Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg | City stay in Edinburgh | Book Now

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Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg Beds photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

300 Cowgate, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1NA

Steps from the Royal Mile

Great

8.1

8.6

/10

3.6

4.1

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

Comfortable beds
Free breakfast
Great location
Quiet rooms
Friendly staff

"Irons and kettles tea coffee in every room. Scottish Soap Company shower gel and hand wash."

GavMorr from United Kingdom

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"Great options / choice and facilities for gluten free breakfast"

Claire from United Kingdom

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"The hotel was right in the city center making everything walkable distance."

Johana from United States

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Location

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile is located within a seven-minute walk from the iconic Edinburgh Castle, providing easy access to the city's historical sites. The hotel is a short six-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, connecting guests to Glasgow and London. Nearby attractions include Holyrood Park, offering views of Arthur's Seat, and Calton Hill, known for panoramic vistas of the city.

Rooms

The hotel offers 78 rooms that include family-friendly accommodations with sofa beds suitable for two adults and two kids under 12. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen televisions, and power showers for convenience. An extensive selection of complimentary tea and coffee is available in every room.

Dining

Guests can enjoy a complimentary Express Start Breakfast, featuring both hot and cold items to kickstart the day. The hotel also provides a 24-hour snack menu that includes pizzas and chicken wings, available at the bar. Grab & Go bags are available for those needing a quick meal on the go.

Pet Policies

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile is a pet-friendly hotel, accommodating pets by prior arrangement. A non-refundable deposit of 25 GBP per pet per stay is required, ensuring a seamless stay for pet owners. Additionally, service animals are allowed without charge, enhancing inclusivity.

Activities

The hotel is situated minutes away from various cultural venues, such as the National Museum of Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Families can explore the enchanting atmosphere of nearby Dynamic Earth, located just 0.4 miles away. The vibrant Royal Mile offers numerous shopping and dining options for guests to enjoy.

Highlights

Location: Seven-minute walk to Edinburgh Castle

Rooms: 78 rooms with family-friendly accommodations

Dining: Complimentary Express Start Breakfast

Pet Policies: Non-refundable deposit for pets

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.

Location: Perfect

9.1/10Review score

See hotel location on map

Guest Emotional Experience

Away at HomeComfy breakfast

“You also get a tasty help yourself as many times as you like buffet style breakfast.”

Aem Carter from United Kingdom

Explorers, Not TouristsPerfectly located

“Two minutes to Royal Mile and 10min to Princess Street and Playhouse.”

tufty1940 from United Kingdom

Strange & UniqueUnexpected bonus

“Free water with lemon slices at the reception.”

Akos from Hungary

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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

room details

Standard Twin Room Hot

2 persons

205 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Standard Double Room Hot Accessible

3 persons

305 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Standard Twin Room Hot Accessible

2 persons

305 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Click button to see more 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: Great

8.0/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
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

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

City landmarks

Museum

Edinburgh Castle

3500 ft

Landmark

Arthur's Seat hike

1.5 mi

Palace

Palace of Holyroodhouse

3500 ft

Gallery

Scottish National Gallery

3000 ft

Landmark

Royal Mile

2600 ft

Park

Princes Street Gardens

3300 ft

Museum

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

2900 ft

Landmark

Calton Hill

2400 ft

Monument

Scott Monument

2900 ft

Landmark

Nelson Monument

3700 ft

Museum

The Writers' Museum

2400 ft

Museum

Gladstone's Land

2300 ft

Museum

Dynamic Earth

2500 ft

Botanical Garden

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

1.5 mi

Landmark

Princes Street

4100 ft

Public Building

The Scottish Parliament

3000 ft

Cemetery

The Robertson Mausoleum

2100 ft

Park

Holyrood Park

1.3 mi

Square

Grassmarket

2900 ft

Landmark

The Scotch Whisky Experience

3000 ft

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

Edinburgh Castle

13 minutes' walk

Historic fortress atop Castle Rock, offering panoramic city views and captivating exhibits.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

13 minutes' walk

The official residence of the Monarch in Scotland, featuring stunning gardens and rich history.

