Brodies 1 Backpackers Hostel

If you are looking for a backpackers hostel in Edinburgh, Brodies 1 is the place. Brodies 1 is located a few block uphill from Waverley Station on the Royal Mile. It's a small, two story hostel with the reception desk located on the first floor and the rest of the hostel located on the second floor. The hostel is very secure, with a closed circuit camera monitoring the front door and first floor and the use of secure cards to open the door at night. The hostel consist of two co-ed dorm rooms with 16 beds each, a female dorm room with 16 beds, and a dorm room for people who are considered to be longtimers (people who plan on staying for a month or longer). The rooms are large and the bunk beds are quite comfortable and come with sheets and a pillow. If you're a light sleeper, it might be benefit you to get a bed away from the window since it does get noisy on the Royal Mile at night and in the morning.

The rest of the hostel consists of the lounge, which is small and contains a couple of couches and chairs, but no tv. It is a great place to meet some of the other people in the hostel due to the small quarters. There are only two bathrooms in the entire place, one for men and one for women. There are four small showers across from the bathrooms that don't allow for much movement. The good things is that most of the showerheads are new and the water is always hot. There's a nice size kitchen with a stove, oven, refrigerator, and cabinets to put your items. Since many of the backpackers here cook their meals, you may find the kitchen crowded at times. There is a computer for internet access, but since there's only one, it is often occupied. Brodies also provides an laundry service for around 4 quid.

Overall, Brodies might not be the newest or biggest hostel, but the staff are friendly, helpful, and find the time hang-out and get to know the people who are staying. They may even show you around town on their time out if you're lucky. The smaller setting makes it an ideal place to meet fellow traveller from all over the world. Its location on the Royal Mile makes it an idea place to begin the day sightseeing, being only a couple of blocks from Prince Street and Edinburgh Castle, and for going out at night to all of the bars, pubs, and clubs in the area.

— Avis exclusif de Hostelz.com
July 2005