Name: Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront by IHG
Address: Britannia Way, Ocean Drive, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, Edinburgh, Scotland, GB
Price range: $151–$343 per night
Rating: 8.27

What guests think

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront by IHG draws consistent praise for friendly, accommodating staff and a convenient location by the tram and Royal Yacht Britannia, while reviews often note small rooms, mixed breakfast feedback, and some maintenance issues.

Guests frequently cite easy transport to the city, but several report noise from corridors, plumbing or air conditioning. Breakfast quality and replenishment vary, queues can form at peak times, and the evening menu is limited with occasional delays. Cleanliness is generally good though some mention stained carpets or tired decor, and on-site parking costs extra. Expect a straightforward base with standout service and excellent transport links.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

On-site bar/restaurant and paid parking are available. Several guests dislike the parking charges or management, and the main lift is slow or occasionally out of order.

Related guest reviews

4

Robert

Apr 19, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Parking way over priced, for location should be substantially cheaper.

4

jason

Sep 8, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Received a PCN Parking notice even though I paid for parking & have a receipt

8

peter

Nov 4, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The only issues we had were: 1} Queueing for breakfast - we were down by 8am but those who were later (after 8.30am) had a 20 mins plus wait to get seated. 2}Paying for Parking - must be done within 20 mins or driving in - need to use the machine in the Foyer as a lot easier than the App which is quite a pain to use Apart from that no issues.

10

LORNA

Sep 22, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean and tidy. Nice staff not always knowledgable about the locality. Appreciate this can be difficult. Main lift out of order and not repaired while we were there

6

milagros

Jun 21, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Had to pay for parking .

10

Mark

Aug 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel was conveniently located next to the Leith cruise port and was reached directly from the airport by tram. The very clean room offered a comfortable bed and pillows, a hot shower and a full bar with restaurant.

8

Angela

May 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Stayed one night. Excellent location for visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia which is about a five minute walk away. Also about a five minute walk into Leith where there are various restaurants and cafés. Nice river walk. Hotel was very busy with other travellers. Standard chain hotel type accommodation, perfectly adequate for a short stay. Good size rooms, excellent beds, clean. Free hot drinks machine from lounge / restaurant area. Parking £10 per 24 hrs (with hotel discount - £20 without discount).

6

Maisie

Jun 17, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location but overpriced. Breakfast of poor quality and understaffed. As we were leaving the hotel and checking for our belongings, we found a dirty pair of socks in the room which did not belong to us, indicating the room had not been properly cleaned. Reception staff friendly and available on the whole. Main lift out of order and no sign of repair during our stay.

10

John

May 10, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Revisited 13 months on. An Ideal base to explore Edinburgh. Tram stop 200 yards from hotel. Car park at hotel reasonably priced at £10.00 per day. Breakfast self service and adequate choice of food. Rooms clean and comfortable.

10

Thomas

Apr 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location for business in the area. Functional rooms with Shower, TV, USB ports etc. Breakfast is basic buffet style but ok. Parking on site is £10 with the discount code. You can pay without the app in reception. Get your code first from desk first. Lift is slow zzz zzz. I used the stairs.

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Cleanliness

Many guests find rooms and public areas clean, but several report stained carpets, bathroom mold or grime, and occasional housekeeping misses.

Related guest reviews

10

Theresa Ann

May 21, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The staff were excellent - really helpful, friendly and efficient. Our room was spotlessly clean, the accoutrements were replenished every day and the amenities were modern. Breakfast was a well presented, well organised event every morning - hot fresh tasty food, plenty of fruit and pastries, and juices/hot drinks. The only slightly annoying thing was the main elevator seemed to be in favour of the upper floors, not the ground floor, but there was a second lift around the corner so it was no real problem.

