Okay, I have a confession, I've never stayed in a hostel before. Until now that is! I've just had my first hostel experience at Haggis Hostels in Edinburgh.
It was with some nervous trepidation that I decided to make this my home for the evening in Edinburgh as I've heard some real horror stories about hostels involving bed bugs, thiefs and general grubby conditions. I needn't have worried, Haggis Hostels isn't your average hostel, it's so much better.
You'll find Haggis Hostels located smack bang in the centre of the city, just 50 metres off Princes Street, the main shopping street. This means that everything you could need is nearby- shops, restaurants, bars and clubs which is perfect. From the moment I walked through the door the first thing I noticed was how clean it was, everything was absolutely spotless. I was met by Chris, one half of the brains behind Haggis Hostels who showed me my room and gave me a little tour.
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| Four bed room at Haggis Hostels |
I was placed in a room with 4 beds yet the hostel was quiet so I had the room all to myself, what luxury! The lovely Chris had made my bed ready for my arrival and he'd even set out a few goodies for me...
The mattresses are lovely and thick and very comfortable to ensure a great nights sleep and it's luxury bedding and towels all the way here. There are even international plug sockets right next to every bed so you can charge up your phone right next to you whilst you sleep, great idea!
There are lockers in every room and they're a pretty good size for fitting all your valuables in so you don't have to worry about them while you're out exploring Edinburgh.
The kitchen at Haggis Hostels is amazing, definitely much better than I was expecting. It's big and bright and has everything you could possibly need to cook a few meals. Again, the kitchen was spotless- you could probably eat off the floor! At Haggis Hostels you get a breakfast included in the price which is a great touch and so handy to fuel up before a busy day.
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| Lovely, bright kitchen |
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| Plenty room to cook up a storm! |
The recreation area is the place where you can chill and hang out with other hostel guests. It's set up with a tonne of leaflets on things to do in Edinburgh and further afield in Scotland. There's also a stereo, board games and lots of books by great Scottish authors (although without Sir Walter Scott...get this sorted guys!).
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| The hang out spot |
The hostel toilets and showers are also incredibly clean, I actually think the shower was cleaner than mine at home! The showers have lockable doors and a little seating spot for leaving your towel and clothes while you shower. The showers are brilliant too, lovely and warm and powerful, perfect to wake you up in the morning.
The guys who run Haggis Hostels Al and Chris are great and have really thought of everything with this great little hostel. They give you such a warm and friendly welcome that you feel quite at home here and they're so helpful with anything you need. I had a great time at the hostel and next time I'm back in Edinburgh I'll be staying here again. Hopefully sooner rather than later!
Haggis Hostels so kindly let me stay for free for the purposes of this review however, all opinions are my own and are entirely honest.
Nice review...good looking hostel. And don't worry about your confession...I've only stayed in one once:)
ReplyDeleteThe hostel is fab. I definitely recommend it if you're ever in Edinburgh. I'll definitely be back. And I'm glad it's not just me who's a bit of a stranger to hostels!
ReplyDeleteYay for your first hostel stay Emma! Hope this will open doors for you in the travel world. While I pride myself on being able to rough it, you never want one of those bed-bug, grimey hostels, and in all my travels, I've only come across a couple. Thanks for sharing. I'm heading to Edinburgh in a Wicked campervan in a couple of days (kindly supported by Wicked). Got an tips? Nic
ReplyDeleteThanks Nic! I'm so brave now I've even thought of staying in a few hostels whilst I'm in Australia (hopefully bed-bug and grime free!). Oh lucky you! You should definitely check out Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, walk up Arthur's Seat if you have time and go to one of my favourite places- The Dome. Edinburgh is really beautiful! I've just followed you on twitter so if you want more ideas or tips then you can get me on there :)
ReplyDeleteThe hostel looks good - a good choice for your first. I've still not stayed in one! x
ReplyDeleteIt was amazing, definitely be using it again. Not too sure about trying others just yet, think Haggis Hostels is the best of all so not sure how I'd feel about others!x
DeleteVERY brave staying in a hostel, although it looks like a really nice one!! xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, I thought it was quite brave! And yes it was lovely. Definitely recommend it :) x
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