Offering award winning hostels and tours, Scotland’s Top Hostels is your one stop shop for the perfect budget friendly Scottish Holiday.
Offering award winning hostels and tours, Scotland’s Top Hostels is your one stop shop for the perfect budget friendly Scottish Holiday.
Our Hostels Around Scotland
Scotland’s Top Hostels offers nine welcoming hostels throughout Scotland to help you explore our beautiful country within a budget!
Our first hostel (High Street Hostel) opened up in 1985 just off the Royal Mile in beautiful Edinburgh and was soon followed by our largest hostel (Castle Rock) and smallest hostel (Royal Mile Backpackers). All three of our Edinburgh Hostels are a family and share activities, meaning you won’t get the best of Edinburgh no matter where you choose to stay!
Further north we offer 6 Highland Hostels and a small, private guest house. Whether you’re planning to climb the UK’s highest peak, look for Nessie or explore the mystical Isle of Skye; we have a spot for you!
All our hostels are backpacker run and Scottish owned! Our staff is made up of a multinational crew of people who have all fallen in love with our beautiful country and will do their best to make your stay as unforgettable as possible. You may even find yourself wanting to join the family too!
Check out our great range of hostels below!
Check out our interactive map
Our Hostels are spread out throughout the Highlands and Edinburgh, so take a look at this helpful map to plan your holiday!
Check out our team's blog
Our hostels are run by groups of travelers just like you! Luckily, they’ve written down some of their top things to do in Edinburgh and the Highlands, so you know exactly what to check out when you next get to visit! Have a read below for some of their top tips in our blog!
Some of our reviews
PAt Fudali
2020-02-29T08:33:35+0000
The best hostel I've been to, I would recommend 🙂 Great service!
Lara Slotboom
2020-02-16T20:59:08+0000
Best hostel ever! Lovely, fun great people work here and are very friendly. Really nice atmosphere and they organize a... load of really fun events to participate. Everything is super clean and service is great. Stayed here for a whole week and I honestly don’t want to leave. Will definitely come back.read more
Susanitha Bricehno
2020-02-11T20:43:13+0000
Best place ever! I was there like 2 days ago... And i love the place, the stuff is very nice, u can meet People from... all over the World... Dont doubt with this place... And also a very clean place! ❤️❤️❤️❤️read more
Wolfgang Torrence Earl Muligan
2020-02-09T14:50:46+0000
one of the best hostels in edinburgh, vlad central as you get, good and clean
Atsegine Villas
2020-01-07T15:36:22+0000
Beautiful, clean, big, nice and gentle staff, perfect location,Enjoy my stay there, definitely a great hostel
Dilip Khatate
2019-12-28T17:36:50+0000
Reasonable, neat and clean...worth the stay, good breakfast and good management
Grace Upham
2019-12-18T19:37:17+0000
Quirky, clean, comfortable (*2* pillows!), perfectly located, and delightfully cheap (great for this student who loves... spending time in Edinburgh now and then). I absolutely love the themed rooms- including the common rooms, and the medieval vibe. It’s just a really cool place, and I look forward to staying here as much as I look forward to anything else about the city. Some pretty great views, too!read more
Alex Russell
2019-12-18T13:00:21+0000
great hostel, friendly staff, comfy bunks, clean bathrooms, nice atmoshpere all this and cheap, definitely stay here... agin next time I go to edinburgh. If you get a chance for the pub quiz night its well worth itread more
Adam Connor
2019-11-21T21:57:24+0000
Castle Rock is the best hostel I’ve ever stayed at Legitimately! Amazing people amazing vibe. Comfy beds, no drama,... excellent staff! Welcoming and fun! I wouldn’t stay anywhere else. Wish I could have stayed forever.read more
Jussara Diniz
2018-08-03T19:09:49+0000
É como vc estivesse em casa, muito acolhedor. Muito bem localizado. Amei�
Julie Brisson
2018-06-05T02:26:40+0000
It was perfect! The location, the facilities, the staff, everything! Thank you!
Sebastian Jany
2018-04-06T22:22:14+0000
Best Hostel ever! 😀 Been there two times now and i will always be staying here when i visit Edinburgh again.
