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From38US$ /night
Check-in
13Dec2025Select date
Check-out
14Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

37-39 Cowgate, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1JR
-
In the heart of Old Town
Perfect
8.1
8.5
/10
3.9
/5

Location

Kick Ass Greyfriars is situated in Grassmarket, Edinburgh, right below the iconic Edinburgh Castle. This location provides guests with a quick walking distance to major attractions such as the Royal Mile and Greyfriars Kirkyard. Local shops, eateries, and cultural experiences are all easily accessible from the hotel.

Rooms

Kick Ass Greyfriars offers a variety of accommodation options tailored to the adult traveler. Private double and twin rooms come complete with comfy beds and en-suite bathrooms, perfect for relaxation after a day of exploring. The hostel also features spacious dormitory-style rooms equipped with personal outlets and secure lockers for convenience.

Dining

The hotel includes the Kick Ass Café & Bar, which serves a range of meals and beverages daily. Guests can enjoy their drinks in the beer garden, providing spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle. This space encourages socializing making it a great place to meet fellow travelers.

Entertainment

Kick Ass Greyfriars hosts several evening events that allow guests to engage with one another. The common room offers a Netflix-enabled TV for evenings in, along with a pool table for entertainment. Daily free guided tours are available to help guests explore the history and charm of Edinburgh.

Security and Amenities

The hotel provides security through 24-hour reception, CCTV monitoring, and key card access for guest rooms. Guests can utilize secure luggage storage options for a nominal fee, making it convenient for arrivals or departures. Each bathroom is designed with individual, lockable stalls for added privacy during shared use.

Highlights

Location: Stone's throw from Edinburgh Castle

Rooms: Private double and twin rooms available

Dining: Kick Ass Café & Bar with beer garden

Entertainment: Daily free guided tours

Must-do experiences

  • Discover the history at the Real Mary King's Close underground tour.
  • Savor haggis at The Scotch Whisky Experience for true local flavor.
  • Stroll through the serene Princes Street Gardens, perfect for photos.
  • Visit the hidden Surgeons' Hall Museums for fascinating medical history.
  • Enjoy live music at The Bongo Club, a local favorite for nightlife.
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Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
Bed 4-Bed Dormitory Room
2 persons
25 m² 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Bed 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room
2 persons
25 m² 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Bed 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
2 persons
30 m² 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Bed 12-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
2 persons
32 m² 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
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Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Adults only
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Billiard tables

Guest Parking

  • Dryer

Services

  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Business

  • Business centre

Children

  • Board games
  • Game room

Spa & Leisure

  • Live entertainment
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Trouser press

Self-catering

  • Dryer
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Location

37-39 Cowgate, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1JR
Map view
37-39 Cowgate, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1JR
Nearby
Museum
National Museum of Scotland
440 m
Royal Mile
Royal Mile
440 m
High Street 2 Warriston's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
440 m
Church
St Giles' Cathedral
440 m
Store
Edinburgh Old Town
440 m
Monument
Scott Monument
440 m
Museum
The Writers' Museum
440 m
Museum
Gladstone's Land
440 m
Nicolson Street
Surgeons' Hall Museums
440 m
Museum
Museum of Childhood
440 m
Museum
John Knox House
440 m
2 Chalmers Close High Street (opposite Museum of Childhood on Royal Mile)
Brass Rubbing Centre
440 m
53 Princes Street
Princes Street
440 m
Cemetery
The Robertson Mausoleum
440 m
Church
Mercat Cross
380 m
Gallery
City Art Centre
440 m
Restaurants
Oink
180 m
34 Victoria Street 82 Canongate
Deacon's House Cafe
320 m
304 Lawnmarket Brodies Close
Let Me Eat Too
50 m
7 Cowgatehead Grassmarket
The Bow Bar
170 m
80 West Bow
Uncle's Fish & Chips
340 m
52 George IV Bridge
The Deli Global
350 m
13 George IV Bridge
Castle Rock Chip Shop
110 m
Rock Chip Shop 87 Grassmarket In Between Greyfriars Kirkyard & The Scotch Whisky Experience
Over Langshaw Farmhouse
100 m
The Grassmarket Old Town
Graze On Grassmarket
140 m
67 Grassmarket
Pizza Paradise
250 m
4-6 South Bridge EH1 1LL
Angus Fling
270 m
27 George IV Bridge
Explore Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh Near Kick Ass Greyfriars
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
National Museum of Scotland
6 minutes' walk
A treasure trove of Scottish history and culture, featuring interactive exhibits and stunning architecture for all ages.
Edinburgh Castle
13 minutes' walk
Historic fortress with panoramic views, iconic stone buildings, and the Crown Jewels of Scotland. A must-see landmark.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
20 minutes' walk
The official residence of the monarch in Scotland, showcasing beautiful gardens and rich royal history.
Scottish National Gallery
13 minutes' walk
Home to a remarkable collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 19th century, including works by Van Gogh.
Arthur's Seat hike
30 minutes' walk
A challenging yet rewarding hike offering stunning views of Edinburgh and its surroundings. Perfect for adventure lovers.
Relaxation at The Meadows
14 minutes' walk
A serene park ideal for leisurely walks, picnics, or simply unwinding amidst nature in the heart of the city.
Oink
3 minutes' walk
Casual eatery known for its succulent hog roasts and hearty sandwiches. Great for a quick, delicious bite.
Deacon's House Cafe
4 minutes' walk
Charming cafe serving traditional Scottish dishes with a modern twist. Perfect for a cozy meal or afternoon tea.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
13 minutes' walk
Engaging tours showcasing Scotland's whisky heritage with samplings. A memorable experience for enthusiasts and novices alike.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
13 minutes' walk
A whimsical attraction filled with interactive and optical illusions, ideal for families and those seeking fun.
Getting around the city
City Centre
Edinburgh6 min  ·  500 m
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)21 min  ·  13.7 km
Dundee Airport (DND)146 min  ·  97.3 km
Train
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station8 min  ·  600 m
Bus
Bus stop2 min  ·  100 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP5 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
Spanish, Italian, Arabic
Number of rooms:
184
Former name
Budget Backpackers Hostel
FAQs
About Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
What time is breakfast served at Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 5 GBP.
How far is Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only) from Edinburgh Airport?
The hotel is located 10 km from Edinburgh Airport.
What are the nearby attractions to Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)?
Nearby attractions include Edinburgh Castle (1 km), National Museum of Scotland (400 m), and the University of Edinburgh (800 m).
What facilities are available at Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)?
The hotel features a shared lounge, terrace, bar, game room, and a communal kitchen.
What languages do the staff speak at Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)?
Staff members speak Arabic, English, Spanish, and Italian.
Is Wi-Fi available at Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Is there a bar or dining option at Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)?
The hotel offers a bar and a snack bar, along with access to nearby restaurants such as Makars Gourmet Mash Bar (0.5 km).
What room amenities can I find at Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)?
Rooms are fitted with bed linen and access to shared bathrooms.
What entertainment options are available at Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)?
Guests can enjoy billiards, movie nights, pub crawls, and themed quizzes.
How can I plan activities during my stay at Kick Ass Greyfriars (Adults Only)?
The 24-hour front desk can assist with planning activities and tours.

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