The Hoxton Edinburgh: Can a Bunk Bed Room Work in a Boutique Hotel?
Last Updated on December 12, 2025 by Erin Donahue
Edinburgh has developed a reputation as Western Europe’s most expensive short break destination. When a standard room can cost £399 per night, finding somewhere stylish that won’t blow your budget feels impossible. Enter The Hoxton, Edinburgh.
To be honest, I didn’t choose this hotel because of some grand philosophy about accessible luxury. I chose it because when I searched for accommodations in Edinburgh, this was basically the only reasonable option for two people traveling together. The pricing was so extreme that I decided to start my Scotland trip in Glasgow first, before finishing up the remainder in Edinburgh. The bunk bed room was the cheapest thing I could find that was still in a nice hotel.
Quick verdict
The Hoxton, Edinburgh’s bunk bed rooms make sense for two adults splitting the cost who want a boutique hotel experience without paying Edinburgh’s inflated room rates. For solo travelers, the value depends on how much you care about the costs for design, location, and atmosphere.
Is The Hoxton, Edinburgh Worth the Price?
For two people splitting a bunk room, it is. At around £150–180 per night outside peak festival season, you’re effectively paying £75–90 per person for a boutique hotel in one of Europe’s most expensive accommodation markets. For a solo traveler paying the full rate, the calculation changes. Whether it’s “worth it” depends on your priorities.
The rooms themselves deliver more than you’d expect at this price point: high ceilings from the original 1860s Georgian building, brass fixtures, plush bedding, and enough floor space that they could add another chair and lamp. Complimentary tea, coffee, and a mini-fridge you can stock round out the package.
The bathroom is surprisingly spacious with a proper shower and sink from Perrin and Rowe, and great water pressure. While I’ve developed an ick with communal toiletries, the ones provided in the room from Blank deserve special mention, specifically the thick conditioner. If you’ve traveled enough, you know how rare good hotel conditioner is. Most places, even expensive ones, serve watered-down nonsense.
Walking through the hotel feels like navigating a beautiful maze. The property sprawls across multiple connected Georgian townhouses, creating long corridors with cozy tones and unexpected turns. It’s charming rather than confusing, though I did get lost right after checking in.
Does The Hoxton, Edinburgh, Have Bunk Bed Rooms for Adults?
Yes, and they’re clearly designed for adults, not children. Opened in June 2024 across 11 Georgian townhouses in Haymarket, The Hoxton, Edinburgh seems to have brought bunk bed rooms to the boutique hotel category, not as a gimmick, but as a practical response to the city’s pricing reality. The concept is simple: can budget-conscious travelers access the same beautiful spaces, thoughtful amenities, and prime location—just configured differently?
This distinction matters. These rooms don’t feel juvenile. Each bunk has its own reading light and power outlets. The beds themselves are comfortable and plush. The room layout gives each person space to spread out belongings without encroaching on the other’s territory, unless you have a lot of stuff. There’s a desk, a comfortable chair, a jacket hanger stand in lieu of a closet, and those high ceilings that make the space feel expansive.
What Are the Downsides of Staying at The Hoxton, Edinburgh?
To be blunt, the AC vent blows directly onto the top bunk. It’s a design flaw that can be an annoying inconvenience. After walking the Camino de Santiago a month before, sleeping on top bunks in albergues, I immediately claimed the bottom bunk here. We ended up turning the AC off entirely for our stay. Since I was traveling during autumn, the thick duvets made up for the slightly chilly room temperature.
The bathroom needs towel hooks. It’s such a simple fix that would dramatically improve the experience. As of the writing of this, you have to drape used towels over the shower door or leave them on the floor, neither of which feels particularly luxurious. There are some hooks outside of the bathroom next to the room door, but who keeps towels outside of the bathroom?
The “no takeaway food in the lobby” policy feels unnecessarily restrictive, especially during off-peak hours when the space sits mostly empty. It’s mildly annoying when you just want a spot to sit with your dinner and not stink up your room, but the hotel wants to maintain the atmosphere.
These complaints are minor compared to the overall experience, but I’ve included them in case someone representing the hotel sees this. The hotel gets so much right that the missteps feel more noticeable.
Where is The Hoxton, Edinburgh Located, and Is It Walkable?
The Hoxton sits in Haymarket, Edinburgh’s West End, just steps from Haymarket Station. This location is close enough to walk to major sights, but far enough from the tourist congestion of the Royal Mile to feel like you’re experiencing the real Edinburgh.
From the hotel, Edinburgh Castle is a 15-20 minute walk, Princes Street shopping is easily accessible. Haymarket Station is also a transportation hub for ScotRail and CityLink, making day trips or onward travel straightforward.
The neighborhood itself is worth exploring. Often referred to as the West End Village, Haymarket mixes independent cafés, wine bars, and local favorites with elegant Georgian architecture. It’s quite the departure from Old Town’s parade of souvenir shops and buskers.
How Does The Hoxton, Edinburgh Compare to Other Hotels in the City?
The Hoxton, Edinburgh occupies a unique middle ground. It offers boutique design, thoughtful amenities, and character. The bunk room specifically addresses a clear gap in the market: travelers who want more than a hostel but can’t justify £250+ per night for a standard double. Service quality matches more expensive properties. Staff offer genuine recommendations, check-in moves quickly, and the overall vibe skews helpful rather than stuffy.
So, Should You Book The Hoxton, Edinburgh?
The Hoxton, Edinburgh proves that accessible boutique hospitality isn’t an oxymoron. By questioning the assumption that everyone needs a king bed, they’ve created something more interesting. The bunk room concept works because it’s executed with the same attention to detail as their premium rooms. You don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability.
FAQ: The Hoxton, Edinburgh Bunk Bed Rooms
Is The Hoxton Edinburgh a good hotel?
Yes. The Hoxton Edinburgh delivers boutique design, strong service, and a thoughtful atmosphere that competes with much more expensive hotels in the city.
Are the bunk bed rooms at The Hoxton Edinburgh meant for adults?
Yes. The bunk rooms are clearly designed for adults, with full-size beds, individual lighting and outlets, and enough space for two people to stay comfortably.
Is The Hoxton Edinburgh budget-friendly?
For two people splitting the cost, the bunk room offers strong value in an otherwise expensive market.
Is The Hoxton Edinburgh worth it for solo travelers?
It depends. Solo travelers pay the full rate, so the value comes down to what you prioritize.
Where is The Hoxton Edinburgh located?
The hotel is located in Haymarket, Edinburgh’s West End, close to Haymarket Station with easy access to trams, trains, and walkable routes into the city center.
