HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS EDINBURGH CITY CENTRE BY IHG | Edinburgh ★ Prime Downtown Location & Comfort

75 photos

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg Exterior photo

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg Business photo

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg Room photo

Book on our site

for up to 10% off

than to Booking.com!

Key details

Hotel Details

Picardy Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 3JT

Close to Calton Hill

Great

8.1

8.5

/10

4.0

3.9

Loved by Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg guests

Excellent location
Comfortable beds
Great breakfast selection
Tidied rooms
Helpful staff

"We especially liked the hearty breakfast and that the tram was right across the street which was most important for our early ride to the airport."

Carrie from United States

read full review

"The first thing I noticed is the excellent location, which is close to many of Edinburgh's main attractions."

Folklorist

read full review

"Super location, got off the tram from the airport outside the hotel."

Steven

read full review

Location

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre is situated in the New Town, a 10-minute walk from Waverley Station. The hotel is also a short stroll to the York Place tram stop, connecting directly to Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Guests can reach Edinburgh Castle in approximately 20 minutes on foot.

Rooms

The hotel offers 186 brightly lit rooms, some providing views of the Firth of Forth. Room options include family rooms with sofa beds that accommodate two children. Complimentary high-speed internet access is available in all rooms.

Dining

Guests can enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast at the hotel, featuring local favorites such as bacon, scrambled egg, and baked beans. For evening relaxation, the upgraded Lounge Bar provides a variety of beers, gins, and whiskies. Dining options outside the hotel include a wide selection of restaurants across the road, including Italian and traditional Scottish cuisine.

Business Services

The hotel provides a fully equipped business center featuring two PCs and offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property. There are two modern meeting rooms available for events, accommodating up to 30 participants. The Wallace Room is designed for small meetings and presentations.

Pet Policies

The hotel welcomes pets with prior arrangements, charging a deposit of £20 per stay. An outdoor area is also available for walking pets. Accessible rooms ensure a comfortable experience for all guests, including those with disabilities.

Highlights

Location: 10-minute walk from Waverley Station

Rooms: 186 brightly lit rooms

Dining: Complimentary hot breakfast available

Business: Two modern meeting rooms

“I think this hotel is a smart choice for exploring Edinburgh, particularly given its location in the heart of New Town. The well-designed rooms, complete with modern amenities, impressed me, and the breakfast is a definite plus. Overall, it's a conveniently located base for business and leisure.”

Charlotte EvansHead of Editorial at Hotelsdowntown

Location: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

Map View

Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingParking Perks

Free parking at the hotel was a lifesaver! It's limited, but worth arriving early to snag a spot at the back.

George from United Kingdom

Review on

DiningBreakfast Bonus

The breakfast buffet was a great start to the day. Plenty of choices, including a full English.

Elaine from Scotland

Review on

Room FeaturesComfy Beds!

The room was very clean with comfortable beds. I slept soundly every night of my stay.

Lily from Canada

Review on

Media & EntertainmentPrime Location

The Playhouse theatre is right across the road! Perfect for a show after a day of sightseeing.

Lisao from United States

Review on

View all

Select room type

Choose from double rooms, family suites, and premium stays. Enjoy breakfast, flexible cancellations, and exclusive deals.

Standard Double Room Hot

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Air conditioning

room details

Standard Twin Room Hot

2 persons

120 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Air conditioning

room details

Standard Double Room Hot Accessible

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Air conditioning

room details

Standard Double Room Sofa Bed Hot

4 persons

130 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Air conditioning

room details

Click button to see more rooms

Show all rooms

Show all roomsLess

Check Availability & Prices

Find the best rates for your travel dates now!

Facilities

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

Facilities: Great

8.1/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Security
Luggage storage
Lift
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink

Dining

Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
In-room computer
AM/FM alarm clock

