Keeping the exceptional low price in mind, this hostel is absolutely great and I can absolutely recommend it! The bedding was clean, mattress felt nice and all facilities were in good condition (since they are shared, I am saying this with hostel standards in mind). The staff was kind and helpful! I loved that there was free shampoo/body wash in the showers, that was a small but greatly appreciated extra. I liked the lights in the room: little bedlights for each bed, a nightlight that wasn't bright enough to wake others up and then the brighter daylight - very nicely thought out. The location is incredible for this price point. When I stayed there (on a sunday), it wasn't loud or too busy.

Some power outlets in our room didn't work, so I was not able to charge all of my electronics, but the staff was very helpful! Another thing I'd like to say is that the name Kick Ass is maybe a poor choice for a hostel. When I talked to my roommates, we all agreed that we were originally apprehensive about booking a bed in a hostel that sounded like a teenage party venue. Of course that's not the case, but I'd like to mention that as it almost deterred me from booking initially ;)

Rooms and bathrooms very clean and comfortable. There was always someone who answered any questions. Breakfast was ok even so there a plenty of places to eat in the area. I was very lucky with my roommate’s… all of them had been very nice and everyone has shown consideration for the others in the room. I would definitely stay here again!

There could be more hairdryers in the bathrooms.

The location was great, the pods were extremely roomie - as a larger person I was worried about this but I added photos to show this. I'm 5"10 and could sit up nicely, and I could put my legs out sideways with a slight bend in the knee. I asked for a bottom bunk and they were able to provide me with one which was great as I'm not sure I could have climbed into the top one - well I might have got up, but I don't know about down haha. About a foot at the side of a generous mattress also allowed it to not feel so claustrophobic. Private individual toilets and showers which was nice and a good amount of them. Friendly staff and served alcohol, pool table downstairs - however there were no tips on the pool cues.

So many stairs! I'm used to a bungalow haha and I was on the third floor with 6 flights - not great if you're not the fittest of people! There was a couple of small hairs on my bed but I understand these things can happen and the pods probably aren't the easiest to clean - felt very clean apart from this. It did get a little warm but it was dark enough that during the night I just opened my shutter slightly and got sufficient air coming in - I saw there were fans in the pod wall but I didn't want to attempt to use them as they looked a little dusty.

+ I requested a bottom bed and my request was easily met + The location is perfect, in the heart of Grassmarket, next to the pubs and cafes. Be warned - if you want to go to the old town it's most definitely a climb up! It's the essence of Edinburgh hehe + Pods exceeded my expectations - very roomy, super comfy mattress, private + Mixed-gender showers are essentially separate rooms with a shower and a toilet, which is pretty handy + There are plenty of showers and toilets around the hostel, including signs to the nearest ones, in case those near your room were occupied + The hostel is very clean, every time I passed during the day and in the evening I saw staff checking on the cleanliness of the showers and toilets + The hostel was quiet, even during the weekends. The majority of people in the pod room were getting to bed at around 9 pm and most of them were a bit older (if you're worrying about the age like I did) + There was confusion with beds, but the staff swiftly solved this problem + Decently big clean professional kitchen that has everything you need + Even though the pod room has a lot of beds, the room is sectioned, and once you're in the pod, it feels like you're in a separate room + Smart system on the locker pads that is secure and easy to use

- The constant confusion with the pod beds, people taking somebody else beds and staff confirmed that is the common occurrence. Some clear indications may be useful for some - The hot boiling water in the shower was like torture and there didn't seem to be any regulator or adjuster - The air in the pods can be quite drying, but it's a pretty common issue - It would be great to have more sockets around the corridors or separate space for hairdryers because I couldn't make myself dry hair in the room at 5 am before I had to leave (thinking about the others) - Because of the amount people in the pod room, the chances somebody would snore are high, and if you don't bring your own ear plugs and have a light sleep - you're doomed

One of the best hostels we’ve stayed in yet. The individual hostel cubicles were really nice, made it feel like you had your own room. They were equipped with adjustable LED lights, outlets, towel rack and coat hangers, shelf and space by the bed, as well as a privacy curtain. The locker storage was amazing, with a customizable 4 digit pin. Cleaning was regular and thorough, and the staff was delightful. Plentiful bathrooms with showers and a super cute lounge/restaurant/bar. We did not get the breakfast, but it seemed a fair price for what you got. A microwave and hot water kettle was also available. The location was fantastic and security was top tier.

