The Guards Hotel Edinburgh Exterior photoThe Guards Hotel Edinburgh Exterior photoThe Guards Hotel Edinburgh Interior photo
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From67US$ /night
Check-in
30Apr2026Select date
Check-out
01May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Hotel Details

1 Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
-
Steps from the Water of Leith Walkway
Nice
6.7
6.2
/10
2.0
/5

The Guards Hotel - Military-Themed West End EDI Hotel with Club Access

Located opposite Haymarket Railway Station, this 3-star EDI hotel features 11 individually furnished rooms across a 19th-century listed building. The Guards Hotel offers nine ensuite rooms and one room with a private bathroom, each equipped with free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and tea/coffee facilities. Room configurations include two singles, two twin doubles, two doubles, one luxury double, one four-poster suite, and one triple room. The family Balmoral Suite includes a king-size bed, sofa bed, and accessibility features for disabled guests. Guests receive access to the adjoining Scots Guards Club bar, which serves drinks and bar meals. The property sits 1 mile from Edinburgh Castle, 0.5 miles from the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, and 1 mile from the Royal Botanic Garden. Seven restaurants and bars operate within 0.3 miles, while the Airlink 100 airport bus stops at nearby Haymarket Station.

Pros

Direct access to Scots Guards Club bar and function room through hotel reception

Pet-friendly policy welcomes dogs upon request

Military-themed decor reflects historical character

10-minute walk to city center attractions

Cons

No 24-hour reception (check-in only between 14:00-22:00)

No elevator in this historic listed building

“The Guards Hotel emphasizes value and location near Haymarket Station, making it practical for short stays in Edinburgh. As a listed building with Scots Guards affiliations, it has a distinct, historic character. I think its unpretentious, family-run atmosphere and proximity to transport links make it a good base for exploring the city.”
Hotel logo
Charlotte EvansHead of Editorial at Hotelsdowntown
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Select room type

Choose from double rooms, family suites, and premium stays. Enjoy breakfast, flexible cancellations, and exclusive deals.
Triple Room
2 persons
140 sq. feet 
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Heating
Classic Double Room
2 persons
130 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Heating
Suite
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Heating
Fireplace
Deluxe Twin Room
2 persons
100 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Heating
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Facilities

Hotel has comfortable rooms, premium services, and a prime downtown location

General

  • No smoking on site
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • 24-hour security
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping

Children

  • Cots

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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The Guards Hotel Location

1 Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Map view
1 Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Nearby
Event hall
Edinburgh International Conference Centre
1800 ft
Church
Saint Mary's Cathedral
1000 ft
Church
Charlotte Chapel
1800 ft
Restaurants
Le Petit Repas
200 ft
2 Grosvenor Street
Dimitris
200 ft
16 West Maitland Street
Sombrero
400 ft
2-6 Dalry Road
Station Takeaway
400 ft
10 Clifton Terrace
The Club Sandwich
400 ft
11 Clifton Terrace
The Chicken Crew
500 ft
25 Dalry Road
GF
600 ft
37 Dalry Road
Sandwich Culture
2300 ft
24 Haymarket Terrace
Ola Kala Greek Grill & Deli
1000 ft
202 Morrison Street
Pizzeria 1926
1100 ft
85 Dalry Road
Explore Edinburgh
Explore the Local Area
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Edinburgh Castle
20 minutes' walk
Home to Scotland's crown jewels, this historic fortress offers stunning city views and guided tours throughout the year.
National Museum of Scotland
25 minutes' walk
A treasure trove of Scottish history and culture, featuring free admission and varied exhibitions for all visitors.
Scottish National Gallery
20 minutes' walk
Showcases masterpieces from the Renaissance to the 20th century in a beautiful setting, with free entry to many exhibitions.
Royal Mile
20 minutes' walk
Historic streets bustling with shops, eateries, and live performances, perfect for soaking in the city's culture.
Arthur's Seat Hike
35 minutes' walk
This thrilling hike leads to an ancient volcano with breathtaking panoramas of Edinburgh, suitable for adventurers.
The Meadows
25 minutes' walk
A lovely park ideal for relaxation, picnics, or yoga sessions amidst lush greenery, just a short walk away.
Le Petit Repas
1 minute' walk
A cozy café offering delightful French cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and warm service.
Dimitris
1 minute' walk
Casual dining with a Mediterranean twist, specializing in vegetarian options and delicious grilled meats.
The Usher Hall
10 minutes' walk
An iconic venue featuring a variety of performances from concerts to comedy nights, suitable for all ages.
The Bongo Club
15 minutes' walk
A vibrant nightclub known for eclectic music and arts events, perfect for those seeking nightlife excitement.
Getting around
City Centre
Edinburgh23 min  ·  1.2 mi
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)17 min  ·  7.0 mi
Glasgow (GLA)131 min  ·  54.0 mi
Train
Haymarket Train Station3 min  ·  700 ft
Bus
Bus stop8 min  ·  2000 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-22:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
10

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Guards Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Guards Hotel benefits from a fantastic central location, very close to Haymarket train station and within walking distance of the city center. Many guests found their rooms spacious and appreciated the presence of amenities like a kettle with tea and coffee. Some rooms offer nice views, and certain guests have pointed out that the decor could use some updating. The proximity to transportation, including the tram and buses to the airport, is a definite plus.
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Review score
Based on 859 verified reviews
6.2/10
Nice
51%
Recommend
Breakfast
9.3/10
Location
8.8/10
Facilities
6.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.9/10
Pros
Central location
Friendly staff
Clean room
Easy transport
Cons
Tatty carpets
Missing bulbs
Unusable shower
Guest reviews
based on 859 reviews
6.2/10
based on 1813 reviews
6.7/10
Aaron from Australia
Single
Classic Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 07, 2026
9/10

