Well... the location is probably the best in Edinburgh, right in the heart of the old town - but that's about the only good thing going for Edinburgh Backpackers. The building itself is interesting and the dorms aren't too bad, but on New Year's Eve 2003-4 the place was full to the brim and the bathrooms suffered accordingly. You felt dirtier after tiptoing over the black grime and wet paper towels all over the floor than if you'd skipped a shower altogether! Also, there was no hot water at 'peak' tmies (ie. when everyone wants to have a shower!) In the depths of the Scottish winter this was just ridiculous. Fair enough, it's a hostel and not a hotel, but come on? No hot water? Won't be going back.

I stayed at this hostel during Summer 2002 and it is tied (with Balmer's) for my favorite place that I stayed. The staff was SO COOL and the vibe was awesome. I arrived at 4am and they let us crash upstairs until 10am when I could get a room. If you get a chance to stop by you should definitley spend some time with Andre.....one of the most colorful characters I met on my whole trip!!!