CODE - The Loft, Edinburgh

It’s a hostel… pods were well put together, but the room that I was in at least, barely had room for 2 people to pass each other on the floor… super small. The bathrooms were clean, but could use more toilets for the number of people IMHO. They use the code system for everything… access to outside door, room and locker were the same code. Some confusion on arrival when they switched my bed and locker number without notifying me, so the locker number in my email didn’t work… it did get sorted fairly quickly, but I saw others struggling with locker codes, or even the outside door… still kinks to be ironed out. My biggest complain was the price… it was during fringe, so everything got increased I’m sure, but when you pay hundreds of dollars a night for a dorm bed, you feel like you haven’t received value for money.

NOTE: This review is ONLY for the penthouse room. The room was incredible! Spacious, comfy but modern, with a fully equipped kitchen and a huge bathroom. There was also a very nice private open terrace that I didn’t get to use much because of the weather. I stayed for a couple of nights and I have to say it was well worth the value of getting my own private space, enjoying the views, cooking some meals and getting some work done. There’s little staff on site but the few times I came across them they were all super polite and friendly. I can’t speak of the shared dorms and other rooms but my experience was great and I would definitely come back.

No elevator but it did have somewhere to leave your suitcase

Private terrace was fantastic.

Property was easy to find, on the side street. Was rather untidy outside/entrance. On arrival, I wasn\'t able to qccess the property as I did not complete "check in" paperwork, uploading ID. wasn\'t ideal as I had no indication prior that this was a requirement to generate a code, wasn\'t aware there would be a access code to enter in. Luckily I was allowed to access to sit in guest area (make shift kitchen area with table & chairs) to complete paperwork, uploaded ID then try to work out when and how my booked space would be. No instructions provided from Expedia or Code Loft with regards to this, also no staff on-site to welcome, give indication to where to go. I was concerned to find no lift on-site, as I was within Penthouse (top floor), with a current restrictive injury, so I had to climb 4 floors with a case. No mention within of no lift. Positive of booking; penthouse was quirky, good size with seperate lobby, accessible to bathroom. Nice decor. Albeit some finishes a little tired. Balcony a nice touch when sun is visible to relax with, though the views are limited by other rooftop/chimneys or surrounding building, with slight site of Edinburgh Castle/Military Tattoo Stand within. On reflection, was lovely, bed comfortable, facilities great within penthouse. Nice touch with guests, but no instructions available to use this to experience coffee with pods available.

Very clean and efficient Big common kitchen Clean bathrooms Lots of thoughtful touches One drawback—its Near a big bar, in the morning the trash (all the beer bottles) is very loud

This hostel has all amenities you would expect at a hostel. It was quiet to sleep in the "pods" and I appreciated the hot water! (as most travelers do). This location is close to attractions and is walkable to National Art Gallery, National Museum, and even up to Edinburgh Castle. The staff were excellent. A real plus that you can leave your luggage before you check in, as well as after you check out, so that you can benefit of a full day of your visit without dragging your stuff around.

Great little hostel with all the bells and whistles that you might need. Minimal staff, but everything is clear for check-in and check-out. This is an excellent option if you are a solo traveller looking for something a little more quiet than a rowdy party hostel. The bunks and bathrooms were very clean! The only downside is that there is only one toilet for ten or so guests on the first floor, but I understand that space is limited in Edinburgh. All in all, it is a great hostel with everything you might need for a great stay in Edinburgh.

Penthouse private apartment was stunning lovely rooftop views over Edinburgh with a roof terrace where you could sit outside . Style and amenities in flat were great too . Would definitely recommend staying here

Lovely room, large & bright with small balcony. Clean. Towels were included but the email said they weren’t. I liked the bed but partner thought it was an uncomfortable. Amazing for the money, would definitely stay again. The only downside was that the area was a little noisy & the glass didn’t keep it out, especially the glass collection from the pub downstairs, and some kind of generator or boiler I could hear throughout, but not too loud.

