Save up to 10%
by booking directly
compared to Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From83US$ /night
Check-in
26Dec2025Select date
Check-out
27Dec2025Select 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
Very good
7.9
8.5
/10
3.7
4.2
/5

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg - Central hotel steps from Royal Mile

Located in Edinburgh's Old Town, a bustling area of centuries-old buildings and narrow alleys. The hotel is 10 minutes on foot from Edinburgh Waverley station with direct trains to Glasgow and London. Edinburgh Airport is 25 minutes by car. Situated steps from the Royal Mile and a 7-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle. Breakfast buffet included with hot and continental options. The lobby lounge bar serves drinks and 24-hour snack menu. Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Business services include a printer and photocopier.

Additional perks of the hotel

5-minute walk to Calton Hill for panoramic city views

10-minute walk to the Writers' Museum

12-minute walk to the Scottish National Monument

8-minute walk to Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat

Knowledgeable staff providing local information

Pet-friendly accommodation (£25 non-refundable deposit per pet per stay)

Late check-out available

Accommodations

78 non-smoking rooms with air conditioning. Standard rooms allocated at hotel's discretion between double or twin configurations. Family rooms include sofa beds suitable for two adults and two children under 12 or three adults. Accessible rooms feature wet rooms with showers, emergency pull cords, visual alarms, lower access areas, and wider doorways. Vibrating pillow devices available upon request.

Other conveniences

Flat-screen TV with cable channels

Free tea and coffee making facilities

Power showers in all bathrooms

Work desk with lamp

Ironing facilities and hairdryer

Blackout blinds

Heating and air conditioning

Electric kettle

Windows that open

Large towels and desk-level power outlets

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
19 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Twin Room Hot
2 persons
19 m² 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Standard Double Room Hot Accessible
3 persons
28 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Twin Room Hot Accessible
2 persons
28 m² 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
Show all roomsLess

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

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
Show more

Hotel Location

300 Cowgate, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1NA
Map view
300 Cowgate, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1NA
Nearby
Museum
National Museum of Scotland
560 m
High Street 2 Warriston's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
500 m
Church
St Giles' Cathedral
340 m
Store
Edinburgh Old Town
510 m
Museum
Museum of Childhood
180 m
Nicolson Street
Surgeons' Hall Museums
450 m
Museum
John Knox House
230 m
2 Chalmers Close High Street (opposite Museum of Childhood on Royal Mile)
Brass Rubbing Centre
370 m
Church
Mercat Cross
180 m
Gallery
City Art Centre
500 m
Restaurants
The Piemaker
370 m
38 South Bridge
Em's Kitchen
140 m
38 St. Marys Street
Moratti Takeaway
90 m
68 St. Marys Street
The City Cafe
300 m
19 Blair Street
Holyrood Coffee Shop
120 m
1 Holyrood Road
Baskin Robbins
150 m
9 Holyrood Road
Yocoko Noodle Bar
340 m
45 South Bridge
Greggs
200 m
85/87 Rose 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
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  ·  300 m
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)21 min  ·  13.6 km
Dundee Airport (DND)146 min  ·  97.1 km
Train
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station6 min  ·  500 m
Bus
Bus stop5 min  ·  400 m

Guest Reviews and Hotel Ratings

Honest Guest Feedback Based on Real Stays
94%
Guests loved the hotel and would gladly return
9.4/10
Perfect
Rooms
9.0
Location
9.6
Service
9.5
Dining
8.7
Guest reviews
9.4/10
based on 5 reviews
7.9
7.9/10 based on 3981 reviews
Ed
United Kingdom, January  2025
10.0/10

Excellent location near the Royal Mile! Helpful and courteous staff. The room was basic but clean and comfortable.

Rooms
9.0
Room had all the basic facilities, comfy bed, clean and comfortable. Heating/air con controls worked well.
Service
10.0
Staff were kind, courteous, and helpful; therefore recommend at least 2 staff members
Location
10.0
Excellent location, a short walk from the Royal Mile; for all areas of interest
Dining
5.0
Didn't use the dining facilities.
Facilities
8.0
All facilities provided were adequate for our stay.
Evelyn
United Kingdom, August  2024
10.0/10

Great stay! Amazingly comfortable bed, friendly staff and a really convenient location. Would happily return.

Rooms
10.0
Room was clean and the bed was amazingly comfortable with all facilities
Service
10.0
Staff were lovely, friendly and helpful; has great service
Location
10.0
Great location, just off the Royal Mile, easy for sightseeing in the Old Town; for sightseeing in the Old Town
Dining
9.0
Breakfast was good, with a good selection of options, including cooked and cereal options; with cooked as well as cerial
Facilities
9.0
All the facilities I needed were there, including tea/coffee making facilities.
Oliver
United Kingdom, August  2024
10.0/10

Spotless! The cleanest Holiday Inn Express I've ever been in. Crazy comfy bed, and a great location. Couldn't ask for more!

Rooms
10.0
The bed was incredibly comfortable, so comfy and clean!
Service
5.0
Didn't interact much with staff, but housekeeping was amazing!
Location
9.0
Location was great; didn't mind the short walk in the rain.
Dining
5.0
Didn't use the dining facilities.
Facilities
9.0
Everything was clean, well-maintained, and functional.
Eva
United Kingdom, June  2024
8.0/10

Good location, quiet rooms, and a decent breakfast. Some minor issues, but overall a pleasant stay.

Rooms
7.0
Room was a bit cramped, but clean and quiet despite being in the city centre.
Service
8.0
Staff were very nice and accommodating. But one person was clearly rushed off their feet, therefore recommend at least 2 staff members
Location
9.0
Convenient location in central Edinburgh, close to major attractions; is perfectly located for sightseeing
Dining
8.0
Breakfast was good, with a good variety, but with only few cooked items
Facilities
7.0
All facilities worked fine, although some minor repairs were needed in one of the bathrooms.
Camila
United Kingdom, May  2024
9.0/10

Great location near the Royal Mile! Breakfast was good, with plenty of options. The staff were super friendly and helpful, especially the Polish lady in the restaurant and most of the receptionists. Would definitely stay here again.

Rooms
9.0
We had a comfortable twin room with a nice bed; my kids loved the sofa bed!
Service
10.0
Receptionists provided great directions and travel advice. Restaurant staff were exceptionally amazing and polite; therefore recommend at least 2 staff members
Location
10.0
Perfect location, close to the Royal Mile and easy to get around.
Dining
9.0
Breakfast was plentiful and tasty, although maybe a bit more variety would be nice.
Facilities
8.0
All facilities were adequate and met our needs.
Want Access to Early Bird Booking Discounts?
Unlock Exclusive Savings Instantly!
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 GBP 21 per day.
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
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.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
26Dec2025Select date
Check-out
27Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Need more options?
Check Top hotels near Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg
The Inn On The Mile Edinburgh Exterior photo
Mobile-only price

The Inn On The Mile Edinburgh

8.3
Great618 reviews
201m from property
USD 117USD 105
per night
Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Interior photo
Mobile-only price

Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh

8.5
Great10426 reviews
240m from property
USD 147USD 132
per night
Residence Inn By Marriott Edinburgh Room photo
Mobile-only price

Residence Inn By Marriott Edinburgh

7.8
Very good2646 reviews
782m from property
USD 122USD 109
per night