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg Location

Picardy Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 3JT

Map view

Picardy Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 3JT

City landmarks

Museum

Edinburgh Castle

5100 ft

Museum

National Museum of Scotland

4600 ft

Landmark

Arthur's Seat hike

1.3 mi

Palace

Palace of Holyroodhouse

4500 ft

Gallery

Scottish National Gallery

4000 ft

Landmark

Royal Mile

4300 ft

Landmark

The Real Mary King's Close

3500 ft

Landmark

Calton Hill

2100 ft

Park

Princes Street Gardens

5000 ft

Museum

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

4500 ft

Church

St Giles' Cathedral

3000 ft

Landmark

Nelson Monument

2200 ft

Monument

Scott Monument

2600 ft

Store

Edinburgh Old Town

3200 ft

Botanical Garden

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

5100 ft

Museum

The Writers' Museum

4100 ft

Museum

Gladstone's Land

4100 ft

Museum

Museum of Childhood

3200 ft

Landmark

Surgeons' Hall Museums

4200 ft

Landmark

Princes Street

3800 ft

Museum

Dynamic Earth

4500 ft

Landmark

Brass Rubbing Centre

3000 ft

Museum

John Knox House

3500 ft

Landmark

Royal Yacht Britannia

1.8 mi

Gallery

City Art Centre

2800 ft

Church

Mercat Cross

3000 ft

Museum

The Museum of the Royal Scots and the Royal Regiment of Scotland

4400 ft

Public Building

The Scottish Parliament

4100 ft

Park

Holyrood Park

1.7 mi

Nearby

Picardy Place

Sherlock Holmes Statue

200 ft

Restaurants

Taste Of Italy

600 ft

9 Baxter's Place

The Playfair

300 ft

Omni Centre Leith Walk

Cafe Piccante

400 ft

19 Broughton Street

Artisan Roast

1000 ft

57 Broughton Street

Fed Sandwich Bar

700 ft

2A Forth Street

Cafe Elmrow

700 ft

3 Elm Row

Cafe Rapido

1000 ft

79 Broughton Street

Starbucks

1000 ft

3 Shrub Place Lane Leith Walk

Deli Fresco

1200 ft

41 Leith Street

Cafe Bellina

1300 ft

33 Elm Row

Explore Edinburgh

Local Highlights

Edinburgh Castle

19 minutes' walk

Historic fortress atop Castle Rock, offering stunning views and rich Scottish history. Guided tours available.

National Museum of Scotland

17 minutes' walk

Exquisite museum showcasing Scotland's history, culture, and natural world with free admission.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

17 minutes' walk

Official residence of the monarch, featuring beautiful gardens and state apartments. Open for guided tours.

Scottish National Gallery

15 minutes' walk

Impressive collection of fine art, from the Renaissance to the present. Admission is free.

Arthur's Seat Hike

25 minutes' walk

Challenging hike to ancient volcano, offering breathtaking panoramas of the city. Suitable for all fitness levels.

Yoga Classes

10 minutes' walk

Relaxing yoga sessions at nearby studios. Perfect for solo travelers and those seeking tranquility.

Taste Of Italy

3 minutes' walk

Authentic Italian cuisine with a cozy atmosphere. Known for delicious pasta and friendly service.

The Playfair

1 minute' walk

Charming bistro offering traditional Scottish dishes. Reservations recommended, catering to dietary needs.

Cafe Piccante

2 minutes' walk

Casual café famous for its hearty breakfasts and coffee. Ideal for a quick meal between adventures.

The Stand Comedy Club

15 minutes' walk

Renowned comedy venue featuring local and international acts. Perfect for a fun night out.

The Usher Hall

15 minutes' walk

Historic concert hall presenting a variety of performances, from classical to rock. Family-friendly events often available.

Getting around

City Centre

Edinburgh10 min · 2700 ft

Airports

Edinburgh (EDI)24 min · 9.9 mi

Glasgow (GLA)135 min · 55.7 mi

Train

Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station8 min · 2000 ft

Bus

Bus stop3 min · 700 ft

Unlock Exclusive Early Booking Rates

Plan ahead and get special discounts now!

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

The hotel Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg provides visitors with a free full breakfast.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Languages

English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Greek, Russian, Turkish, Afrikaans, Estonian, Slovak, Slovenian

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

188

Former name

holiday inn express edinburgh city centre, an ihg hotel

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests consistently praise the hotel's excellent location, with the tram line conveniently accessible and attractions like the Playhouse within easy reach. The rooms are often described as spacious, some even featuring tea and coffee-making facilities. While most find the breakfast satisfactory, a few guests have noted that it can get a bit crowded during busy times. many guests appreciate the convenience and accessibility this hotel offers.

Show moreShow less

Review score

Based on 3114 verified reviews

8.0/10

Great

83%

Recommend

Location

9.4/10

Staff

8.9/10

Breakfast

6.7/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.1/10

Pros

Ideal location

Good room size

Friendly staff

Clean rooms

Cons

Musty smell

Small bed

based on 2551 reviews

4/5

David from Canada

Business traveller

Standard Double Room Hot

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:February 17, 2026

7/10

helpful staffconvenient locationanticipated breakfastsloping ceilingcramped feelslow draining

The staff was helpful and accommodating. I appreciated that they assisted me in finding a place to eat after my long flight. The breakfast and the room were exactly as I anticipated. It.