When arrived in my room late in the evening after a long and happy day in edinburgh visiting a relative, I was confronted with an unmade, apparently already slept in pod. This was most distressing and annoying. With no reception to complain about this, I decided to sleep in the adjacent, unslept in pod. However, then in the morning I awoke to find my locker had been locked out during the night and I could not access my clothes and belongings! All of this hassle and stress meant I didn't get a win of sleep. On the plus side, when I called the helpline via Whatsapp, the problems with my locker were fixed quite quickly by the support worker, who was also very patient, polite and kind. So it's hard to give an unbiased report on my stay due to those issues - might be ok for someone else. In conclusion, this hostel will not be my first choice for somewhere to stay when I'm next in Edinburgh.

Pleasant cleanliness that I was surprised by. Was expecting something shabbier but a it was really well maintained and kept clean. Maybe only the shower room rug was abit of a put off but otherwise everything else was nice and clean.

Me and my friend, both women, decided to go with The Loft mainly due to pricing and that it seemed cleaned and fresh as well as relatively small rooms which felt safe. Unfortunately, if this location has been very clean and fresh before, we can no longer say that's the case of October 2025. You only get one (1) tiny towel for both body and face, sheets were allegedly clean but I kept finding curly black hairs in mine and lots of dust in my pod (they should make sure to vacuum properly within the pods under the bedding), paper towels were not refilled in the bathroom, and neither was the one towel shared between everyone at that floor. 1 toilet shared between (at least) 12 people of one floor (though I think other people from upper floors could also go to that first floor bathroom, hence "at least"). Showers were dirty and filled with debris (I guess someone thought it was a good idea to wash off their shoes or something?) which was never cleaned despite us requesting additional cleaning (which one could do with a qr code - however one could never write what it actually was that needed cleaning). One of the showers broke down 2 days after so you HAD to use *that* shower. Furthermore, it was advertiesed that they'd have a laundry machine and dryer. However, the dryer (which I severely needed) was broken when we arrived, and kept being broken during the entirety of our stay. We were instead referred to their sister hotel which is a 15 minute (steep) walk from there.

Stayed in a penthouse. Amazing for the money, great central location. The room was very big, with a balcony! Staff very friendly. However, water pressure in the shower wasn’t amazing, and the room wasn’t fully cleaned before our arrival (had some rubbish from previous guests.)

In city center, clean pods

The place is very nice, clean and great location. The staff in the place were amazing they are so gentle and friendly!

Property was easy to find, on the side street. Was rather untidy outside/entrance. On arrival, I wasn\'t able to qccess the property as I did not complete "check in" paperwork, uploading ID. wasn\'t ideal as I had no indication prior that this was a requirement to generate a code, wasn\'t aware there would be a access code to enter in. Luckily I was allowed to access to sit in guest area (make shift kitchen area with table & chairs) to complete paperwork, uploaded ID then try to work out when and how my booked space would be. No instructions provided from Expedia or Code Loft with regards to this, also no staff on-site to welcome, give indication to where to go. I was concerned to find no lift on-site, as I was within Penthouse (top floor), with a current restrictive injury, so I had to climb 4 floors with a case. No mention within of no lift. Positive of booking; penthouse was quirky, good size with seperate lobby, accessible to bathroom. Nice decor. Albeit some finishes a little tired. Balcony a nice touch when sun is visible to relax with, though the views are limited by other rooftop/chimneys or surrounding building, with slight site of Edinburgh Castle/Military Tattoo Stand within. On reflection, was lovely, bed comfortable, facilities great within penthouse. Nice touch with guests, but no instructions available to use this to experience coffee with pods available.

Very clean and efficient Big common kitchen Clean bathrooms Lots of thoughtful touches One drawback—its Near a big bar, in the morning the trash (all the beer bottles) is very loud

This hostel has all amenities you would expect at a hostel. It was quiet to sleep in the "pods" and I appreciated the hot water! (as most travelers do). This location is close to attractions and is walkable to National Art Gallery, National Museum, and even up to Edinburgh Castle. The staff were excellent. A real plus that you can leave your luggage before you check in, as well as after you check out, so that you can benefit of a full day of your visit without dragging your stuff around.