Roque Luis
2018-03-13T16:47:56+0000
Espetacular. Staff muito atencioso, salas com ambiente familiar, excelente localização, boas condições. Top top... hostel!read more
Silvia Talavera
2018-02-06T15:11:36+0000
It's by far the best hostel I've ever stayed in. Lovely, big, clean and full of nice open-minded people. Furthermore,... the views are absolutely astonishing and the people working there is always helpful.read more
Heather Rachael
2018-02-05T21:06:13+0000
Stayed for 2 nights in a mixed sex dorm room, with a friend. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay there. A lovely atmosphere... with friendly and helpful staff, letting us know about film nights, pub crawls, etc. Breakfast is cheap (£1.50!) and there're some beautiful chill-out rooms. Lots of attractions within walking distance. Would definitely return!read more
Ana Manso Fernández
2018-01-29T23:08:07+0000
Best hostel I've ever been into so far! It completely made our experience something memorable as they organise so many... cool activities and you can feel the good vibes surrounding every corner of the hostel. Thank you soso much!read more
Laura Pérez
2018-01-10T19:37:11+0000
Lovely stay! Everything was clean organized. The staff was always helpful and friendly. Awesome location, I would... definitely stay there again!read more
Riley Fullerton
2017-12-19T07:37:34+0000
Awesome hostel! Great location and walking distance from every location. Would stay there again!
Tyler Creighton
2017-12-16T16:12:13+0000
Some of the best times of my life happened in this amazing place! Clean, full of great people, and an instant family... with whom to share your adventures. Best hostel in Europe. Period.read more
Katie Rose
2017-12-16T00:04:51+0000
Castle Rock Hostel has got to be by far the best place I have ever stayed. The location couldn’t be any better with... the Edinburgh Castle across the road. The staff are amazing and so accommodating. The rooms and bathrooms are nice and clean. I love this place so much and have so many great memories! I tell everyone who
is visiting Edinburgh to stay here!!read more
Mark Burnett
2017-12-15T23:27:20+0000
The Best Place in the World! You'll Love it! Clean, full of fantastic people, and heaps of good times!
Bernardo Queirós
2017-11-12T15:15:32+0000
Top notch, definitely... recommended.
All the environment was good and such an organization among all areas.
Price... vs. Quality, 5*. The best hostel I have ever stayed in.read more
Hayl Daugherty
2017-10-08T18:42:06+0000
Best hostel I've ever stayed in! Great location, activities every night, friendly staff, comparable prices, and best of... all HOT SHOWERS!!! Seriously, the showers here are nicer than the one in my flat. My only issues were the weak wifi and tiny lockers. I'm always less comfortable when I can't fit my backpack in a locked space with my own lock. But seriously, all things considered, wonderful place.read more
Aileen Scherff
2017-09-29T08:10:28+0000
Castle Rock Hostel is centrally located and easy to reach. The rooms and showers were clean and the staff was very kind... and helpful. They offer lots of things to do and to socialise. I would definitely recommend the hostel - it's a great place to stay!read more
Steve Giuliani
2017-09-13T18:59:25+0000
Great location, you won't get any closer to the castle. Lots of lounges, hangout rooms and a big kitchen. Lots of... character and cheap breakfast at a pound fifty.read more
Sam Harris
2017-09-11T11:48:13+0000
I absolutely loved my experience at Castle Rock! The staff and volunteers were awesome, the space was beautiful, and... the location was perfect! I couldn't recommend Castle Rock more!read more
Anna Buchholz
2017-08-31T05:53:27+0000
Lovely hostel. Made the experience of staying in Edinburgh even better I think. I was a bit leery of being in a room... without privacy curtains, but the dorm stayed dark and all the guests were pretty respectable (at least on my dorm). The showers were lovely, as were the kitchen and living spaces. The only thing that sucked was the Wi-Fi, but with that many people accessing it, it was understandable. Besides, relaxing in the posh lounge where there was a better Wi-Fi signal wasn't the worst thing. Thanks for having me!read more
Zach Bohlman
2017-08-19T13:02:23+0000
Enjoyed my stay and the location is great especially for attending the Tattoo. Prices were a bit high for a dorm hostel... but that's to be expected in August.
There's a cheap breakfast available. For £1.50 you get a bowl of cereal, bread and butter, and a glass of juice. Great value and very suitable for just getting going in the morning.
There's Wi-Fi included and each bunk has two outlets (in my room anyway) and the lockers have integrated locks which is great and every hostel should have.
The toilet/shower rooms could've used a bit of attention but again I stayed during a very busy period. I wish we could've checked in earlier than 2p but at least there is luggage storage and they'll let you hang out in the common areas until then.
