Probably the best hostel in the world… The Castle Rock Hostel is located right under the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, with amazing views over the city. Our palatial hostel offers wonderful character, with just the right mix of grandeur and the backpacker vibe!
Located at the very heart of the city, we’re just a short walk away from the bus and train stations, as well as the airport bus, so we’re easy to reach! You’ll find the historic Royal Mile only a minute's walk away, as well as the lively Grassmarket area just down the steps to our side. We're located on a relatively quiet street with the city's wonderful night-life just around the corner, ideal for a fun night out or a cosy night in!
Built in 1846 and made into a backpackers hostel in 1997, we’ve packed the place full of art, antiquity and character. We think you’ll love our bright, sunny and spacious rooms, as well as our facilities including free Wi-Fi, a movie room, our private patio and a fully-equipped kitchen. We offer a vibrant atmosphere, and with a choice of lounges and events every night, there’s plenty of opportunity to kick back and relax or join in the fun with other travellers at the Castle Rock Hostel.
Please email castlerock@macbackpackers.com with any inquiries.
Scottish Owned, Backpacker Run!
Our receptionists offer a friendly welcome and are happy to answer any questions you have about what to do in Edinburgh. As a CastleRocker, you receive discounts on dozens of our favourite local establishments, including cafes, bars and attractions. We’re keen to make sure you have a great experience in our city and make the most of your time in Scotland!
Amenities
24-hour reception
Free wi-fi
Bed-side lockers in all rooms
Security safe for small items of value
Luggage storage
Hot and powerful showers
Unisex bathrooms (with locked cubicles)
Female-only facilities
Large self-catering kitchen
Large main lounge with a pool table, jukebox and free tea, coffee and hot chocolate
Quieter rooms with internet access and workspace
Additional lounges with speakers, musical instruments and plenty of room to kick back and relax
Big screen movie lounge playing both
Scottish and mainstream movies
Sunny and cheery private patio
MacBackpackers Tours of Scotland departing from our front door!
Breakfast for £3
Towel hire
Free hair dryers
Snack shop at reception
Laundry services
Scotland’s Top Hostels
Our Edinburgh-based sister hostels are only a 5 minute walk away. Choose from the small and vibrant Royal Mile Backpackers and the historic High Street Hostel, Edinburgh’s original independent hostel!
We have a range of backpacker hostels throughout the Scottish Highlands and Islands, including a hostel on the banks of Loch Ness! Check them out here.
We also run MacBackpackers award-winning multi-day tours of Scotland, learn about the history, myths and legend of the land, explore the beautiful surroundings and hunt for Nessie! Check them out here
Go green and carbon neutral
Fifteen years ago we bought a 75+ hectare woodland that absorbs more than the CO2 emissions from all our properties in the MacBackpackers hostel chain. We do our best to recycle everything (with your help) and our electricity is all sourced from renewable, non-nuclear suppliers. Stay with us for a great holiday and minimal environmental impact!
Just a wee reminder
No groups of 5 or more, without prior permission from hostel management
No stag/hens. No exceptions.
No under 18s
7 day maximum stay, unless approved by hostel management
Property Name: Castle Rock Hostel
Street Address: 15 Johnston Terrace
City : Edinburgh
Postal Code : EH1 2PW
Phone: 01312259666
Amenities
- Baggage storage
- Laundry service
- Lounge
- Printer
- 24-hour front desk
- Board games / puzzles
- Breakfast, Continental
- Internet
- Lockers
- No Children Allowed
- Non-smoking rooms
Check-in/Check-out Policies
This property has the following check-in and check-out times and policies:
Check-In: 3:00 PM
Check-Out: 10:30 AM
Property and Cancelation Policies :
Cancellations made over 48 hours prior to check-in (3pm) on the day of arrival are subject to a 90% refund (this includes a 10% cancellation fee).
Cancellations made within 48 hours of check-in may be subject to a partial refund minus a cancellation fee up to the balance of the those two nights.
If you do not show up for your booking, your booking will be cancelled in full and you will be charged a cancellation fee up to the balance of the first two nights of the booking, unless you contact us directly to notify us of your late arrival.
Seasonal Cancellation Policy (applies only in August & from 30th December to 2nd January)
Cancellations made over 7 days prior to check-in (3pm) on the date of arrival are subject to a 90% refund (this includes a 10% cancellation fee).
Cancellations made within 7 days of check-in may be subject to a cancellation fee up to the balance of the first two nights of the booking.
If you do not show up on the start date of your booking, your booking will be cancelled in full and you will be charged a cancellation fee up to the balance of the first two nights of the booking, unless you contact us directly to notify us of your late arrival.
Terms and Conditions
Check-in is from 3pm to 11pm. Don't worry if your arrival time is after 11pm, please just give us a heads up by giving us a call or email and we'll get you checked in when you arrive.
No under 18s. We operate this policy for the safety and comfort of all guests, please note that some activities and the lifestyle in our hostels are not appropriate for children under 18.
No stag/hen parties allowed, no exceptions.
Groups of 5 or more must contact us directly prior to making a reservation, this includes individual reservations up to and over 5 guests. We reserve the right to cancel any unauthorised group booking, including individual bookings made as part of a larger group. In such instances, you will be charged in full, no refund applies.
7 night maximum stay, bookings over this must be approved by hostel management
Please note all rooms are accessed by stairs and we do not have a lift. Should you have any questions regarding accessibility, please contact us at castlerock@macbackpackers.com. We do not have car parking facilities. Please note that all rooms, including our private double rooms have shared bathroom facilities. Any damage done to the building or premises may incur cleaning and refurbishment fees up to £100, at the discretion of the management. We reserve the right to charge £10 per guest should they miss check out time by one hour, or the cost of a full night if not checked out by 14:00. This will be charged to the card on file.
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