Just so-so. The toilet is not very good. And the lock table in the room is in bad cleaning condition. The rest is good.

It’s a hostel… pods were well put together, but the room that I was in at least, barely had room for 2 people to pass each other on the floor… super small. The bathrooms were clean, but could use more toilets for the number of people IMHO. They use the code system for everything… access to outside door, room and locker were the same code. Some confusion on arrival when they switched my bed and locker number without notifying me, so the locker number in my email didn’t work… it did get sorted fairly quickly, but I saw others struggling with locker codes, or even the outside door… still kinks to be ironed out. My biggest complain was the price… it was during fringe, so everything got increased I’m sure, but when you pay hundreds of dollars a night for a dorm bed, you feel like you haven’t received value for money.

Room was clean and the bed was really comfy and the location was great only thing was the rooms can get rather hot other than that was a great stay.

Perfect location, and nice sleeping cubes. Unfortunately the noice from the street (a bar at night and every morning glass containers ar being emptied and trucks delivers) - also the ventilation maybe form the bar is really loud. Remember good earplugs.

The hostel itself was quite clean, but living in a dorm it is always largely dependent on who is staying there with you. Most of the girls were very quiet and respectful and tidy, but over the days there were one or two that made it messy/dirty for the rest. But nice to have the sleep pod which was my own space. A LOT of noise from the free house/pub outside the door, often until 3 AM, and again early in the morning when garbage and recycling were collected each day and pub being restocked. Ear plugs are a must. Windows were left open most nights for air despite the noise, but with the blanket provided the pods were quite warm enough. Tiny little flat pillow provided - if this is not suitable bring your own pillow / neck support. Overall very reasonable for the cost, lots of food choices and transport nearby, less busy than staying on the royal mile. Good if all you need is a place to sleep. Would stay again, but not for more than 3-4 nights - then I want a real bed!

Fine if you’re used to backpack hostel living but at £180 for the night it was ridiculously expensive. Stuffy and noisy, but obviously a great way to make money by putting four people in a small single room.

Stayed in a penthouse. Amazing for the money, great central location. The room was very big, with a balcony! Staff very friendly. However, water pressure in the shower wasn’t amazing, and the room wasn’t fully cleaned before our arrival (had some rubbish from previous guests.)

Very clean and efficient Big common kitchen Clean bathrooms Lots of thoughtful touches One drawback—its Near a big bar, in the morning the trash (all the beer bottles) is very loud

First time I’ve stayed in a hostel like this, the pods were comfortable and warm, check-in was easy. If you have a big bag like I did the rooms are a bit small and the bag doesn’t fit in the in room lockers.

Penthouse private apartment was stunning lovely rooftop views over Edinburgh with a roof terrace where you could sit outside . Style and amenities in flat were great too . Would definitely recommend staying here

Make sure you have your USB for charging stuff , the sockets/outlets are across the room not near where you sleep. (That is the worst thing)… This place is great!!!

It’s a hostel… pods were well put together, but the room that I was in at least, barely had room for 2 people to pass each other on the floor… super small. The bathrooms were clean, but could use more toilets for the number of people IMHO. They use the code system for everything… access to outside door, room and locker were the same code. Some confusion on arrival when they switched my bed and locker number without notifying me, so the locker number in my email didn’t work… it did get sorted fairly quickly, but I saw others struggling with locker codes, or even the outside door… still kinks to be ironed out. My biggest complain was the price… it was during fringe, so everything got increased I’m sure, but when you pay hundreds of dollars a night for a dorm bed, you feel like you haven’t received value for money.

The checkin process, in my case, was terrible. I had to tell them I was coming, did not get the entry and room codes beforehand via email like I should have, had someone else take my bed which meant I needed a new code the front door, room door, and locker, which they changed without telling me. This resulted in me being locked out that evening, and having to call the emergency number to sort it out. For me, the beds were not comfortable and, as noted by others, the pod is hot.

Easy to find n helpful staff

The place is very nice, clean and great location. The staff in the place were amazing they are so gentle and friendly!

