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Check-in
24Jan2026Select date
Check-out
25Jan2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

37-39 Cowgate, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1JR
-
Steps from the Old Town
Great
8.1
8.5
/10
3.9
/5

Rooms and Pods

Kick Ass Greyfriars provides adults-only accommodations. Guests can book four-person dorms with bunk beds, or dorms ranging from six to twelve beds. The property offers private double or twin rooms. Superior Pod beds combine privacy with a dorm experience and feature personal lights. All rooms have a shared bathroom fitted with a shower. Bed linen is provided. Guests can rent towels for £3.50, although private rooms include towels.

Dining and Socializing

The onsite Kick Ass Cafe & Bar sells food and beverages. A continental or à la carte breakfast is available. A beer garden with views of Edinburgh Castle is available. Guests can use a pool table in the cafe, as well as board games in the Relaxation Pod, which features small wooden tables. A common kitchen is open 6 AM-10 PM at Kick Ass Grassmarket and is accessible to Kick Ass Greyfriars guests.

Leisure and Activities

The hostel hosts games and activities such as movie and quiz nights. A television is in the common area. The property provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can relax in the Chillout room and view Edinburgh Castle. The hostel offers a tour desk. Laundry facilities are available, costing £4.00 per washing machine cycle and £2.50 per dryer cycle. Laundry tablets cost £0.30 each.

Location and Access

Kick Ass Greyfriars is in Old Town near the castle and main attractions. Points of interest near Kick Ass Greyfriars include the National Museum of Scotland (400 meters). Landmarks nearby: Edinburgh Old Town (0.5 km), Royal Mile (0.5 km), Camera Obscura and World of Illusions (1 km), Palace of Holyroodhouse (1.5 km), The Real Mary King's Close (0.5 km), Nelson Monument (1 km), Scott Monument (0.5 km), and Arthur's Seat hike (2.5 km). The nearest airport is 11 km away. The hostel is a short walk from Edinburgh Castle and Waverley rail station. Public parking is available at Castle Terrace NCP.

Services and Amenities

This 4-star hostel provides a 24-hour front desk. Guests receive a wristband security pass and rooms are accessible by key cards. Lockers are free to use and require a padlock. Before check-in, storage lockers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. After check-out, storage lockers cost from £1. Free city maps are available. Hairdryers are in the bathrooms.

“Kick Ass Greyfriars places you steps from Grassmarket and Victoria Street, a prime spot for exploring Edinburgh. I noted the secure doors and handy in-room lockers, practical touches for peace of mind. For those prioritizing location and value, it's a solid base, particularly given its proximity to the Royal Mile and the train station.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Bed 4-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
270 sq. feet 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Bed 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room
2 persons
270 sq. feet 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Bed 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
2 persons
325 sq. feet 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Bed 12-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
2 persons
345 sq. feet 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Adults only
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Billiard tables

Guest Parking

  • Dryer

Services

  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Business

  • Business centre

Children

  • Board games
  • Game room

Spa & Leisure

  • Live entertainment
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Trouser press

