Shared Bathroom Double Room
- 2 Single beds or 1 Double bed
Hostel · Edinburgh · Edinburgh
Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)
An adults-only hostel in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, known for its social bar and live music, a short walk from the National Museum of Scotland.
- Lively on-site bar with live entertainment
- 24-hour reception and security for flexible arrivals
- Central location near nightlife and attractions
8.1
Great
5920 reviews
Booking.com 8.1 · 5920 reviews
About
Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)
Kick Ass Greyfriars is an adults-only hostel on Cowgate, a street at the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. It sits within a 6-minute walk of The Real Mary King's Close and just minutes from the National Museum of Scotland. The property offers free Wi-Fi throughout, and guests can drop their bags at reception before check-in with the luggage storage.
The social pulse is the on-site bar and lounge, where live entertainment and a VW campervan bar create a distinctly sociable atmosphere. Rooms range from private doubles to shared dorms, including female-only options. Practical touches include lockers, key card access, 24-hour security, and a business centre, all in a setting strictly for adults.
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- 24-hour reception
- No pets allowed
- 24-hour security
- Adults only
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
4 reasons to book- Central Old Town location — On Cowgate, a 6-minute walk from The Real Mary King's Close and minutes from the National Museum of Scotland, with nightlife and Grassmarket nearby.
- Vibrant social atmosphere — An on-site bar with live entertainment and a VW campervan bar creates a lively, sociable vibe, with a lounge area and games room.
- Strong staff service — Guests consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff, who also offer tours and ticket assistance.
- Adults-only focus — Aimed at adults, offering a more mature and relaxed environment compared to family hostels, with female-only dorms available.
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Worth weighing
4 to weigh- No on-site parking — Parking is not listed, so if you arrive by car you'll need to find public parking nearby.
- Strict no-pets policy — Pets are not allowed, so you'll need to make other arrangements for your furry companions.
- Smoking prohibited — Smoking is not permitted on site, which may be a drawback for smokers.
- Breakfast is basic — While a breakfast is available for £5, some guests found it simple.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
8 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room
- 1 Bed in shared room
4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Female only
- 1 Bed in shared room
Dormitory Room
- 1 Bed in shared room
Shared Bathroom Quadruple Room
- Sleeping arrangements for 4 persons
Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Heating
6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Heating
10 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Heating
12 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Heating
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
General
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- 24-hour reception
- No pets allowed
- 24-hour security
- Adults only
- Luggage storage
- Locker room
- Key card access
- Heating
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
Food & Drink
- Restaurant
- Snack bar
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Vending machines
Activities
- Live entertainment
- Game room
- Billiard tables
- Board games
- Leisure/ TV room
Services
- Laundry
- Tours/ Ticket assistance
- Business centre
Outdoors
- Terrace
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
- Garden furniture
Room Amenities
- Trouser press
- Dryer
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 8.1/10 from 5,920 reviews
Booking.com · 8.1 · 5920 reviews
8.1Verified guest“Our four-person room had plenty of space for bags and a sink. Beds came with plugs and lights, and the toilets and showers were close by. The hostel has a lively pub with live music, and the staff were helpful and friendly. Great location, though breakfast was simple.”
8.1Verified guest“The location is fantastic—there's somewhere to go tonight.”
8.1Verified guest“Loved everything about it.”
8.1Verified guest“I had a wonderful stay. The central location made it easy to get around, and it was on a quiet side away from the noise. The room had great amenities like heating and a terrace with garden furniture, and the dining bar/lounge was ideal for relaxing after a day out. The staff were incredibly helpful and arranged tours and tickets, which was very convenient.”
8.1Verified guest“Excellent value for money. The room's attention to detail, with a 2-down-1-up bed setup overlooking Greyfriars Cemetery, was impressive. The location is perfect, right in the centre and close to bars and nightlife. The staff were friendly and provided great service.”
8.1Verified guest“The location was perfect and handy for exploring the city. The staff were friendly and accommodating, always ready with sightseeing tips. The atmosphere was great, and we met fun people. The communal room was cozy and there were plenty of activities.”
04 — Location
Getting around Edinburgh
The property sits in Edinburgh.
Old Town: You're right in the historic heart of Edinburgh, with the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle within easy reach.
Grassmarket: A short walk down from the hostel, this lively square is packed with pubs, restaurants, and shops.
Nightlife: Cowgate and the surrounding streets are known for their bars and clubs, making this a prime spot for a night out.
37-39 Cowgate, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH1 1JR, United Kingdom
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 14:00-23:59
- Check-out
- By 10:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Property
- 214 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 14:00 to 23:59, and check-out is by 10:00.
Is breakfast available?
Yes, breakfast is offered for £5, including tea or coffee.
Is there parking at the hostel?
Parking is not mentioned in the policies, so we recommend checking with the hostel directly if you plan to drive.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed at Kick Ass Greyfriars.
Does the hostel have Wi-Fi?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Are there female-only dormitories?
Yes, the hostel offers a 4-bed dormitory room for female guests only.
The bottom line
Kick Ass Greyfriars is a solid choice for adults wanting a social stay in the centre of Edinburgh. The location is hard to beat, and the bar and live entertainment make it easy to meet people. If you prioritize quiet or need parking, you may want to look elsewhere, but for a lively city break, it delivers.
8.1A well-located, social hostel for adults, with a few practical caveats.
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