I came across a bargain rate here for a single room with breakfast which was less than Travelodge so even though it had been a long time since I stayed in a Youth Hostel decided to give it a go.

It's around a 15 minute walk to Princes Street, but is easily located and has a bus stop almost outside.

The Hostel was very quiet, in fact I only saw around 6 different people in the two days I was there, but it was a midweek in January.

Check in was very quick, I was asked for photo ID which is unusual in this country but shows they are concerned about security which I like. I was given a pamphlet with information and rules about the hostel.

My room was on the third floor, it was a rather odd shape but ensuite and I didn't experience any noise but then as I said the hostel was very quiet.

I was a bit dismayed that even though I had booked a private room, I had to pay £2 to rent a towel. This is really quite stingy on the part of SYHA and should be reconsidered. I can't see any reason why this rule is enforced in a private room which you are paying a premium for anyway.

The self catering kitchen was very clean, although I could imagine when the hostel is in full swing could be a bit challenging, especially given that there are only two fridges.

I did take the cooked breakfast option which was reasonable value, but again in true institutional style I was told off for taking cereal as it is only included in the continental option. It must be the same person who introduced the towel charges that decided on that policy I think.

I probably would stay here again if the rate was right. I'm not really a hostel person but do use them occasionally, but I guess as hostel's go it was pretty good if not institutional.

I was absolutely amazed by the quality of this hostel. After staying at some questionable establishments on my trip, I couldn't believe how comfortable, clean and well organised this hostel was. The staff were very helpful and the rooms were fantastic. The bathrooms were very, very clean. The breakfast was also very good, and the staff in the bistro and bar were very attentive. I really can't say a bad thing about this place. I will definitely stay here the next time I am in Edinburgh - I was actually sad to leave knowing that my next hostel probably wouldn't shape up.

The location is a bit further out than some of the hostels around Waverley station, but the extra walking (10mins or so) was definitely worth it. The area around the hostel is quite good to.

This hostel was a good one in terms of location. A stone's throw from the Castle of Edinburgh and the Mile, the shopping area as well as the restaurants, this was invaluable. Also, we never tried the hostel's breakfast, instead we went across the stress for an english breakfast, which was ok.
Wifi was great for our laptops and ipad, the room was spacious (for 4 people), but the bathroom small (for 4 people!). The elevator was a pain and the armchairs and carpet inside the room were filthy. Also the price of the hostel turned out to be the equivalent of a cheap inn in the countryside, so not very happy with the value either.
Again, what was worth the stay was the location!

We are in our late 20s and have been travelling Europe on a number of hotel tours for a number of weeks. We stayed at Edinburgh Central for 3 nights, in what ended up being a premium room (we just thought it was a 2 bed room) and were amazed at the quality. The previous place we had stayed was a well known hotel chain, which we had been bitterly disappointed in. We had medium expectations for the hostel.

The staff are friendly and very helpful in booking day trips and giving ideas on how to spend our time. The self-catering kitchen is very well set up and there are plenty of computers available for use. The room was clean, which is always an important factor! I would certainly suggest this hostel to friends.