The Hostelz.com Review
Argyle Backpackers is not your typical hostel -- situated in two conjoined townhouses, it has more of a cosy B&B vibe, making it feel like you are staying in someone's house. Rather than housing just your usual young travelers, many older people and families also stay here.The vibe is relaxed and fairly quiet -- definitely not a party hostel. Reception is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and there is a lockout from noon to 2 p.m. for cleaning. Don't turn up at this time, as you'll be made to feel very unwelcome by the not-so-friendly staff!
The Location
Located in pretty Marchmont, the hostel is an easy twenty-five-minute walk from the town centre, via the scenic Meadows park. Otherwise the number 41 bus from Waverley train station passes right by, and is only a ten-minute ride.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The hostel is made up of double rooms and dorms -- the dorms are kept small (four beds maximum) and are mixed. They are immaculately clean and well presented, with bedside tables, drawers, lockers, a TV, and sink included in the rooms. The bunk beds are comfy but quite creaky! There are two bathrooms on each floor, and just like a house, you may have to wait around until the bathrooms are finally vacant! This is especially annoying when you have to use the toilet, as the shower/bath area is combined with the toilet in the downstairs bathrooms. Bathrooms are reasonably clean (despite the clutter of toiletries) and showers are fairly simple to use once you get a hang of the switches.
Common Spaces
There are two kitchens on either side of the building, and both are spacious and modern with self-catering facilties (ovens, microwaves, fridges/freezers). Free tea and coffee is provided but no food is -- there is a local Sainsbury's supermarket just past the park and many nearby fruit shops to buy food. The outdoor courtyard is pretty and well-kept -- on the days not raining (in Edinburgh - pretty rare!) it is great to kick back in and enjoy this lovely garden. There is a TV/Internet room, with four for-pay computer terminals, and a large screen television. Unfortunately this room is only open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Summary
Argyle Backpackers is not the place to stay if you want a wild time, but if you are after a relaxed home away from home feel, this suits well. It is a clean and comfy place to rest, and the travelers who pass through are friendly and interesting. The only drawback are the staff, who unfortunately are not very hospitable, are hard to locate even during reception hours, and seem hesitant to answer simple enquiries.
The Location
Located in pretty Marchmont, the hostel is an easy twenty-five-minute walk from the town centre, via the scenic Meadows park. Otherwise the number 41 bus from Waverley train station passes right by, and is only a ten-minute ride.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The hostel is made up of double rooms and dorms -- the dorms are kept small (four beds maximum) and are mixed. They are immaculately clean and well presented, with bedside tables, drawers, lockers, a TV, and sink included in the rooms. The bunk beds are comfy but quite creaky! There are two bathrooms on each floor, and just like a house, you may have to wait around until the bathrooms are finally vacant! This is especially annoying when you have to use the toilet, as the shower/bath area is combined with the toilet in the downstairs bathrooms. Bathrooms are reasonably clean (despite the clutter of toiletries) and showers are fairly simple to use once you get a hang of the switches.
Common Spaces
There are two kitchens on either side of the building, and both are spacious and modern with self-catering facilties (ovens, microwaves, fridges/freezers). Free tea and coffee is provided but no food is -- there is a local Sainsbury's supermarket just past the park and many nearby fruit shops to buy food. The outdoor courtyard is pretty and well-kept -- on the days not raining (in Edinburgh - pretty rare!) it is great to kick back in and enjoy this lovely garden. There is a TV/Internet room, with four for-pay computer terminals, and a large screen television. Unfortunately this room is only open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Summary
Argyle Backpackers is not the place to stay if you want a wild time, but if you are after a relaxed home away from home feel, this suits well. It is a clean and comfy place to rest, and the travelers who pass through are friendly and interesting. The only drawback are the staff, who unfortunately are not very hospitable, are hard to locate even during reception hours, and seem hesitant to answer simple enquiries.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
July 2009
Their Description
Argyle Backpackers Details
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Argyle Backpackers Reviews on Other WebsitesHostelz.com Guest Reviews
Satisfactory Reasonable hostel. Well located in a nice area but a bit far from the city centre in comparison with other hostels. The owner was slightly pedantic and rude -- and then deleted my review from a booking website when he decided he didn't like it -- so I'm re-posting it on this. Essentially it's an apartment turned into a hostel. Not terrible but not crash hot either -- given the competition in Edinburgh I'd stay somewhere closer to the city. — John , Australia (2011-09-18) The Shower I took the bus from London to Edinburgh which has probably skewed my thoughts, however, the shower on the first floor on 4 Argyle place is the best shower I have had in ages! This sounds weird, I know, but just try it! — Guy Cook , New Zealand (2011-06-05) Nice, quiet, clean hotel If you're looking for a quiet, comfortable place to rest after a hard day of touring and socializing, this is the place to go. I stayed here for four nights in December, and it was great. The rooms and bathrooms were pretty clean, and there was hot water available at all times of the day. Although it is situated a little outside of town, the setting is beautiful (right next to the Meadows Park), and it's only a five- to ten-minute walk to the Royal mile. Would stay here again when I'm next in Edinburgh. — Si , South African (2009-01-21) Great spot, friendly atmosphere, well equipped, and warm showers! A very friendly place, with an atmosphere that's almost family-like. Guests are usually either longer term stayers or genuine travelers (rather than all-night clubbers and pissheads), and everyone mixes well together. Located just across The Meadows from the town centre, it's an easy walk. It's quiet enough to get a decent sleep. Shops across the road and around the corner are very handy.
For those inclined to go for a run or longish walk, Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park are right nearby and are clearly visible (on an nice day!) from the Meadows.
If you drive there, parking is available on the nearby streets, metered and restricted from weekdays during the day, free at nights and weekends. — andrew , Australia (2007-08-08) Great! We spent a really nice week in this wonderful place. Clean rooms, familiar atmosphere, really great staff! Interesting stores for self catering just close by. The hostel is not in the city but walking from the hostel to the royal mile/city is really possible. Next time in Edinburgh I will for sure return. — Barbara , Germany (2007-06-18) Easy to get to on the bus and much quieter than the city center hostels! — Anonymous (2003-09-08) Good staff, great people, just a walk from the center. Great! — Hendrik (2003-08-11)