I have just returned from a 9-night stay at the Globetrotter with a party of 52 for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The hostel is in a beautiful location - just on the coast of Crammond and walking/jogging in the morning along the sea front is revitalising.

The 42 bus takes you direct to Hanover Street, and stops right outside the hostel on your return. (I would advise that young people did not seek out the nightlife in the nearby towns (Muirhouse is of "Trainspotting" fame), but instead go into edinburgh (30 mins) and take the night bus to the stop around the corner from the hostel...the day bus stops right outside). Bus travel is extremely cheap - £2.50 per day or per night, unlimited - but we bought visitor's packs from the Lothian busses office which worked out cheaper - 28 day tickets in each pack.

Although at first we were worried there wasn't enough for the students to do - there is a TV room, DVD movie room, small internet cafe and communal dining room to hang out in - but perhaps missing some sort of games room - we found a football pitch across the golf course which was excellent.

The beds were extremely comfortable, and although the staff had the "luxury" of an ensuite, the communal shower rooms are still nonetheless clean and safe.

Bins are emptied daily, and should you need new sheets, reception provide them. There is also a laundry.

As a group we had dinner (excellent set meals that were home cooked and very tasty!) provided for us in a private dining room which was perfect for our purposes, and breakfast in the main kitchen (where you could also cook if you wished) was friendly and filling - continental - toast, cereal, tea/coffee. We also ordered packed lunches which were ready every morning before we took the bus into town. There was also a bar where the staff could unwind - no under 18's allowed.

Although the cash card (you put money onto your key card) took a bit of getting used it, it was actually really convenient in the long run, and any money left on the card on check-out was refunded.

The staff were friendly and welcoming and played a large part in helping the trip run like clockwork. We would definately stay there again, and could not recommend the Gloebtrotter more for excellent value for money - actually it's probably better than some hotels I've stayed in.

My boyfriend and I stayed here from July 13-16 and were extremely pleased with everything! Although it’s a bit out of the way, this hostel is right on the water, in what used to be a hotel. It has lots of double rooms with en-suite bathrooms (this is what we stayed in) as well as a restaurant/bar, convenience store, laundry, large kitchen, internet room, and mini movie theatre! It really is completely self-sufficient. They don’t allow you to pay for anything with money however, you must put cash onto a card, and you use it like a university meal card at the retail outlets. There are shuttles into the city, which, if you’re trying to get to the hostel for the first time, get some information on! We tried taking the bus and ended up walking in the completely wrong direction. Fortunately a very nice man came to our rescue and when we asked for directions, drove us (in the pouring rain) to the hostel. With hotels in the UK being so expensive (especially for us Canadians!) a place like the Globetrotter Inn, where you can have your own room for relatively inexpensive is really wonderful!

We stayed here for three nights as a couple in a private room. The room was great and we had an awesome view onto the beautiful grounds. Breakfast was included but very limited. Noise was reasonable although it gets a bit rowdy in the bar downstairs. We avoided the bar as we got a bad vibe as it is packed full of blokes (no women) who stay up partying till the wee hours. Staff were friendly and helpful. Laundry facilities are on the premises but it took us three hours to get ours done due to other inconsiderate people staying in the hostel. The main problem with the hostel is the location. A shuttle bus service is provided to the city but it adds to the cost and it is a bit of an inconvenience.

There's not much I can say about the Globetrotter Inn that hasn't already been said. Its in a beautiful location on the Firth of Fourth and when the weather (and fog) cooperates, the view is excellent. Its out of town but getting there and back isn't too much of a problem. The city buses come regularly (check the schedule by the check-in desk) and the hostel operates a van service to the downtown (get to the pick-up and drop-off locations early to avoid being disappointed - the van/s fill up quickly.)

We had a double room for 3 nights which had its own bathroom (a huge plus) and a small TV. It was simple, relatively clean and had a view of the water. I believe all the twin and double rooms are on the top floor. The difference is that most twin rooms face the parking lot and most doubles face the water.

Money saving tip - buy some groceries at Sainsbury's in the city and prepare some simple meals in the kitchen. There's lots of space and the staff do the washing up.