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Hostel · Edinburgh · Edinburgh

The Baxter Hostel

A central, friendly hostel just off Princes Street with a cooked breakfast and a warm atmosphere.

  • 8-minute walk to The Robertson Mausoleum Parish Church
  • Breakfast included with made-to-order scrambled eggs
  • 24-hour reception and free Wi-Fi in public areas
7.9 Very good 3522 reviews Booking.com 7.9 · 3522 reviews

About

The Baxter Hostel

The Baxter Hostel sits on West Register Street, a short walk from Waverley Station and Princes Street. It's a 3-star property that keeps things simple: free Wi-Fi in public areas, a 24-hour reception, and a non-smoking policy throughout. The location puts you right in the middle of Edinburgh's Old and New Town, within easy reach of the main sights and transport links.

The hostel has a welcoming, cosy feel, with a shared kitchen and lounge designed for relaxing and meeting other travellers. Breakfast is included and consistently praised — guests mention fresh scrambled eggs, toast, cereal, and unlimited tea and coffee. Staff are regularly highlighted for being friendly and helpful, and the property is kept clean and well maintained.

  • Non-smoking property
  • Free internet access
  • 24-hour reception

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

4 reasons to book
  • Central location near Waverley Station — Guests consistently praise the position — right off Princes Street and a short walk from the railway station, making it easy to explore the city on foot or by train.
  • Cooked breakfast included — Breakfast is a recurring highlight: fresh scrambled eggs, toast, cereal, and unlimited tea and coffee. The made-to-order eggs are mentioned repeatedly as a standout.
  • Friendly and helpful staff — Guests describe the staff as welcoming, accommodating, and always ready to help — from storing bags before check-in to offering local recommendations.
  • Clean and well-maintained property — Reviewers often note the hostel is clean, with tidy bathrooms and comfortable dorms. The modern, stylish decor also gets positive mentions.
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Worth weighing

4 to weigh
  • Entry via a narrow alley — One guest mentioned the entrance is down a 'sketchy looking alleyway,' which could feel off-putting at night, though they noted the location itself was convenient.
  • Check-in window ends at 23:59 — The official check-in time runs from 15:00 until 23:59. If you arrive later than that, you may need to arrange alternative plans, which could be inconvenient for late-night arrivals.
  • No pets allowed — The property has a strict no-pets policy, so if you're travelling with an animal, this isn't the place.
  • No on-site parking listed — There's no mention of parking facilities. Given the central location, you'll likely need to rely on public transport or paid city parking, which can add to the cost.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

Essential

  • Non-smoking property
  • Free internet access
  • 24-hour reception

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

7.9
Very good 3522 reviews

Guest-rated 7.9/10 from 3,522 reviews

Booking.com · 7.9 · 3522 reviews
7.9Verified guest

“The beds in the female dorm were really comfortable and cozy, with personal lamps and plenty of sockets. Breakfast was fresh with a good choice of cereals, milk, and juice. The location was perfect, close to everything we wanted to visit.”

7.9Verified guest

“Convenient location near the main street. Great service and a cozy atmosphere. Impressive breakfast with fresh scrambled eggs and toasties. Comfy beds and secure entry. Fast Wi-Fi and friendly staff.”

7.9Verified guest

“Great location near Princes Street. Staff were friendly and let us drop off bags before check-in. The hostel was clean and well-maintained with lovely decor. Breakfast was fresh and tasty, with made-to-order scrambled eggs. Staff gave helpful recommendations for attractions and bars. Lockers were big enough for carry-on luggage and more.”

7.9Verified guest

“My stay at Baxter was exceptional, even better than my previous experience in Edinburgh. Staff were kind and helpful, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The central location made exploring the city easy. A delicious continental breakfast was offered, perfect to start the day.”

7.9Verified guest

“Perfectly located right off Princes Street, so you're in the middle of everything. You can easily walk to all the attractions in the area, and it's very close to the railway station. Staff are extremely friendly and helpful, and facilities are always clean. Beds are comfortable, and breakfast is simple but satisfying.”

7.9Verified guest

“Fantastic stay in the heart of town. Location was perfect, right across from the train station and in the very center. Staff were friendly with 24-hour reception. Cleanliness was great, with warm dorms and hot showers. The kitchen and common area were cute, a great place to meet people. Breakfast was excellent with freshly cooked scrambled eggs, toast, cereal, and unlimited tea and coffee. Best hostel we stayed at during our Europe trip.”

04 — Location

Getting around Edinburgh

The property sits in Edinburgh.

Getting around: The hostel is just a short walk from Waverley Station, making it easy to arrive by train and explore the city on foot. Princes Street is right there, and many of Edinburgh's main attractions are within walking distance.

Nearby essentials: A laundry shop is two streets away, handy for longer trips. The central location means supermarkets, cafes, and shops are all close by.

5/2 West Register Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH2 2AA, United Kingdom

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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 15:00-23:59
Check-out
By 01:00-10:00
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
6 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in runs from 15:00 to 23:59. Check-out is between 01:00 and 10:00.

Does the hostel provide breakfast?

Yes, breakfast is included. Guests often praise the scrambled eggs, toast, cereal, and unlimited tea and coffee.

Is parking available?

The property does not list any parking facilities. The central location near Waverley Station means public transport is a convenient option.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed at The Baxter Hostel.

Is there Wi-Fi?

Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas, and guests have noted fast connection speeds.

Can I leave my luggage before check-in?

Yes, based on guest reviews, the staff are happy to store bags before check-in.

Nearby

Other top-rated stays in Edinburgh

Want a different style or budget? Here are more highly-rated options in the area.

8.1

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7.4

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6.2

Cosy Single Room

Guest-rated 6.2/10 — among the top stays in Edinburgh.

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8.3

Newington

Guest-rated 8.3/10 — among the top stays in Edinburgh.

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The bottom line

The Baxter Hostel is a solid choice for travellers who want to be in the thick of Edinburgh — right next to Waverley Station and Princes Street — with a welcoming atmosphere and a breakfast that actually delivers. The staff and central location are standout strengths, and while the alleyway entrance and late check-in are minor drawbacks, the consistently positive reviews suggest this is a reliably good stay.

7.9A central, friendly hostel with a breakfast worth waking up for.

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