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Pollock Halls
18 Holyrood Park Road, Edinburgh EH16 5AY Scotland
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About
#8 of 54 hostels in Edinburgh
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Pollock Halls is the perfect choice for larger groups and budget travellers visiting during the spring and summer. Our campus accommodation offers good value in a great location and you can look forward to a hearty breakfast in the Restaurant @ JMCC. Lunch and dinner are also available during the summer months. The cafe bar @ JMCC serves food, fine wine, beers and spirits.
Summer Stays at The University of Edinburgh offer a campus lifestyle to educational and sports groups seeking facilities for students to sleep, eat and learn. Located at the foot of Arthur's Seat – the city's iconic ancient volcano – and on the secure Pollock Estate, we are within easy walking distance of the Old Town and the capital's main educational attractions.
With 2,000+ bedrooms, onsite catering, shop, teaching spaces, and coach parking, we offer affordable accommodation for diverse school and sports groups.
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Property amenities
Paid public parking nearby
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Taxi service
Conference facilities
Meeting rooms
Non-smoking hotel
24-hour front desk
Street parking
Wifi
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Self-serve laundry
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Languages Spoken
English
Location
75Somewhat walkable
Grade: 75 out of 100
11Restaurantswithin 0.3 miles
4Attractionswithin 0.3 miles
18 Holyrood Park Road, Edinburgh EH16 5AY Scotland
Getting there
Car HireSee all Edinburgh car hire
743Reviews15Q+A100Room tips
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
I didn't quite know what to expect when I booked a two night getaway. The price attracted me (£50 a night with breakfast) and I thought, "If it's not great at least it's cheap!"
This is an amazing little oasis of calm under Arthur's Seat. Check in was great; a lovely, friendly receptionist and a smooth and transparent check in procedure. My room was clean and comfortable, with little touches like fluffy white towels, a tea and coffee tray and delicious body wash and soap. The view!!! Wow!! At night, the water feature gently trickles in the gardens below and it's so peaceful.
The bar is friendly and has a good range of wines and food. Breakfast was Covid secure and tastily plentiful.
What a gem this accommodation has been. Thank you Edinburgh First and UOE.
This is an amazing little oasis of calm under Arthur's Seat. Check in was great; a lovely, friendly receptionist and a smooth and transparent check in procedure. My room was clean and comfortable, with little touches like fluffy white towels, a tea and coffee tray and delicious body wash and soap. The view!!! Wow!! At night, the water feature gently trickles in the gardens below and it's so peaceful.
The bar is friendly and has a good range of wines and food. Breakfast was Covid secure and tastily plentiful.
What a gem this accommodation has been. Thank you Edinburgh First and UOE.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed here for a week of the Edinburgh Fringe. Buses to city centre 5 minutes walk away, or 29 minutes walk to some of the Fringe events.
Stunning location under the majestic Arthur's Seat, so I had to have a go.
Reception staff are very courteous, helpful and welcoming.
Part of Edinburgh University student accommodation which they let out as bed and breakfast accommodation in the summer break. Buffet breakfast in conference centre on site, all you can eat self-serve, gets very busy unless you are an early bird - restaurant is open from 7am...
Great value for 3 star accommodation. Clean and spacious bedsits, I paid a little more for en suite.
Stunning location under the majestic Arthur's Seat, so I had to have a go.
Reception staff are very courteous, helpful and welcoming.
Part of Edinburgh University student accommodation which they let out as bed and breakfast accommodation in the summer break. Buffet breakfast in conference centre on site, all you can eat self-serve, gets very busy unless you are an early bird - restaurant is open from 7am...
Great value for 3 star accommodation. Clean and spacious bedsits, I paid a little more for en suite.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed for 3 nights at Pollock Halls, which during term time would be student accommodation. I was very impressed with the whole set up. The accommodation was basic, no frills accommodation, but functional, clean and comfortable. Also, the grounds are beautiful.
The breakfast, has to be mentioned. It was amazing!!!! I've eaten my share of hotel breakfasts, but this one goes to the top of my list for choice, quality and quantity. I can't fault it.
I liked the atmosphere at Pollock Halls. There was a huge international mix, with guests from all over the world. Evening meals are available and there is a bar.
