Name: Cairn Hotel & Apartments
Address: 10/18 Windsor Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, Edinburgh, Scotland, GB
Price range: $139–$896 per night
Rating: 8.33

What guests think

Cairn Hotel & Apartments offers a walkable base in a quiet yet central area, with consistently friendly staff and a wide range of room types from compact hotel rooms to spacious apartments that suit different budgets and needs.

Many highlight clean, comfortable spaces, though some note occasional housekeeping lapses and areas showing wear. Expect stairs and no elevator, variable room sizes, limited or paid parking, and warm rooms without air conditioning, with fans provided. Breakfast feedback is mixed. Overall, it suits travellers seeking straightforward comfort rather than a feature-heavy stay.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

No elevator and many rooms require climbing steep stairs, which can be challenging with luggage or mobility issues. Parking is limited or paid (sometimes off site), though a small secure lot and an on site bar are mentioned.

Related guest reviews

8

Margaret

Oct 18, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was on top floor up steep spiral stairs. Rather trecherous for four seniors carrying luggage. We were unaware of this at booking. Staff was responsive and allowed us early check in, which was much aopreciated.

2

Frank

Jun 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Property is not well kept and the advertise having parking on site for a fee, when I got the hotel there was no parking and the staff didn’t provide any solutions.

4

Rosalinda

Aug 22, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

The staff was absolutely amazing but no elevator and my mom has trouble walking let along carrying all our bags. But the people at the front were great and I enjoyed chatting with them

8

Frank

Oct 17, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Good location handy to Waverley Station and airport tram line. Stairs to second floor rooms so might not suit anyone with mobility issues. Breakfast and house bar available.

10

Kaylee

Mar 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

If you have lots of luggage or heavy luggage request a room on the first floor as the building has no lifts.

8

Julia

Sep 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The cairn is in a very quiet neighborhood and it's a lovely little place. There is no elevator, so that's important for folks with mobility issues.

10

Jonathan

May 15, 2024

·

Fantastic two night stay at this hotel. Large spacious rooms, nicely renovated and well equipped with fridge and oven/microwave. Super convenient location with tons of dining options around. Do note that there are very few parking spots with the hotel for 18 pounds a night.

8

Trevor

Jan 10, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Generous size family room. Clean comfortable and central location. Parking is very limited and £15 per night extra.

8

Martin

Jun 9, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Location was great for the city - price wise was good too, the secure car park was brilliant and the staff were really helpful and nice

6

Elizabeth

Nov 1, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

So we were "upgraded" to an "apartment" which I guess was nice because it was bigger than our original booking. However, it is to be noted that they have STEPS. Lots and in US standard definitely not up to code, smaller and steep so it sucks if you have large heavy luggage.The rooms were fairly clean a few spots in the bathroom had rust. Water pressure was fine. Bed and linens were clean too. No bed bugs. ON TO the bed... It was two twin beds pushed together. Which was only a slight inconvenience. Probably perfect if you are Jewish and it\'s that time of the month. I would stay here again if I did not have heavy luggage or could get a room that didn\'t have as many steps. Otherwise I would probably stay somewhere else. Nothing wrong with the place but I just feel like they are slightly missing the mark.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Rooms and apartments are generally clean, with several reviews noting very clean or spotless spaces. A few guests reported lapses such as dusty floors, hair left in bathrooms, lingering odours, and some tired areas needing attention.

Related guest reviews

10

Vaishali

Aug 16, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent location , very clean rooms. Helpful staff

10

Jane

Oct 10, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Our stay was thoroughly enjoyable. We stayed in a gorgeous room which was spotless. It was a large room, far bigger than we thought. Staff were lovely and very knowledgeable/helpful. The atmosphere in the hotel was fabulous, they made us feel very welcome!

6

Lynda

Nov 2, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Excellent location, comfortable beds. Initially seemed clean enough except the floor was dusty (fluff & dust on socks after walking in room) & in parts dirty which for vinyl flooring would be an easy fix they it was washed between guests

10

Renee

May 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The two-bedroom apartment was wonderful! Comfortable beds, nice and clean, and a beautiful view onto a quiet neighborhood but still within easy walking distance to everything you’d need in Edinburgh. It’s a great place to stay with very friendly staff.

