Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Royal Mile

75 photos

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg Beds photo

Book your stay on our website

and save up to 10%

compared to Booking.com!

Key details

About the Hotel

300 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1NA

Steps from the Royal Mile

Great

8.1

8.6

/10

3.6

4.2

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

Clean rooms

Helpful staff

Perfect location

Good breakfast

"The beds were really comfortable and the lighting has been thought out to be subdued if you need it."

Sandra from United Kingdom

read full review

"Room was a reasonable size, had all that you need including an iron and ironing board."

DizzyChickKimmy from United Kingdom

read full review

"The rooms were designed smartly for a small space."

Lydia

read full review

Budget-friendly 3-star hotel on the Royal Mile with free breakfast

Accommodations & Accessibility

The hotel offers double rooms with sofa beds, allowing families to have children under 18 stay free when using existing bedding. Accessible rooms come with lowered bathroom sinks, raised toilets, and toilet grab rails. The bathroom door doubles as a separating toilet door, a design that provides extra privacy.

Breakfast & Dining

A free Express Start Breakfast includes both hot items like bacon, sausage, and scrambled eggs, and continental options. A 24-hour snack menu offers pizzas and toasties for late-night cravings. The breakfast room is located on the lower ground floor and includes a coffee machine that makes lattes and americanos.

Pet Policy, Family & Children

The hotel welcomes pets, making it a good choice for guests with furry companions. Family rooms are available with sofa beds that accommodate up to two additional children. Families arriving before check-in can safely leave luggage with the reception staff.

Safety & Sustainability

The hotel holds an IHG Quality Excellence Award and participates in the IHG Green Engage sustainability program. CCTV is installed in common areas and outside the property, and smoke alarms are in all rooms. A 24-hour front desk and key card access are provided for security.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The hotel sits on Cowgate, a 3-minute walk from the Royal Mile, and 0.6 miles from Holyrood Palace. Edinburgh Castle is 0.8 miles away, and Princes Street shops are a 10-minute walk. Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station is less than 10 minutes on foot, and guests can use discounted off-site parking at NCP Holyrood Road.

Highlights

Breakfast: Free hot and continental Express Start Breakfast

Family Policy: Children under 18 stay free with existing bedding

Location: 3-minute walk from the Royal Mile

Pet Policy: Dogs and cats accepted

Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rooms with grab rails

Parking: Discounted off-site parking at NCP Holyrood Road

“The location, a short walk from the Royal Mile, is a real advantage, and the inclusion of breakfast with Scottish options adds local flavor. Family rooms with sofa beds are available, and even pets are welcome. I think its sustainability initiatives and warm lobby create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.”

Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

Location: Perfect

9.1/10Review score

View our interactive map

Highlights from guests

DiningBreakfast Bonanza

The breakfast had lots of options. There was fresh, hot food and it catered for various dietary needs. It's a great way to start the day.

Oliver from Canada

Review on

Guest ParkingEasy Parking

The nearby parking garage has clearance for large vehicles. Discounted rates make parking affordable and convenient for guests.

Harriet from England

Review on

BedroomCozy Beds

The bed was extremely comfortable. It hugged me just right and I didn't want to get out of bed.

Kenji from Japan

Review on

BathroomClever Design

The bathroom had a very clever door. It doubled as the toilet door. Also, the shampoo and soap bottles are easy to read.

Freya from Australia

Review on

Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included

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

Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!

July 2026 - July 2027

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

July 2026

August 2026

September 2026

October 2026

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

Choose dates to see prices

Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones

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

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg Location

300 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1NA

Explore Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

13 minutes walking

Historic fortress dominating the skyline, featuring the Stone of Destiny and stunning views of the city.

Scottish National Gallery

11 minutes walking

Home to an impressive collection of fine art, including works by Turner and Van Gogh, with free admission.

The Real Mary King's Close

6 minutes walking

Fascinating tour of Edinburgh's hidden streets, revealing the city's rich history beneath the Royal Mile.

Arthur's Seat

30 minutes walking

Ancient volcano offering breathtaking hiking trails and panoramic views over the city and beyond.

Hiking at Arthur's Seat

30 minutes walking

Thrill-seekers can hike this iconic peak for panoramic views; trails suitable for various fitness levels.

Yoga at The Meadows

14 minutes walking

Relax and unwind with yoga classes offered outdoors, surrounded by beautiful park scenery.

Exploring Edinburgh Old Town

7 minutes walking

Cultural experience in the heart of the city, filled with quaint shops, historical sights, and local markets.

The Piemaker

5 minutes walking

Casual eatery famous for its delicious handmade pies; perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Em's Kitchen

2 minutes walking

Charming café offering breakfast and lunch with fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a cozy atmosphere.

The City Cafe

4 minutes walking

Diner-style venue known for its retro vibe and hearty favorites, serving everything from burgers to milkshakes.

The Stand Comedy Club

10 minutes walking

Popular venue for stand-up comedy shows, featuring both local talent and renowned headliners in a lively atmosphere.

Usher Hall

15 minutes walking

Historic concert hall hosting a variety of performances, from orchestras to rock bands, suitable for all ages.

