Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Royal Mile | Free Breakfast & Rated 8.1

Name: HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS EDINBURGH - ROYAL MILE BY IHG, Edinburgh
Address: 300 Cowgate, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH1 1NA
Price range: US$746+
Rating: 8.1

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Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg Exterior photo

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg Beds photo

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Key details

Hotel Details

300 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1NA

Steps from the Old Town

Great

8.1

8.6

/10

3.6

4.2

Loved by Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg guests

Comfortable beds

Free breakfast

Great location

Friendly staff

Clean hotel

"Really clean rooms, well kitted out, staff are unbelievably helpful and the breakfast is fantastic, as a base to explore Edinburgh and the royal mile it is excellent."

ian r

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"The bed was crazy comfortable, and I didn't want to get out of bed."

ro from United States

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"The rooms are modern & up to date."

Martin

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City centre hotel just off the Royal Mile

Location

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile is situated a short walk from Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, with Calton Hill and the Scottish National Monument nearby. The hotel sits just 100 metres from the centre of the Royal Mile, placing guests between the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station is within a 10-minute walk, and Princes Street shops are reachable in the same time.

Rooms

The hotel offers family rooms with sofa beds for children, and children under 18 stay free when using existing bedding. Accessible rooms include an emergency cord in the bathroom, lower bathroom sink, raised toilet, and grab rails. Many rooms also provide a view of Arthur's Seat, according to guest feedback.

Dining

Guests receive a complimentary Express Start Breakfast with hot items like bacon, sausage, and scrambled eggs, plus continental choices and a pancake machine. A separate gluten-free bread station is available, and the breakfast buffet includes local Scottish options. A 24-hour snack menu offers pizzas and toasties, and the on-site bar stays open late for drinks.

Amenities

The hotel is pet-friendly, welcoming guests with furry companions, and has received the IHG Quality Excellence Award. A warm, welcoming open-plan lobby offers shared lounge and TV areas, and luggage storage is available for early arrivals or late departures. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property, and discounted parking is offered at the nearby NCP Holyrood Road facility.

Services

The hotel provides 24-hour front desk service and a 24-hour snack menu for late-night cravings. Safety features include 24-hour security, CCTV in common areas and outside the property, key card access, and smoke alarms. Facilities for disabled guests include wheelchair accessibility, visual aids such as Braille, and an accessible lift serving all floors.

Highlights

Location: 100 metres from the Royal Mile, between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace

Rooms: Family rooms with sofa beds; children under 18 stay free

Dining: Free hot breakfast with pancake machine and gluten-free station

Pet policy: Dogs welcome at no extra charge

Awards: IHG Quality Excellence Award recipient

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible rooms with Braille and grab rails

“This property stands out for its excellent location near Edinburgh's main attractions and its dedication to accommodating families, including thoughtful room setups. The inclusion of a complimentary breakfast featuring Scottish options adds genuine value. While there may be occasional service inconsistencies, the hotel's responsiveness and family-oriented amenities create a worthwhile experience.”

Charlotte EvansHead of Editorial at Hotelsdowntown

Location: Perfect

9.1/10Review score

Map View

Highlights from guests

DiningBreakfast Bonanza

The complimentary breakfast offers a wide selection. Hot items like bacon and eggs are available in the buffet.

Emily Carter from United Kingdom

Review on

Room FeaturesComfort is Key

The rooms were really clean. Having tea and coffee available in the room and replenished daily was great.

Allen Johnson from Canada

Review on

BathroomSpotless and Modern

The bathroom was super clean and modern. I liked the door concept for privacy while using the sink.

Megan Davis from Australia

Review on

Guest ParkingParking Perfection

Level 5 in the NCP parking garage is perfect for extra car door space. Fastest luggage access via level 4 doors.

Robert Olson from United States

Review on

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
19 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Standard Twin Room Hot
2 persons
19 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Standard Double Room Hot Accessible
3 persons
28 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Heating
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

8.0/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Lift
Vending machines
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Housekeeping
Welcome drink

Dining

Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries
Sink

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Location

300 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1NA

Explore Edinburgh

Local Highlights

National Museum of Scotland

7 minutes' walk

A treasure trove of Scottish history and culture, featuring unique exhibits and free admission.

Edinburgh Castle

13-minute walk

Historic fortress dominating the skyline, offering guided tours and stunning views of the city.

Arthur's Seat Hike

30 minutes walking

A thrilling hike to a dormant volcano with panoramic views, ideal for adventure enthusiasts.

Yoga Classes at The Meadows

13 minutes' walk

Relaxation-focused yoga sessions in a tranquil park setting, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.

The Piemaker

5 minutes' walk

Cozy eatery known for its fresh, hand-baked pies with various fillings, ideal for a quick bite.

Em's Kitchen

2 minutes' walk

Charming café offering hearty breakfasts and homemade dishes, popular among locals and visitors alike.

The Bongo Club

10 minutes' walk

Vibrant venue for live music and club nights, hosting diverse events and local talent.

Cameo Cinema

12 minutes' walk

Historic cinema showcasing independent films and classic favorites, perfect for a cozy night out.

Getting around <br />

City Centre
Edinburgh 4 min · 1000 ft
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI) 21 min · 8.5 mi
Glasgow (GLA) 133 min · 54.9 mi
Train
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station 6 min · 1700 ft
Bus
Bus stop 5 min · 1400 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible at a location nearby at true.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

The hotel Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg provides visitors with a free full breakfast.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Languages

English, German, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Bulgarian, Thai

Year renovated:

2008

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

Former name

holiday inn express edinburgh - royal mile, an ihg hotel

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile enjoys a prime location, notably close to the Royal Mile and within easy walking distance of Waverley station and other central attractions. Guests appreciate the modern rooms and comfortable beds, with some noting the thoughtful inclusion of bathroom night lights. The continental buffet breakfast is also well-received. However, a few guests have mentioned issues such as the lack of a fridge.

