Name: Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre by IHG
Address: Picardy Place, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, Edinburgh, Scotland, GB
Price range: $164–$434 per night
Rating: 8.35

What guests think

At Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre by IHG, travellers praise the central location beside the tram and Playhouse, friendly staff, and included breakfast, while noting small rooms, thin walls, and occasional maintenance or temperature issues.

Cleanliness is generally good, though several guests report mould in showers, worn carpets, or damp-smelling basement rooms. Breakfast is widely liked for variety but can be crowded, and the coffee and eggs divide opinion. Facilities are basic, with limited on site parking and many internal steps, but the setting suits sightseeing and transit. Overall, it suits travellers prioritising location and value over space and extras.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities are basic: limited on site parking with discounted spaces at a nearby garage, and many internal and external steps that complicate access with luggage or mobility needs. Lobby offers free coffee/tea and a small bar.

Related guest reviews

8

Ann-Marie

Nov 8, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel is in a fantastic location across from the playhouse and st james quarter. Check in was speedy, we had a room on basement level. The room was spotless. Comfortable bed. Amenties in the room as youd expect Iron/iron board Hairdryer Full length mirror Tea/coffee/biscuits etc Soap/shampoo/conditioner Only minor things i personally would want included in the room but would not deter me from staying again, would be a mirror on the wall where the desk is. We had a couple of drinks at the bar, drinks were reasonably priced abd delicious. Only minor complaint is that the chairs are not overly comfortable, you couldnt sit for any great length of time. Given where the hotel is located and our room was street side (025), there was quite a bit of noise, i would suggest booking a room away from street side. I did eventually get a good nights sleep. Breakfast was simple but tasty, small selection of : Bacon Sausages Scrambled eggs Hash browns (were mushy/soft, not crunchy as they should be) Beans Toast Muffins Pastries Tea/coffee Orange/apple juice All in all, would recommend staying here.

10

Annette

Jul 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean comfortable hotel, well placed for local attractions. The check-in staff are very pleasant and helpful. They do not serve meals, apart from breakfast, but there are numerous restaurants in the immediate vicinity. The only downside is the lack of parking spaces and the nearby multi-storey car park is VERY expensive.

8

Anne Roschelle

Dec 31, 2024

·

Stayed 6 nights

We had a great stay, although there are pros and cons. We stayed here with our kids, 5yo and 9mo old. We assumed there will be a microwave and a fridge in the room just like every holiday inn in the US but they don’t. That was our mistake. We needed a microwave to sterilize my baby’s bottles and the staff were very helpful to let us use their microwave. The hotel has a lift but there are additional 4-5 steps stairs to get to the actual floor. So if you have a stroller or heavy luggage, you’re gonna have to carry it up/down the stairs. Also, the main entrance has stairs. Overall, customer service was great. Everyone was very helpful and our room was clean.

10

Ashley

Jul 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Loved the service team and the location. Super friendly. Comfortable beds, AC, clean bathrooms and good water pressure. Only downside was the large front steps- difficult to navigate with luggage!

10

John

Jun 13, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

They did have a small car park (7 spots), but it was enough to let us have a spot (20 pounds / night). Location was very good as we were able to walk about 20 min to Edinburgh Castle and many other attractions. The staff was nice and room was clean, tidy, and comfortable.

8

Colette

Jan 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Situated well for shopping, dining out and theatres. The room was clean and tidy. Breakfast was tasty. Parking was available across the road at the Omni Centre - getting a code from the hotel to pre-book into the car park reduced the cost.

8

Heather

Jul 4, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

By far, this was the best designed accessible room we've encountered in our world travels - really well thought out to optimize supports, space, and safety. Although the double bed was a bit narrow for two, it was otherwise comfortable and clean. Disappointed there wasn't a small refrigerator, which is pretty standard these days. Free breakfast option was ample and easy to take away. Awkward managing luggage within the hotel (small set of stairs to lobby from elevator); and entering the hotel itself from the street - more stairs. If there was an alternative entrance from the back (at ground level, to facilitate wheelchair access), we were never made aware of it. Manager was helpful in trying to reserve taxis, which were scarce for some reason.

8

Delia

Sep 7, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Only negative was parking. I wasn’t told to prebook for 30% discount so I had to pay full price in q park.

