Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg Exterior photoHoliday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg Beds photoHoliday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg Room photo
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From83US$ /night
Check-in
27Apr2026Select date
Check-out
28Apr2026Select 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
8.1
8.6
/10
3.6
4.1
/5

Location

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile is located just steps away from the Royal Mile, a historical and cultural hub. It is within a seven-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city. With only a six-minute walk to Edinburgh Waverley station, the hotel offers convenient access to local and national train services.

Room Amenities

The hotel offers 78 guest rooms equipped with air conditioning and power showers. Rooms include complimentary tea and coffee-making facilities, as well as iron and ironing boards for convenience. Family-friendly rooms with sofa beds accommodate two adults and two children under twelve, enhancing comfort for families traveling together.

Dining Options

Guests can start their day with the inclusive Express Start Breakfast, featuring a variety of hot and cold items. The hotel also offers a 24-hour snack menu, available for those seeking light bites like pizzas and chicken wings. The lobby lounge provides a relaxed setting to enjoy drinks and catch live sports on big screens.

Accessibility and Family-Friendly Services

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile welcomes pets, allowing guests to bring their furry companions, subject to prior arrangement. The hotel's accessible features include wheelchair-friendly rooms and public areas, ensuring everyone enjoys their stay. The surrounding attractions allow families to explore the city, with sites like Holyrood Palace and the National Museum of Scotland nearby.

Nearby Attractions

The hotel is a short eight-minute walk from Holyrood Park, offering breathtaking views of Arthur's Seat. Calton Hill, known for its panoramic views, is just a twelve-minute stroll away. Guests can also explore notable sites such as the Royal Yacht Britannia and Scottish Parliament within close proximity.

Highlights

Location: only a seven-minute walk away from the historic Edinburgh Castle

Room Amenities: Family rooms with sofa beds suite for two adults and two kids

Dining Options: inclusive Express Start Breakfast with hot and cold items

Accessibility: pet-friendly hotel in Edinburgh by prior arrangement

“In my opinion, its location just off the Royal Mile strikes a balance, providing both accessibility and a bit of quiet, while the inclusive breakfast, featuring Scottish options, is a genuine highlight. The family-friendly rooms and pet-friendly policy reflect a practical approach to accommodating diverse needs; it seems a solid choice for a straightforward Edinburgh visit.”
Hotel logo
Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
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Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value 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
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Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking
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
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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
Explore Edinburgh
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
13 minutes' walk
Historic fortress on Castle Rock with stunning views, military museums, and the Honours of Scotland. A must-visit.
National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
7 minutes' walk
Diverse exhibits from the natural world to Scottish history, offering free admission and interactive displays.
Holyrood Palace
13 minutes' walk
Official residence of the Monarch in Scotland, featuring beautiful gardens and guided tours of its rich history.
Scott Monument
Scott Monument
11 minutes' walk
Victorian Gothic monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, offering panoramic views from the top after a climb.
Arthur's Seat Hike
30 minutes' walking
A thrilling hike to an ancient volcano with panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. Free access.
Yoga at The Meadows
13 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga sessions in a scenic park, great for unwinding amidst nature. Classes often available for drop-ins.
The Piemaker
5 minutes' walk
Casual eatery specializing in savory pies and pastries, perfect for a quick bite. Gluten-free options available.
Em's Kitchen
Em's Kitchen
2 minutes' walk
Cozy café offering brunch and delicious homemade dishes. Known for wholesome, locally sourced ingredients.
The Stand Comedy Club
15 minutes' walk
Renowned comedy venue hosting live shows featuring local and international comedians. A lively atmosphere for all ages.
Usher Hall
18 minutes' walk
Historic concert venue with diverse performances, from classical to contemporary music. Check their schedule for events.
Getting around town
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:
6
Number of rooms:
78
Former name
holiday inn express edinburgh - royal mile, an ihg hotel