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Review score

Based on 1865 verified reviews

8.0 /10

Great

83 %

Recommend

Location

9.1/10

Staff

9.0/10

Breakfast

7.6/10

Value for money

7.6/10

Pros

Clean reception area

Helpful staff

Comfortable rooms

Terrific breakfast

Central location

Cons

Thin walls

Liam from Ireland

Couple

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 18, 2026

8/10

tasty breakfast central location helpful staff

Breakfast was tasty and filling! The location was quiet even though central. Staff were very helpful.

0 Helpful

Alexander from United Kingdom

Family with children

Standard Twin Room Hot

4 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: January 10, 2026

6/10

adequate location, but some issues

stained carpet dark room

the location was acceptable, permitting easy access to the royal mile.

i encountered a couple of problems .. first, i found the cleanliness to be lacking as the carpet was stained and looked not to have been cleaned thoroughly. second, the room was unusually dark, even with all available lights turned on.

0 Helpful

Penelope from Greece

Couple

Standard Double Room Single Sofa Bed Hot

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 29, 2025

9.0/10

Excellent Location and Friendly Service

superb location friendly staff great room clean room

The hotel location is superb, quite close to Waverley station. It is within walking distance of the city's attractions. The staff was helpful and friendly. The room was a great size and very clean.

The internal sonic insulation could be improved, as noise from neighboring rooms was noticeable at times.

Dining

9/10

The continental buffet breakfast offered a good selection. Fresh items and hot options were available daily. The breakfast area was spacious. I found everything well-organized and accessible.

Service

10/10

The reception team assisted me with questions. Staff members displayed dedication to finding solutions. They allowed me to leave my luggage at the hotel. My return was smooth.

Facilities

8/10

The hotel is kept clean. I found the location relatively quiet. It is only a minute away from the Royal Mile. The beds were very comfy. I had a relaxing time

0 Helpful

Oscar from United States

Family with children

Standard Twin Room Hot

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: December 27, 2025

7/10

tasty choices short walk basic hotel basic facilities

The location was ideal. It was only a short walk to the train station. The breakfast had a nice buffet with plenty of tasty choices.

I thought the value for money was not great. I paid a lot for a basic hotel with basic facilities, I think.

0 Helpful

Victoria from United Kingdom

Family with children

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 21, 2025

9/10

helpful service excellent breakfast comfy bed

the reception staff offered helpful service. i also appreciated the excellent breakfast options included in the price.. the selection had everything i wanted. the room offered a comfy bed and a nice shower with toiletries.

the room felt slightly stuffy.

0 Helpful

evelyn from united kingdom

Single

standard double room hot accessible

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 11, 2025

9.0/10

super place near the royal mile!

warm welcome soft pillows excellent shower pressure varied selection

the staff welcomed me warmly. the soft pillows were heavenly! the shower pressure was excellent and refreshing! i felt very secure with the 24/7 reception service. the breakfast selection had varied continental options.

the lighting in my room felt a bit too dim for detailed work.

Rooms

9/10

my room included thoughtful lighting. a convenient night light in the bathroom ensured i wasn't blinded during nighttime visits. the provided bed was really comfortable, promising restful sleep after a busy day.

Location

10/10

The hotel enjoys close proximity to waverley train station. It's less than a ten-minute walk. this offers easy access to transportation links. st patrick's church garden is a quiet view.

Facilities

9/10

the hotel features useful facilities, for instance, a bar. the presence of a 24/7 manned reception offered extra security. the staff at the front desk were very helpful and always smiling.

Dining

8/10

a good breakfast selection included both continental and cooked options. the breakfast buffet had a nice choice, including traditional scottish items like beans and bacon. the coffee machine created great lattes and americanos.

0 Helpful

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FAQs

About Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg

What is the distance from the comfortable 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg to Edinburgh city centre?

Edinburgh city centre is reachable within a 5-minute walk from the comfortable 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg.

Which landmarks are closest to Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg?

The closest landmarks to Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg include Museum of Childhood (about 5 minutes' walk from the property)—rated 8.6/10 by visitors—as well as the combined National Museum of Scotland (600 meters).

Does the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg have a car parking on site?

Yes, the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg offers public parking nearby.

Can I eat breakfast at the inn?

Yes, guests can enjoy breakfast, served daily in the restaurant of the inn.

At what time can I check-in at the comfortable 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg?

At the comfortable 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg, you can check in from 15:00 till 23:59.

At what time can I check-out at the hotel?

You can check out of the hotel from 11:00 till 11:00.

What payment methods are available in the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg?

At the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg, you can pay using American Express, Visa, and Diners Club.

What room types does the comfortable 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg comprise?

The comfortable 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg provides such room types as Standard Double Room, Standard Twin Room, and Queen Room.

Does the inn offer special amenities for people with disabilities?

Yes, the inn provides rooms with accessible facilities, accessible bathrooms, and wheelchair access to improve the experience for the guests with special needs.

Does the comfortable 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg staff speak foreign languages?

Yes, the staff of the comfortable 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg can help you in Bulgarian, English, Spanish, Italian, and German.

Does the comfortable 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg provide business facilities?

For business travellers the comfortable 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg offers an air-conditioned meeting room as well as a xerox and complimentary wireless internet access.

Which facilities does the inn provide?

The inn is equipped with a vending machine and a lift as well as 24-hour security and luggage storage for safety purposes.