"Lockers in rooms were very big, our 4 bed dorm was a great size."
Annie from Australia
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"The chicken wings and the dirty fried were amazing and reasonably priced, breakfast was pretty basic, but absoluteley fine."
Kerstin from Germany
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"As a solo female traveler I felt incredibly safe and appreciated how you had to badge through each area to get to your room."
Alyssa from United States
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Kick Ass Greyfriars: Central Edinburgh Hostel with Iconic Castle Views
Location
Kick Ass Greyfriars is situated in the Grassmarket area, directly across from Greyfriars Kirkyard and a short walk from Edinburgh Castle. This central location provides guests easy access to historic sites like the Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace. Guests can explore the vibrant local culture with major attractions just moments away.
Rooms
Accommodations include varied room options such as shared standard dorms, private double rooms, and a unique four-bed dorm with castle views. The POD beds offer a blend of privacy within dormitory settings, complete with personal lighting and storage. Each room is equipped with secure lockers, ensuring a safe and comfortable stay.
Dining
The Kick Ass Café & Bar on the ground floor provides meals, beverages, and a relaxed space for guests to meet. A vibrant beer garden allows patrons to enjoy their drinks with breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle. Guests can partake in evening events and activities hosted at the bar.
Entertainment
Kick Ass Greyfriars hosts a range of activities including free guided city tours and evening entertainment events like karaoke and pub crawls. The Chillout room offers a cozy space for relaxation, complete with Netflix options and stunning views. Guests are encouraged to engage with fellow travelers in this lively environment.
Amenities
The hostel includes communal kitchen facilities for guests to prepare their own meals, available daily from 6 AM to 10 PM. Secure luggage storage is offered for guests who wish to explore before or after checkout, ensuring convenience throughout the stay. Comprehensive security measures are in place with CCTV and key card access to enhance guest safety.
Highlights
Location: Grassmarket area, moments from Edinburgh Castle
Rooms: Shared and private options with POD beds
Dining: Onsite Kick Ass Café & Bar
Entertainment: Evening events and free guided tours
Amenities: Secure luggage storage and communal kitchen
“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.”
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
Select your room type
Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only) 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
25 sq. feet
1 Bunk bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Bed 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
2 persons
25 sq. feet
1 Bunk bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Bed 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room
2 persons
25 sq. feet
1 Bunk bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only) offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Very good
7.9/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
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
Restaurant
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
Show more
Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only) Location
37-39 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1JR,
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
Edinburgh 6 min · 1700 ft
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI) 21 min · 8.5 mi
Glasgow (GLA) 132 min · 54.6 mi
Bus
Bus stop 2 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
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel 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:
214
Former name
Budget Backpackers Hostel
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only) from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 1974 verified reviews
8.0 /10
Great
85 %
Recommend
Breakfast
6.9/10
Cleanliness
8.0/10
Comfort
8.0/10
Facilities
7.9/10
Free WiFi
8.4/10
Location
9.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.9/10
Staff
8.9/10
Value for money
8.3/10
Pros
Comfortable beds
Friendly staff
Central location
Well-managed hostel
Cons
Cold showers
Mixed dorm issues
Guest reviews
based on 5744 reviews
8.0/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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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.