6

Catherine

Jul 30, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location, walking distance to the Royal Mile Plenty of options for meals The room was nice but very small. Parking limited for the size of the hotel Our bathroom had a smell of stale cigarette

10

Stephen

Oct 26, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The Cairn Hotel is a wonderful place, very comfortable and quiet. The rooms were squeaky clean. The staff is super polite and kind. I felt very welcome during my stay, and slept very soundly. Highly recommended.

6

Nicole

Jul 4, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The bathroom was not very clean I must say. Still hair from the prior guests and even little small hairs which was gross. No air conditioning and window did not open so in the summer, we were SUPER hot at night. Staff were friendly and helpful and breakfast was average. stay was good overall minus the dirty bathroom

4

ALESSIA

Jun 30, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Way too overpriced for the tiny room you get. The bathroom is bigger than the room itself, there’s not enough space to just be! A tiny shelf, a small one door wardrobe… For more than 200€ a night (avg. of 4 nights) it’s a robbery! The floor has never been cleaned in 4 days, when I arrived there was dirt on the bathroom floor and there it stayed the whole duration of the stay. Also, the fixed shower head… can you not update to a flexible one? I know you are not used to bidet but that would be all people would need in order to avoid taking 2 showers a day, consuming tons of water. I Did not buy the breakfast so i can’t judge on that, but I had to pay to leave the luggage on the last day (it’s 1 pound, but still…this have never happened before anywhere I travelled)

10

Linda

Sep 19, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean, spacious

10

Lauren

Apr 18, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Loved the room. Very spacious and clean.

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Rooms

Room sizes vary widely from very small hotel rooms to large, well equipped apartments; some layouts are tight around the bed. Many mention warm rooms with limited window opening and no air conditioning, occasional thin walls or plumbing noise, and mixed in room amenities.

Related guest reviews

8

Maryann

Feb 15, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Good location. Apartment was clean and nice. Good wifi. Nice shower and variety of lights in the room. Walls are thin, meaning could hear other guests easily which wasn’t great.

6

Susan

Jul 30, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The hotel eas in a great location however the room was small and hot. Only a fan to keep Cool. Had a hard time sleeping because of it.

8

Jennifer

Aug 1, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Nice location. Quiet but easy to walk to everything. Room was very small and hot. I had to shuffle sideways to get past the bed. Window only opened a few inches. The fan made it tolerable, but it was still pretty warm.

10

Max

Aug 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I got an upgrade to a spacious room although it was in the basement. All amenities were included except a mini fridge was not included. Still a pleasant 2 night stay.

6

Rachel

Aug 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was very small and a bit outdated, but generally good place to stay for location alone.

10

Kendra

Oct 6, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff was friendly, room was HUGE and it had a bath tub! Would definitely stay here again!

6

Nicolas

Sep 7, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel looks good and has a great location. The room had a high ceiling and was in a good shape. I just didn't sleep well because flushing the toilet makes the pipes in the walls vibrating and making a loud noise for very long minutes. I did that during the night and I probably woke up the whole hotel. Then the electric box started to make some annoying noise as well in the middle of the night. i managed to switch off the electricity in room by removing the card from the socket at the entrance. Well, not a good sleep, bad infrastructure, not worth the price.

10

Jonathan

May 15, 2024

·

Fantastic two night stay at this hotel. Large spacious rooms, nicely renovated and well equipped with fridge and oven/microwave. Super convenient location with tons of dining options around. Do note that there are very few parking spots with the hotel for 18 pounds a night.

6

Elizabeth

Nov 1, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

So we were "upgraded" to an "apartment" which I guess was nice because it was bigger than our original booking. However, it is to be noted that they have STEPS. Lots and in US standard definitely not up to code, smaller and steep so it sucks if you have large heavy luggage.The rooms were fairly clean a few spots in the bathroom had rust. Water pressure was fine. Bed and linens were clean too. No bed bugs. ON TO the bed... It was two twin beds pushed together. Which was only a slight inconvenience. Probably perfect if you are Jewish and it\'s that time of the month. I would stay here again if I did not have heavy luggage or could get a room that didn\'t have as many steps. Otherwise I would probably stay somewhere else. Nothing wrong with the place but I just feel like they are slightly missing the mark.

