Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg Exterior photoHoliday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg Business photoHoliday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg Room photo
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From124US$ /night
Check-in
10May2026Select date
Check-out
11May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Hotel Overview and Details

Picardy Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 3JT
-
Steps from the Old Town
Great
8.1
8.5
/10
4.0
3.9
/5

Location

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre is situated in the New Town area, within a 10-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley station. The hotel is conveniently located near attractions like Edinburgh Castle, just a 20-minute stroll away, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, less than a mile away. Guests can easily connect to Edinburgh Airport via the nearby York Place tram stop.

Accommodations

With a total of 186 rooms, the hotel offers a range of options including family rooms that accommodate up to two children. Guests can enjoy views over the Firth of Forth in select rooms, which also include power showers and a wide-screen TV. All rooms come with complimentary high-speed internet access and comfortable bedding.

Dining

Breakfast is served daily with the Express Start Breakfast, featuring local favorites such as bacon, Cumberland sausage, baked beans, and scrambled eggs. The hotel's upgraded Lounge Bar provides a selection of beers, gins, and whiskies for guests to unwind after a busy day. In addition, guests can bring takeout foods from nearby restaurants such as Italian and traditional Scottish cuisine.

Business Facilities

The hotel includes two smart meeting rooms accommodating up to 30 people, enhancing business travel experiences. High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, along with a 24-hour business center featuring two useful PCs. Additional amenities such as flip-chart and projection equipment support seamless meetings.

Pet-Friendly Policies

The hotel is pet-friendly, allowing pets to stay for a nominal deposit of £20 per stay. Designated areas are available for pet walking within the hotel premises. This ensures that guests traveling with pets enjoy their stay comfortably.

Highlights

Location: New Town area, 10-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley station

Rooms: 186 rooms with views over the Firth of Forth

Dining: Express Start Breakfast featuring local favorites

Business Facilities: Smart meeting rooms accommodating up to 30 people

Pet-Friendly: Pets allowed with a £20 deposit

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden for stunning views and peace.
  • Try the haggis at Grayfriars Bobby's, a true local delicacy.
  • Explore the hidden Dean Village for picturesque scenes and charm.
  • Visit the Scottish National Gallery for a taste of classic art.
  • Wander through the bustling Stockbridge Market on Sundays for local fare.
View all

Choose Your Room Category

The hotel offers a range of accommodations including doubles, family rooms, and suites—plus breakfast, free cancellation, and special rates.
Standard Double Room Hot
2 persons
130 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Air conditioning
Standard Twin Room Hot
2 persons
120 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Air conditioning
Standard Double Room Hot Accessible
2 persons
130 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Air conditioning
Standard Double Room Sofa Bed Hot
4 persons
130 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Air conditioning
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Room Availability and Pricing Calendar

Find available rooms and check today's best prices!

Facilities

This hotel provides premium amenities for a memorable and relaxed stay
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
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Hotel Location

Picardy Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 3JT
Map view
Picardy Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 3JT
Nearby
Picardy Place
Sherlock Holmes Statue
200 ft
Restaurants
Taste Of Italy
600 ft
9 Baxter's Place
The Playfair
300 ft
Omni Centre Leith Walk
Cafe Piccante
400 ft
19 Broughton Street
Artisan Roast
1000 ft
57 Broughton Street
Fed Sandwich Bar
700 ft
2A Forth Street
Cafe Elmrow
700 ft
3 Elm Row
Cafe Rapido
1000 ft
79 Broughton Street
Starbucks
1000 ft
3 Shrub Place Lane Leith Walk
Deli Fresco
1200 ft
41 Leith Street
Cafe Bellina
1300 ft
33 Elm Row
Explore Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh's Rich Offerings
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
19 minutes' walk
A historic fortress dominating the skyline, offering stunning views and rich history. Guided tours are available.
National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
17 minutes' walk
An extensive collection covering Scottish history, culture, and science, with free admission and interactive exhibits.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Palace of Holyroodhouse
17 minutes' walk
The official residence of the Queen in Scotland, featuring beautiful gardens and rich royal history. Guided tours are available.
Arthur's Seat hike
Arthur's Seat hike
25 minutes walking
An ancient volcano offering hiking trails and panoramic city views. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure.
Calton Hill
Calton Hill
8 minutes' walk
Perfect for leisurely strolls and impressive city views, featuring monuments and greenspaces.
Portobello Beach
15 minutes' drive
A charming coastal area ideal for beach walks, picnics, and water sports, with rental services available nearby.
The Playfair
The Playfair
1 minute's walk
Cozy bistro serving local dishes with a contemporary twist. Reservations are recommended, offering vegetarian options.
Taste Of Italy
Taste Of Italy
3 minutes' walk
Authentic Italian cuisine with a casual atmosphere. Known for pasta and pizza, caters to various dietary needs.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
17 minutes' walk
A unique family-friendly attraction with optical illusions and interactive exhibits, ensuring fun for all ages.
The Stand Comedy Club
15 minutes' walk
Popular venue featuring local and national comedians. Known for its lively atmosphere and weekly comedy nights.
Navigating city
City Centre
Edinburgh10 min  ·  2700 ft
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)24 min  ·  9.9 mi
Glasgow (GLA)135 min  ·  55.7 mi
Train
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station8 min  ·  2000 ft
Bus
Bus stop3 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:
7
Number of rooms:
188
Former name
holiday inn express edinburgh city centre, an ihg hotel