My top-floor room had a sloping ceiling. This. I also noticed that water drained slowly from the wash basin. This was a definite issue.

0 Helpful

Timothy from Australia

Single

standard twin room hot

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:February 10, 2026

7/10

tram stopconvenient accesscentral locationeasy accessfriendly staffhelpful staffsmall roombasic accommodationhigh price

the hotel has a tram stop right outside. it made getting to and from the airport very convenient. the location is also great as it is within walking distance to many attractions. i found the staff friendly and always willing to help.

the room felt quite small for two people in single beds. i also found the accommodation rather basic. the price seemed a bit high for what it offered. i could hear noise from other rooms.

0 Helpful

Jack from United Kingdom

Couple

Standard Double Room Hot

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 20, 2026

5/10

ideal locationpathetic mattresspoor service

the location was acceptable. it was near the playhouse theatre.

Housekeeping was not good. The child's bed had a pathetic mattress. they charged a bomb, at least the service can be better. i did expect more for what i paid.

0 Helpful

Alan from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Double Room Hot

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed:December 14, 2025

9.0/10

surprisingly good stay

plentiful spreadhelpful staffcomfortable bedmodern equipment

The breakfast included a plentiful spread. It was really convenient. the staff were always available and happy to help with directions. I found them wonderful. i appreciated the super clean, clean room i had. the bed was comfortable too.

the gym lacked modern equipment.

Dining

9/10

Breakfast had many options available, even for picky eaters, with fresh fruit and pastries. I could always find something. coffee and tea were available throughout the day, a nice perk.

Location

10/10

this hotel is very close to many shops and restaurants, it was super handy for grabbing a quick bite. public transportation was easily accessible, allowing convenient travel around the area. a supermarket was nearby too.

Service

9/10

housekeeping was diligent and attentive, which i liked. the front desk staff were helpful with directions, i was charmed. they always had a smile! but the check-in was smooth.

Facilities

8/10

The hotel offers complimentary wifi access in all rooms and public areas, a great perk. there is a business center available who need to catch up on work. It's quite efficient. a small gym is available.

0 Helpful

Katharine from United Kingdom

Single

standard double room hot

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 13, 2025

9/10

helpful staffperfect locationavailable staff

the staff were very helpful and let us check in early. i found the location to be perfect. the hotel was very close to princess street. the staff was always available to answer questions.

the breakfast room was a bit cramped and got noisy.

0 Helpful

Sophia from Greece

Family with children

standard double room hot

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 12, 2025

9/10

superb location, great stay!

direct tramlovely buildinggenerous vouchers

i loved that the hotel sits right on the tram line. it made airport transfers super easy. the building has a lovely design.. i was welcomed warmly and even got drink vouchers upon check-in. the location was perfect for exploring the area.

0 Helpful

William from United Kingdom

Couple

Standard Double Room Hot

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:November 27, 2025

9/10

tram lineattentive staffbreakfast choices

The location offered excellent access to the tram line. I found the front desk staff quite attentive upon arrival. Breakfast included good choices (the scrambled eggs were fluffy!).

0 Helpful

FAQs

About Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg

What is the distance from the attractive 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg to Edinburgh city centre?

Edinburgh city centre is reachable within a 10-minute walk from the attractive 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg.

Which landmarks are closest to Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg?

Guests of Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg can visit the restored theatre "Edinburgh Playhouse" (approximately a 5-minute walk from the accommodation), or Calton Hill placed 8 minutes' walk away.

Does the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg have a car parking on site?

Yes, the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg offers a car park on site.

How much does a room at the Edinburgh inn cost?

The prices at the Edinburgh inn start from £279.

What payment methods are available in the attractive 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg?

At the attractive 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg, guests can pay using American Express, Visa, and Diners Club as well as other payment methods.

What room types does the attractive Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg comprise?

The attractive Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg provides such room types as Standard Double Room, Standard Twin Room, and Family King Room.

Does the Edinburgh hotel offer special amenities for people with disabilities?

Yes, the Edinburgh hotel provides rooms with accessible facilities and accessible bathrooms to improve the experience for the guests with special needs.

Does the attractive 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg provide business facilities?

Yes, the attractive 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg comprises a meeting room as well as a xerox and complimentary wireless internet access.

Are there any cleaning services provided at the hotel?

Yes, the hotel offers dry cleaning service and housekeeping.

Which facilities does the attractive 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg provide?

Top locations of the attractive 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg include a luggage room and a restaurant, whereas guests' safety will be ensured with a safety deposit box.