Book 2 Months Ahead to Save 10% at Scotland’s Top Hostels - from Edinburgh to Loch Ness
- Jay
- Jul 14
- 6 min read
Mapping out your Scottish backpacking adventure and trying to get the best bang for your buck? Top destinations like Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye book up early and prices can end up sky-high for the little beds left - so a bit of planning goes along way. We're rewarding travellers who are one step ahead of the game here at Scotland's Top Hostels, by giving you 10% off when you book at least 2 months ahead at four of our most popular destinations across Edinburgh and Loch Ness.
This exclusive deal won't be found on third party booking platforms or apps, just here on the Scotland's Top Hostels website. There's no promo code, no fuss, just put your dates in, see what's available at our affordable, social hostels, and you'll unlock 10% off your stay.
Want to know more about the buzzing backpacker hostels you can stay at with this discount? Read on!
Contents
Get 10% Off at Castle Rock Hostel in Edinburgh - our Vibrant, Buzzing Social Hostel with Nightly Events That Take You Out on the Town
astle Rock Hostel is located just off of the Royal Mile, right in the centre of Edinburgh's Old Town. But it's far from just its central location that has given it the reign over a vast number of awards over the years. At the 2026 Hostelworld HOSCARs, Castle Rock took home 1st place for the Best Large Hostel in Europe, 1st in Best Hostels in Scotland, and 1st in Most Popular Hostels in Edinburgh.
A big part of what makes Castle Rock feel so social is the layout itself - with its huge Main Lounge, comfortable Posh Lounge with cosy corners, the Groove Lounge with guitars and instruments for jamming, and even a Cinema Room showing films nightly.
You can take part in the kind of social events that leave a big impact on your time in Edinburgh. From free pub crawls through to traditional Scottish dancing, pub quizzes, group hikes and more, you'll quickly get to meet new people, explore the city together, and the best part is that almost all of them are free to take part in, so you won't break the bank doing so.
Located in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, slap-bang in the centre of town, each bed comes with its own USB sockets, plug sockets, reading light, and fitted sheets. There's continental breakfast available for just £4 each morning, towel hire for just £2, and a laundry service for £5. You can't get better value and vibes in equal measure anywhere else.
Book your stay through Scotland's Top Hostels and score 10% off when you book at least 2 months in advance:
Get 10% Off at Lochside Hostel - Right on the Shores of Loch Ness, with Daily Activities, Kayaks for Hire, Beaches & Hikes on the Doorstep
Lochside Hostel is the only hostel on Loch Ness with its own beach, kayak hire, and is located right along the Great Glen Way hiking route. The best part? The hostel hosts daily activities and events to bring together guests from all over the world. Think traditional Scottish dance nights, bonfires on the beach, social hikes, games nights and more.
Many backpackers who have been staying at Lochside Hostel in Loch Ness have been telling us how much they appreciate an opportunity to get up close and personal with the Loch, making use of the beach that's just steps away from the hostel doorstep, and getting involved in the daily events:
"My room was located down by the water, with the private beach just a few steps away. There was a wonderful variety of events offered in the evening during my stay. Traditional Scottish dancing & fire at the beach were my highlights. What meant the most to me (and why I extended my stay) was the space available both for quiet relaxing by the water, hiking right out the door and a warm, kind, inclusive social atmosphere!" - Samuel, in a review from Google in 2025.
Staying at Lochside Hostel gives you the opportunity to get involved in the social atmosphere (though backpackers are of course welcome to relax on their own in the spacious common areas!), and try things like traditional Scottish folk dancing in a relaxed environment where making new friends from across the world is easy.
Basing yourself at the Lochside Hostel, right on the doorstep you'll find direct buses to the Isle of Skye, Fort William, Inverness, and attractions at Urquhart Castle, Drumnadrochit, Invermoriston and Fort Augustus stop directly at the hostel's front door. This makes it easy to take day trips to unforgettable locations and keep any bulky backpack or luggage at the hostel while you explore.
Book your stay through Scotland's Top Hostels and score 10% off when you book at least 2 months in advance:
Get 10% Off at High Street Hostel - the Welcoming, Comfy, Friendly Hostel with a Laidback Vibe & Daily Social Events
For the best balanced social programme that looks beyond the craziness of just partying - explore a stay at High Street Hostel. With an entirely free social event programme offer up everything from relaxed quiz nights and pool tournaments, through to dance workshops and walking tours, you'll never be short of something to do, without breaking the bank and while being able to make loads of new backpacking pals.
If you head down to the colourful Main Lounge at High Street each evening you'll meet groups of travellers enjoying the free pool table in the centre of the room - a great icebreaker where you can gather to begin any evening. A stack of board games in the corner helps to keep the fun flowing, while free tea and coffee available 24/7 means even a frostier Scottish evening will still feel warm and cosy.
Located just off the Royal Mile, slap-bang in the centre of town, each bed comes with its own USB sockets, plug sockets, reading light, and fitted sheets. There's continental breakfast available for just £4 each morning, towel hire for just £2, and a laundry service for £5. You can't get better value and vibes in equal measure anywhere else.
Book your stay through Scotland's Top Hostels and score 10% off when you book at least 2 months in advance:
Get 10% Off at Royal Mile Backpackers - Our Compact, Relaxed, Small Hostel with a Big Inclusive Heart
Many travellers - especially solo visitors and couples - are looking for a hostel that feels relaxed, safe, and genuinely cosy after a long day exploring the city. The good news is that Edinburgh suits this style of slow travel perfectly - with a compact street layout, walkable pedestrianised streets, and quiet public gardens just steps from the major attractions.
With just 38 beds this hostel feels sometimes more like a backpackers' flatshare. There are board games stacked high in the cosy nook lounge, a book exchange on the shelves in the reception lounge, with free tea, coffee, and hot chocolate 24/7.
There are thoughtful touches like a Pride Flag hung over the reception to let you know everyone is welcome, alongside a board of pictures of the volunteer team so you're aware of who to speak to if you need a quick tip on where to go for lunch, or if you just want to make some new friends while travelling. Volunteers at the hostel only stay for a couple of months, meaning they're just as much backpackers as everyone else staying.
Located right on the Royal Mile, slap-bang in the centre of town, each bed comes with its own USB sockets, plug sockets, reading light, and fitted sheets. There's continental breakfast available for just £4 each morning, towel hire for just £2, and a laundry service for £5. You can't get better value and vibes in equal measure anywhere else.
Book your stay through Scotland's Top Hostels and score 10% off when you book at least 2 months in advance:
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