Scottish National Gallery

11 minutes' walk

Home to an impressive collection of artworks, showcasing both local and international masterpieces.

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

2 minutes' walk

Cozy café offering hearty breakfast options and fresh baked goods in a relaxed atmosphere.

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

Glasgow (GLA)133 min · 54.9 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

Wireless 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:

Number of rooms:

Former name

holiday inn express edinburgh - royal mile, an ihg hotel

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile enjoys a fantastic location, steps away from the Royal Mile and within a 10-20 minute walk to main attractions like Edinburgh Castle and Waverley station, also within a 10-minute walk to Holyrood Park (Arthur's Seat). Guests often appreciate the spacious rooms and comfortable beds. The breakfast is another highlight, with many options available; some have noted the grab-and-go option is particularly convenient for early tours. Some guests have found the rooms to be dark, even with all the lights on.

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Review score

Based on 1877 verified reviews

8.0/10

Great

83%

Recommend

Location

9.1/10

Staff

9.0/10

Breakfast

7.4/10

Value for money

7.6/10

Pros

Helpful staff

Good location

Quick service

Adequate breakfast

Cons

Uncomfortable bed

Dominic from United Kingdom

Couple

Standard Twin Room Hot

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 24, 2025

8.5/10

Excellent Royal Mile Location

central locationtrain stationcomfortable mattress

The hotel is near the Royal Mile. Edinburgh Waverley train station is a short walk away, simplifying travel. I found plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. The room had a comfortable mattress.

The lack of fruit juice options at breakfast was a slight disappointment.

Service

9/10

The staff was friendly and helpful, particularly at reception. I noticed the cleaning staff worked diligently and a woman served drinks and snacks at the bar in the evenings. They provided great assistance .

Facilities

8/10

A nice buffet breakfast offered plenty of options. The hotel was modern and clean. The room was spacious, also the hotel is close to many bars and pubs.

0 Helpful

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Joshua from United Kingdom

Single

standard double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 21, 2025

8.7/10

fantastic STAY NEAR ROYAL MILE

friendly staffclean roomsceiling lighting

the location is perfect , close to the main attractions , restaurants , and bars . the staff were friendly and always ready to help with any questions or requests i had. i found good value for money and the rooms were clean , perfect for a relaxing stay.

i found the room a little too dark , it needs brighter ceiling lighting for better visibility.

Facilities

9/10

the hotel is located within walking distance of many main attractions . nearby restaurants and bars offer a variety of dining and entertainment options , which is great. a nearby parking arrangement also helps to save some money if you have a car.

Dining

8/10

i REALIZED breakfast was included , a good start to the day with a varied selection. the breakfast atmosphere was relaxed and staff were friendly . i enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere during breakfast.

Rooms

9/10

the room was comfortable , and serviced daily , maintaining cleanliness and order. the shower was fabulous and the beds were comfortable , ensuring a restful night. the room size was decent with everything i needed.

0 Helpful

Nathaniel from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Double Room Hot Accessible

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed:August 22, 2025

7/10

breakfast optionsgreat locationfriendly staffdark roomhigh temperaturenarrow beds

the breakfast included many options it was beyond my expectations. the location proved handy to the whole city. all the staff were very accommodating and friendly.

the room was so dark even with all the lights on. the temperature was too high it would not go below 19 degrees. the twin beds were very narrow they were not a normal single size.

0 Helpful

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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HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS EDINBURGH - ROYAL MILE BY IHG, Edinburgh – A Smart Stay in the City

About the Hotel

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

Location

Rooms

Dining

Pet Policies

Activities

Highlights

Must-do experiences

Choose the Room

Check Dates & Room Rates

Amenities

General

Guest Parking

Services

Dining

Business

Children

Facilities for people with disabilities

Spa & Leisure

Room features

Bathroom

Self-catering

Media

Room decor

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg Location

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Excellent Royal Mile Location

fantastic STAY NEAR ROYAL MILE

Next best alternative

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