I stayed here for a conference. The room was really nice and clean, with a double bed and in every way similar to a hotel. It's in a great location with an easy downhill walk to the Royal Mile although you might want to take a cab back up the hill on the return journey. Great value all round.

We stayed at Pollock Halls during the Fringe Festival and it was the perfect choice - convenient to venues and transportation, clean and spacious, and as a bonus, just steps away from the beautiful Holyrood Park. Staff is extremely helpful, especially considering how many people they process through in August. You can even pick up a phone at the front desk and a taxi will be there in seconds. Dinner is expensive, but the very extensive breakfast is worth it. We will definitely stay here again.

This is not a B&B, not a hostel, not a hotel. It is a University accommodation renting rooms to anybody as soon as rooms are available. I have been at Edinburgh First twice, alone and with my mother (she liked it, and this is to prove that it's not a dirty or noisy environment) and always had a great experience. It is a clean and safe with very good prices (according to Edinburgh's standard).
The breakfast is a must, as it's provided at the University canteen and the choice is huge.

Location: it's not very close to the city center by walk, let's say it's a good 20 min walk or 10 min by bus. HOWEVER the location is stunning and I had a room with view on Arthur's Seat, which is the magnificent volcanic hill dominating Edinburgh. So you are 5 min walk away from a stunning walk on into nature.

Apparently all edinburgh hotels are overpriced during the festival and this is the cheapest/best I could find.

My room resembled a prison cell, except nowadays prison cells come with a tv in their room. Mine diddnt.

Shower was down the hall and luckily was never busy.