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From631US$ /night
Check-in
30Mar2026Select date
Check-out
31Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Hotel Overview and Details

300 Cowgate, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1NA
-
Steps from the Royal Mile
Great
8.0
8.5
/10
3.9
4.1
/5

Location

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile is located just a seven-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle and a six-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley train station. The hotel offers easy access to landmarks such as Calton Hill and the National Museum of Scotland. Guests can explore the vibrant Royal Mile, packed with history and cultural attractions.

Rooms

The hotel comprises 78 rooms, each equipped with air conditioning and comfortable bedding. Family rooms include a sofa bed, accommodating two adults and two children under 12. All guest rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi and power showers, ensuring a refreshing experience.

Dining

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh offers an inclusive Express Start Breakfast buffet featuring hot and cold options daily. Guests can also order light bites, pizzas, and drinks from the 24-hour snack menu at the lobby lounge bar. Grab & Go bags are available for those in a hurry.

Pet Policies

The hotel is pet-friendly, welcoming pets by prior arrangement and with a non-refundable deposit per stay. Guests traveling with pets can enjoy their time exploring Edinburgh together. Selected dog-friendly rooms ensure comfort for both pets and their owners.

Family-Friendly Amenities

Holiday Inn Express provides accommodations suitable for families, with designated rooms for parents and children. The proximity to family attractions like Edinburgh Zoo makes it convenient for families to explore the city. Children's activities are also available offsite.

Highlights

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

Rooms: 78 rooms equipped with air conditioning

Dining: inclusive Express Start Breakfast buffet

Pet Policies: Pet-Friendly Hotel in Edinburgh

Family-Friendly: Family rooms with a sofa bed

Must-do experiences

  • Take a stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway for scenic views.
  • Visit the Scottish National Gallery for stunning local art collections.
  • Savor haggis at The Royal McGregor for an authentic taste of Scotland.
  • Discover the hidden gems at the Grassmarket and its quirky shops.
  • Explore the Real Mary King's Close for fascinating Edinburgh history.
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
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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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
8.0/10Review 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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Hotel 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
Experience Edinburgh
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
6 minutes' walk
Showcases Scotland's history and culture, featuring free entry and hands-on exhibits for all ages.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
13 minutes' walk
Iconic fortress offering stunning views and rich history; home to the Crown Jewels of Scotland.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Palace of Holyroodhouse
13 minutes' walk
Official residence of the monarch in Scotland; operates daily exhibitions and beautiful gardens.
Arthur's Seat
30 minutes walking
Ancient volcano with picturesque hiking trails, perfect for panoramic views of the city.
Yoga by the Meadows
15 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga sessions in the park, suitable for all levels. Classes are available weekly.
Hiking at Arthur's Seat
30 minutes walking
Challenging yet rewarding hike offering breathtaking city views; ideal for thrill-seekers.
The Piemaker
5 minutes' walk
Casual eatery known for savory and sweet pies. Popular for local flavors and vegetarian options.
Em's Kitchen
Em's Kitchen
2 minutes' walk
Cozy café serving homemade comfort food. Friendly atmosphere and daily specials for a taste of home.
The City Cafe
The City Cafe
4 minutes' walk
Charming diner offering classic American dishes. Known for its relaxed vibe and extensive menu.
Holyrood Coffee Shop
Holyrood Coffee Shop
2 minutes' walk
Quaint spot for freshly brewed coffee and tempting pastries, perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
The Stand Comedy Club
12 minutes' walk
Local comedy venue featuring weekly stand-up shows; lively atmosphere suited for all ages.
Summerhall
20 minutes' walk
Cultural hub hosting art exhibitions, theater performances, and music events in a unique setting.
Navigating city
City Centre
Edinburgh4 min  ·  1000 ft
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)21 min  ·  8.5 mi
Glasgow Airport (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

Guest Reviews and Hotel Ratings

Honest Guest Feedback Based on Real Stays
Review score
Based on 1863 verified reviews
8.0/10
Great
83%
Recommend
Cleanliness
8.3/10
Comfort
8.3/10
Facilities
8.0/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.3/10
Location
9.1/10
Staff
8.9/10
Value for money
7.6/10
Pros
Clean reception area
Helpful staff
Comfortable rooms
Terrific breakfast
Cons
Noisy hotel
Guest reviews
based on 3886 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 available nearby, and how far is it from the hotel?
15 November 2024
The recommended parking facility is the NCP Holyrood, located approximately 200 meters from the hotel. Guests can receive a 25% discount on parking, making it around £16 for each 24-hour period.
Can I use public transportation to get to the hotel from the airport, and how long does it take?
22 February 2025
Yes, there are good public transport options from the airport, with bus and tram services taking about 30 minutes to reach the hotel.
Is there an option to store my luggage if I arrive early and my room isn't ready?
18 March 2024
Luggage can be stored at the hotel free of charge. Simply speak with the Reception Team upon arrival to arrange this.
What accommodations are available for families with children who prefer to sleep separately?
5 April 2025
Family rooms are equipped with one double bed and a sofa bed for children, but there are no rooms available with two separate beds.
How far is the hotel from the famous Edinburgh Castle?
10 January 2025
Edinburgh Castle is located approximately 800 meters away from the hotel, which is about a 10-minute walk.
Are there safes in the guest rooms for valuables?
30 October 2024
Guest rooms do not have individual safes, but safety deposit boxes are available at the reception.
Is breakfast included with my stay, and what options are available?
20 November 2024
A complimentary breakfast is included for all guests, featuring a selection of hot and cold items.
Can guests bring pets, and is there an associated fee?
2 December 2024
Pets are allowed with a fee of £20 per night per dog, payable upon arrival.
Is there a secure place to store my bicycle during my stay?
8 January 2025
Yes, there is a designated secure area available for bike storage.
What are the phone charges for calls made from the room?
24 February 2025
Phone calls from the room are charged at 13 pence per minute, plus the phone company's access charge.

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