University of Edinburgh and National Museum of Scotland are located near Argyle Backpackers, which provides a terrace, a garden, and a library. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with dry cleaning/laundry services and a fireplace in the lobby.
Edinburgh is home to Argyle Backpackers. Edinburgh Castle and Grassmarket are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Royal Mile and Princes Street. Check out an event or a game at Murrayfield Stadium, and consider making time for Edinburgh Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Take an opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like hiking/biking trails. Visit our Edinburgh travel guide
National Museum of Scotland and Grassmarket are located near Argyle Backpackers, which provides a terrace, a garden, and a library. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as dry cleaning/laundry services and a fireplace in the lobby.
You'll also find perks like:
Express check-out, express check-in, and tour/ticket assistance
Barbecue grills, a TV in the lobby, and bicycle parking
Luggage storage, a computer station, and multilingual staff
Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and include comforts such as separate sitting areas and separate dining areas, in addition to perks like free WiFi and safes.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
6 bathrooms with tubs or showers and toilet paper
14-inch TVs with digital channels
Private yards, separate sitting areas, and separate dining areas
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet
Parking and transportation
Free offsite parking within 0.7 miles
Things to do
Library
TV in common areas
Family friendly
In-room microwave
In-room refrigerator
Laundry facilities
Separate in-room dining area
Conveniences
Laundry facilities
Limited-hour front desk
Luggage storage
Safe at front desk
Shared microwave
Shared refrigerator
Guest services
Dry cleaning/laundry service
Housekeeping (daily)
Multilingual staff
Tour and ticket assistance
Business services
Computer station
Outdoors
Barbecue grill
Garden
Picnic area
Terrace
Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
2 steps to reach entrance
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Visual alarms in hallways
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
More
3 floors
Communal living room
Designated smoking areas
Fireplace in lobby
Victorian architecture
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
6 shared bathrooms (in-room sinks)
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer (on request)
Toilet paper
Entertainment
14-inch TV with digital channels
Food and drink
Blender
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Freezer
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Separate dining area
Shared kitchen access
Stovetop
Toaster
More
Heating
Individual furnishings
Recycling
Safe
Separate sitting area
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: noon; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available
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
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours), lockbox
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for GBP 30 per night
Cribs (infant beds) are not available
Property payment types
Important information
Optional extras
Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
Rollaway bed fee: GBP 30 per night
Towels fee: GBP 2 per person, per stay (or guests may bring their own)
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
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
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
National rating
This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitScotland, the National Tourist Board for Scotland.
How much does it cost to stay at Argyle Backpackers?
As of 7 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Argyle Backpackers on 11 March 2026 start from AED 250, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
There is free parking nearby.
What time is check-in at Argyle Backpackers?
Check-in start time: noon; Check-in end time: midnight.
What time is check-out at Argyle Backpackers?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).
Where is Argyle Backpackers located?
Situated in Edinburgh, this hostel is within a 10-minute walk of The Meadows and University of Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle and National Museum of Scotland are also within 1 mi (2 km). Princes Street Tram Stop is 22 minutes by foot and St Andrew Square Tram Stop is 24 minutes.
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Reviews
Argyle Backpackers Reviews
7.6
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
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!
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.
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 :)
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
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
6/10 Okay
Jared
9 May 2025
Liked: Staff & service
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
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Masyitah
18 November 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
For a good price the room is very comfortable & safe. My friend & I had a good night sleep. I would definitely stay again.
Masyitah
8/10 Good
Jennifer
22 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
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
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
6/10 Okay
Craig
23 November 2024
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
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.
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.
Verified traveler
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
4/10 Poor
Alexander
30 October 2025
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
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
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
6/10 Okay
Hailey
2 November 2023
Liked: Staff & service
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
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
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
6/10 Okay
Jose
8 December 2024
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
50 50 thank you the safe in my room was shut and it woudnt ipen and try and fix your tvs:)