10

Aidan

Oct 17, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely comfortable hotel within walking distance of Leith . Main carpet area coukd di with a good cleaning

4

ROBERT

Jul 27, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Used property for 12 years but this trip place in poor repair. Bathroom door had 6 inch hole. Paint peeling. Sink plug inoperable. Shower hose leaked badly overall grubby

6

Jennifer

Sep 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff were really friendly and helpful. Room just needed a more thorough clean, especially the bathroom floor, shower and the windows

10

Lori

Oct 10, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Room was very clean. Bed was comfortable, soft and firm pillows. Window could open a bit which was nice for sleeping. Enjoyed being able to make coffee each morning in the room.

8

Tasneem

Jun 24, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel was alright. We spent only a night. We came in at 11 pm. Checking in took a tad longer than we are used to. The bathroom definitely needed better cleaning as the shower area had molds. The faucet in the bathroom was not well placed. Every time we tried to use the faucet, it caused the water to spill all over. We went to the breakfast area at 9.15 and already the orange juice was finished. I requested the staff to replenish it, but it fell on deaf ears.

6

Maisie

Jun 17, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location but overpriced. Breakfast of poor quality and understaffed. As we were leaving the hotel and checking for our belongings, we found a dirty pair of socks in the room which did not belong to us, indicating the room had not been properly cleaned. Reception staff friendly and available on the whole. Main lift out of order and no sign of repair during our stay.

8

kevin

May 1, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Good location with tram access into city. Near by shopping centre not up to much. Room carpet could be better some stains. Breakfast was a bit of a free for all...would like cereal area away from hot food to help with serving and queue. Staff helpful and friendly

6

Elia

Dec 1, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

A/C was so old and barely hanging from the wall. It was actually making such a loud noise you could barely sleep. Subsequently it did not keep the room warm at all. Overall the rooms/hallways were in bad shape, stained and smelly. Furniture in the room stained, some wooden surfaces had rips. No minibar or fridge in the rooms. Location was good and staff were super friendly. Hotel was very busy so they couldn't accommodate another room, but I doubt it would be any different. For the price of the stay, off season, this is a 5 out of 10.. and the 5 is just because of the staff.

4

David

May 24, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location but rooms tired and poor in terms of cleanliness

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Rooms

Rooms are compact, especially for families, with comfortable beds but frequent noise from neighbors, plumbing or air conditioning, and recurring heating or air conditioning faults.

Related guest reviews

8

Christina

Jun 30, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Rooms are small, so be prepared if you are a family of 3 or 4. It was hard finding room to open suitcases. The location was great. Very close to tram and bus stations. There’s also a mall across the street. A lot of great restaurants nearby. Breakfast was satisfactory. My son enjoyed the pancake machine!

6

alex

Nov 26, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Good location for the tram into the city but parking was expensive considering how far out the hotel is. Staff courteous and room was clean but noisy, despite being stated as soundproofed, and there was a regular high pressure water filling noise at all hours which impacted on a restful night. Just an okay 3 night stay

6

Hammad

Feb 28, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

ROOM too small no desk or chair. Bath needed repairs and heater wasn't working

8

Donald

Aug 20, 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

Enjoyed staying here. Great staff and the breakfast was very nice. Room was on the small size but to be expected in the UK and high price because of peak season. Didn’t spend my days in the room and the bed was good so I was happy.

6

Shahzaib

Aug 26, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Rooms are very tight

4

Erel

Aug 26, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The air conditioning is noisy and can't be turned off (turns itself back on!), toilet wouldn't flush. Staff are responsive and resolve issues. Breakfast very good.

4

Dmitri

Nov 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms were good, probably 4 out of 5 stars. However the noise and neighbours were annoying as anything and wall thickness none existent as we could hear everything in our room.

6

Jackie

Aug 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

OK for 2 nights but no more. Room very small with nowhere to keep clothes. Breakfast chaotic!

6

Sharon

Nov 28, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

No heating in the room,air con broken.given a electric heater

6

Sally

Oct 16, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Location was okay as it was next to a train station but family room was too small and it comes with a very uncomfortable sofa bed.

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Service

Service is a strong point: staff are widely described as friendly, helpful and responsive, though they can be stretched at busy times and there are rare reports of poor attitude.

Related guest reviews

10

Richard

May 31, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff great, check in quick. Breakfast was a slick operation how they look after so many people is fantastic.