The only downside was the lack of a kitchen and elevator, so it is not for those with disabilities or those that love to cook. They do have a kitchen, but it has been closed since COVID

Perfect location for visiting Edinburgh, only 10 mins walk to a lot of the Fringe venues so ideal for my visit. The pods are really great: ideal for a bit more privacy than a typical hostel, big lockers for storage, super comfy bed, plug/charging ports next to it, cool and quiet room all the time, can't fault it. Bathrooms were good, never had to wait at all. Free earplugs at reception but I didn't even need them. Didn't have breakfast but it was available downstairs and looked decent.

Showers were the only snag with this place, during peak times there was barely any pressure and during off-peak times there was pressure but it was cold! But I managed just fine with them and I wouldn't let it put me off coming back here.

Fantastic location, and I slept most comfortably. Lighting in the pods is fantastic - you can choose coloured mood lights, dim, or flood the pod with bright light. Staff very friendly and helpful. A ton of showers, never had to wait.

Internet is very weak and very slow - even just loading a map or running a search can take ages. Drain of sinks had lots of detritus and hence water would accumulate and drain excruciatingly slow. Rooms were stuffy as windows could only be opened by a tiny crack. Waste of water as there are no urinals, only all gender toilets requiring a flush.

The pods were spacious enough and with lockers. The toilets and showers facilities really good and convenient next to the rooms Pods lights, which gave a good mode to the pod

The room doors, very loud every time someone would get in or out of the room. This happened several times during the night which made the sleep a bit bumpy Kitchen, relatively small for the amount of people staying at the hostel. And the closer of the same at 10pm, not very convenient if you are out doing sports all evening.

Overall a very good and profesionally-run hostel. Their POD beds appear to be the slightly more premium experience they offer and I was glad to secure one of these beds. They're definitely superior to a typical bunk bed - great privacy thanks to the sliding blind and an impressive amount of space (e.g. space next to the mattress to put possessions + a couple of shelves). They even have LED lights in the ceiling that you can set to various colours. Hostel overall very clean - impressive to regularly see cleaners cleaning the room and bathrooms. I personally had a good experience with the showers, which either produced warm or warm-enough water. The mini bathrooms next to the POD bedroom that contained everything (shower, sink, toilet) overall were great to have vs. more communal bathrooms with separated showers sinks and toilets. If I want to book a hostel the next time I visit Edinburgh, I will probably stay here again or at their alternative location.

No elevator - I did know this from reviews, but walking up to the third floor is a bit annoying when you first arrive with your luggage. Not too bad when walking up during your stay. POD bed gets surprisingly hot when the blind is closed. Are the small air vents at the back actually doing a good job? At least the warmth can be counteracted by slightly opening the blind.

24 hour reception with super friendly staff, a common room on two floors and a nicely equipped kitchen on the second floor- has a microwave and stove etc. heaps of toilets/showers on each floor, always clean. I stayed in a pod and it was surprisingly spacious, had two shelves, a drying rack, 3 hooks and a USB charger with some fun coloured led lights inside (and a normal light). More charging ports in the common room, breakfast served there every morning (mainly toast w some cereal options). Heaps of shops and cafes nearby for cheaper food, and on a strip with lots of cool bars so plenty to do. They do two pub crawls a week too, would definitely stay here again, great vibes!

The lockers under the bed don’t actually stay locked, so I had to attach a padlock to my bag zips for peace of mind. Pillows quite flat too but works if you fold it in half! Showers are on a timer, around 30 seconds but you can start it up again, I had warm water everytime though- there’s no way to change the temp on it.