Self-catering

  • Dryer
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Location

37-39 Cowgate, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1JR
Map view
37-39 Cowgate, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1JR
Nearby
Museum
National Museum of Scotland
1500 ft
Royal Mile
Royal Mile
1500 ft
High Street 2 Warriston's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
1500 ft
Church
St Giles' Cathedral
1500 ft
Store
Edinburgh Old Town
1500 ft
Monument
Scott Monument
1500 ft
Museum
The Writers' Museum
1500 ft
Museum
Gladstone's Land
1500 ft
Nicolson Street
Surgeons' Hall Museums
1500 ft
Museum
Museum of Childhood
1500 ft
Museum
John Knox House
1500 ft
2 Chalmers Close High Street (opposite Museum of Childhood on Royal Mile)
Brass Rubbing Centre
1500 ft
53 Princes Street
Princes Street
1500 ft
Cemetery
The Robertson Mausoleum
1500 ft
Church
Mercat Cross
1300 ft
Gallery
City Art Centre
1500 ft
Restaurants
Oink
600 ft
34 Victoria Street 82 Canongate
Deacon's House Cafe
1100 ft
304 Lawnmarket Brodies Close
Let Me Eat Too
200 ft
7 Cowgatehead Grassmarket
The Bow Bar
600 ft
80 West Bow
Uncle's Fish & Chips
1200 ft
52 George IV Bridge
The Deli Global
1200 ft
13 George IV Bridge
Castle Rock Chip Shop
400 ft
Rock Chip Shop 87 Grassmarket In Between Greyfriars Kirkyard & The Scotch Whisky Experience
Over Langshaw Farmhouse
400 ft
The Grassmarket Old Town
Graze On Grassmarket
500 ft
67 Grassmarket
Bobbys Kebab House
500 ft
21 Candlemaker Row
Explore Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
National Museum of Scotland
6 minutes' walk
Showcases Scotland's history with interactive exhibits, free admission, and unique artifacts. A must-visit for culture enthusiasts.
Edinburgh Castle
13-minute walk
Iconic fortress with breathtaking views, rich history, and the Honours of Scotland. Great for guided tours.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
20 minutes' walk
The Queen's official residence in Scotland, offering beautiful gardens and fascinating history. Guided tours available.
Scottish National Gallery
13-minute walk
Impressive collection of fine art from the Renaissance to the present. Free admission and seasonal exhibitions.
Arthur's Seat Hike
30 minutes' walk
Thrilling hike with stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh. Accessible year-round; remember to wear sturdy shoes.
Relax at The Meadows
14 minutes' walk
Beautiful park perfect for picnics, jogging, or yoga. A tranquil escape in the heart of the city.
Let Me Eat Too
1 minute' walk
Cozy eatery specializing in vegetarian and vegan dishes. Known for fresh ingredients and a warm atmosphere.
Oink
3 minutes' walk
Casual spot famous for Scottish hog roast sandwiches. Delicious, quick bites perfect for an on-the-go meal.
The Bow Bar
3 minutes' walk
Charming pub offering a wide range of craft beers and whiskeys. Inviting atmosphere ideal for socializing.
Grassmarket
13 minutes' walk
Vibrant area with lively pubs, shops, and live music events. Great nightlife spot with a friendly vibe.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
13 minutes' walk
Engaging whisky tours with tastings and interactive exhibits. Perfect for whisky enthusiasts and curious novices.
Getting around
City Centre
Edinburgh6 min  ·  1700 ft
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)21 min  ·  8.5 mi
Dundee Airport (DND)146 min  ·  60.5 mi
Train
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station8 min  ·  2000 ft
Bus
Bus stop2 min  ·  400 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP5 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
Spanish, Italian, Arabic
Number of rooms:
184
Former name
Budget Backpackers Hostel
Questions of the users
About Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)
Is there a private bathroom available for guests in the multi-bunk rooms, or are the bathrooms shared with other guests?
12 September 2024
All bathrooms are located in the corridors next to the dorms, so they are shared with other guests.
What is the security mechanism for the room doors?
15 October 2024
Room doors are equipped with a key card system, ensuring they lock automatically once closed for your security.
Are there any engaging activities or events planned during my stay?
5 November 2024
The hostel hosts daily events to keep guests entertained and engaged during their stay.
Can guests store their luggage before checking into their room?
20 December 2024
Yes, luggage storage is free before check-in, and there's a small charge of £1 per locker after check-out.
What are the designated quiet hours I should be aware of?
30 November 2024
Quiet hours are observed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and guests are encouraged to keep noise to a minimum during this time.
Is there public transportation available for late-night arrivals at the airport?
8 January 2025
Yes, a Bus Airlink service from the airport operates, taking approximately 45 minutes with a short walk to reach the hostel.
What is included when booking a double room with shared bathroom facilities?
17 February 2025
The double room is private, offering guests a space to themselves while sharing bathroom facilities with other guests.
Are hairdryers available for guests to use during their stay?
22 March 2025
Hairdryers can be found in the bathrooms for guest use, ensuring convenience during your stay.
Do lockers require a personal lock, and is it necessary to purchase one?
10 April 2025
Yes, it's recommended to use a personal lock for the lockers; however, locks can be purchased at reception if needed.
What time is breakfast available for guests?
14 May 2025
Breakfast is served daily from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m., giving guests ample time to enjoy before starting their day.
Is there an option for group bookings, and what benefits do they offer?
25 June 2025
Group bookings are welcome and can take advantage of flexible options and best rates directly through the hostel.

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