8 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Heating
Hostel · Edinburgh · Edinburgh
Royal Mile Backpackers
A sociable, adults-only hostel on Edinburgh's High Street, within walking distance of the city's main sights.
- On the Royal Mile, steps from Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town
- Adults-only dormitory accommodation with secure lockers
- Friendly staff known for personal recommendations and a welcoming atmosphere
8.4
Great
1885 reviews
Booking.com 8.4 · 1885 reviews
About
Royal Mile Backpackers
Royal Mile Backpackers sits at 105 High Street, right in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The hostel is encircled by restaurants, cafés, and bars, and is nearly a 15-minute walk from Princes Mall Shopping Centre. The property comprises 6 rooms and is adults-only, keeping the atmosphere calm and sociable.
Guests share a kitchen, lounge with board games and karaoke, and can use the laundry and locker room. Free Wi-Fi is available in the rooms, and the hostel offers tours and ticket assistance. The nearby BT Murrayfield Stadium is 3 miles away.
- No smoking on site
- No pets allowed
- Security
- Adults only
- Locker room
- Smoke detectors
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
4 reasons to book- Location on the Royal Mile — The hostel sits directly on Edinburgh's most famous street, encircled by restaurants, cafés, and bars. Guests can walk to major attractions and reach Princes Mall in about 15 minutes.
- Welcoming, attentive staff — Multiple reviews single out the staff for their warmth, helpfulness, and willingness to give recommendations. One guest noted how a staff member made sure they found the hostel easily, and another mentioned being treated 'like family'.
- Clean and comfortable dorms — Guests describe clean beds, fresh linen, and spacious rooms with tall ceilings and huge windows. Secure lockers are provided in the dormitories.
- Social, cozy atmosphere — Common areas with a big sofa, board games, karaoke, and a shared kitchen encourage mingling. One traveler noted the hostel 'felt like a small family'.
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Worth weighing
4 to weigh- Adults-only, no children — The hostel only accepts adults, so families traveling with kids will need to look elsewhere.
- No pets allowed — Guests cannot bring pets to the property.
- Limited check-in window — Check-in is only between 15:00 and 23:00. Late arrivals may face difficulties, and one review noted that the hostel's policy of not checking in late ensured a peaceful night – but it also means you need to plan your arrival.
- Mixed reviews on room size — While many guests praised spacious rooms, one review noted a 'spacious room' but another mentioned the room was 'nice and neat' without commenting on size. One review of a 10-bed dorm said it was spacious, but another traveler's review noted a 'comfortable' but not explicitly large room.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
Dormitory Room Female only
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Heating
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
Essentials
- Free Wi-Fi in rooms
- Heating
- Housekeeping
- No smoking on site
Social & Entertainment
- Shared kitchen
- Leisure/TV room
- Board games
- Karaoke
- Live entertainment
Guest Services
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Laundry
- Security
- Locker room
Policies
- Adults only
- No pets allowed
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 8.4/10 from 1,885 reviews
Booking.com · 8.4 · 1885 reviews
8.4Verified guest“The location is unbeatable – right in the heart of the city and within walking distance of everything. The staff were super friendly and gave excellent recommendations. Laundry service was quick, same-day. The dorm was comfortable and clean, with secure lockers. Common areas were cozy and welcoming, and there was a discount at the nearby tavern for guests.”
8.4Verified guest“Fantastic location, close to public transport and all the attractions. Beds were comfortable and clean, with fresh bedding. Staff were friendly and helpful.”
8.4Verified guest“As a tired and introverted traveler, I was pleasantly surprised by how cozy and friendly this place felt. The staff, especially Kat, were extremely polite and sensitive to my needs, and made sure I found the hostel without trouble. The big sofa and kitchen were perfect for relaxing and having meals while listening to other backpackers play guitar. The rooms were spacious with tall ceilings and huge windows. The hostel’s policy of not checking in late guaranteed a peaceful night, and the proper breakfast was a great start to the day. Excellent value – ideal for first-timers or solo travelers.”
8.4Verified guest“The staff were friendly and helpful, making us feel welcome and well looked after. The location was perfect for exploring the city. The rooms were super clean and cozy – a great place to rest after a long day of sightseeing. I highly recommend this hostel for a fantastic stay in Edinburgh.”
8.4Verified guest“I had a fantastic 4-night stay. The staff were warm and welcoming, creating a great atmosphere. The location on the Royal Mile was perfect, and the hostel was respectful and quiet. The 10-girls room was spacious, and everyone was considerate of each other. Bed linen was fresh, and the beds were solid and comfortable. I would definitely recommend it to friends.”
8.4Verified guest“Superb staff, location, and atmosphere! The staff here are the most welcoming, helpful, and fun I've ever encountered. The location is absolutely perfect – you can walk to everything. The atmosphere is homey and inviting, and the overall experience was unforgettable.”
04 — Location
Getting around Edinburgh
The property sits in Edinburgh.
On the doorstep: You're on the Royal Mile, so Edinburgh Castle, St Giles' Cathedral, and the Scottish Parliament are all within a short stroll. The area is packed with restaurants, cafés, and bars – and guests mention a discount at a nearby tavern.
Shopping: Princes Mall Shopping Centre is about a 15-minute walk away, and the shops of Princes Street are close by.
Getting around: Public transport links are close, and most of the Old Town's highlights are walkable. BT Murrayfield Stadium is about 3 miles away – a taxi or bus ride.
105 High Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH11SG, 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 15:00-23:00
- 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
- 6 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 15:00 to 23:00, and check-out is at 10:00. The hostel does not accept late check-ins, so plan to arrive within those hours.
Are pets allowed at Royal Mile Backpackers?
No, pets are not allowed on the property.
Is there a curfew?
The hostel does not allow late check-ins (after 23:00), but it does not specify a curfew. Guests have noted that the no-late-check-in policy helps ensure a quiet night.
Is breakfast included?
One guest review mentions 'proper breakfast' as part of the stay, suggesting breakfast is provided, though the hostel does not list it as an amenity in the data. It's best to confirm with the hostel directly.
Are there lockers for my belongings?
Yes, the hostel provides a locker room and secure lockers for guests' use.
Is there parking available?
The hostel does not list parking as an amenity, and Edinburgh's Old Town is not car-friendly. Guests arriving by car should look for nearby public parking.
The bottom line
Royal Mile Backpackers earns its strong 8.4 rating with an unbeatable Old Town location, a genuinely friendly staff, and clean, secure dorms. It's a top pick for solo travelers and couples wanting a sociable, adults-only base in the heart of Edinburgh – as long as you can work within its check-in hours and don't need to bring kids or pets.
8.4A well-run, welcoming hostel in the best possible spot on the Royal Mile.
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