MacBackpacker Scotland Hostels Review: Are they any good?

Travelers! Read the latest from FlightDeck powered by @pilotplans
MacBackpacker Scotland Hostels Review: Are they any good?
Macbackpackers, what exactly are they and what do they do? Let us walk you through Macbackpacker's hostels, including their popular locations and a run-through of their hostels, to show you just what exactly is Macbackpackers!
Miriam Jaffe
Contributor
linkedin logoInstagram logo

Miriam enjoys writing about travel, and other adventures abroad like studying or working as an English language assistant. Her favorite places she's visited (so far) include London, UK, Angers, France, and the entire country of Norway. When she's not dreaming of new locations to explore, you can find her singing, acting, or dancing (probably all three), binge watching cozy crime TV shows, embroidering, or trying to come up with clever puns.

Read more about this author
Contributor
Advertisement

One of the best ways to save money while traveling is to stay in hostels. How do you find the best ones, though?

While it can be overwhelming to sort through all the hostel options on Hostelworld, sometimes a good way to find quality hostels is by staying in a trusted chain.

If you’re headed to Scotland, one of those well-known chains is MacBackpackers, and today we’ll be writing all about them!

Macbackpackers logo.
Image Courtesy: MacBackpackers

MacBackpackers Scotland

If the name weren’t enough to give you a hint, MacBackpackers is a company located in Scotland.

They currently run tours of the Isle of Skye (although before the pandemic, they also run tours to other parts of Scotland), as well as operate ten hostels spread out over seven cities throughout the country. You can opt to book a tour with them, or just stay in one of their properties when you explore Scotland

Map of Macbackpackers Scotland locations.
Image Courtesy: MacBackpackers

Hostels

MacBackpackers owns and operates some of the biggest and most well-known hostels in Scotland. You might’ve even stayed in one and not know it was a MacBackpackers hostel!

Read on to see where their hostels are located, and whether you’d like to stay there on any future Scotland visits:

Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital has the most MacBackpackers hostel options, with three hostels. If you’re headed to Edinburgh while you’re in Scotland, be sure to check out one of them!

  • Castle Rock Hostel: Located right next to Edinburgh castle, you can’t go wrong with this hostel - both for the view and the price. The building dates from 1846 and runs several stories (you might even get lost trying to find your room the first time). It’s a tour pickup point if you decide to join a MacBackpackers Isle of Skye tour, but also has free WiFi, ample lounge spaces, and is backpacker run, so you know it’s fun time!
  • High Street Hostel: Another hostel located in a building with history - this one is over 470 years old! The hostel itself is in a central location, and organizes a Thursday pub crawl, as well as a Tuesday movie night!
  • Royal Mile Backpackers: Overlooking the Royal Mile, this hostel is perfectly located for sightseeing in Edinburgh. You’ll have access to MacBackpackers tour booking services, as well as free WiFi, free tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, as well as free daily walking tours.
Macbackpackers Edinburgh hostel locations.
Image Courtesy: MacBackpackers

Isle of Skye

With two hostels on the Isle of Skye, you can make the most out of your stay in one of the MacBackpacker’s hostels, whether you get to the Isle of Skye with one of their tours or not!

  • Skye Backpackers: If you’re looking for a cozy hostel in a fishing village, this is the spot for you. They’ll even help arrange day tours of the Isle of Skye so you can make the most of your time there if you’re wanting to explore solo a bit more. 

Loch Ness

If you’re looking to try and spot Nessie, The Lochside Hostel is a budget-friendly place to stay while doing so. There’s free WiFi, and beautiful views considering you’re only 10 seconds away from the banks of Loch Ness!

Guests should be aware though that there are no local shops nearby, and therefore should come prepared with previsions. 

Inverness

For those who want to head to the coast and explore Inverness, MacBackpackers has you covered. Stay at the Inverness Youth Hostel, where you’ll have stunning views of the River Ness, all while staying in a cute Victorian-style building. 