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Guests consistently praise the hotel's fantastic location, finding it easy to walk to major attractions and the Royal Mile is just a short distance away. The rooms are generally considered comfortable, clean and modern, and tea and coffee facilities are commonly appreciated. The buffet breakfast is often mentioned as a positive, though some guests have occasionally found the bed comfort to be less than ideal. The hotel is also considered good value for money, especially considering the amenities.
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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
Excellent location
Daily room refresh
Efficient breakfast service
Cons
Faulty equipment
Water leaking
Alarm malfunction
Guest reviews
based on 1877 reviews
8.0/10
based on 3842 reviews
8.1/10
hudson from canada
Single
standard double room hot accessible
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 15, 2026
8.5/10

central stay

convenient locationgood choiceclean roomcomfortable room
the location proved very convenient. it was easy to reach various points of interest from the hotel. breakfast offered several good choices. i liked the super clean and cozy room.
I noticed the absence of a mini-fridge in the room. This would have been useful.
Location
9/10
the hotel is a short walk from the royal mile. many attractions were within an easy walking distance, which i found very useful. this accessibility enhanced my ability to explore and enjoy the area at my own pace.
Rooms
8/10
The room allocated to me was of suitable size. This met expectations for a hotel in such a central locale. it was clean. i had enough space to relax. and move around without feeling cramped.
0 Helpful
|
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Penelope from Greece
Standard Double Room Hot Accessible
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 27, 2025
9.2/10

Really good Location and Service

convenient locationeasy accessadequate roomfriendly staff
I found the location convenient. It is close to Waverley station. Many sights and restaurants are within walking distance. The room's size was adequate, and it was clean. The staff was friendly and helpful throughout my stay, offering assistance and ensuring I had everything I needed.
The internal sound insulation needs improvement. I could hear noise from adjacent rooms.
Dining
9/10
The continental breakfast featured a good selection of fresh items. Hot options were available during breakfast. The breakfast area provided ample space , offering a comfortable experience.
Service
10/10
All staff members were helpful and friendly. The reception team assisted me with questions. Staff members showed dedication when finding solutions for my requests and always offered kind service.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel keeps the premises clean and cute. The staff maintains a high standard of cleanliness. This contributes positively to the overall experience and makes guests feel very comfortable.
Rooms
8/10
The room provided all necessary amenities. It was clean and well kept. The space in the room allowed freedom of movement and storage for my belongings. Everything met my expectations.
Location
10/10
The hotel is near the Royal Mile, but remains relatively quiet. It offers easy access to attractions. This balance between central location and quiet surroundings is excellent for visitors.
0 Helpful
|
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Reese from United States
Family with children
Standard Double Room Hot Accessible
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:November 18, 2025
7/10

Acceptable experience

bubbly personalityperfect locationtrain stationdark roomceiling lightingunwashed spoon
the staff had lovely and bubbly personalities. the location was the perfect distance from multiple attractions. waverly train station was in close proximity and easy to find.
the rooms are too dark in my opinion and there is no ceiling lighting. side lights do not illuminate the room properly. i found an unwashed spoon on the bar.
0 Helpful
norman from united kingdom
Family with children
standard double room hot accessible
4 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed:August 11, 2025
9.0/10

reliable stay near tourist spots

helpful staffefficient teamsmooth returncash payment
i found the staff cute. ms. birsen and the reception team helped with questions. they stored our luggage for three days while we visited the highlands. i really appreciated that everything went smoothly upon our return.
the lack of cash payment options was inconvenient. this hotel was the only one not accepting cash during my travels. i found this limitation surprising.
Rooms
8/10
the standard double room included a sofa bed. it had accessible features. the room was well-kept. it was sufficiently clean.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel offered luggage storage. this service allowed us to leave our bags safely during our trip to the highlands. i appreciated the breakfast included.
Location
10/10
the hotel is near tourist areas, easily accessible by walking. it is located in a quiet area. i found it convenient to reach nearby attractions and the city center.
0 Helpful
|
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Layla from United Kingdom
Couple
Standard Double Room Hot Accessible
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed:July 11, 2025
9/10
short walkgreat breakfastexcellent location
I stayed in a standard double room. the location was excellent. It was just a short walk to the main attractions. the breakfast was great (especially the pancakes!).
the towels in the bathroom felt a bit rough and could use replacing (in my opinion).
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg
What are the check-in and check-out times at Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg?
Check-in at the hotel is from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
What room amenities can guests expect at Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg?
Rooms feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee facilities, and a private shower room.
Does Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg offer Wi-Fi?
The hotel provides free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property.
What is the location of Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg in relation to major attractions?
The hotel is located just a few minutes' walk from the Royal Mile and is 1 km from Edinburgh Castle.
Is breakfast included during the stay at Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg?
Guests enjoy a complimentary Express Start Breakfast that includes both continental and traditional hot items.
Which attractions are near Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg?
Nearby attractions include Holyrood Palace, Calton Hill and Scottish National Monument, and the Writers' Museum.

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