Globetrotter Inn Edinburgh

This hostel was perfect for what we wanted but may not be to everyone's desires. It is quite a way out of the city centre and although the hostel provides a reasonably priced minibus shuttle service it is often full if you dont get to it early enough and it doesnt run often enough. This didnt bother us too much as it meant it was easier to get to and away from by car (it has plenty of free parking). The views are quite nice as well from the hostel rooms across the sea which you wouldn't get from a city centre hostel and there are free very large lockers for each person in the rooms. There is a free (ableit miserable one) breakfast before 9.30am and the rooms and showers were very clean and useable. The bar was very expensive though for drinks but the bar food prices reasonable.

Directions: Forth of Nirth

We stayed at the Globetrotter for 2 nights, and had a wondeful time. The place is clean, well maintained, has a very cool bar, internet facilities, shop, small-ish dining room, and kitchen. For only £18 a night, including breakfast, it was a great deal for us. And the parking lot outside is also very popular.

Unique Quality: As its on the outskirts of Edinburgh, a shuttle bus departs from the hostel every hour, and likewise from the center of town. The staff at the hostel are excellent, and are prepared to answer any questions you need to ask. The views are pretty good from most of the rooms, buut the best thing is the large lawn leading down to the Loch, perfect for chilling out.

Directions: Crammond, which is kinda North West of the city center.

I would recommend other people to stay here, I would go back next time I'm in Edinburgh

Unique Quality: In a very quiet area, the hostel sits by itself overlooking the Firth of Fourth. You can't really moan about these kind of views from your room, can you?

Described on its website as 4-star I wouldn't say it was THAT plush but it was comfortable enough.

The room we were in was a 6 bed dorm with allocated lockers, and each bed has its own light and a curtain round it which I thought was a good idea. The only downside was that the bathroom/shower room was a fair trek down the corridor but they were very clean so no complaints about that!

A continental breakfast was included for £15 a night. They also have 8 and 4 bed dorms plus twins and singles with ensuite facilities although these are bound to cost slightly more.

Unique Quality: The hostel is situated on the edge of the city but we choose it because it had parking which most of the city centre ones don't. Also it was easier to get to by car as we didn't have to drive into the busy city centre.

The hostel run an hourly shuttle bus from the hostel to Waverly Bridge and back for £1 per day. It only takes 15-20mins as obviously it doesn't stop everywhere like the Lothian buses! The last bus is at 11pm from Waverly.

The hostel also has a 24 hour bar, although it closes if its quiet, with nightly promotions such as free pool etc. Kitchen facilities looked good and they even do your dishes for you between 7am and 11pm! I've never seen that in a hostel before but certainly wouldn't be complaining!!

The building used to be a hotel and still has the leisure facilities - with a gym, weight room, jacuzzi and saunas etc. I think it was £2.50 per day for hostel residents.

Directions: close to Cramond shore

Decided to go for a hostel double room rather than hotel. Why? Because it worked out cheaper, and you get just the same, if not better facilities that what you do with a hotel. The rooms are great, with own private bathroom (unusual for most hostels these days) and TV in the room.

Kitchen with a shop attached so you can buy your food to cook and eat yourself if you dont want to go out and eat. Cooked breakfasts offered aswell.

Gym and sauna (quite small, but still a great bonus!)

FREE shuttle bus service to the city centre because its about 15 mins away, every hour. Saves ££ on taxi journeys!

Bar which can be open 24 hours (depending if busy enough) and cheaper drinks than city centre.

Location is stunning, overlooking the water, and grassland.

Staff are very friendly and always willing to answer questions, despite probably being asked the same things every day! Aussie/Candian and South African staff working there when I stayed, which just adds to the friendliness and diversity of the place.

Airport pickups at £3 per person (at time of writing)

This hostel is something special, and I would highly recommend it.

Unique Quality: The quiet location, and stunning views over the water.

Free shuttle service to the city centre