Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By IHG | Free Breakfast

Name: HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS EDINBURGH CITY CENTRE BY IHG, Edinburgh
Address: Picardy Place, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH1 3JT
Price range: US$310+
Rating: 8.1

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Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg Exterior photo

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Key details

Hotel Details

Picardy Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JT

Close to Calton Hill

Great

8.1

8.5

/10

4.0

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

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

Folklorist

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

Steven

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Edinburgh city centre hotel with free Express Start Breakfast and tram stop access

Amenities & Services

The hotel offers a complimentary hot Express Start Breakfast served in the Great Room each morning. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and guests have access to a Lounge Bar with a selection of beers, gins, and whiskies. Additional services include luggage storage, express check-in/check-out, and early check-in options.

Rooms

Rooms come with satellite TV and a power shower in the tiled private bathroom. Each room also provides free tea and coffee, a hairdryer, and soundproofing for a quieter stay. Some rooms are designated for accessibility, featuring emergency cords in the bathroom and grab rails around the toilet.

Location

The hotel sits in Edinburgh's New Town, a five-minute walk from Princes Street and a ten-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley station. The Picardy Place tram stop is directly outside, providing a direct link to the airport and Murrayfield stadium. Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre is across the street, and Edinburgh Castle is one mile away.

Dining

A free daily buffet breakfast includes both hot items like scrambled eggs and bacon and cold continental choices. The Lounge Bar stocks a wide range of whiskies, beers, and gins, and complimentary hot drinks are available 24/7 in the lobby. Evening meals can be found at restaurants on the hotel doorstep, with the Omni Centre cinema and dining opposite.

Business & Pet-Friendly

Two modern meeting rooms accommodate up to 30 guests, with free Wi-Fi and express check-out for business travelers. The hotel is pet-friendly, with designated areas for dogs and a pet policy available upon request. Car parking is available at the nearby Q-Park Omni Centre with a discount code provided by the hotel.

Highlights

Location: Tram stop at the door, 5 min from Princes Street

Breakfast: Free hot Express Start Breakfast buffet

Rooms: Satellite TV, power shower, soundproofing

Dining: Lounge Bar with whiskies, 24/7 hot drinks

Business: Two meeting rooms for up to 30 guests

Pet-Friendly: Designated areas for dogs

Parking: Q-Park Omni Centre with discount

“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

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Room FeaturesComfy Beds!

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

Lily from Canada

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Media & EntertainmentPrime Location

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

Lisao from United States

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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
12 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Shower
room details
Standard Twin Room Hot
2 persons
11 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Shower
room details
Standard Double Room Hot Accessible
2 persons
12 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Shower
room details

Show all rooms

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Check-in/ Check-out

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

Location

Picardy Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JT

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
Edinburgh 10 min · 2700 ft
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI) 24 min · 9.9 mi
Glasgow (GLA) 135 min · 55.7 mi
Train
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station 8 min · 2000 ft
Bus
Bus stop 3 min · 700 ft

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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. Overall, many guests appreciate the convenience and accessibility this hotel offers.

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Review score

Based on 3231 verified reviews

8.0 /10

Great

83 %

Recommend

Location

9.4/10

Staff

8.9/10

Breakfast

6.8/10

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 staff convenient location anticipated breakfast sloping ceiling cramped feel slow 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 stop convenient access central location easy access friendly staff helpful staff small room basic accommodation high 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

pathetic mattress poor 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 spread helpful staff comfortable bed

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 staff perfect location available 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 tram lovely building generous 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 line attentive staff breakfast 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

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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.