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Smart City Hostels by Safestay Edinburgh

ee - (888) 406-7656
Smart City Hostels by Safestay Edinburgh, 50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh -(888) 406-7656
Area: Edinburgh Old Town - High Street
(Map)
3.6
HOTEL RATING: 
GOOD
3.6 out of 5 (2194 Ratings)
0.9 miles Usher Hall Edinburgh
v9 mins driving
t18 mins walking
BOOK ONLINE OR CALL - (888) 406-7656
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The Spotlight on Smart City Hostels by Safestay Edinburgh

Stay in the Heart of Edinburgh's Music and Nightlife Scene

Modern, quirky, and full of character, Smart City Hostels by Safestay Edinburgh is located right in the center of the Scottish capital. With 131 rooms ranging from private singles and doubles to larger dorms and family rooms, it’s a welcoming base for travelers from around the world. The vibe is energetic and social, making it a great fit for music fans looking to explore the city’s legendary nightlife.
Each room comes with its own shower and toilet, so you’ll have privacy even in shared accommodations. The on-site pub, Bar50, is more than just a watering hole—it’s a nightlife destination in its own right, hosting events and providing a perfect pre- or post-concert hangout spot.
Check-in starts at 15:00 and check-out is at 10:00.

Why Concert-goers love it

You’re just a short walk or quick ride from some of Edinburgh’s top music venues. Whether you're heading to a packed arena show or a cozy club gig, getting there is easy thanks to the hostel’s central location. After the show, you can return to a buzzing atmosphere at Bar50, or retreat to your room for some quiet downtime. The hostel's flexible mix of room types also makes it easy to travel with friends or go solo.

Who this Hotel is great for

  • Groups of friends looking for a lively, budget-friendly base
  • Solo travelers chasing a dream setlist
  • Couples wanting to mix music with a city break
  • Fans who need a quieter space after the encore
  • Budget-conscious music lovers who don’t want to skimp on location or atmosphere

Food and Drink Options

Bar50 offers casual dining and drinks until late, and there are plenty of walkable food options nearby for pre-concert meals or late-night bites. Breakfast is available and served with the understanding that not everyone is an early riser—great news after a late gig. While there’s no 24/7 room service, the hostel vibe means food and conversation are just outside your door.

Nightlife Options

Bar50 isn’t just convenient—it’s one of Edinburgh’s well-known nightlife spots, with themed nights and events. Plus, you’re just steps from the city’s best pubs, clubs, and live music venues. Whether you're in the mood for chill craft beers or a full-blown afterparty, you’ll find something nearby.

What People Say

Guests love the friendly staff, central location, and sociable atmosphere. Many mention how easy it is to meet fellow travelers, and how the hostel balances fun with comfort. Reviews often highlight the clean rooms, good shower pressure, and the energetic but safe environment.

Areas for Improvement

Rooms can be a bit noisy if you're right above the bar or near a busy hallway—bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper. Also, the 10:00 check-out might feel a bit early after a long night, but it's manageable with a good coffee from the bar.

The Bottom Line

A fun, affordable, and perfectly located base for music fans who want to soak up Edinburgh’s concert scene without missing a beat.
Enter Your Dates
4
4
CHECK IN
 
CHECK OUT
 
7
1 room
7
2 guests
Amenities View More
y
Free Internet
w
Non Smoking
r
Pets Allowed
q
Accessible
x
Free Breakfast
j
Free Parking
u
Swimming Pool
E
Fitness Center
A
Business Center
B
Airport Shuttle
Other Amenities
` Meeting/Banquet Facilities
` Bar
` 24-Hour Front Desk
` Elevator
` Coffee shop
` Nightclub/DJ
` Billiards
` Karaoke
` Packed lunches
` Heating
` Fax/photocopying
` Snack bar
` Private check-in/check-out
` Shared lounge/TV area
` Evening entertainment
` vending machine
` Designated Smoking Area
` Family Rooms
` Free Wi-Fi
` Live entertainment
` Picnic Area
` Sun Deck
` Daily Housekeeping
` Non-Smoking Rooms Available
` Wine/champagne
` Fruits
` Strollers
` Outdoor furniture
` Pub crawls
` Smoke alarms
` Fire extinguishers
` Guests can opt-out of daily cleaning service
` Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
` Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed
` Process in place to check health of guests
` First aid kit available
` Cashless payment available
` Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines
` Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
` Invoices
` All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized
` Free face masks
` Electronic room key
` balcony/terrace
` ATM or cash withdraw on site
` CCTV security in common areas
` Daily disinfection
` Facilities for disabled guests available
` Kid-friendly dinning
` Laundry services
` Luggage storage & lockers
` Non-smoking property
` Restaurant (special diets available)
` Tour services
` Physical/social distancing guidelines
` Protective screen or physical barriers in appropriate areas
` Professional cleaning services
` Pets allowed (charges may apply)
` Takeout dining services available

Smart City Hostels by Safestay Edinburgh Guest Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Good (3.6 out of 5)

Write a review

2

Disappointing - 2.0 out of 5

Norbert Tue, 26 August 2025

Disappointing

Liked: In a city center... But...
Disliked: The hotel is noisy; you enter through a bar where parties go on for hours. The street it's located on is lower than the main pedestrian area. The street stinks. The shower is connected to the toilet. There are no sheets on the beds. The worst A&O I've ever stayed at.

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

Sharon Tue, 26 August 2025

Good

Liked: Staff was very nice. This was a basic, safe, clean room at a good price.
Disliked: Bathroom light goes out when you're in the shower (movement sensor). Not all outlets worked.

0.5

Poor - 0.5 out of 5

Smith Tue, 26 August 2025

Bad

1

Poor - 1.0 out of 5

Wendy Tue, 26 August 2025

Don’t expect to be able...

Liked: The location was good
Disliked: Within the property on the ground floor they have a bar and beer garden. The window of our room as did many other rooms overlooked this area. The noise and smoke from below was overbearing. If you shut your window this didn’t help at all. The room was stuffy with only a fan to help circulation. The fan was so loud it felt like it was completing the bar noise. Don’t expect to get any sleep. If this hostel was reasonably priced you might expect some inconveniences. But we paid more for A&O Edinburgh than any other hotel in all of UK.

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

Katrina Tue, 26 August 2025

Good

2.5

Fair - 2.5 out of 5

Madeline Tue, 26 August 2025

Good location

Liked: The Location was great it made it very easy to access everything I wanted to see and do.

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

Pat Tue, 26 August 2025

Comfortable, met nice roommates

Liked: Curtain found bed great
Disliked: Breakfast

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Jameshealey94 Mon, 25 August 2025

Exceptional

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Lucy Mon, 25 August 2025

Exceptional

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Paolo Mon, 25 August 2025

Very good

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Smart City Hostels by Safestay Edinburgh 50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh