About

OVER 18'S ONLY, NO CHILDREN ALLOWED. Proof of age is required at check-in. A valid credit or debit card is required at check-in, to be checked against guest ID (card must be physically present, we cannot take details over the phone, email or fax.)

LOCATION. Our beautiful historic building is located at the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town at the corner of the Grassmarket square. Within walking distance to all attractions and with the vibrant Edinburgh nightlife at your doorstep.

FUN EVENTS like pub crawl and pub quiz!

SECURITY. 24h Reception. No curfew. Secure electronic swipe cards for all rooms. CCTV throughout and security passes issued to all our guests. Secure lockers are provided for every bed.

MODERN ROOMS. All rooms have Wi-Fi access, USB charging points at each bed, and private bed lights. Bunks have been designed to give max headroom and mattresses are hotel superior quality. Fresh clean bed linen is provided free of charge.

LUGGAGE STORAGE: £3 before check-in and after check-out.

PAYMENT: Please be aware we have now gone cashless, we require payment via credit or debit card.

AWESOME FRIENDLY CREW. Our Kick Ass Crew will give you the insider's scoop on the best spots in the city. With a solid mix of locals and internationals, we are focused on making your trip to Edinburgh an experience you'll never forget!

KICK ASS BAR. Open for breakfast and evening drinks. Great place to meet new friends and fellow travellers.

Please note: Unless you booked a private room, we cannot guarantee that guests who book multiple beds will stay in the same room, even if the same room type is booked. To ensure you stay together, we recommend you book private accommodation.

House Rules

Check In

14:00 - 23:00

Check Out

until 10:00

  • Taxes Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free City Maps
  • Free WiFi
  • Free Internet Access
  • Adaptors
  • Luggage Storage
  • Fax Service
  • 24 Hour Reception
  • Tours/Travel Desk
View all facilities

Reviews

8.3Fabulous(8516)
  • Value for Money
    7.7
  • Security
    9.1
  • Atmosphere
    8.0
  • Cleanliness
    7.5
  • Staff
    8.8
  • Location
    9.6
  • Facilities
    7.5
Summary of traveller reviews

Kick Ass Grassmarket in Edinburgh boasts an unbeatable location, right by the castle and in the heart of the Grassmarket. Guests praise the comfortable pod beds offering privacy and the friendly, helpful staff. Some recent reviews mention that the pods can get quite warm, and a few note that shower temperature can be inconsistent.

Stayed in Sept 2026
8.9
A
Anonymous
Female, 18-24, Canada
Pretty good hostel! Bathrooms and dorms were fairly clean considering the size of the place. Felt pretty secure and in an awesome location! Lockers are quite small, I just managed to fit my main backpack and day bag, and a 3pound bag hold fee feels quite expensive. The doors are very loud when they latch, if you are a light sleeper might not be for you. I wouldn’t recommend if you want something small and cozy, but overall enjoyed my stay. Definitely recommend! + staff were super friendly!
Stayed in Sept 2026
9.4
M
Michael
Couple, 25-30, Canada
#PodLife is great for getting some alone time and privacy with funky lights, and some of the washrooms are single stalls with showers if you’re socially drained. Although, there are PLENTY of options to opt-in to the social and party scene, if that’s your vibe too. The location, security, privacy, and facility were all top scores. Please note: the showers only have one setting—scalding hot. Breakfast options are great and staff are phenomenal. Can’t wait to go back 🙌
Stayed in Sept 2026
5.7
H
Hailey
Female, 18-24, Canada
If you’re staying for 3 days this is a great place in a great location. we stayed for a week and it got old fast, bathrooms disgusting showers full of hair, saw the cleaning staff only wipe counters down not actually cleaning the space, the mixed bathrooms are gross particularly older men walking into the bathroom in only their underwear. Gross!
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Location

2 West Port, Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
0.4km from city centre