6

Belinda

Dec 2, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

We had an issue upon arrival they couldn’t find our booking which was booked and paid in full 5 months before, I was actually charged for someone else’s room until I seen the cost was wrong and then found my receipt this was refunded back . They did eventually sort the booking and gave us free parking and a couple of drinks at the bar as a good will gestur.

10

Jennifer

Mar 22, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The staff were very helpful and friendly.

10

Yvonne

Oct 4, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Hotel was excellent. Staff friendly and very helpful

10

Miss

Oct 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly helpful staff... especially as I had to drop my bags very early to attend a funeral and staff allowed me to freshen up in the ladies and hang out in the lounge.

2

Imran

Dec 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was pathetic , below standard and intolerable behaviour of the staff. No respect! Worse experience!

10

Adrian

Apr 25, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I wasn't sure what to expect but this Holiday Inn is one of the best run hotels i have stayed in. I mean everything just gels here. The staff are quite honestly astoundingly good. From walking in the door they were warm and friendly and just so welcoming. The room was spotless, including tea/coffee making things. And the breakfast is wonderful. 10/10 to all of you we will be back for sure.

10

Lisa

Apr 25, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The sraff at the hotel were excellent! Especially Jamie, the Spanish recetuonist who also clea s and the clwaner feom Pakistan was amazing with all his kniwledge. They were so polite and kind! That made our stay!

6

Andrea

Apr 6, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

It was just ok It was clean but staff were not helpful Would not stay again

10

Christopher

Oct 19, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel is well placed and was easy to find. Bus and tram stops were outside the hotel. The staff were very attentive and friendly, especially Jamie, the duty manager on the night we stayed. Our room was clean, comfortable and quiet and the provided buffet breakfast had a good selection. We would definitely return!

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Location

Location is convenient for the Ocean Terminal and Royal Yacht Britannia with tram and bus stops a minute or two away, offering easy access to central Edinburgh; not central, but straightforward to reach the city.

Related guest reviews

8

Dacil Amelia

Oct 20, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel is clean and very close to Edinburgh old town. The tram and bus station are less than a block away and both take you to the tourisric Edinburgh in less than 20 minutes. It also has the royal yatch right in front and a convenience store closeby.

10

Patricia

May 26, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely property with great service. So close to the tram made everything in Edinburgh easy. Large diverse options for breakfast. Highly recommend staying there!

10

Stuart

Jul 18, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Ideal hotel for seeing edinburgh. Tram and bus stops just outside. Straight to and from city centre.

8

Miriam

May 26, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Located close to the tram to take into town. Close to the Port of Leith distillery, which was wonderful. Breakfast was good. Clean and comfortable room.

8

Fiona

Nov 16, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good location for the tram

6

alex

Nov 26, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Good location for the tram into the city but parking was expensive considering how far out the hotel is. Staff courteous and room was clean but noisy, despite being stated as soundproofed, and there was a regular high pressure water filling noise at all hours which impacted on a restful night. Just an okay 3 night stay

6

Diane

Jul 22, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

On the plus side, this hotel is very close to the tram from the airport, it was very clean, and the staff was pleasant. On the downside, the rooms were very small (it was hard to find a space to open a suitcase), the included breakfast was not good (bad coffee, powdered eggs), and we felt the price was pretty high. To be fair, we were there in high season and it was less than hotels in the center of Edinburgh.

10

Akinyemi

Jul 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very nice location, by the ocean terminal, shopping mall and easy access to the city center and train station

8

Andrew

Mar 29, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The hotel is located very close to a well-appointed Shopping Mall with a good selection of shops and food outlets, as well as serving as the access point to the Royal Yacht Britannia. The nearby quayside area has been refurbished with several wine bars & restaurants, as well as supermarkets to stock up on sweets & snacks for your room, and a few tourist-y shops for souvenirs. A cheap and convenient tram service operates from virtually outside the hotel door, going in to Edinburgh city centre, and onwards to the airport.

