Canadian Dude

I spend 2 days at the Castle Rock Hostel In Edinburgh,Scotland. The location was the first thing that really caust my eye at this place, it sits at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, and I tell ya when you stand out front and look up at that building, it is a pretty amazing site.

The staff, most of whom I met all lived in the hostel, all who were packers once, and just stayed on for a few hours a day to pay for there bed, and work also in the city somewhere. They treated every guest very well from what i saw, always with a smile, night or day...and always eager to help if ya had a problem, or needed directions.

The rooms were large and may look a little messy, but there are some packers that rent bends for a long period of time while staying in Edinburgh, so they have more stuff than someone who is just passing through.

The washrooms were plentifull, with shower stalls lining one wall ( this in one the first floor downstairs) and a row of sinks just around the corner, and a row of toilets around the next corner, so when getting readdy in the morning you have to do some moving around, because the shower stalls are not big enough to change in. The washrooms are uni-sex aswell, which was not a huge deal.

The facilities of the hostel is its main selling feautre, 3 lounges, kitchen, big screen tv where every night at 9 they show a movie, smoking room, about 6 pc's to use for 80p for 1/2 hour, full book shelves going on..basically this is a very social hostel where interacting with the others is a nessesity, which in turn can set the path for a friendship. Allways check the bulletin board ( Thats how I got the Police line up) there are jobs, flats for rent, and general info.

I would say because of the social atmoshpere and the location, this was one of the coolest hostels I have stayed at. B) B)

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Diorama

Castle Rock has great showers!!!! oooooh hot warm water..and great toilets as well..

I dunno cd. I found the staff to be pricks. A bunch of long termers who werent friendly at all..but then again that was two years ago i'm sure they're long gone. glad you had a great time!

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Canadian Dude

YA, they have prob moved on after 2 years...there was one guy though, he was not a prick, he just was not a conversationalist.... B) Other than that, no complaints from me. B)

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travelpunk

I can almost guarantee that I will stay there some day. Could be in the next couple of months, depending if I head back to Spain by years end, at which time, Scotland, and Ireland will be on the agenda.

Nice review, brotha. Thanks for the details B)

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Kassandra13

I was there a few weeks ago - I agree, very cool place.

My only concern was the lack of lockers, and no locks on the doors (not even the front door). You're supposed to show a pass to get in, but half the time I walked in the desk person didn't even look up.

Still, can't beat the location, it's nice and cheap, and very social. I'll definitely be back there!

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CanadianFlower

I LOOOOVE this hostel... I found the staff amazing, one guy came out with a bunch of us every night... the "bunch" I'm referring to were people who I met there... GREAT people (yes even the long term ones)
They offered me all sorts of jobs,... even though I wasn't looking... and I just had a blast.. Plus Edinburgh is a great place... sooo much to do there.. I reccommend the Ghost Tours of the Vault... very creepy.

Kassandra13

Oooh! I wanted to go on that ghost tour. Every day I'd walk by that huge sign and have a big fight with myself:

"That looks fun, I should go tonight"
"Too scary"
"It's just a tour"
"I won't sleep for days!"
"I might see a ghost"
"I'm afraid of ghosts!"

And so on. Then I'd give up and go have a few pints.

And I agree, Edinburgh is amazing. Damn, I wish I was there right now....

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MolsonGirl

Kass,

I went on the tour by myself... there was a group of about 20 americans also which made it easier... but even if you're on your own I reccommend it... kinda makes it even scarier.. and no... I didn't see any ghosts... but I did almost pass out.. haha I'm such a chicken when it comes to ghosties.

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voyd

Kass and MG - Yes, the ghost tour was the highlight of my stay in Edinburgh. It was really cool and creepy down in the South Bridge! You really missed out, Kass! All the guides and most of the locals there have all seen ghosts around, too.

Castle Rock Hostel did rock too, btw!

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Kassandra13

Ok. Next time I'm in Edinburgh I'll go on the tour.

Not without lots of liquid courage, though.

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crustynavyguy

I'm plannin' a trip to Edinburgh next year, and with these reviews, I'm guessin' I'll be staying at the Castle Rock! Maybe I'll take the ghost tour just to give Kass a good scare! Just kidding Kass.

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Kassandra13

I think I'm going to head up there in July - and I will go on that tour if it kills me! (Which, it very well might.)

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