8

Gretchen

Nov 6, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The hotel is in a great location, which is why we chose it. Airport tram is steps away from entrance, Edinburgh Street Food court is across the street and has affordable, good food, and there is a mall not too far away with food and pub. Convenient small market 2 doors down The room was clean, but beware if you have mobility issues, steep stairs of entrance and weird stairs down to elevator and up to your rooms once you exit the elevator. Also, they do not provide washcloths unless you ask. Thermostat is tricky to figure out and no instructions. Having the free, on site breakfast was nice, especially if heading out on an early tour, but it's just okay - same thing every day. Staff was helpful, but not overly friendly.

10

Marta

Nov 11, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Great breakfast, staff was friendly and love the 24 hour coffee/tea access.

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Cleanliness

Many reviews find rooms and public areas clean, but several report issues such as mould in showers, stained carpets or protectors, and occasional damp or musty smells. Housekeeping and maintenance quality can be inconsistent.

Related guest reviews

8

Simon

Feb 14, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We sripped the bed of bed sheets duvet cover and pillow cases, the matress protectior cover was stained with bits of blood and hopefully Not urine! But its not something you would check beforehand. Overall it was a good sleep. Just a bit disappointed in the cleanliness of the mattress protectior.

6

Adriel

Oct 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Not very clean. Great location.

8

Christine

Nov 27, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Very friendly welcome on arrival and smooth check in. The room was spotless and well designed for an overnight stay. Comfortable bed and quiet environment.

6

Carolyn

Oct 30, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Breakfast area was too crowded and staff were struggling to stay on top of everything (not their fault just far too busy). There was black mould in the shower and regular flashing lights coming in from outside (maybe the trams?) that kept my mother awake. On the positive side it’s a great location, was clean on the whole and staff were very friendly.

8

Elizabeth

Apr 3, 2025

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Stayed 3 nights

Very lovely staff, the place is kept clean and the breakfast is good. The cons would be that the walls are very thin so you can hear all the loud guests and the bathroom smells humidity.

4

Andrew

May 29, 2023

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Stayed 2 nights

Breakfast was handy, however, was quite overcrowded given the space constraints along with machines breaking. Cutlery and plates were not always available and tables were often full of leftover plates. Room was quite beat up with a number of holes in the wall and large stains on the carpet. Water in the shower was volatile and often reached scolding temperatures when sinks or toilets were flushed in neighboring rooms.

10

Michael

Mar 24, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Spotless! Well run and efficient staff. Breakfast excellent.

10

Jean

Nov 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent stay!!! Staff wonderful, rooms & general areas were spotless! Thank you all

6

Jason

Apr 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel is central to everything. Great for sightseeing, shopping and eating out. Sofa isn’t for adults - really poor spring mattress. Room felt pretty cold and there was mould in bathroom. Nonetheless, the breakfast was fantastic and staff very helpful and friendly

2

Sian

Sep 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Filthy carpets. Smelly bedroom. Rubbish from previous guests left under bed. Door of room left unlocked by housekeeping. Inadequate curtain which does not block out light. Plug sockets don’t secure plugs properly. Rude staff at breakfast.

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Rooms

Rooms are compact with limited storage; family setups feel tight and sofa beds are small or uncomfortable. Some guests mention thin walls, creaky floors, basement or street-facing rooms with poor views or noise, and minimal in-room amenities like no fridge or safe.

Related guest reviews

8

Tania

Sep 30, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Room small and a bit dark as it faced the alley lined with beer barrels at back of building. Clean and convenient but, no fridge. Good breakfast, service in all areas was average. Just across the road from Edinburgh Playhouse which was very convenient and about a 15 min walk from the train station. Shopping and restaurants close by and a small Tesco’s very close.

6

Carol

Apr 30, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Didn’t like the basement room or the fact we couldn’t open the window

8

William

Jul 18, 2024

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Stayed 6 nights

The staff were very helpful and friendly. Most interesting areas of Edinburgh were in walking distance and there were a lot of food options close by as well as a large shopping centre within 5 minute walk. The rooms were however a little small for a family of 4 with luggage. It would be perfect for 2 people l.

8

Aixys

Aug 11, 2025

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Stayed 3 nights

Hotel.is in a wonderful location near rotal mile Rooms for 4 are big but sofa bed is not comfortable and i ended up sleeping on the floor since they did not have a roll.away bed for this reason i find the hotel expensive.