A Solid Stay Near Haymarket Station

convenient locationhelpful staffgreat views
The location was very convenient near Haymarket station. The staff member who greeted me was very helpful. My top-floor ensuite room had great views. The tea and coffee tray was a nice touch.
0 Helpful
Mark from United Kingdom
Single
Classic Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 04, 2026
9.0/10

convenient spot near transport

convenient locationfriendly welcomegarden view
the hotel's location was very convenient near a tram stop. the welcome was friendly the staff explained everything clearly to me. the room was fine and everything worked well. the bed was comfortable and i had a view of the garden from my window.
Service
9/10
the staff were very helpful and obliging . they provided clear explanations upon arrival. their assistance.
Location
10/10
the hotel is close to transport links dining and attractions. this made exploring the city simple. the proximity to princess street via tram or walking was very convenient.
Dining
8/10
the room included tea and coffee making facilities. this allowed me to enjoy hot drinks in my room. many restaurants and bars were within a short walk of the hotel.
Rooms
9/10
my room was a reasonable size and clean. it had a comfortable bed and included wifi access. the quiet location contributed to a restful night.
0 Helpful
|
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Jessica from United Kingdom
Single
classic double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 19, 2026
6/10

a reasonably priced stay

convenient locationworking windowbroken dispenserheater issue
i had a room that included a kettle. windows did open too, i appreciate it. the location was convenient, it was fairly quiet.
the soap dispenser was broken , it was very hard to use. the room's wall heater did not work, i needed an alternative heater that took up space.
0 Helpful
Jennifer from United Kingdom
Single
Luxury Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 31, 2025
9.3/10

Cozy stay near Haymarket

helpful staffconvenient transportclean roomsoft mattress
I found the staff helpful . They provided extra milk and sugar when I asked. The bus and tram stops are conveniently close. Transport into the city was quick and easy. The hotel is located right opposite a highly recommended steak house called Los Amigos. I appreciated the very clean and tidy room.
The mattress felt too soft for my liking, and i sank into it uncomfortably.
Dining
9/10
The hotel is near a steakhouse called Los Amigos. I noticed it is directly across the street and is a good option. I could walk there in less than a minute. The restaurant appears to specialize in steaks.
Rooms
8/10
The room was very clean and tidy, which i appreciated. i also found a double bed inside, alongside all the expected amenities for a comfortable stay. The accommodation provided a pleasant environment.
Location
10/10
Transport to the city is simple. Bus and tram stops are within a short walk. Buses run every few minutes, and trams are available every six to seven minutes. The train station is also nearby, with trains departing frequently.
Service
10/10
The staff were excellent and exceedingly friendly. i found them helpful. When i needed extra milk, tea, and sugar, they supplied it promptly. This attentiveness significantly enhanced my visit.
0 Helpful
|
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Jack from United Kingdom
Single
Classic Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 14, 2025
8.5/10

Solid Stay Near Transport Links

convenient locationpublic transportfriendly staffhot water
The location proved convenient with its proximity to the tram. Public transport was easily accessible. I found the staff friendly. I had hot water.
The room was quite cold. They did supply some electric heaters.
Service
9/10
The receptionist was friendly and helpful. They attended to my requests quickly. The staff stored our luggage SAFELY when we arrived, GREAT.
Rooms
8/10
My room included a comfortable bed. Towels were provided in the room. There was even a kettle with tea and coffee. The room had electric radiators. The room had plenty of hot water.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel is in a central location right beside the tram. The hotel is near transport. There is a good pay long stay car park only two minutes away. This was a great bonus for me.
Dining
8/10
I was within walking distance of many restaurants. Lots of amenities were on the hotel's doorstep. I found a few nice dining options very close by. The area provided choices.
0 Helpful
|
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Elliot from United Kingdom
Single
Classic Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:November 05, 2025
9/10
cute guycomfortable bedclean bedding
The front desk staff greeted me warmly upon arrival. My Classic Double Room faced away from the main road so it was very quiet. Clean bedding and a comfortable bed ensured restful nights (I slept like a baby!).
The shower pressure was a little weak.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Guards Hotel
What is the location of The Guards Hotel in relation to Edinburgh Castle?
The hotel is located approximately 2 km from Edinburgh Castle.
Are there any attractions within walking distance from The Guards Hotel?
Attractions such as Edinburgh Zoo, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and Saint Mary's Cathedral are within walking distance.
What time is check-in and check-out at The Guards Hotel?
Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
What amenities are available in the guest rooms at The Guards Hotel?
Guest rooms feature free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and a writing desk.
What dining options are available at The Guards Hotel?
The hotel features an on-site lounge bar and is located near many restaurants, including Le Petit Repas and Dimitris, both 0.5 km away.
What facilities does The Guards Hotel offer for business travelers?
The hotel provides free Wi-Fi and a comfortable environment for meetings and client lunches.
Is there a golf course available at The Guards Hotel?
There is a golf course available on-site for guests who enjoy golfing.
How far is The Guards Hotel from Haymarket Railway Station?
The hotel is located directly opposite Haymarket Railway Station.
Can families with children stay at The Guards Hotel?
The hotel accommodates families and provides options for different room configurations.
What languages does the staff at The Guards Hotel speak?
The staff primarily speaks English.

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