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Hostel · Edinburgh · Edinburgh

St Christopher'S Inn Edinburgh - Original

A budget hostel in the heart of Edinburgh, just steps from Waverley Station and the Royal Mile, offering simple dorms and private rooms with a sociable bar and 24-hour reception.

  • Steps from Waverley Station and Royal Mile
  • 24-hour reception and security
  • On-site restaurant and bar with guest discounts
7.6 Very good 2552 reviews Booking.com 7.6 · 2552 reviews

About

St Christopher'S Inn Edinburgh - Original

St Christopher'S Inn Edinburgh - Original is a budget 3-star hostel set directly above Waverley Station, putting you within a 5-minute walk of Edinburgh Old Town and the National Museum of Scotland. The property runs a 24-hour reception with security, so you can come and go at any hour, and the on-site bar and restaurant make it easy to meet other travellers without leaving the building.

Rooms range from shared dorms (some female-only) to private doubles and singles with private bathrooms. Most dorms include curtains for privacy, USB charging points, and heating, while some rooms add city views. Lockers are available for storing luggage, and free Wi-Fi is provided in public areas. Note that this is an adults-only property, and pets are not allowed.

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Adults only

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

5 reasons to book
  • Unbeatable central location — The hostel sits directly above Waverley Station, with Edinburgh Old Town and the National Museum of Scotland about a 5-minute walk away. Guests consistently mention the convenience for exploring the city on foot.
  • Friendly and helpful staff — Multiple guests highlight the warm, welcoming team at reception and in the bar, noting they went out of their way to make stays enjoyable.
  • 24-hour reception and security — Reception is open around the clock, and 24-hour security is on site, which adds reassurance for solo travellers arriving late or heading out early.
  • On-site dining with guest discounts — The hostel has its own restaurant and bar, and guests mention receiving discounts on food. The breakfast is described as delicious and a good way to start the day.
  • Good value for money — With beds from $16 per night, guests repeatedly note that the hostel offers excellent value for its central location and basic but clean facilities.

Worth weighing

5 to weigh
  • Basic rooms and facilities — Rooms are simple, and some dorms have shared bathrooms. The 'Facilities' rating is the lowest at 7.0, suggesting the amenities are functional but not luxurious.
  • Adults-only policy — The hostel does not accept children or pets, which may be limiting for families or those travelling with animals.
  • No on-site parking — There is no parking available at the property, which could be inconvenient for guests arriving by car. The hostel is best accessed by train or bus.
  • Dining rating below average — While the bar and restaurant are praised by some, the 'Dining' rating category sits at 7.4, slightly below the overall rating, suggesting mixed experiences.
  • Check-out before 11:00 — Check-out is from 02:00 to 11:00, which may feel early for those wanting a leisurely morning. However, luggage storage is available for a small fee.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Dormitory Room

  • 1 Bed in shared room

4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room

Private Room

  • 1 Bunk bed

12 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating

6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating

6 Bed Dormitory Room External Bathroom Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating

Private Dormitory Room

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • City view
  • Shower
  • Heating

4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating

Double Room

  • 1 Double bed,1 King-size bed
  • Shower
  • Coffee machine
  • Heating

8 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating

6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating

Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating

Private Bathroom Single Room

  • 1 Single bed
  • Private bathroom

Shared Bathroom Dormitory Room

  • 1 Bed in shared room

6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room

  • 1 Bed in shared room

Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room,1 Bed in shared room

Private Bathroom Dormitory Room

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • City view
  • Private bathroom

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

General

  • 24-hour reception
  • 24-hour security
  • Adults only
  • No smoking on site
  • No pets allowed

Room & Comfort

  • Heating
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Electric kettle
  • Curtains
  • Housekeeping

Food & Drink

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/Lounge area
  • Welcome drink

Services

  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Locker room
  • Tours/Ticket assistance

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

7.6
Very good 2552 reviews

Guest-rated 7.6/10 from 2,552 reviews

Booking.com · 7.6 · 2552 reviews
7.6Verified guest

“Great value for money, clean rooms, and all the basics you need. The location is perfect for exploring, and the staff are friendly and keen to help.”

7.6Verified guest

“Warm and welcoming staff. Easy to find right after getting off the Airlink bus.”

7.6Verified guest

“Good value for the price — I liked it. Bye.”

7.6Verified guest

“A real find in the city centre. The location is spot on, with everything walkable. Staff went out of their way to make me feel welcome, and the rooms had nice touches like a kettle and USB sockets. Breakfast was delicious and set me up for the day.”

7.6Verified guest

“Wi-Fi worked in my bedroom.”

7.6Verified guest

“Perfect location for a Christmas trip, with easy access to the main sights. Staff were friendly, the elevator made getting to my upper-floor room easy, the bed was comfortable, and the showers were clean.”

04 — Location

Getting around Edinburgh

The property sits in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Old Town: A 5-minute walk from the hostel, the Old Town is a maze of medieval streets, historic closes, and landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Expect crowds in peak season but a lively atmosphere year-round.

National Museum of Scotland: Just a 5-minute stroll away, this museum covers Scottish history, natural history, and world cultures – and entry is free. It's a top pick for a rainy day in the city.

9-13 Market Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE, United Kingdom

Open in Google Maps

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 15:00-23:59
Check-out
By 02:00-11:00
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
39 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 15:00 to 23:59. Check-out is from 02:00 to 11:00. The reception is open 24/7, and luggage storage is available for a small fee.

Is breakfast included in the room rate?

The hostel does not list breakfast as an included amenity, but guests mention a free breakfast across the street that is convenient and reasonably priced. The on-site restaurant also serves meals with discounts for guests.

Is parking available at the hostel?

No, there is no on-site parking. The hostel is located directly above Waverley Station, making it easiest to arrive by train or bus. If you drive, you would need to find public parking nearby.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed at this property, as noted in the policies.

Is the hostel suitable for families with children?

The hostel is adults-only, so children are not accommodated. This is ideal for solo travellers or groups of adults.

Do the rooms have private bathrooms?

Some rooms do, such as the 'Private Bathroom Single Room' and 'Private Bathroom Dormitory Room'. Others, like the '4 Bed Dormitory Room External Bathroom', have shared facilities. Check the room type when booking.

The bottom line

For travellers who want to be in the thick of Edinburgh's old town without spending much, St Christopher'S Inn delivers on location, price, and a sociable atmosphere. The accommodations are basic, and there's no parking, but the 24-hour reception, friendly staff, and on-site bar make it a smart choice for budget-conscious solo adventurers and groups alike.

7.6A well-run budget hostel that trades frills for an unbeatable address.

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