The Court Code Hostel - What it's like to sleep in a former court and prison - Edinburgh

Staying in a former courthouse and prison...

But why?

Firstly, because it really is a different experience. Whenever possible, I like to include different experiences and activities in my travels, or those that are not so well known to most people. And this time I went to the capital of Scotland, the city of Edinburgh, to have the experience of sleeping in a former courthouse and prison transformed into a luxury hostel or boutique hostel, whatever you want to call it. The Court Code Hostel.

Secondly, because I believe that there are various elements that make up the experience of traveling, and for me accommodation is also one of those elements. I know there are people who care very little about accommodation, others about gastronomy, others about museums, and there's nothing wrong with that. Everyone obviously has their own way of traveling, with different tastes and different priorities. And that's fine, as far as I'm concerned there's no "right way" to travel (as long as you don't harm others and aren't irresponsible).

Hummm, staying in a hostel isn't for me

If you're already thinking that staying in a hostel isn't for you, don't rule out a type of accommodation that you don't know yet, because it could turn out to be a very good experience, and you might even discover that you like staying there.

And no, it's not just for people in their early 20s... I speak from experience. Just two years ago I wouldn't have even considered staying in a hostel. Yes, it's true, I admit I had that prejudice too, and guess what.... I discovered that when I travel alone I like staying in a hostel more than a hotel. And nowadays there are more and more hostels with a boutique or capsule hostel concept, and these are the ones I like to choose. Because they allow for greater privacy and a sense of security. I'm going to write an article all about hostel accommodation, how to choose and what aspects to value and what features to look for.

But now after this little introduction (because that's what I get asked every time I say I've stayed in a hostel or had a different experience).

So let's get to know "The Court".

The Court Hostel

History

The Court opened its doors to travelers from all over the world on July 31, 2019, and aims to bring differentiation to the low-cost accommodation market through the convenience and safety of guests.

In a 19th century building, you'll find the perfect accommodation for those who, like me, also consider travel accommodation to be an experience. The oldest part of the courthouse was built in 1693.

The Concept

The concept is inspired by the capsule hotels that first appeared in Asia. Where the capsule system, instead of the bunk beds found in a traditional hostel, allows for greater privacy. Although you still share the dormitory space with other travelers. Here you don't exactly have a capsule, but you do have something very similar. It's almost like a "cocoon" with a curtain. The whole hostel has a modern, industrial design.

Where is it and how to get there?

The Court is situated on one of Edinburgh's most important streets, the Royal Mile. This street is one of Edinburgh's most famous and connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Its length (1,814.2 meters) gave rise to a little-known measurement, the Scottish mile. The Royal Mile is divided into 6 zones, and the hostel is on the High Street, just opposite the back of St. Giles Cathedral (St. Egidio's Cathedral), which is also worth a visit, and which I'll write about in another article. The Court has a privileged location, close to several tourist attractions. It is also close to several pubs, stores and restaurants, which are frequented by tourists and locals alike.

But what's it like in practice to stay in this hostel?

The hostel is made up of 200 pods distributed between male, female and mixed dormitories, and 11 double rooms with private bathrooms. I stayed in a mixed dorm with 8 pods.

Security is another aspect in which The Court wants to make a difference. Each guest has a personal code to unlock the doors. At night the reception door is locked and you will need to enter your personal code.

Then, to get from reception to the dormitory area, you have to go through another door where you have to enter the code again. On the respective floor of the dormitory, you then have to enter the code to get into the dormitory. In other words, you can't get into a dorm that isn't your own.

The bathrooms (toilets) are located outside the dormitories, in the corridors, and are divided into men's and women's bathrooms. In the bathrooms there are several individual shower cubicles and also individual compartments with a toilet and toilet paper available, separate from the showers.

There is shower gel and shampoo available, but you have to bring your own towel or rent one from reception. I recommend wearing flip-flops to shower, as in any shower room. A hairdryer is also available.

I found the shower rooms and bathrooms extremely clean and comfortable, as well as all the common areas of the hostel.

In the dormitories, in addition to the sleeping pods, we have lockers which are included in the price. Each pod has a locker assigned to it with the same number and you don't need a padlock because the lockers have a code.

The capsules are individual and have bed linen included. They have LED lights in different colors, a shelf and USB ports for recharging electronic devices. You can choose one of the upper capsules, which you have to climb up a small ladder, or one of the lower capsules. As they have a curtain, you feel like you're sleeping in a private room.

 Breakfast is available for an extra charge and includes freshly baked waffles, fruit, bread and jam and cereals with milk or yogurt. You can also bring your own food and cook it there or buy a snack or hot drink at reception.

The staff are extremely friendly and helpful and it's definitely something I'll repeat on my next visit to Edinburgh.

Have you ever stayed in accommodation like this? Tell me all about it in the comments.

I hope you enjoyed it, have a good trip and see you next time.

Edinburgh video

Directions and Contacts

e-mail: thecourt@codehostel.com

Website: https://www.codehostels.com

Address: Royal Mile in Edinburgh Old Town, 1A Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RF

 

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