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Hostel · Edinburgh · Edinburgh

Belford Hostel

A converted church in Edinburgh's West End, close to Dean Village and a short walk from the city centre.

  • Within walking distance of Dean Village and the Water of Leith
  • Large common kitchen and social lounge with pool table
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
7.5 Very good 507 reviews Booking.com 7.5 · 507 reviews

About

Belford Hostel

Belford Hostel occupies a converted church at 6-8 Douglas Gardens, giving it an atmosphere you won't find in many hostels. The building retains its character while functioning as a modern budget stay, with mixed dorms and private rooms, plus a shared kitchen and lounge where guests tend to gather.

The location is a draw in itself: Dean Village is just a short walk away, and the city centre, Modern Art Museum, and Water of Leith Walkway are all reachable on foot. The hostel is adults-only and does not permit pets or smoking on site.

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Adults only
  • Luggage storage

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

3 reasons to book
  • Unique church setting — The hostel is housed in a converted church, giving it character and a memorable atmosphere that several guests highlighted.
  • Sociable common areas — Guests repeatedly praised the large kitchen and common room in the basement, describing them as great for meeting other travellers and sharing meals.
  • Excellent location near Dean Village — Within easy walking distance of Dean Village, the Water of Leith, and the city centre, with tram and bus stops nearby. Reviewers appreciated being away from the crowds yet close to attractions.

Worth weighing

3 to weigh
  • Adults-only policy — The hostel does not accommodate children, which may limit some travellers.
  • No pets allowed — Guests travelling with animals cannot stay here.
  • Check-in ends at 23:59 — Late arrivals after midnight are not accommodated, so plan your travel accordingly.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

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

10 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating

8 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating

Standard Twin Room

  • 2 Single beds
  • Shower
  • Heating

Shared Bathroom Double Room

  • 1 Double bed

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

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

Food & Drink

  • Shared kitchen
  • Electric kettle
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Common Areas

  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room
  • Board games
  • Billiard tables

Services & Safety

  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Security
  • Key access
  • Fire extinguishers

Accessibility

  • Wi-Fi
  • No smoking on site
  • No pets allowed
  • Adults only

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

7.5
Very good 507 reviews

Guest-rated 7.5/10 from 507 reviews

Booking.com · 7.5 · 507 reviews
7.5Verified guest

“Clean showers and hair dryers, comfortable mattresses, and a handy kitchen for cooking. The staff were friendly and the common room was a great place to meet other travellers.”

7.5Verified guest

“The huge kitchen and basement common area were outstanding. The staff were polite and helpful, the location was ideal—away from the crowds but within walking distance of attractions. Dorms were themed and comfortable, with good Wi-Fi and hot, powerful showers.”

7.5Verified guest

“Friendly staff, a great common room, a spacious kitchen, and a beautiful building. The mattresses were comfortable.”

7.5Verified guest

“Staying in a former church was really cool. It was close to the old town and easy to walk to, and being near Dean Village was a highlight—it's a very pretty part of the city.”

7.5Verified guest

“My summer stay in Edinburgh was great, but this trip surpassed it. Friendly staff, spacious common areas, and a convenient location near the river and transport. The church atmosphere added a special charm.”

7.5Verified guest

“The cheapest option during the Fringe. Great kitchen and a pool table. Staff were friendly and helpful, the common room was excellent, and the location near Dean Village and New Town was gorgeous.”

04 — Location

Getting around Edinburgh

The property sits in Edinburgh.

Dean Village: A picturesque village along the Water of Leith, just a short walk from the hostel. Guests loved the scenic surroundings and the riverside walkway.

Old Town & City Centre: Edinburgh's historic Old Town is within walking distance, making it easy to reach attractions like the Museum of Childhood without needing transport.

Transport Links: Tram and bus stops are nearby, providing quick connections to the rest of the city and the airport.

6-8 Douglas Gardens, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 3DA, 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 14:00-23:59
Check-out
By 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
54 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 14:00 to 23:59, and check-out is by 10:00.

Does Belford Hostel allow pets?

No, pets are not allowed on the property.

Are there private rooms available?

Yes, the hostel offers a Standard Twin Room and a Shared Bathroom Double Room, in addition to shared dormitories.

Does the hostel have a kitchen for guest use?

Yes, there is a shared kitchen equipped with an electric kettle and storage, which guests frequently praised.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes, Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

Is the hostel adults-only?

Yes, it is an adults-only property, so children are not accommodated.

The bottom line

If you want a social, character-filled hostel in a converted church, within walking distance of Dean Village and the city centre, Belford Hostel delivers. The kitchen and common areas are a cut above, and the atmosphere is consistently praised. Just be aware of the adults-only policy and strict check-in window.

7.5A top pick for budget travellers seeking charm and sociability in Edinburgh.

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