Transport into Edinburgh was easy, as there is a bus stop just outside the grounds. We didn't ever have to wait more than about 10 mins for a bus. An adult day ticket letting you go anywhere cost £5.00. The bus times are online, but we found it useful to photograph the timetable displayed at the bus stop.
The staff were all helpful and polite.
I very much enjoyed my stay and would thoroughly recommend Pollock Halls. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.
The breakfast, has to be mentioned. It was amazing!!!! I've eaten my share of hotel breakfasts, but this one goes to the top of my list for choice, quality and quantity. I can't fault it.
I liked the atmosphere at Pollock Halls. There was a huge international mix, with guests from all over the world. Evening meals are available and there is a bar.
Transport into Edinburgh was easy, as there is a bus stop just outside the grounds. We didn't ever have to wait more than about 10 mins for a bus. An adult day ticket letting you go anywhere cost £5.00. The bus times are online, but we found it useful to photograph the timetable displayed at the bus stop.
The staff were all helpful and polite.
I very much enjoyed my stay and would thoroughly recommend Pollock Halls. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a hall's of residence so you get basic accommodation. Fine.... But the numerous fire doors and room doors bang shut and echo through the walls as people crash home at all hours and it goes on ALL night. Bring ear plugs.... Breakfast was excellent but rooms smelt musty and you have to keep teh window open all the time (Grant House).
Fix the automatic door closers so they shut slowly, it is not that fricking hard.
Fix the automatic door closers so they shut slowly, it is not that fricking hard.
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled on business
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip: Maybe top floor would help
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Robert Kitzinger, General Manager at Pollock Halls
Responded 29 Jun 2022
Dear Mathew, Thank you very much for your feedback, it was nice to hear you very much enjoyed breakfast. We do take all our guests comments very seriously and thank you again for highlighting your experience with the doors. I will certainly pass this on to our team to see what improvements we can make. I do hope we have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Edinburgh in the near future. Kind Regards, Claire Hillis Rooms Division Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TheOutsider55 wrote a review Sept 2023
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom164 contributions59 helpful votes+1
We'd booked for one night at Pollock Halls on the back some half decent reviews. Unfortunately, for us, staying there was not a good experience. Staff on reception are a bit brusque and there is a rather odd system whereby you have to submit two bank card debits (one for 1 pence) and another for your accommodation. Also means it's all paid up front. The first room (we saw three in total) was small and below basic, by which I mean in dire need of updating and it was dusty and dirty. The en suite shower had seriously bad mould and the tap almost came off in your hand when you turned it. This was the best of the three and given it was quite late by this time, we decided to stay. We both spoke to reception about the issues and although they'd offered different rooms, it was clear that they didn't really appreciate the problems or perhaps thought we were just being difficult. Sleeping there was grim. One positive thing is that the breakfast service was well organised and there was plenty of food, albeit a slightly limited menu. That said, it was much better than a lot of hotel breakfasts with the exception of the scrambled eggs. Staff were pleasant and friendly. Also, we did receive a 50% refund as a gesture of goodwill. I suspect there is a complete disconnect between the people with overall responsibility and management of the halls and those on the ground delivering the service. It was clear that no monitoring of standards was taking place, otherwise it would not have been so bad. It's a shame, because location wise, it's quite convenient and if it were better run, it would be a good alternative option for a stay in Edinburgh.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have to admit it was my fault, not noticing that the bathroom facilities were shared. There are SOME rooms with en-suites, but these are in the minority.
I had also assumed i would be able to make a cup of tea, but the kitchen on my floor was in accessible, locked.
The room was basic and tatty - grubby carpet and curtains coming off the rail.
I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that it was below standard, but I think it’s overpriced at £79 per night.
Breakfast was the redeeming feature - very good.
I had also assumed i would be able to make a cup of tea, but the kitchen on my floor was in accessible, locked.
The room was basic and tatty - grubby carpet and curtains coming off the rail.
I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that it was below standard, but I think it’s overpriced at £79 per night.
Breakfast was the redeeming feature - very good.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Extremely basic accommodation in old student residences which was overpriced for the experience received including substandard comfort and amenities.
The bed was appalling with a terrible mattress, thin pillows and lumpy duvet and resulting in a poor night's sleep.