Tips on navigating the city

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

Get access to exclusive early booking discounts for your family’s upcoming getaway

Book now and enjoy exclusive rates on your family vacation!

Check Rates

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

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile offers a great location, within walking distance of many attractions and close to the central streets. Guests appreciate the big rooms and the inclusion of a good buffet breakfast, sometimes describing it as representing fantastic value for money. While generally considered modern, some guests have noted that the rooms can be small.

Show moreShow less

Review score

Based on 1864 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

Ideal location

Friendly staff

Clean room

Cozy beds

Comfortable room

Cons

Noisy doors

Limited breakfast

Andy from United Kingdom

Family with children

Standard Double Room Single Sofa Bed Hot

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 31, 2026

8.5/10

Handy Location

good selection helpful staff short walk breakfast price

i found breakfast had a good selection. the staff was really helpful. the location was a short walk to many attractions. i like including breakfast in my room price.

my room it does not have good lighting. i find it rather dark.

Location

9/10

the hotel is in a great spot and places were walkable. i was near cowgate, one of the city's main streets. you are close to everything by foot and its convenient location helped with exploring.

Rooms

8/10

my standard double room has a single sofa bed. i could find comfortable bedding. the rooms are also pretty clean, which i always appreciate after a long day. they changed the towels every day.

Facilities

9/10

the hotel provided luggage storage. this was helpful before check-in. i liked that they accommodate holding bags when needed. the hotel makes things easier with convenient service.

Dining

8/10

the breakfast includes bread, butter, yogurt, and fruit. there are options like coffee, eggs, and juice too. i think is good typical hotel breakfast and the breakfast room was quiet and relaxed.

0 Helpful

Show less

Aaron from United States

Family with children

Standard Twin Room Hot

5 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: December 29, 2025

9/10

friendly staff pleasant proportions helpful staff

the staff was friendly. the entrance looked nice. it has pleasant proportions and great facilities. there is also a bar. i liked that my room had 2 twin beds. my teens enjoyed that feature. staff was very helpful anytime we had a question.

cleaning service was very bad. the rooms felt small. there was not much space for moving around as adults with a child or opening bags.

0 Helpful

Samantha from United Kingdom

Couple

Standard Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 24, 2025

6/10

adequate stay with some disappointments

small bed absent luggage support

the room lacked sufficient lighting, rendering it quite dark. a small bed was present. i noted an absence of luggage support. adequate coat support was similarly absent. it was not possible to properly pack in the room's dimness.

0 Helpful

John from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Double Room Hot Accessible

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 23, 2025

9.0/10

Really good Value and Location

central location friendly staff morning cappuccino clean table

The location allows convenient exploration of the city center. The staff demonstrated friendliness and a helpful attitude consistently. I appreciated the availability of a morning cappuccino. Tables remained clean and food items got replenished quickly during breakfast service.

The room had limited illumination from side lights without any ceiling lighting.

Facilities

9/10

The breakfast area provided ample space . Storage of luggage was possible. There was a closed parking area located a short walk from the premises. Drinks were available at all hours.

Location

10/10

Waverley station stood only a ten-minute walk away. Many prominent city sights, shops, and dining venues were accessible by foot. The hotel's position offered a balance of proximity to attractions and a quiet atmosphere during nighttime hours.

Dining

8/10

The hotel included a continental buffet style breakfast. It had a good selection of fresh items plus hot options. I enjoyed the traditional Scottish items offered during breakfast. The coffee machine worked well providing lattes and Americanos.

0 Helpful

Duncan from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Double Room Hot Accessible

4 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: November 14, 2025

6/10

mixed experience on royal mile

small room breakfast variety

the room seemed quite small. i could barely move around the furniture. the breakfast lacked variety compared to what i expect.

0 Helpful

Robert from United Kingdom

Business traveller

Standard Double Room Hot Accessible

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: August 28, 2025

9/10

Convenient Stay Near Royal Mile

great location friendly staff fresh breakfast

The hotel has an excellent location near the Royal Mile. The staff was friendly. The room was clean and functional for my visit. The breakfast was fresh with good variety.

The room lighting was a little dim.

Facilities

9/10

The hotel offers luggage storage, a convenient feature exploring nearby attractions. There is also 24/7 desk service, ensuring assistance is always available. Early tours benefit from the Grab and Go breakfast option.

0 Helpful

Show more reviews

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?

Guests of Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg can visit Scottish Storytelling Centre (nearly 5 minutes' walk from the accommodation), or the combined National Museum of Scotland placed 7 minutes' walk away.

Can we park our car at the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg?

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 are the booking prices at the comfortable 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg?

The prices at the comfortable 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg start from £440.

What payment methods are available in the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg?

At the 3-star 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 offers such room types as Standard Double Room, Standard Twin Room, and Queen Room.

Is the inn equipped with amenities for persons 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.

Are there any business facilities featured at the comfortable 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg?

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 photocopier and complimentary wireless internet access.

Which facilities are provided in the inn?

Top locations of the inn include luggage storage and a restaurant, whereas guests' safety will be ensured with 24-hour security and luggage storage.