All in all a pleasant stay and I'd stay again.read more
Kim Murphy
2017-08-15T21:11:01+0000
My first experience with staying at a hostel. A bit of a culture shock but the community you feel and the great people... you meet make it worth not having a lift.read more
Luke Lantsoght Bartoli
2017-07-23T21:26:17+0000
One of the most fun hostels I've stayed at. Awesome people. Love it.
Audrey Langevin
2017-07-04T11:20:34+0000
Great staff (like super GREAT), great location (at the feet of the Castle, easy peasy), great party for Canada Day... I... enjoyed this spacious hostel and its features. Clean, original in its decor, all these little details made my stay in Edinburgh even more awesome <3 - I recommend+++!read more
Max Cody
2017-06-30T15:18:32+0000
Great spot! Spacious rooms, and a fantastic atmosphere. Definitely coming back
Ivana Fernanda González Mimica
2017-06-26T07:21:32+0000
Tranquilo central amplio el personal es joven y amable
Queda muy a mano de todo
Karsten Grimnik
2017-05-14T18:43:30+0000
Wir hatten ein Zweibettzimmer, welches zum Buchungszeitpunkt das drittgünstigste in der ganzen Stadt war. Die Lage war... ideal, der Preis super, das Frühstück ganz okay und das Personal war sehr auf Zack und freundlich! Wer mit einfachen Zimmern klarkommt, dem kann man das CRH nur empfehlen. Thanks Guys!read more
Collin Hedges
2017-05-13T04:09:20+0000
Hey my dudes! Honestly just the coolest place I have seen in awhile. With how hard the staff works to provide... entertainment and information it's pure fun. It's like a summer camp for adults. The proper rooms and location of this place really make socializing enjoyable and covenant as hell. Great job my friends.read more
Jess Stuart
2017-05-09T10:29:09+0000
Had such a great experience when I stayed for 2 nights this past weekend, would thoroughly recommend and use this... hostel again!!read more
Tina Be
2017-05-03T12:28:34+0000
It is the best hostel I have ever been to. I really enjoyed staying there.
Tiia Nieminen
2017-05-03T11:43:09+0000
I was looking forward to staying in this hostel for my first trip to Edinburgh but recent events have definitely made... me change my mind. Very confusing information on their webpage that is not up to date and poor customer service. Communicating with the staff was difficult - even though they answered to emails fast, they didn't offer enough information and there were many misunderstandings. Never before have I come across a hostel where staying in the same room with your friends is made this difficult. Seems like Castle Rock Hostel is more interested in following their inflexible policies than serving their customers. I ended up wasting my money and time.. I'm very disappointed.read more
Karolina Banaś
2017-05-03T11:02:37+0000
Unfortunately we couldn't try this hostel as our reservation has been cancelled without informing us. They have... different terms and condition on every page (depends on the source group is 5 or 6 which is ridiculous) so be careful with reservation. I have sent them an screenshot that they said group is 6 people and they sent me another screenshot that group is 5 so.. We just asked if we can be together in one room and then instead of saying "nope" they cancelled our reservation. We have less than 2 weeks to find another place to stay. Whats more they gonna keep the deposit even though the cancellation wasn't our fault. Funny and disrespectfulread more
Mit Chanderson
2017-04-23T14:11:04+0000
A lot of hostels claim to be the best, but this place definitely is the best in Edinburgh - if not the UK. Excellent... staff, facilities and just a cool vibe in general, which is usually pretty hard to find at a hostel of this capacity.read more
Greg Dl
2017-04-08T09:12:03+0000
Muy buen hostel, estuve 3 dias y genial, buen ambiente, mejor ubicación imposible (en el centro de edimburgo al lado... del castillo), habitaciones amplias y todo muy limpio. Tienen una cocina enorme y una sala de estar. Además, hacen actividades y excursiones gratuitas. Yo fui a un tour de fantasmas que estuvo genial. Lo recomiendo 100%read more
Locke S. Wilder
2017-03-30T04:28:53+0000
I got the James Bond room. The castle carpet was really trippy for several reasons, especially after stumbling back... late at night slightly in shambles after visiting some of the world's oldest bars. I genuinely thought the carpet was actually stone some time that night.read more
Laura Vargas Tuk
2017-03-21T23:28:07+0000
Was there in the last year and what I can say is that it's an incredible place! Makes your experience in Edinburgh... even more magical!read more
Haley McNamara
2017-03-01T19:07:01+0000
By far one of the best places I have stayed.