10

Crispin

Sep 23, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great for our needs. We were a group of couples visiting from Canada (having attended a wedding in the highlands earlier). The apartment had tons of room and a washing machine with drying rack. Fans in the units as well. The booking was a bit odd in that, once completed online, it states that you have only 'one room' when you infact have booked an entire apartment. For the price, you cant beat this unit for multiple guests. Walking to anything you want (including the mile) and for less mobile folks the bus stop for the tours was very close.

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Service

Staff are widely described as friendly, helpful and accommodating, with smooth check in and occasional upgrades. A few guests experienced unhelpful interactions or miscommunication.

Related guest reviews

8

Margaret

Oct 18, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was on top floor up steep spiral stairs. Rather trecherous for four seniors carrying luggage. We were unaware of this at booking. Staff was responsive and allowed us early check in, which was much aopreciated.

10

Lynn

Apr 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very friendly attentive staff. Room was available very early. Room great size and very clean. Wi-Fi and complimentary water, tea, coffee, biscuits and crisps. Highly recommend. 5 mins walk from the playhouse.

10

Cecilia

Apr 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent service, professional and very friendly!

4

Chandan Partab

Dec 8, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Area was slightly outside city center. Limited parking. Staff was extremely unhelpful. Did not offer solutions not smile nor help. Room was dated but had smart tv. Big and clean. Basic toilet. Had a minor drainage provlem that required front desk to rectify. Please do not book a stay here if you have alot of luggage. On top of having to stay in a separate building, with multiple steps, we were given a room in the basement, with a very steep flight of stairs. Staff did not give us a room at ground floor despite requesting. Was not helpful at all. Totally marred our experience. Would not stay again.

10

Jane

Sep 5, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Cairn Hotel staff were friendly and helpful. They also had a small area where I could buy needed items--a great help because my luggage didn't arrive.

8

Norman

Aug 7, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very good service 24/7. Friendly and helpful staff. The rooms are cleaned daily and the breakfast is rich. Would love to stay there again.

4

Amra

Apr 26, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Place was okay. Not terrible, but easily accessible via walking to Edinburgh’s most popular sites. Staff at check-in was not very helpful and borderline rude. Staff in the morning was much more helpful and nice.

8

Henry

Nov 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice stay, staff very friendly and helpful

10

Carmine

Aug 8, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Front desk staff were excellent to deal with. Everyone was pleasant

10

John

Aug 9, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great place. Like everywhere in Edinburgh, you pay quite a bit for what you get, but the room was nice and the staff were great.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Quiet street near the centre with easy walking access to the Royal Mile, Waverley Station and many eateries, plus nearby tram and bus links. Guests frequently found it convenient for exploring Edinburgh.

Related guest reviews

8

Zurisadai

Aug 31, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Nice hotel. Quiet. Plenty to eat nearby. About 25-30 min walking distance to Old Town and other tourist places, but there is Uber and City Cabs readily available.

10

Chris

Oct 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Easily walkable location from which to explore the Royal Mile and vicinity. Comfortable room which was very quiet and allowed for a good night’s rest.

10

Derwyn

Oct 1, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

I spent two days at the Cairn and found it had everything needed. it’s in a great location within easy walking to lots of places to eat. The room was comfortable, clean, quiet, the bed and bedding wonderful. I walked to the Royal mile, train station, Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Palace but lots of transportation options from there .

10

Amy

Apr 24, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean comfortable room. Bus stop nearby, but we just walked to town/Royal Mile and it was fine. Staff was very friendly. Parking was around the block and safe and locked up.

8

Jill

Aug 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We stayed here while we attended the Fringe. It was comfortable and convenient to buses or to just to walk to events.

10

Derek

Jun 11, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good little hotel. About 15 minute walk to the main tourist part of town, but lots of eateries close by. There’s also a very good bookstore right by here. The hotel also held my suitcase for me until it was time for me to check in, so that was nice.

10

Teresa

Aug 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Safe, clean room and easy access to train and bus.

8

Ken

Jul 28, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The location was great - access to the tram, train station and many of the historic sites. My room was modern, large and well appointed.

