Johnston Terrace Hostel, Old Town

Hostel at 15 Johnston Terrace in Edinburgh's Old Town, with dorm beds from £16 a night.

Overview

Castle Rock Hostel sits at 15 Johnston Terrace in the Old Town, in a building put up in 1846 and converted to a hostel in 1997. By the hostel's own account it is about a minute on foot from Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and the Grassmarket, with the bus, train and airport bus links a stroll away. Waverley station is roughly a 10 minute walk, going by a straight-line estimate. The street itself is relatively quiet, while late-night options sit just around the corner. Guests should expect an uphill walk to reach the door.

This is a dorm-based hostel with a 24 hour reception, free WiFi, free security lockers and free luggage storage. Linen is included, though towels are not; both towels and hairdryers can be hired. There is a guest kitchen with a cooker, fridge, microwave, toaster and utensils, plus laundry facilities, a common room, a lounge, an outdoor terrace and a book exchange. The building is filled with art and character, to the point that some compare it to a gallery. Note that the facilities list marks breakfast as not included, so confirm on the booking page.

Key Facts

Facilities

• Free city maps
• Free WiFi
• Free internet access
• Free security lockers
• Free luggage storage
• Bicycle parking
• Adaptors
• Luggage storage
• 24 hour reception
• Tours and travel desk
• Internet access
• Book exchange
• DVDs
• Board games
• Pool table
• WiFi
• BBQ
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• Kitchen
• Cooker
• Fridgefreezer
• Utensils
• Microwave
• Kettle
• Potsandpans
• Sink
• Stove
• Toaster
• Laundryfacilities
• Recyclingbins
• Hotshowers
• Outdoorterrace
• Lockers
• 24Hoursecurity
• Fireextinguishers
• Firstaidkits
• Smokealarms
• Smokedetector
• Commonroom
• Loungeroom
• Linenincluded
• Readinglight
• Hairdryers
• Towelsnotincluded
• Chargingplugs
• Flexiblenrr
• Towelsforhire
• Breakfastnotincluded
• Hairdryersforhire

Who It Suits

This hostel suits adults travelling alone or in groups, since it offers dorm beds with linen included and a tours and travel desk for onward plans. The location beside the castle suits anyone who wants the Old Town on foot. It is over 18s only, with no children allowed, so families cannot book here. The uphill approach to the door is worth bearing in mind for anyone with heavy luggage.

House Rules

• Key deposit is needed at check in time of either 10 pounds in CASH or any form of photo government ID.
• When booking for 5 or more people, please get in touch with the hostel directly.
• OVER 18's ONLY - NO CHILDREN ALLOWED
• Reception is open 24/7!
• A refundable deposit of either £10 in cash or an ID is required for the keys.

Location

15 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2PW.

See this stay on the map

Waverley Station is about 10 min on foot (straight-line estimate).

• You will need to walk uphill to get here so be warned your legs will feel the burn but it's oh so worth it!

What To Know Before Booking

• Adults Only. The hostel accepts over 18s only and states that no children are allowed.
• Key Deposit. A refundable cash deposit or a photo government ID is required for the keys at check in. The exact cash amount is set out in the house rules.
• Check-In Window. Check in runs from 15:00 to 23:00, with no arrivals accepted before 07:00. Check out is listed as until 10:00, though house rules mention 10:30am, so confirm on the booking page.
• Group Bookings. Bookings for 5 or more people must contact the hostel directly, and the first night's payment is taken as a deposit with the balance due at least a week before arrival.
• Towels And Breakfast. Linen is included but towels are not, though towels and hairdryers can be hired. The facilities list marks breakfast as not included.
• Visitor Levy. Edinburgh's visitor levy is 5% of the bed price before VAT, charged on the first five nights of stays from 24 July 2026.

About This Edinburgh Stay