Guest Reviews and Hotel Ratings

Honest Guest Feedback Based on Real Stays
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre is appreciated for its excellent location, right next to the Picardy Place tram stop, offering convenient access to the airport and city attractions. Many guests found the rooms spacious and the beds comfortable; plus, complimentary tea and coffee are available throughout the day in the lobby. While some have noted the limited variety of the typical English breakfast, the hotel provides a satisfying and plentiful start to the day.
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Review score
Based on 3120 verified reviews
8.0/10
Great
83%
Recommend
Location
9.4/10
Staff
8.9/10
Breakfast
6.7/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.1/10
Pros
Helpful staff
Free breakfast
Good location
Efficient staff
Cons
Poor beds
Broken coffee machine
Cold room
Guest reviews
based on 3120 reviews
8.0/10
based on 2551 reviews
4/5
based on 5683 reviews
8.1/10
Sebastian from Germany
Family with children
Standard Double Room Sofa Bed Hot
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 08, 2026
6/10
empty dispensercold water
The room was COLD. The heating switched off early in the evening and came back on quite late in the morning, I had no choice. There was no soap in the shower, the dispenser was empty and remained so despite requests. There was also no cold water available at breakfast.
0 Helpful
Isabella from Italy
Couple
Standard Double Room Hot
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 07, 2026
9/10

Surprised by a Quality Stay

wide varietyfriendly staffclean room
I enjoyed the location near many shops. The provided breakfast included a wide variety of dishes. Staff was very friendly, and I found them helpful. The room I was in was clean.
0 Helpful
john from united kingdom
Family with children
standard double room hot
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 01, 2026
9.2/10

unbeatable location! super clean and comfy!

great locationcomfortable bedexpensive parking
i travelled with my family and the location was unbeatable! it's super close to everything. the staff were friendly and helpful and my room was clean. the bed was comfortable!
the parking was a bit of a pain! i had to pay way more than i expected. i wish there was a discount offered at checkout.
Rooms
9/10
The standard double room included a comfortable bed and essential amenities. the room was clean upon arrival. It featured good soundproofing. the temperature control worked effectively to maintain a pleasant climate inside.
Dining
8/10
a hot breakfast was served with selections being regularly replenished. there were hot items available each morning. i found coffee and tea readily accessible in the lobby at no charge.
Service
10/10
The reception staff were helpful at all times. They facilitated early luggage storage prior to check-in. staff readily addressed any queries. their assistance was appreciated. They were cute!
Facilities
9/10
luggage storage was available both before arrival and after check out. this service was useful! it made travel logistics easier. the hotel offers good accessibility to nearby facilities!
Location
10/10
public transport options are located nearby. the tram stop provided easy access to the airport. the location provides quick access to various attractions. tesco express is conveniently next door!
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Nathaniel from United Kingdom
Single
Standard Double Room Hot
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:December 23, 2025
9/10
attentive stafffunctional deskcomfortable bed
the staff were really attentive. they assisted me with directions. the room had a functional desk. the bed was comfortable.
the bathroom could use a little updating.
0 Helpful
Reese from United States
Single
Standard Twin Room Hot
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 15, 2025
7/10
convenient locationhelpful staffteacoffeenoisy floorboardsthin wallspeeling paint
the location is super convenient it is walkable to many places. the staff were also really helpful especially with gluten-free options. i really appreciated the access to tea and coffee in the foyer.
the floorboards in my room were quite noisy. i could hear my neighbor's conversations since the walls seemed thin. the curtains barely covered the window and there was peeling paint around it.
0 Helpful
camila from brazil
Couple
standard double room hot
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 06, 2025
8.8/10