Cool place, staff, location good.

Property was easy to find, on the side street. Was rather untidy outside/entrance. On arrival, I wasn\'t able to qccess the property as I did not complete "check in" paperwork, uploading ID. wasn\'t ideal as I had no indication prior that this was a requirement to generate a code, wasn\'t aware there would be a access code to enter in. Luckily I was allowed to access to sit in guest area (make shift kitchen area with table & chairs) to complete paperwork, uploaded ID then try to work out when and how my booked space would be. No instructions provided from Expedia or Code Loft with regards to this, also no staff on-site to welcome, give indication to where to go. I was concerned to find no lift on-site, as I was within Penthouse (top floor), with a current restrictive injury, so I had to climb 4 floors with a case. No mention within of no lift. Positive of booking; penthouse was quirky, good size with seperate lobby, accessible to bathroom. Nice decor. Albeit some finishes a little tired. Balcony a nice touch when sun is visible to relax with, though the views are limited by other rooftop/chimneys or surrounding building, with slight site of Edinburgh Castle/Military Tattoo Stand within. On reflection, was lovely, bed comfortable, facilities great within penthouse. Nice touch with guests, but no instructions available to use this to experience coffee with pods available.

Great location and the staff were very helpful. The location was excellent.

One of the emails I received had an incorrect code number. I could not enter the property. However Amber helped set things right.

This hostel has all amenities you would expect at a hostel. It was quiet to sleep in the "pods" and I appreciated the hot water! (as most travelers do). This location is close to attractions and is walkable to National Art Gallery, National Museum, and even up to Edinburgh Castle. The staff were excellent. A real plus that you can leave your luggage before you check in, as well as after you check out, so that you can benefit of a full day of your visit without dragging your stuff around.

I thought There are ppl upstairs drinking in the room and kept dropping the glass bottle on the floor and laughing loudly which woke me up a few times in the midnight. Toilet design is strange that the door couldn’t be fully opened, only someone who is really slim is possible to go into the toilet. Sent Whtsapp message for assistance which shall be 24/7, but I got the reply 9hrs later. Pillow went flat already which made the sleep totally uncomfortable

This place was wonderfully located to make use of public transport, trains, and simply walk to anywhere in the city. The Standing Order, The Black Rose Tavern, and The Auld Hundred were staples in my stay, and they were a 5 second, 10 second, and 1 minute walk from the front door of The Loft. The only thing I would have liked would have been a fresh towel every few days.

Great spot, nice access to city center

The hostel itself was quite clean, but living in a dorm it is always largely dependent on who is staying there with you. Most of the girls were very quiet and respectful and tidy, but over the days there were one or two that made it messy/dirty for the rest. But nice to have the sleep pod which was my own space. A LOT of noise from the free house/pub outside the door, often until 3 AM, and again early in the morning when garbage and recycling were collected each day and pub being restocked. Ear plugs are a must. Windows were left open most nights for air despite the noise, but with the blanket provided the pods were quite warm enough. Tiny little flat pillow provided - if this is not suitable bring your own pillow / neck support. Overall very reasonable for the cost, lots of food choices and transport nearby, less busy than staying on the royal mile. Good if all you need is a place to sleep. Would stay again, but not for more than 3-4 nights - then I want a real bed!

In city center, clean pods

It was easy to get to places from here.

Great location and the staff were very helpful. The location was excellent.

The hostels walls easily accessible by train and tram. Centrally located for all Edinburg attractions. Place was clean and everyone was respectful Only issue was pretty noisy at night due to being located right over a bar.

The code system was difficult to use. The area seemed sketchy. It was dirty and run down

Beautiful penthouse apartment with everything I needed, just a few minutes walk from Princes Street.

The hostel itself is really good! The pods, bathrooms and common areas are well kept and comfortable. The only downside, is the location. While it is right in the middle of new town, it is down an alley way and the sound of rubbish being emptied in the morning is extremely loud - usually glass bottles. If you wake up early than 8:30ish, it’s fine.