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From233US$ /night
Check-in
22Feb2026Select date
Check-out
23Feb2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

300 Cowgate, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1NA
-
Steps from the Royal Mile
Great
8.0
8.5
/10
3.7
4.1
/5

Location

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile is located just a seven-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle and a six-minute stroll from Edinburgh Waverley train station. This strategic position offers easy access to local attractions such as the Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace. Additionally, Holyrood Park is an eight-minute walk away, featuring stunning views of Arthur's Seat.

Rooms

The hotel includes a total of 78 guest rooms, all equipped with air conditioning and power showers. Family rooms come with a sofa bed, accommodating two adults and two kids under 12 for comfortable stays. Every room is furnished with essential amenities to suit both leisure and business travelers.

Dining

Guests can kickstart their day with the inclusive Express Start Breakfast, featuring a variety of hot and cold options. For additional dining needs, the hotel offers a 24-hour snack menu with light bites such as chicken wings and pizzas. Dine in the lobby lounge bar while enjoying live sports on the big screen.

Pet-Friendly Amenities

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh allows pets with prior arrangement, making it a suitable choice for animal lovers. A non-refundable deposit is required per pet per stay, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. The hotel provides easy access points for those traveling with service animals.

Family-Friendly Services

The hotel offers family rooms designed to create memorable experiences for guests traveling with children. Activities for kids can be organized offsite, allowing families to explore local attractions together. Additional amenities ensure that parents have everything they need for a stress-free visit.

Highlights

Location: seven-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle

Rooms: 78 guest rooms with air conditioning

Dining: Express Start Breakfast included

Pet-Friendly: pets allowed with prior arrangement

Family-Friendly: Family rooms with a sofa bed

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll the Royal Mile and discover hidden closes and shops.
  • Visit the Scottish National Gallery for a taste of local art.
  • Try haggis at The Sheep Heid Inn, Edinburgh's oldest pub.
  • Explore the vibrant Grassmarket area for local crafts and food.
  • Check out the weekend Stockbridge Market for tasty treats.
View all

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.
Standard Double Room Hot
2 persons
205 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Twin Room Hot
2 persons
205 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Standard Double Room Hot Accessible
3 persons
305 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Twin Room Hot Accessible
2 persons
305 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
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Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay
Facilities: Very good
7.9/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Car park
  • 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
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Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg Location

300 Cowgate, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1NA
Map view
300 Cowgate, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1NA
Nearby
Museum
National Museum of Scotland
1900 ft
High Street 2 Warriston's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
1700 ft
Church
St Giles' Cathedral
1200 ft
Store
Edinburgh Old Town
1700 ft
Museum
Museum of Childhood
600 ft
Nicolson Street
Surgeons' Hall Museums
1500 ft
Museum
John Knox House
800 ft
2 Chalmers Close High Street (opposite Museum of Childhood on Royal Mile)
Brass Rubbing Centre
1300 ft
Church
Mercat Cross
600 ft
Gallery
City Art Centre
1700 ft
Restaurants
Em's Kitchen
500 ft
38 St. Marys Street
Bar 50
600 ft
50 Blackfriars Street
Pilgrim Bar
500 ft
Cowgate
The City Cafe
1000 ft
19 Blair Street
Holyrood Coffee Shop
400 ft
1 Holyrood Road
Baskin Robbins
500 ft
9 Holyrood Road
Noodle'N'Ice
1400 ft
24-25 South Bridge
Greggs
700 ft
85/87 Rose Street
Procaffeination
800 ft
Saint Mary's Street
Explore Edinburgh
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
13 minutes' walk
Historic fortress atop Castle Rock, offering panoramic city views and captivating exhibits.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Palace of Holyroodhouse
13 minutes' walk
The official residence of the Monarch in Scotland, featuring stunning gardens and rich history.
Scottish National Gallery
Scottish National Gallery
11 minutes' walk
Home to an impressive collection of artworks, showcasing both local and international masterpieces.
National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
7 minutes' walk
Interactive exhibits covering Scotland's history, culture, and natural environment in a stunning setting.
Arthur's Seat Hike
30 minutes' walk
A popular hiking destination with breathtaking views; perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Yoga at The Meadows
13 minutes' walk
Outdoor yoga sessions provide relaxation amidst nature; classes suited for all skill levels available.
The Piemaker
5 minutes' walk
Casual eatery known for delicious handmade pies; ideal for a quick and satisfying meal.
Em's Kitchen
Em's Kitchen
2 minutes' walk
Cozy café offering hearty breakfast options and fresh baked goods in a relaxed atmosphere.
The City Cafe
The City Cafe
4 minutes' walk
Vintage diner-style restaurant serving American classics; popular for its brunch options and vibrant ambiance.
The Stand Comedy Club
10 minutes' walk
Comedic performances with a lively atmosphere; features local talents and special events.
The Bongo Club
8 minutes' walk
Iconic venue for nightclubs and live music; known for its eclectic events and vibrant nightlife.
Getting around
City Centre
Edinburgh4 min  ·  1000 ft
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)21 min  ·  8.5 mi
Dundee Airport (DND)146 min  ·  60.3 mi
Train
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station6 min  ·  1700 ft
Bus
Bus stop5 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 GBP 21 per day.
Internet
is available in 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:
6
Number of rooms:
78
Former name
holiday inn express edinburgh - royal mile, an ihg hotel

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings
Review score
Based on 1695 verified reviews
8.0/10
Great
82%
Recommend
Breakfast
7.5/10
Cleanliness
8.2/10
Comfort
8.2/10
Facilities
7.9/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.4/10
Location
9.0/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.3/10
Staff
8.8/10
Value for money
7.4/10
Pros
Helpful staff
Good location
Quick service
Adequate breakfast
Cons
Uncomfortable bed
Guest reviews
based on 3887 reviews
8.0/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
Questions of the users
About Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg
What are the parking options and costs near the hotel?
10 November 2024
Parking is available at the NCP Holyrood, just about 200 meters away. A 25% discount can be obtained by having the ticket validated at the hotel, bringing the cost to approximately £16 per day.
How accessible is public transport from the airport for first-time visitors?
15 September 2024
Public transport connections from Edinburgh Airport to the hotel are convenient and typically take around 30 minutes by bus or tram.
Is it possible to store luggage if there's an early arrival?
20 October 2024
Complimentary luggage storage is offered for guests who arrive before check-in time. Simply speak to the Reception Team upon arrival.
Are there pet policies that I should be aware of?
12 December 2024
Pets are welcome at the hotel, and a fee of £20 per night per dog will be applied upon check-in.
Are there secure facilities for bicycle storage during my stay?
5 January 2025
Yes, there is a designated secure area available for storing bicycles safely.
Is there an option for gluten-free breakfast items at the hotel?
3 March 2025
Yes, gluten-free options are available, including gluten-free bread, as part of the breakfast offerings.
Could you provide details on using the parking discount?
15 April 2025
To utilize the parking discount, guests should bring their parking ticket to reception for validation, which will apply the discount automatically.
What dining options are available for guests in the evening?
16 May 2025
The hotel offers a small snack menu in the lobby bar, including pizzas and light bites, for guests looking for a quick meal.
Can I pay in cash when checking in?
8 June 2025
Yes, cash payments are accepted at the hotel upon arrival.
How far is the hotel from popular attractions like Edinburgh Castle?
25 July 2025
The hotel is conveniently located about 800 meters from Edinburgh Castle, which is roughly a 10-minute walk.

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