curtains on the bunks, just for that extra privacy. Other than that it was fabulous!

Cover Image for Milan Garcia

Milan Garcia

1/5
Horrible experience.They gave us two bed that you "reserve" with a plastic sheet. But when we came back, only one bed in the whole dormitory was free. When I explained the issue after having to sleep in the same individual bed, the manager was supposed to call me back and never did. When I did call, he was hostile and really unhelpful, refusing categorically to give us any compensation.Apart from that, the bathroom was in a poor state and very dirty. It was both the worst and most expensive hostel in my life.Avoid this place at all cost!

Cover Image for Dorota Paluch

Dorota Paluch

4/5
The hostel is absolutely lovely, one of the best ones in Edinburgh. It’s super close to the train station & still very central. The staff are extremely helpful and would be happy to chat with you or give any sightseeing tips (big thanks to Lucas). I would definitely recommend!

Room 4

Service 5

Location5

Cover Image for Aleks Kruczkowska

Aleks Kruczkowska

2/5
We have spent two weeks in Scotland, the west end is by far the worst hostel we’ve been at.There was a mix up with the rooms and someone was sleeping on one of our beds when we came in. The staff only offered to assign us another bed which we had to move from for the second night.The bathrooms are extremely dirty and not cleaned daily (hair and paper towels everywhere).There is almost no common room except a dark gloomy room with barely two small tables which are somehow supposed to be enough for all the guests at the hostel. The kitchen isn’t equipped enough (no mugs and barely one glass???) and both of those areas are closed from 11pm til 8 am. The hostel has an overpriced bar in it which is barely frequented and the only place you can consume alcohol on the premises : strict rules imply you’re not allowed to bring any alcohol to the hostel. Also are they even allowed to call it a “hotel” on the outside banner when it is not?

Cover Image for Hussin Ahmad

Hussin Ahmad

4/5
A good time I spent there. There are lots of facilities available for visitors specially kitchen support is amazing and their customers caring really inspired me and my friend.The room is very clean and they are very concerned about cleaning. Sensors are available in Every room and smoking is not allowed in the room.There are both of the services available room for only female or mixed you can choose before.I stayed two nights and three days, i have not complained about them.