convenient city stay

convenient locationcomfortable bedthoughtful voucher
The location was convenient. The tram stop outside made airport transfers easy. the room had a comfortable bed, and the staff offered a friendly welcome. i appreciated the prosecco and drink voucher provided to celebrate our anniversary and a birthday. it was a thoughtful touch!
The hot breakfast options tasted burnt and chewy. I could not enjoy them.
Service
9/10
Staff offered helpful advice upon arrival and . They responded quickly to requests. the reception area remained consistently staffed throughout my visit. luggage storage service was available and efficient.
Location
10/10
The hotel's central situation allowed easy access to city attractions. The playhouse venue was nearby. the tram stop provided direct transport to the airport. I found navigating the area simple. shopping options were conveniently close to the premises.
Facilities
8/10
The room had enough space. The bed felt firm and supportive. heating in the room worked effectively. I could adjust it easily. the hotel featured accessible rooms, though i did not need to use this facility.
Dining
8/10
Breakfast featured sufficient variety to suit different tastes. I found many options available. the breakfast area was spacious. i saw staff work hard to keep the buffet well-stocked. staff cleaned tables quickly.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Jessica from Australia
Couple
Standard Double Room Hot
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:October 25, 2025
7/10
ideal locationtrain stationnearby restaurantssmall roomsmaller bathroominsufficient curtains
The location is ideal. The train station is a short walk away. Restaurants are next door.
Our room was small, and the bathroom was even smaller. The curtains did not cover the whole window. Contractors overlooked the room.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre By Ihg
Is ultraviolet light technology used to sanitize the air in the rooms to eliminate COVID-19, and how long is the gap between guests in the same room?
21 January 2024
Ultraviolet light technology is not utilized for sanitizing the air. There is a three-day interval between guests in each room to ensure proper cleaning.
What time is check-in, and is it possible to check in earlier than 2 PM?
5 April 2024
Check-in is guaranteed from 2 PM onwards. While early check-in cannot be promised, you are welcome to inquire at reception, and luggage can be stored until your room is ready.
What are the parking options available at the hotel?
12 March 2024
The hotel offers on-site parking, but spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is £15 per night. Alternatively, there is a multi-storey car park nearby that charges approximately £16.50, including a discount.
Can guests open windows in the rooms for fresh air circulation?
18 February 2024
Yes, the windows in the rooms can be opened to allow fresh air to enter.
Are tea and coffee-making facilities available in the rooms?
27 February 2024
Yes, each room is equipped with a welcome amenity tray that includes tea and coffee-making facilities.
Are accessible rooms with double beds available for booking?
10 April 2024
Accessible rooms with double beds are available, and designated parking is provided for blue badge holders.
How far is the Christmas market from the hotel?
30 November 2024
The Christmas market is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel, so there's no need for a taxi.
What does the breakfast at the hotel include?
15 May 2024
Breakfast includes both a continental selection and a hot food buffet, served from 06:30 to 10:00.
Are there walk-in showers in the bathrooms?
8 June 2024
Yes, all bathrooms in the hotel feature walk-in showers.
Is it permissible to bring dogs to the hotel, and what are the conditions?
22 January 2024
Dogs are welcome at the hotel for a fee of £20 per stay, and guests with pets will be allocated rooms on the ground floor.
What transportation options are close to the hotel for getting around Edinburgh?
16 March 2024
The nearest train station, Waverley, is approximately 10 minutes away on foot. A bus station is also just 5 minutes from the hotel.
Can guests store their luggage after check-out for a few hours?
26 July 2024
Yes, guests can leave their luggage at reception after check-out to continue exploring the city.
Are there bicycle storage facilities available at the hotel?
11 March 2024
Yes, there is a designated storage room near the reception where bicycles can be securely stored.

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