The hype
Travelers love the value and breakfast but are often surprised by the steep uphill walk to the Royal Mile.
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Royal Mile
$100-250/ noche
Reserva esto si You want a modern, predictable base in the heart of Edinburgh's nightlife district without paying Royal Mile prices.
Por qué a la gente le encanta
- Location is unbeatable for nightlife (Cowgate) and history (Royal Mile is just up the stairs)
- Free hot buffet breakfast is a reliable money-saver in an expensive city
- Modern soundproofing generally holds up against the rowdy street outside
Resumen rápido: It's a clean, standard corporate hotel sitting directly on top of Edinburgh's rowdiest party street—bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper.
Reseñado por @itsemmalarson: I stayed here in January and it was the perfect cozy hideaway. The room was super warm, the bed was huge, and everything was spotless. I really appreciated the green initiative too. I'd definitely stay here again!
Lo que dijeron los huéspedes que se hospedaron aquí
Reality check
Rooms are described as 'compact' and 'small,' and the 'city views' often just mean looking at the street or a wall unless you get a church-facing room.
- You plan to stay out late enjoying the Cowgate bars and clubs
- You are fit enough to handle steep hills and stairs daily
- You prioritize free breakfast and modern plumbing over historic charm
Limpieza y Mantenimiento
8.2
- Housekeeping: Generally consistent daily service, though some guests report missed dusting in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are typically spotless with good grout lines, though isolated reports of slow-draining showers exist.
- Maintenance: mostly good, but occasional reports of cracked tiles or worn silicone sealant.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and crisp, standard Holiday Inn white linens.
- Odors & scents: Neutral smell; no lingering smoke or mustiness reported in recent checks.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERADO
0-4RUIDOSO
4-7.5MODERADO
7.5-10SILENCIOSO
- Late-night revelers on Cowgate (shouting, singing)
- Traffic and delivery trucks in the narrow street
- Thin walls between rooms (neighbors hearing neighbors)
Antes de reservar
Es bueno saberlo
- A new 'Visitor Levy' (tourist tax) of 5% starts July 24, 2026—bookings for stays after this date will incur the extra cost.
- There is no fridge or safe in standard rooms.
- Luggage storage is free if you arrive before check-in.
Qué llevar
- High-quality earplugs (essential for weekends)
- Comfortable walking shoes (the cobblestones and hills are unforgiving)
- Universal travel adapter (limited outlets in some older rooms)
Genio de Habitaciones
Mejores opciones
- Rooms facing the rear or St. Patrick's Church (quieter, better views)
- Top floor rooms to minimize overhead noise
Habitaciones a evitar
- First and second-floor rooms facing Cowgate (maximum street noise)
- Rooms near the elevator (high foot traffic)
Genio de Solicitud de Habitación – copiar y pegar
“I would appreciate a room on a high floor facing the back of the building or St. Patrick's Church to minimize street noise from Cowgate.”
Preguntas frecuentes y consejos ocultos
Todo lo que realmente quieres saber antes de reservar.
Is the hotel actually on the Royal Mile?
No. It is on Cowgate, which runs parallel but *below* the Royal Mile. You have to walk up a steep hill or stairs to get there.
Is there parking?
No on-site parking. Guests get a discount at NCP St Johns Hill (approx. £19/24h), about a 5-minute walk away.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, a free hot buffet breakfast is included for all guests, featuring sausages, eggs, beans, and continental options.
Does the hotel have a gym?
No. There is no fitness center on-site, but they offer discounted access to a nearby gym.
Is it safe at night?
Cowgate is very busy and generally safe due to crowds, but it can feel rowdy and intimidating to some due to the high volume of intoxicated people.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, the hotel is pet-friendly for a fee of £30 per pet per stay.
Consejos de Insiders
- ✨
Use the 'South Gray's Close' stairs right next to the hotel for a shortcut up to the Royal Mile.
- ✨
Ask for a 'quiet room' note on your booking; staff know exactly which side of the building that is.
- ✨
The breakfast area gets mobbed between 9:00-10:00 AM; go before 8:30 AM for a peaceful meal.
5 cosas que debes saber antes de ir
💡The 'view' from many rooms is just the brick wall of the building next door.
💡The shower pressure is surprisingly good for a budget chain.
💡You can hear the bass from nearby clubs in the lower-floor street-facing rooms.
💡Housekeeping sometimes misses dusting high surfaces (top of wardrobes).
💡The Wi-Fi is fast enough for streaming, which isn't always a given in Old Town stone buildings.
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