Is parking available at the property?

Self parking is available onsite for a fee of GBP 18.00 per day, which includes in/out privileges.

What type of breakfast is offered and what are the serving hours?

Continental breakfasts are served on weekdays from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and on weekends from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee of approximately GBP 10.50 for adults and children.

What are the standard check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 3:00 PM until midnight, and check-out is by 11:00 AM. Early or late check-in/check-out may be available upon request, but additional charges may apply.

What accessibility features are available for guests with disabilities?

The property offers step-free entrances and wheelchair-accessible facilities, including public areas and rooms. Specific details about bathrooms and pool access features are not provided.

What is the location of the property in relation to key landmarks?

The property is located in Leith, just a 4-minute walk from Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre and 8 minutes on foot from Princes Street. Other nearby attractions include Calton Hill (0.3 km), Omni Centre Edinburgh (0.5 km), and the Royal Mile (1.3 km).

What are the policies for guests staying with children?

Children are allowed at the property, and there is no minimum age for children to stay for free.

Cairn Hotel & Apartments Edinburgh

Average nightly price at Cairn Hotel & Apartments by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	US$89
February	US$93
March	US$120
April	US$158
May	US$221
June	US$213
July	US$231
August	US$282
September	US$241
October	US$165
November	US$151
December	US$172

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

18 Oct 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

16 Jun 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

22 Aug 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

17 Oct 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

17 Mar 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

21 Sept 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

15 May 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

10 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

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

8

Martin

9 Jun 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

1 Nov 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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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

16 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent location , very clean rooms. Helpful staff

10

Jane

10 Oct 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

2 Nov 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

12 May 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

30 Jul 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

26 Oct 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

4 Jul 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

30 Jun 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

19 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean, spacious

10

Lauren

18 Apr 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

15 Feb 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

30 Jul 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

1 Aug 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

17 Aug 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

10 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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

10

Kendra

6 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

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

6

Nicolas

7 Sept 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

15 May 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

1 Nov 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

23 Sept 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

18 Oct 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

27 Apr 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

18 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent service, professional and very friendly!

4

Chandan Partab

8 Dec 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

5 Sept 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

7 Aug 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

26 Apr 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

23 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice stay, staff very friendly and helpful

10

Carmine

8 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

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

10

John

9 Aug 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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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

31 Aug 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

6 Oct 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

1 Oct 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

24 Apr 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

23 Aug 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

11 Jun 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

30 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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

8

Ken

28 Jul 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

30 Sept 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

27 Jul 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

14 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

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

6

Isabel

21 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

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

10

Elaine

20 Mar 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

11 Mar 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

26 May 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

9 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

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

4

Ulrich

7 Sept 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

30 Sept 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

15 Aug 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

23 Jan 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

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $118	2	3 $198	4 $176	5 $95	6 $267	7
8 $163	9 $118	10 $184	11 $138	12 $178	13 $188	14 $292
15 $166	16 $108	17 $186	18 $149	19 $151	20 $259	21 $370
22 $130	23 $106	24 $182	25 $139	26 $190	27	28 $621
29 $86	30 $104

Cairn Hotel & Apartments

Prices for Cairn Hotel & Apartments

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Loft, 2 Bedrooms

Small Double Room

Family Room, Multiple Beds, Ensuite

Double Room

Twin Room

Family Apartment, 1 Bedroom

4 Bedroom House

3 Bedroom House

Superior Double Or Twin Room

Single Room

Apartment, 1 Double Or 2 Twin Beds

Guest reviews of Cairn Hotel & Apartments

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Cairn Hotel & Apartments

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20 $298	21 $259	22 $274	23 $358	24 $304
25 $143	26 $221	27 $259	28	29 $184	30 $231	31 $327