I was in the shared 8 bed (16 person) room. And it was seperated nicely... as to not feel so crazy.
The staff were quick to clean and turn around a room.
PROS:
-Clean rooms
-Shared washrooms were cleaned everyday
-Large kitchen for multiple people to cook and sit.
-A variety of common areas for people to hangout it. (Movie room, music area, this cute lounge to just get some alone time, and then the large common area where the pool table was located.
-Breakfast was a 1pound 50. Which has been crazy cheap.
-24/7 reception
-Friendly and helpful staff. All around awesome possom people.
-Most of the staff are travelers themselves so they're full of helpful information on what to see or do.
- Dont loose your orange card �
-Every night of the week theres something going on for people to do. (Beer pong, pub crawls, andventures in the daytime to Arthurs seat and night tours)
-Id highly suggest spending at least a week there to see and experience everything.
CONS:
The only one would be the hill. And thats honestly the lamest thing to complain about. But have you seen Scotland, its all hills.
Overall the Hostel was one of the best Ive been too and I have been recommending it like crazy to everyone thats I've heard heading that way. I would 10/10 come back again.read more
Chris Evans
2017-02-28T08:57:11+0000
What a place to stay staff are awesome open 24 hours spent 4 nights here for the rugby this weekend and would recommend... it to everyone awesome rooms and plenty to do very clean and we'll looked after best time ever thanks guysread more
Wendy Miranda
2017-02-25T04:45:35+0000
Great experience at Castle Rock! Everything about it is truly exceptional. If you are looking to be in the perfect... location, be in a beautiful hostel with great amenities and have an awesome time, come here!read more
Saúl Martín Cruz
2017-02-22T09:14:31+0000
Fuimos de jueves a sábado y la verdad que fue increíble. Desde la excursión que hicimos el mismo jueves al Arthu's... Seat como el Pub Crowl (super recomendado) y lo mejor, todo gratis y con un ánimo increíble de los organizadores por que los que estábamos allí nos lleváramos un más que grato recuerdo de Edimburgo. No me cabe la menor duda de que si vuelvo, volveré al mismo hostel.read more
Elizabeth DePue
2020-03-08T14:46:31+0000
We stayed at High Street Hostel in May of 2018 and loved it! Yes, the twin room was tiny. But the location was perfect... and it was wonderful to stay in a building with so much history.read more
Janette Tam
2017-06-05T09:56:50+0000
I was staying here for 2 nights. The bathroom and the linen are clean. Staffs are nice. Bathroom and toilet here are... shared between male and female. The hostel is very near the royal miles, many restaurants and shops beside, as well as a supermarket in 5 min walk.read more
Meg Birley
2017-02-03T06:12:43+0000
Stayed here as a last minite decision on the 1st if Feb
It was fine but just little bits like the reception area stank... of stale smoke and the showers weren't that clean. Bed was clean enough but the room smelt of something manky. I probably won't go back again seeing as there's such a choice in the city was just one of the cheapest. Staff were lovely and helpfulread more
Evelyn Low
2016-03-29T09:16:51+0000
Nice clean small friendly and most important strategically situated in old town of Edinburgh
Love It!!
Ed Blancmor
2016-03-10T12:16:08+0000
Excelente lugar!! Muy limpio, personas amables, ampliamente recomendable!
Pie Verhulst
2016-01-26T11:07:08+0000
Every things was perfect! Nice place and cool people. Good memories.
Helen Worland
2015-05-20T16:13:29+0000
Some of the best - and most ridiculous - years 0 my life spent here!
Legiondary!
Jack Hughes
2014-12-22T22:41:15+0000
Absolutely amazing, ideal for Royal Mile shopping and heading to the castle. Deffo coming back someday 🙂
Becki Wood
2014-06-02T18:40:06+0000
Love love love this place alma and Neil made it even better will miss you guys. Will post pics soon.
Beatriz Casselli
2014-01-12T12:03:48+0000
Excelente pase mi cumpleanos en el hostel marzo 2013 feliz 2014 a todo el staf ... !!!! han dejado un hermoso recuerdo tanto a mis hijos como a mi !read more
Melanie Ni Rhibheargh
2013-10-13T21:08:03+0000
I found a little bit of myself that I never knew I had and that I still treasure in this place.. that thing is made up... of a number of beautiful people, some great parties, and fond memories of breakfast duty!read more
Lisa Brady
2013-09-29T12:36:58+0000
stayed for two nights there, loved it really nice place, and really helpful staff 🙂
