The Hostelz.com Review
Princes Street East Backpackers exemplifies the type of backpackers for those who wouldn't dare stay in one due to their of dark halls filled with drug addicts and unsanitary living conditions. Although the addicts aren't seen in the halls, they definitely are a part of designing the artwork on the walls -- weird cartoon characters appear on every wall in the multi-level, dilapidated building.
Having said that, Princes Street Backpackers definitely has an appeal to those who are looking for a cheap night in an out-of-the-ordinary place in a convenient location. But don't be surprised if you can't find it on Princes Street (one of the main roads in Edinburgh filled with upmarket shopping and exclusive hotels). It seems to be in a more appropriate place down a small alleyway between Princes Street and the bus station (one entrance to West Register Street is next to the Burger King on Princes Street). You will need to have some training (and light luggage) before attempting to climb the seventy-five stairs to get to the reception, plus a few more to get to the dorms.
Although it there weren't smokers around when we stayed, we are told that smoking is unfortunately allowed inside the hostel. So if one inconsiderate backpacker decides to light up inside, everyone has to deal with breathing their smoke. Hopefully they'll ban smoking inside, which both nonsmokers and (most) smokers would appreciate.
The bathrooms leave something to be desired in cleanliness and privacy, with shower curtains that barely cover the mixed-sex shower cubicles which can be an issue if you're modest about that sort of thing. The kitchen area is, however, well equipped with signs posted to encourage guests to clean up after themselves. Adjacent to the kitchen is the common area, which consists of tables and chairs and a few games. The reception has a little shop with snacks, drinks, and breakfast items so you don't need to make the climb for such necessities. Pamphlets, maps, and other information are also available. It has the potential to be a crazy, fun place when there's a few people around and if you are open-minded.
Having said that, Princes Street Backpackers definitely has an appeal to those who are looking for a cheap night in an out-of-the-ordinary place in a convenient location. But don't be surprised if you can't find it on Princes Street (one of the main roads in Edinburgh filled with upmarket shopping and exclusive hotels). It seems to be in a more appropriate place down a small alleyway between Princes Street and the bus station (one entrance to West Register Street is next to the Burger King on Princes Street). You will need to have some training (and light luggage) before attempting to climb the seventy-five stairs to get to the reception, plus a few more to get to the dorms.
Although it there weren't smokers around when we stayed, we are told that smoking is unfortunately allowed inside the hostel. So if one inconsiderate backpacker decides to light up inside, everyone has to deal with breathing their smoke. Hopefully they'll ban smoking inside, which both nonsmokers and (most) smokers would appreciate.
The bathrooms leave something to be desired in cleanliness and privacy, with shower curtains that barely cover the mixed-sex shower cubicles which can be an issue if you're modest about that sort of thing. The kitchen area is, however, well equipped with signs posted to encourage guests to clean up after themselves. Adjacent to the kitchen is the common area, which consists of tables and chairs and a few games. The reception has a little shop with snacks, drinks, and breakfast items so you don't need to make the climb for such necessities. Pamphlets, maps, and other information are also available. It has the potential to be a crazy, fun place when there's a few people around and if you are open-minded.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
May 2007
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Princes Street East Backpackers Details
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Princes Street East Backpackers Reviews on Other WebsitesHostelz.com Guest Reviews
Friendly and good staff for a great service provided! The welcome is very nice and the rooms are vey clean and original: there is a special and friendly atmosphere in this youth hostel! All the beds are new, clean and pretty comfortable. Very nice and cheap place to stay in Edinburgh! I forgot my laptop there and the team did as much as possible to return it very fast. 2 days later, I had my computer at home! Very very good staff! — Anonymous , France (2011-05-04) I would never stay there again! It's the worst hostel I've ever stayed. I stayed there 2008. The Rooms are small, the upper bunks didn't have a ladder to go up. It's noisy and quite dirty and really dingy! If you like to meet drunken people in the afternoon then stay here, otherwise look for another hostel! The only good thing about it is the location. It's really just behind the Princes Street, not far from the train-station and all the buses. But don't forget the seventy-five steps up to the hostel and at least ten more to the rooms! — Petra , Germany (2009-08-20) I miss this place! I spent about a month here from February to March 08 before coming down to London. Ok, so the building is rundown? So what? It had the best atmosphere of anywhere I've stayed. Obviously can't comment on what the short termers were thinking but as a long termer it was a great crowd. The kitchen utensils needed replacing but it was clean. Definitely no frills, cheap and cheerful and I miss it! Probably can't beat the location either, 5 minutes from Waverley Station and this place never actually closes! — Ade , UK (2008-04-13) Great location but very rundown and dirty This place could not have had a better location! So close to everything! I would have to say that this place is very rundown though, and for the price you pay for a double room, you could almost have a hotel room. The bed was sagging! Security was a worry as the cleaners would enter the room and leave it unlocked afterward, even if you weren't there! The showers left something to be desired, with only a curtain between my nakedness and other males. Was made to feel a bit like I was trespassing by the long term residents, felt very unwelcome in the common rooms, and in the kitchens. Obviously the residents are all very close, but it feels as though this is more of a lodging house with a backpackers on the side. There was a foozball table advertised, this was nowhere to be found. This place certainly did have character though -- loved all of the art. and I cant say enough about the location. not sure I'd stay there again though as it was pretty dirty! — Bex , New Zealand (2007-10-04) Possibly one of the best hostels ever, with a very homely atmosphere and a fantastic crowd. — Mo Trawally (2005-04-15) This is a very cool hostel, except for the loud music on at reception late at night. Staying on the first floor, we paid for a double room and couldn't sleep. That's NOT on, guys!!! — Bothered (2005-03-21) This is a smoker's hostel. A friendly, laid-back, party hostel to be sure, but nevertheless a smoker's hostel. Smoking is permitted in all hostel common rooms (reception, kitchen, and all lounges). — Anonymous (2004-09-19) This place had beautiful murals, an excellent location, and a great staff, but the room did not have a door lock, and so strange men could, and did, come in during the night. As a single female traveller, this was a major drawback for me, and no amount of great atmosphere makes up for a door that cannot be locked. I didn't mind sharing the room with the four other people who were supposed to be there, they were cool people, but the stranger who wandered in during the night was not so great. — M. (2004-06-14) Had a blast everyday. The place was a wee bit dodgy just like the people staying there. It was close to all things important...Snax, sleazy bars, dark alleyways, and a good view of the large clock. What it lacks in class, it makes it up with in attitude! — kiwi Josh (2004-05-30) The furniture was dodgy and the facilites were manky. However the staff are good and it is big so you'll meet lots of people. A big plus point is the decoration which has to be seen to be believed!!! All in all I would say it's okay, but a bit expensive for what you get. It does have good long-term rates though. — Anonymous (2003-08-18)