10

Gillian

Oct 6, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great hotel - perfect location with bus and tram stop outside. Breakfast was good, bar area was nice fior a drink in the evening and rooms were clean with comfy beds! There is a shopping centre across the road too. It may not be in the centre of Edinburgh but with transport on your doorstep that does not matter! Highly recommend staying here.

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Dining

Included breakfast is convenient and often enjoyed, but many report crowding, lukewarm items, limited variety, or slow replenishment; the evening menu is limited and waits can occur.

Related guest reviews

8

Siri Louise

Aug 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice hotel, but awful breakfast.

8

Linda

Feb 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Only let down was breakfast.. 1st morning plenty of food available allbeit hot options were lukewarm..2nd morning arrived at 9am, no hot food out, took 20mins to be replenished, by that time we were ready to leave.....showers excellent

6

Ken

Oct 28, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Limited dinner menu. Ordered chicken kebabs, chicken was very dry. One of the main menu dishes was warm indian salad. Portion was tiny, smaller than a starter. Children had pizza, which was reported as delicious and it looked amazing. Shower cubicle was dirty and shower tray filled up with water in a 5 minite shower. Family room was tiny, with hardly any room for luggage.

6

Paul

Aug 2, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

We have stayed at several Holiday Inn Extras and always been happy. The breakfast service was poor on this occasion. We apprecaite the business model but all items ran out at the same time with minimal staff on point to address eg no cups for drinks, no bread for toast, rhen no butter for toast, no eggs, no beans. Very dissapointing.

6

James

Nov 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Long wait for food to come out

6

A

Oct 21, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Gone down hill. Free parking no longer exists. Breakfast was below par. No fried eggs bacon really salty and the tomatoes not consistent good. Asked for a pint got half. Use as a base but would not buy a evening meal from there. Shower not very powerful and lift so slow. Staff friendly enough.

6

Yvonne

Aug 3, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Ok stay, with a good situation near ocean terminal and tram and bus links. More dining places near by would be good. Breakfast good but food in evening very limited. Room a good size and clean.

6

Jackie

Aug 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

OK for 2 nights but no more. Room very small with nowhere to keep clothes. Breakfast chaotic!

8

Claire

Oct 28, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great customer service on check in and very speedy. Good sized room, good amenities/features (i.e usb sockets, decent hairdryer). Good size bathroom and great feature that the door doubles as a door for the toilet and bathroom as a whole. Bathroom could have been cleaner, some hairs left around the sink. Breakfast on the first day was great, plenty of food, cups, plates etc, however day 2 was a different story. Almost all the food items were empty and not replenished very quickly. The table we were allocated we had placed our drinks on before going to get food, came back and someone else had been reallocated our table. There is a shopping mall near to the hotel but not much else. Good transport connections to the centre of Edinburgh though (bus, tram, not too far for a taxi either).

10

James

Jun 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Breakfast could have been a bit more organised. At times staff were stretched in coping with a lot of people arriving at the same time. Perhaps think about giving people a choice of times so arrivals were staggered. Food itself was a bit cold and served on cold plates. Otherwise a nice stay at hotel. Room comfy as well as bed. Staff helpful.

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Month	Average price
January	$74
February	$106
March	$113
April	$144
May	$207
June	$194
July	$219
August	$283
September	$201
October	$181
November	$128
December	$140

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4 $227	5 $308
6 $156	7 $218	8 $235	9 $239	10 $239	11 $272	12 $343
13 $204	14 $260	15 $260	16 $250	17 $260	18 $250	19 $287
20 $166	21 $188	22 $229	23 $229	24 $229	25 $271	26
27 $166	28 $208	29 $214	30 $229

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $197	2 $218	3 $260
4 $155	5 $212	6 $239	7 $228	8 $228	9 $228	10 $269
11 $185	12 $218	13 $239	14 $212	15 $207	16 $207	17 $250
18 $151	19 $196	20 $207	21 $235	22 $208	23 $228	24 $261
25 $164	26 $196	27 $207	28 $207	29 $207	30 $207	31 $295

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About this property

Location

Guest reviews

Very good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

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Good to know

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FAQs about Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront by IHG

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