Belford Hostel

Belford Hostel is an interesting, albeit very affordable, place to stay in Edinburgh, Scotland, and offers a very different hosteling atmosphere. The hostel is a converted nineteenth century church, giving it a truly unique vibe.

The Location

Belford Hostel is located West End of Edinburgh, in a quieter (and very safe) neighborhood. The hostel sits on the corner and is easy to locate, thanks to the impressive steeple of the church. It takes approximately ten minutes to walk into the very center of Edinburgh, but the walk is easy and lined with many impressive Georgian buildings. Reception is not open at all hours, but each guest is provided with an access code to enter the hostel after the front desk closes.

Rooms and Bathrooms

This hostel offers rooms with anywhere from two to ten beds, while most rooms accommodate four to six travelers in bunk beds. None of the doors to the rooms lock, and the rooms don't have any lockers. The staff at the front desk can hold your small valuables inside a safe at no extra charge, but the rest of your luggage is free game for anyone who might wander by your room during your stay. Rooms are clean and very basic -- and most feature a large, stained-glass window! Linen is provided free of charge, and all beds come with the basic pillow, duvet, and fitted sheet.

The real problem with Belford hostel is the lack of ceilings on the rooms. When the church was converted, walls were set up to form rooms. All rooms are open on the top to the high, vaulted ceiling of the cathedral. While it is a pretty view to wake up to in the mornings, it makes for a very noisy night. Staff have posted signs which request all visitors to remain quiet in the main cathedral room (which is a pain sometimes, like when you have to walk to the basement to use your hair dryer), but noise persists and every word spoken by the large group of teens in the next room reverberates off the ceiling, echoing loudly for all to hear. Earplugs are recommended, as this hostel is not a good choice for a light sleeper.

There are two toilets located on the main floor, right by the entrance to the hostel. With the exception of a few en-suite, private rooms, all travelers share showers located in the basement of the hostel. After descending two floors, you will find four showers and just as many sinks with a large mirror. Across from the showers is a bench for your clothes, and there are hooks next to each shower for your towel. Although it sometimes takes a few moments for the water to heat up, showers remain hot (and on -- you don't have to keep pushing a button every ten seconds in this hostel's showers). Showers and sinks are very clean.

Common Spaces

One floor down from the main room with all of the dormitories is a large common room. Inside are many long tables where people are constantly socializing and hanging out around the television. There is a bar that serves a basic breakfast spread (for a fee) and drinks at night. There is a kitchen available for use. Two computers are also available for a nominal fee. Laundry facilities are available for a fee.

This hostel is in a very quiet part of Edinburgh and has strict policies against any alcohol or drugs. Because of this, the hostel has a very mellow atmosphere, but it is still a very social place. Staff hang out in the common room when not working or at the front desk, so there is always someone to meet and talk to.

Summary

While the hostel is clean and social with an interesting architectural element, the noise factor is always evident. It is difficult to just go back to your room with your travel buddy after a long day in Edinburgh or in the Scottish Highlands and talk about the day, because everyone is supposed to be quiet in the main room. But after being so careful to not disturb others, you're likely to be disturbed by fellow guests coming back late in the night, talking loudly to one another. However, if you sleep like the dead and don't have any issues with the long decent to the showers, Belford Hostel is a very social, friendly, and affordable place to stay in Edinburgh.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
May 2009