Shared Bathroom Room
- 2 Single beds or 1 Double bed
Hostel · Edinburgh · Edinburgh
Kick Ass Grassmarket
A 4-star adults-only hostel on West Port, a 9-minute walk from the Royal Mile and with the castle close by.
- 9-minute walk to the Royal Mile
- 24-hour reception and security
- Adults-only, no smoking, no pets
8.4
Great
10526 reviews
Booking.com 8.4 · 10526 reviews
About
Kick Ass Grassmarket
Kick Ass Grassmarket sits on West Port, a 9-minute stroll from the Royal Mile, putting the heart of Edinburgh within easy reach. The property is described as a 4-star hostel, and its central address means attractions like the castle are close by. Charlotte Square is about 1 km away and Stockbridge Market roughly 2 km.
The hostel is adults-only and operates a strict no-smoking policy. Guests have access to a shared kitchen, a coffee shop, a snack bar, a bar/lounge area, and a leisure/TV room, plus vending machines and a tour desk for sightseeing help. A safe deposit box, locker room, and luggage storage cover practical needs, and key card access adds an element of security.
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- No pets allowed
- 24-hour security
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
3 reasons to book- Central location near the Royal Mile — A 9-minute walk from the Royal Mile, with the castle close by and Charlotte Square about 1 km away. Guests repeatedly mention the convenience for exploring the city.
- High staff rating — Staff score 9.1 across the board, and many reviews highlight the friendly, helpful team from check-in to check-out.
- Clean facilities and comfortable beds — Guests note clean rooms and bathrooms, comfortable beds, and good-sized lockers. Several reviews specifically praise the modern showers and kitchen.
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Worth weighing
3 to weigh- Noise potential from the lively area — The Grassmarket is known for bars and live music, and some guests mention the bustling atmosphere. Light sleepers might prefer earplugs.
- Shower temperature can be unpredictable — A few guests noted that the water temperature in the showers was inconsistent, which can be a minor inconvenience.
- No curtains in some mixed dorm beds — In mixed shared rooms, some beds lack privacy curtains, unlike the pod beds which have them. This may matter for those seeking a bit more seclusion.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
10 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Heating
- Balcony
4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Heating
12 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Heating
- Balcony
Dormitory Room Female only
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Heating
- Balcony
8 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Heating
- Balcony
Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Heating
- Balcony
6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Heating
- Balcony
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
General
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- 24-hour security
- Adults only
- Luggage storage
- Locker room
- Key card access
Food & Drink
- Coffee shop
- Vending machines
- Shared kitchen
- Restaurant
- Snack bar
- Bar/ Lounge area
Entertainment
- Entertainment
- Leisure/ TV room
- Board games
- Game room
Safety & Services
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Heating
- Dryer
Room Amenities
- Curtains
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 8.4/10 from 10,526 reviews
Booking.com · 8.4 · 10526 reviews
8.4Verified guest“I spent a week here while seeing the city. The rooms were quiet and respectful, which made for a peaceful stay. Staff were very helpful, and the rooms, bathrooms, and common areas were spotless. The location near the castle made it easy to get around. A fantastic experience.”
8.4Verified guest“The location was great.”
8.4Verified guest“The location was fantastic — right in the heart of everything, close to all the landmarks. Staff were friendly and welcoming, rooms clean, and the fast WiFi was a bonus. With multiple bathrooms, there was always one free. The bunk beds were spacious enough for sitting up comfortably. Having laundry on site was a big plus. Minor drawbacks were unpredictable shower water temperature and a lack of bed curtains in mixed rooms, but overall a great stay. I'd recommend it for the unbeatable location and value.”
8.4Verified guest“Well-located, comfortable beds, clean facilities, helpful staff, good bar and coffee areas.”
8.4Verified guest“Great value with cheap drinks and breakfast options. The location is perfect in the lively Grassmarket area, with astonishing views of the castle. Friendly, attentive staff.”
8.4Verified guest“Great city center location. Comfortable bed and nice view from the room. Respectful and quiet roommates. Helpful and friendly staff. Clean rooms, bathrooms, and common areas. Very easy to find.”
04 — Location
Getting around Edinburgh
The property sits in Edinburgh.
Royal Mile: The famous street of historic buildings, shops, and pubs is a 9-minute walk away — easy for exploring the Old Town.
Edinburgh Castle: The castle is close by, and several guests mention views of it from the hostel — worth checking from your room or the bar.
Grassmarket: You're right in the middle of this lively area with bars, restaurants, and live music. Great for evening plans.
2 West Port, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH1 2JA, United Kingdom
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 14:00-23:59
- Check-out
- By 07:00-10:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Property
- 225 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 14:00 to 23:59, and check-out is from 07:00 to 10:00.
Is there parking at the hostel?
No dedicated parking is listed, and given the central location, street parking or public transport may be needed.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed.
Is smoking allowed on site?
No, the hostel is no-smoking throughout.
Is there luggage storage?
Yes, luggage storage is available, and guests mention it as affordable.
Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, the hostel is adults-only.
The bottom line
For an adults-only, central Edinburgh stay with a strong staff and value rating, Kick Ass Grassmarket delivers. Expect a lively location, clean shared facilities, and helpful team — but bring earplugs and be ready for occasional shower quirks.
8.4Based on 10,526 reviews and an 8.4 rating
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