4

Wendy

Jul 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Not sure if it’s booking through Expedia but find when I do, the hotels assign me rooms in the basement? The room was a shoebox, and walls paper thin. Could hear people beside and above. I would stay in old town for more closer options of places to eat and shop

8

Patricia

Apr 16, 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

Walls were very thin

6

Savitri

Aug 13, 2025

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Stayed 4 nights

Bed was comfortable. Room was very small. We booked a room with a double bed and a sofa bed for 2 adults and 2 children, the sofa bed was very small, only suitable for a single person or two small children. Two of the four days, we were only left towels for 2. Bathroom appeared clean but once you get into the shower stall and close the door, there was a lot of mold in all corners. Breakfast was decent with vegetarian options. Staff did not interact or greet us apart from check-in.

8

Haley

Oct 4, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Definitely an express hotel. We had 3 people with one full bed an a pull out sofa. There was no room to walk around or lay out our suitcases. However the location and service was great.

8

Timothy

Apr 10, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel was okay. Just heating didn’t seem to work. It was so cold. Bed is very small. Floor was making lots of creaking noises when you walk around. This was on level 6. Felt sorry for the people below us. Only 7 car parks but had to pay 20 pound for 1 night. There is a lift but there is still stairs to get to you room. Very strange specially when you have luggage.

10

John

Oct 11, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely staff. Breakfast lots of choice. Lovely room but no view. Room lovely and clean. Large shower room. Bed lovely and comfortable. Will go back again

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Service

Staff are consistently described as friendly, helpful and accommodating, with smooth check-in and support for early arrivals or special requests. A few guests experienced lapses around housekeeping replenishment or breakfast crowd management.

Related guest reviews

10

mark

Feb 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really enjoyable stay. Staff extremely helpful, especially the staff at breakfast. Very quick to clear tables, helpful with directions. Really nice to see someone who genuinely enjoys their work.

10

Craig

May 8, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Good location. Excellent staff.

10

Karen

Aug 27, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff were extremely helpful. Nothing was too much trouble

10

Marlon

May 14, 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

This hotel was Great, great location, the staff was friendly and professional

10

Ciara

Mar 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Excellent staff, got checked in early and great breakfast.

10

Susan W

Sep 6, 2024

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Stayed 3 nights

The staff is super friendly and happy.

10

dylan

Jul 19, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great staff

10

Linda

Mar 17, 2024

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Stayed 1 night

Check in was excellent, the guy who checked us in was chatty, engaging and interesting. The bar staff were really knowledgeable too. We were on the 6th floor. We were delighted with the room for what we paid for it. It was roomy and spacious, hot water pressure was good. We didn’t have breakfast, but checkout was seamless as well. Our only observations were a really creaky floor and an almost imperceptible, but intermittent smell of damp that appeared when we went to bed. This hotel could not be better located. It’s right on the Picardy Place Tram stop and adjacent to the Playhouse. Everything is either a short walk or tram ride away.

10

Kristina

Jun 24, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This property checked all the boxes for us. Convince to all forms of transportation, walkability, and to top it off the staff here is the literal best. I’ve worked in hospitality for many years and the staff here is too tier. They happily answered all questions, they were able to give easy directions, they helped us make reservations and helped us feel more than comfortable in the city!

10

Barbara

Nov 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

From the moment we went through the front door, everything was top notch from the check-in to the checkout - could not find fault with anything. All the staff we were in touch with were very pleasant and helpful

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Exceptionally central: across from the Playhouse and a tram stop from the airport, and walkable to Waverley station, Princes Street and the Royal Mile. Ideal for sightseeing, shopping and transit connections.

Related guest reviews

10

Andrew

Dec 16, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

Great location. Near everything we wanted to see and do. Tram stop nearby is helpful as well.

10

Mary

Jan 16, 2025

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Stayed 3 nights

The location is ideal! It is a short walk from the train station with bus and tram stops steps away. Even though it is right on a busy road it is a quiet sanctuary. The room was a peaceful place to end every day of walking this gorgeous clean city. The breakfast buffet was a delicious way to begin each day. It was the only hotel in my price range that offered 2 twin beds in the same room. Unlike the US, a “double room” means 1 bed for 2 people.