8

Derek

Sep 30, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location - we walked to all the main sites and is next to tram line for the port area! Space was tight but ok, staff friendly & helpful. Breakfast buffet was good. Secure parking is away a bit and expensive. Overall 4/5

10

Mintoi

Jul 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Location is perfect, close to center and yet in a quiet street, room was comfortable and clean with plenty of milk for tea and coffee which is a rarity in hotels. Nice enough breakfast and staff were very helpful, really enjoyed our 2 day stay there, plenty of restaurants around and close to the tram to go to the sea front as well as to the centre of town.

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Dining

Breakfast quality is mixed: several guests enjoyed the buffet and found good variety, while others felt it was basic or poor value and chose to eat elsewhere. Some mention excessive packaging at breakfast.

Related guest reviews

10

Rebecca

Jun 14, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Buffet breakfast included in this hotel. Great staff, very helpful and polite.

6

Isabel

May 21, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Basic hotel with a basic breakfast. Overpriced for what it was

10

Elaine

Mar 20, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Hotel is in a great location. Walking to all the amazing sites. Hotel was clean, staff was friendly. Breakfast was delicious. Would definitely stay again.

10

Sandra

Mar 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Spent a lovely night at the Cairn Hotel. Great location for the theatre and city centre. Near bus stops if you need them. Breakfast was good and staff were very pleasant and professional. Room was very clean and bed comfortable.

8

Jayesh

May 26, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Brilliant location right at centre of city and easy to get to anywhere. Room was clean and well presented. A little bit tight but lovely ceiling heights and big windows. Shower was clean and comfortable but could do with a bit more water pressure. Bed was nice and comfortable. Breakfast was not so good. Buffet format but everything was cheapest possible ingredients so not very good. Ended up at cafe around the corner. Overall would say great location and good rooms but avoid the breakfast.

8

Katherine

Jul 9, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Good location- 20 minute walk to Waverley. Breakfast had good hot and cold options.

4

Ulrich

Sep 7, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Our rating was influezed by the low price to value ratio this hotel offers. £200 pound per night for a very small room plus low quality breakfast is too much in our opinion.The room was very small, however clean and with modern, again small, bathroom, and the Hotel is in a good location for exploring Edinburgh. We were however disappointed by the breakfast. Here the owners went for the cheapest possible option with a breakfast bar (no seperate menue). The warm food from the bar was unpleasent, again the cheapest the owners could get their hands on, and far removed from any Scottish breakfast you would expect in our capital. There was one kind of ham and one kind of sliced cheddar available, again low discount store quality, as was the orange juice made from diluting juice. We would recommend guests to have their breakfasts elsewhere, this however further impacts negatively on price to value ratio.

8

Derek

Sep 30, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location - we walked to all the main sites and is next to tram line for the port area! Space was tight but ok, staff friendly & helpful. Breakfast buffet was good. Secure parking is away a bit and expensive. Overall 4/5

10

ROBERT

Aug 15, 2024

·

Stayed 10 nights

Very nice and friendly hotel, very central,cooked breakfast very nice and plenty of choice in cereals, juices and coffee

8

Carlie

Jan 23, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely room, quick and easy check in. Nice and tidy and quiet. Located close to most things and 10 minute walk from train station. Only down fall was breakfast is £8.50 and I don’t think it’s worth that, the hot food didn’t look appetising at all, so just had toast and coffee. I got breakfast with the room though so I can’t complain but if I had to pay it, it wouldn’t have been worth the price. Over all very nice hotel and would go back due to its location.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$89
February	$93
March	$120
April	$158
May	$221
June	$213
July	$231
August	$282
September	$209
October	$165
November	$151
December	$172

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4 $257	5 $344
6 $277	7 $276	8 $275	9 $300	10 $274	11 $359	12 $370
13 $253	14	15 $303	16 $280	17	18	19 $323
20 $238	21 $250	22 $278	23 $896	24 $272	25 $313	26 $335
27 $247	28 $301	29 $259	30 $277

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1	2 $307	3 $349
4 $181	5 $182	6 $200	7 $338	8	9 $250	10 $369
11 $185	12 $246	13 $203	14 $296	15 $287	16 $307	17 $274
18 $193	19 $153	20 $193	21 $246	22 $245	23 $245	24 $297
25 $185	26 $184	27 $139	28 $246	29 $193	30 $255	31 $297

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Guest reviews

Very good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

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