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Budget Backpackers Reviews

37-39 Cowgate, Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland

Reviews & Ratings Explained

88%

Rating
3518 Total Reviews
  • 89%Value For Money
  • 88%Security
  • 94%Location
  • 89%Staff
  • 89%Atmosphere
  • 82%Cleanliness
  • 84%Facilities

The rating percentage is calculated from customers who booked within the last 12 months.

All ratings and reviews are based on the feedback and opinions of the customers who submitted them and do not express the opinions of Hostelworld.com. This way, you get an up-to-the-minute opinion of just how good a hostel really is.
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71%

You have to buy a lock to use the locker and you have to pay for the breakfast. There's "party everyday and the hostel always has many young people. You don't have to pay to go to the pub crawl and it is very fun. The location is very very good, is close to everything.


83%

Great free walking tour; nice and cheap food (breakfast and dinner) at the bar.


100%

Very good clubs. Near to some very cool clubs and walking distance from all the sites. Great staff and atmosphere...great experience.


97%

We had a great stay - loved the location, staff were very friendly, great cafe, and all for a very small price.

  • 24 Mar 2013
  • Novice Nomad
  • Anonymous
  • England
  • Mixed Group, 18-24
  • (1 review)


91%

Best BackPackes we have visited in the UK

  • 24 Mar 2013
  • Novice Nomad
  • Anonymous
  • South Africa
  • Male, 31-40
  • (1 review)


91%

Enjoyed my stay at budget backpackers. Stayed in a four bed dorm which was basic but clean. Location of hostel is great- right in the old town, close to all the sights. There are lots of nice bars and restaurants close by. Although breakfast isn't included they have a good breakfast menu for reasonable prices.

  • 22 Mar 2013
  • Novice Nomad
  • Anonymous
  • Ireland
  • Female, 25-30
  • (1 review)


80%

Standard "party hostel", but with rooms away from "party-zone", so they were quiet and nice. Wifi was awful,it was very difficult to make the connection.. You have to pay £1 for leaving baggage after you check-out.


83%

I just had one problem and the staff solved it in less than 5 minutes. i feel like at home

  • 19 Mar 2013
  • Novice Nomad
  • Anonymous
  • Spain
  • Male, 25-30
  • (1 review)


83%

It's a great place, only unfortunately few staff member aren't very welcoming... But loved the guys wearing customs while working!


77%

The hostel is generally clean and has a nice cafe/restaurant below. I stayed in a 30-person dorm, which worked out well, but the room itself was extremely cold (I visited during early spring). The surrounding area is not the safest, but I've heard it's good for nightlife.


100%

This is one my favorite hostels of all time. The people were so nice and helpful, the vibe was super hip, everything was affordable, the location was SUPERB, and all the facilities were top notch. Stay here if you can!


91%

Grea Hostel. Staff was friendly. Rooms and bathroom were mostly clean (big lockers in your room!). The pubcrawl was very nice. In the common room it's great to meet people. Only downsides: WIFI didn't work all the time and you have to pay for breakfast. on the other hand: the hostel has it's own small bar and cheap dinners. I think the best stay in Edinburgh!


91%

We had an excellent stay at Budget Backpackers, great location right near Grassmarket where we wanted to be. Had a satisfying breakfast as well, enjoyed by both of us.


100%

Without a doubt the best hostel I've ever stayed at. There is a bar/cafe on the ground floor that is a great common area and also serves cheap drinks (GBP 2 bottles!) and cheap food. They have a pub crawl every night and walking tours every morning - both of which are musts. If you go to Edinburgh stay here. You will not be disappointed. Also, do yourself a favor and visit Oink right up the street for the best BBQ sandwich you will ever have.


89%

The hostel overall was quiet good. It's a very busy hostel and I wasn't even there during peak season. Great spot right next to the grass market and the staff were fairly friendly. The chill out/relaxing area wasn't the biggest but the bar area down stairs was a good size. For a solo traveller the atmosphere was a little lacking compared to smaller hostels I've stayed out but everything is what you make of it so maybe you'll find it different.


100%

We loved this place, best hostel we have ever stayed at! The staff were so welcoming and friendly, the free walking tour and pub crawl were awesome, the place was clean and tidy and in a great location.

Owner Comment (Hide)
Hi Nathan.....Thanks for the great review . We are so pleased you had an awesome time. Hope to see you back soon ..BB Crew :)

97%

Very nice and helpful staff. Interesting and nice free walking tour! You'll see some places you won't think of when you're on yourself. Clean rooms, perfect hostel!


69%

the girl working at reception made us feel very unwelcome. the lad behind the bar and the lad that was working at night time were the only staff that were nice to us. would not ever stay in this hostel again because of the day reception staff.

  • 28 Feb 2013
  • Novice Nomad
  • Anonymous
  • Ireland
  • All Female Group, 18-24
  • (1 review)

Owner Comment (Hide)
Hi Claire sorry to hear that your experience of our day time reception staff was not the greatest. We pride ourselves on good customer service however we could not allow you to smoke in the dormitory as this is illegal in Scotland so we unfortunately had to bring it to your attention when notified by another guest .We hope you were not too upset at being asked to stop smoking. The safety of all our guests is our No1 priority and we hope this will not put you off from booking with us again. The Crew Budgetbackpackers

94%

Unfortunatelly I couldn't get the Wifi.

  • 27 Feb 2013
  • Novice Nomad
  • Anonymous
  • France
  • Male, 25-30
  • (1 review)


97%

I've stayed at a lot of hostels but this one was a cut above and really enjoyed my stay here. Good sized 12 bed dorm with thick duvets and shelf by bed for storage (and a little light, cute). Lockers too. The bathrooms were shared which I wasn't such a big fan of. Really easy to meet people here, with a good walking tour in the morning and fun activities in the bar at night (and a free pub crawl..my poor liver). Would definitely recommend any backpackers to stay here.


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