10

John

May 17, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Great location near city center, train & bus stations that made easy sight seeing in city & two day trips we took. The hotel offers the best breakfast we have ever had in our 12 trips to UK. Excellent hotel at fair price.

10

DR. LEAH

Mar 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Bang in the middle of town next to the bus station and not too far away from the railway station. The airport shuttle and the tram stop (Picardi place) from the airport are very close.

10

lee

Apr 9, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Excellent hotel. Great location, everything on the doorstep and walkable.

8

Tammera

Jul 29, 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

The hotel was in walking distance to the royal mile, the tram, and the train. You can take the tram to and from the airport and a stop is outside the hotel. Free breakfast, but it was the same thing everyday.

10

Cheryl

May 23, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The location is really good not too far from the train station, there’s a tram stop near and close by are plenty of bus stops if wanting transport to attractions. At the hotel the staff are lovely and helpful, the rooms are clean and comfortable just what we were expecting.

10

Gregory

Apr 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location near the tram station. Nice breakfast.

10

Aaron

Nov 6, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Easy check-in, attentive front desk staff, good breakfast options, spectacular location in city center along tram line from the airport.

10

Duncan

Feb 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great hotel near Princes St, Edinburgh. Very convenient

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Included breakfast is appreciated for variety and a solid start to the day, but the area often gets crowded and seating can be hard to find; coffee and eggs quality divides opinion. The hotel does not serve other meals or room service.

Related guest reviews

8

Andrew

Feb 24, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Well located, but rather small rooms in completely remade interior of a fine old building. Breakfast good, but in a cramped space and the coffee was lousy

10

Catherine

Nov 7, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

We got into our room early because it was available. The room, beds and bathroom were clean. Breakfast had a good variety of foodstuffs.

10

Annette

Jul 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean comfortable hotel, well placed for local attractions. The check-in staff are very pleasant and helpful. They do not serve meals, apart from breakfast, but there are numerous restaurants in the immediate vicinity. The only downside is the lack of parking spaces and the nearby multi-storey car park is VERY expensive.

6

Kaeleigh

Apr 15, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was a bit tight, and the elevators were kind of a circus. We liked the location, but the breakfast was a zoo; even though the food was ok, the experience wasn't great. I know they do warn you about this, however traveling with a toddler does limit our time options and breakfast was only til 10:30 on weekdays. No idea where the parking was, but it wasn't out front which made for a bit of a scramble. But the staff were nice, even if they only refilled our coffee with decaf.

8

Margarita

Dec 17, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Overall excellent except for powdered eggs and 1 pillow which was very soggy.

8

Paul

Aug 4, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location , recently refurbed so everything clean tidy and functional . Included breakfast was decent if a bit chaotic . Staff all pleasant and helpful . Overall very similar to the Premier inn York place but more recently upgraded . Bed smaller breakfast not quite as good . However would happily stay again .

10

Mitchell Ray

Nov 20, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great hotel, stayed here before so I knew it would be good. Great breakfast options, and staff were very friendly and helpful!!

6

Lee

Jun 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Fairly standard holiday inn hotel to be honest, morning breakfast was not a pleasant, to hot, to many people, loud reception area with groups. Not enough plates and badly organised food area.

8

Steven

Mar 16, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Good location and great transport links but to be honest everything is walkable. Staff were polite and friendly as were the people of Edinburgh in general. The only thing is the breakfast area could be a bit bigger and have a better layout as was a bit chaotic.

10

Marta

Nov 11, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Great breakfast, staff was friendly and love the 24 hour coffee/tea access.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$105
February	$128
March	$157
April	$203
May	$281
June	$259
July	$279
August	$357
September	$273
October	$242
November	$185
December	$205

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4 $228	5 $434
6 $251	7 $313	8 $324	9	10 $335	11 $311	12 $431
13	14 $293	15	16 $316	17	18 $298	19
20 $212	21 $239	22	23 $342	24 $253	25 $298	26 $337
27 $223	28 $217	29 $266	30 $245

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $253	2 $307	3 $337
4 $212	5 $223	6 $200	7 $266	8 $200	9 $281	10
11 $214	12 $212	13 $262	14 $261	15 $209	16 $305	17 $286
18 $256	19 $177	20 $223	21 $214	22 $222	23 $239	24 $267
25 $164	26 $178	27 $209	28 $245	29 $173	30 $204	31 $249

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Guest reviews

Very good

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What guests think

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