With no television provided the Wi-Fi needed to work well, it did not.
The communal bathroom was dirty from an age of wear and tear.
Breakfast was a mass catering nightmare.
...
The bed was appalling with a terrible mattress, thin pillows and lumpy duvet and resulting in a poor night's sleep.
With no television provided the Wi-Fi needed to work well, it did not.
The communal bathroom was dirty from an age of wear and tear.
Breakfast was a mass catering nightmare.
...
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Avoid taking breakfast at 8.00 to 8.30am
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Basic Clean Room. Comfortable beds. Nice and quiet. Well worth the money during the Fringe, compared to most hotels which were over budget for us. Pleasant check-in experience, with helpful smiley staff. Best breakfast we have had (been offered) in the last few years and being elderly have used a variety of establishments. 10/10 for food
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The room was as good as those in some budget hotels. It was comfortable, with its own bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, and a T.V. The security was excellent. The staff were all friendly and helpful. Check in and checkout were very quick and efficient. They have a left luggage facility and a free phone to call a local taxi service. The food was really good and the choices were extensive. As well as the main restaurant, there is also a bar where meals can be bought. I would certainly stay here again if I am in Edinburgh during the summer months.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Really priceworthy place if you are on a budget. We took the bus from the city center. It took about 20 minutes. The room is a student room, with two beds, a small desk and a bath room. All you need!
The breakfast is a buffé in a hugh canteen. People everywhere and not cosy at all, but you get what you want!
We went for a short morning walk to the Arthur's seat. It is just about five minutes walk from the Pollock.
The breakfast is a buffé in a hugh canteen. People everywhere and not cosy at all, but you get what you want!
We went for a short morning walk to the Arthur's seat. It is just about five minutes walk from the Pollock.
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Date of stay: June 2022
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Emmzickle,
It starts from 7 am Monday - Friday and 07.30 Saturday & Sunday.
Best wishes,
Robert
I can't remember the bus number! But all the information like that is readily available at the Reception. There are bus timetables but also the staff are incredibly helpful. The bus stop is immediately outside and the buses quite frequent. There are various bus passes you can buy which were good value but a day ticket was very cheap. Also, at the entrance there is usually a taxi hovering, but ifnot, in Reception there is a dedicated phone and one will appear quite quickly. Oddly enough we couldn't find a taxi in the city centre when returning from a concert, but we did get a bus back. We came back with one of the orchestra who was staying at Pollock Hall and he said taxis were scarce and needed to be prebooked, but he found the bus reliable.
I would also mention the open topped tourist buses. They take you to all the tourist sites, including out to the Royal Yacht in Leith. Not cheap but convenient and save wasting time.
I can recommend the accomodation. A bit far out if, like me you can't walk far, but great value for money. In summer I stay in university accomodation if possible the length and breadth of the UK
Hi there,
During student time we have two onsite hotels called Masson House and Salisbury Green both of which have double beds. If you'd like to make a booking do email bed.breakfast@ed.ac.uk .
Kind Regards,
Dominic
"If taking dinner, collect one course at a time - all plates are cold and your main course will be too if you dawdle."Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
£111 - £139 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
pollock halls - edinburgh first hotel edinburgh, pollock halls - edinburgh 1st, first hotel edinburgh, edinburgh first hotel
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandEdinburgh
NUMBER OF ROOMS
1800
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Frequently Asked Questions about Pollock Halls
Which popular attractions are close to Pollock Halls?
Nearby attractions include Edinburgh Combat Challenge (0.3 miles), St Anthony's Chapel (0.1 miles), and Royal Commonwealth Pool (0.1 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Pollock Halls?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Pollock Halls?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Pollock Halls?
Yes, paid public parking nearby and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Pollock Halls?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Salisbury Arms, Bits Bake Shop, and Spencer's Bistro.
Does Pollock Halls offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to meeting rooms and conference facilities during their stay.
Are there any historical sites close to Pollock Halls?
Many travellers enjoy visiting The Real Mary King's Close (1.0 miles), Palace of Holyroodhouse (0.9 miles), and Gladstone's Land (1.1 miles).
Does Pollock Halls have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.
Is Pollock Halls accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.