Belford Hostel is housed within a former church and it is an unusual conversion - the majority of the dorms and rooms lie within a long wooden prefab-type structure that runs the length of the main hall. Others - the ones with external windows - are built into the arches down the side of the hall. I was staying in a six bed dorm in the central structure. It was a small room but it was clean and cosy. My bed was comfortable and my locker was large enough to take my stuff.
I was staying in February and while the dorm and the common room downstairs were warm, the main corridors, toilets and shower room were pretty chilly.
Due to the construction of the dorms, noise travels easily between rooms. It was pretty quiet during my stay but if the hostel is busy and you sleep lightly take earplugs.
The common room and kitchen were clean and well equipped. Good wifi (which worked fine in my dorm room too) plus a TV room, bar, internet terminals and pool table. Outside there is a small BBQ/smoking area. Breakfast - tea and toast - is available at extra charge, as are towels and luggage storage.
Toilets and shower room were spotlessly clean, water was hot and showers were good.
Security is good. Front door has a key panel entry system and reception is manned until 3am. Each dorm has a lock and you get a key ring with both a room key and locker key on it (£10 returnable deposit).
Staff were excellent - really friendly and helpful.
The church has some great original features - stonework, stained glass windows, etc, and it is a very atmospheric place to stay.
The only downside for me was the distance from the city centre. It is a good 20 minute walk from the west end of Princes Street. On a more positive note, however, it is only 10 minutes walk from Haymarket Station for those arriving by train.