Pitlochry

Ever wanted to stay in a Victorian hostel? Look no further than Pitlochry Backpackers Hostel in Pitlochry! There’s a fully equipped self-catered kitchen (perfect for long stays), a movie lounge, a pool table, and free WiFi in communal areas. As they like to say, you’ll come for one night, and stay four!

Fort William

If you fancy visiting the Highlands, Fort William is home to the Fort William Backpackers hostel. This hostel gives you beautiful panoramic views of the Highlands, a patio for outdoor get-togethers, and a self-catered kitchen, all while being a stone’s throw from the UK’s highest mountain: Ben Nevis!

Oban

Maybe you’ve always wanted to visit the resort town of Oban? You’re in luck, there’s a MacBackpackers hostel there! Stay at Oban Backpackers to be close to all the action, while still getting the hostel experience. 

Macbackpackers ultimate scottish adventures.
Image Courtesy: MacBackpackers

Promo Codes

While MacBackpackers don’t run any promotions on their hostels, they do for their tours. Student discounts are always available (£10 off standard three-day tours and £20 off standard five and seven-day tours), but you must present a valid student ID at the start of your tour.

You can also check out their Special offers page for any ongoing promotions!

Image Courtesy: MacBackpackers

MacBackpackers Reviews

Based on their website, MacBackpackers receive good reviews from customers who have booked tours with them.

While these speak highly of the tours, the hostels also receive good reviews on Hostelworld, with Castle Rock in Edinburgh bringing in a 9.5 so whether you tour with MacBackpackers, or just stay a few nights in one of their hostels, you're guaranteed to have a good time. 

Macbackpackers tour travel vans.
Image Courtesy: MacBackpackers

To Scotland we go!

Whether you’re looking to book a tour to explore the Isle of Skye, or are just looking for hostels in Scotland, MacBackpackers has got you covered. With a wide range of excellent hostels, you’re certain to find one in your budget, and one that will make you feel right at home as you travel through Scotland. 

Even if Scotland isn’t your next destination, it’s never too early to start planning a trip there with Pilot!

Pilot - A Social Trip Planner - Banner
Pilot is a social trip planner to discover and build travel itineraries connecting you to resources everywhere, for free. Pilot makes it fun and easy to create and share your favorite travel moments.

Collaborate stress-free with your travel companions and have all the features you need all in one place with Pilot. It’s completely free and ready for you to try it out now!

Disclosure: Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

FlightDeck’s Editorial Process

In a world increasingly scarce of authenticity and trust, we want to make sure that the content we release to travelers around the world is accessible, accurate, authentic, and a-written with the same love of travel we all share.
Written by:
Miriam Jaffe Blog
Miriam Jaffe
Contributor
linkedin logoInstagram logo

Miriam enjoys writing about travel, and other adventures abroad like studying or working as an English language assistant. Her favorite places she's visited (so far) include London, UK, Angers, France, and the entire country of Norway. When she's not dreaming of new locations to explore, you can find her singing, acting, or dancing (probably all three), binge watching cozy crime TV shows, embroidering, or trying to come up with clever puns.

Read more about this author
Pilot Icon in White

Satisfy your wanderlust

Get Pilot. The travel planner that takes fun and convenience to a whole other level. Try it out yourself.

Get started
Get started
Pilot Icon in White

Satisfy your wanderlust

Get Pilot. The travel planner that takes fun and convenience to a whole other level. Try it out yourself.

Get started
Get started

Did you like this article? Share your thoughts!

Make the most of every trip

Join 22,000+ travelers and Pilot your next adventure!
Get the app
Get the app
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Pilot Plans web app product images

You won’t want to plan trips any other way!

The trip planner that puts everything in one place, making planning your trip easier, quicker, and more fun.

Get the app
Get the app
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Close button
Pilot Plans web app product imagesClose button
Get the app
Get the app
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.