Name: Novotel Edinburgh Centre
Address: 80 Lauriston Place, Tollcross, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, Edinburgh, Scotland, GB
Price range: $186–$455 per night
Rating: 8.4

What guests think

At Novotel Edinburgh Centre, travellers praise the central location, friendly staff, and family friendly touches like the pool, while recurring drawbacks include warm rooms without effective air conditioning, unusual bathroom layouts, and occasional inconsistencies in cleanliness or maintenance.

Breakfast is widely liked for variety, though some find it busy, pricey, or limited for gluten-free and lactose-free options. Facilities include an indoor pool, sauna and bar; guests note the pool is small with booking rules and sometimes strong chlorine, and on-site parking is limited with paid or off-site alternatives. Many find rooms spacious and comfortable, while others note dated carpets, non-smart TVs, or occasional noise. Expect a convenient base with helpful service and family appeal, but check room layout and cooling before you book.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Indoor pool, sauna and bar are appreciated, but the pool is small, can require booking, and sometimes has strong chlorine; the gym is small. On-site parking is limited, with some guests using paid or off-site options.

Related guest reviews

8

Antonios

Feb 26, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Excellent location allows to walk in all of the city. Good rooms. Good breakfast. Parking is available also but limited spaces and has EV charging which is a bonus.

8

Nazrul

Apr 17, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Nice hotel. Small pool and an even smaller gym but still handy to have. Very good location. 5 mins walk from the castle and just a min away from the high road with shops and lots of eateries. Beds were comfortable including the sofa bed which was a pleasant surprise. My main complaint was with the bathroom/toilet. The room had a separate w/c but it didn’t have a sink in it and the door didnt have a lock. The bathroom didn't have a lock either and there was a big gap where the door closed which meant that there was hardly any privacy in the bathroom. Bathrooms with no locks seems to be a trend nowadays and its one that I don't understand. When I'm using the facilities I don't want people to be able to watch! Even if they are family! I don't get why a lock can't be installed and anyone who wants to keep their doors open can still do that. Other than that the rest of the hotel was fine. Breakfast was ok but did have a waffle maker which was good for the kids.

6

Jakob Skov

Apr 7, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

The staff is very friendly and helpful. Tje pool water is horrible. Make people shower and wauh before going intonthe pool and then put less chlorine in the water! It stings your eyes after less than ten mins. in the water.

8

Tom

Feb 27, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Really enjoyed our few days away. Staff were friendly, room and bed were really comfortable and pool area was nice and relaxing. My only issue was that we went into the pool after it was cleaned and me and my partner could barely open our eyes they were stinging that much and we were coughing quite a bit from the chlorine. It was slightly painful.

6

Annabelle

May 29, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Close to the historic center of Edinburgh, on a calm street close to the university. Walkable distance from most attractions. A bit pricey for what you get, but the location is great. Also note that the parking space is limited and you cannot reserve a space.

10

Marcelo

Jun 8, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice pool, good bar just litle expensive

10

Veerat

Apr 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The property is newer and the facilities are really good. We didn’t know but there is a superb indoor pool so bring your swimsuits. Highly recommend and we would stay here again!!

10

Jennifer

Apr 12, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Always love staying at this Novotel. Perfect location, friendly staff, excellent pool and leisure facilities. Excellent range and high quality breakfast. We shall be returning again.

10

Gill

Dec 4, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely hotel with great facilities and great rooms. Separate shower was nice plus the pool, sauna and jacuzzi

6

Francisca

Apr 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We really liked the room and the area where it is was really convenient, at walking distance from the castle and the old town. However, we couldn't have access to the pool in the two days we stayed. The first day we were told that only 16 people had access at a time and that there was a waiting list and then the day after it was closed, as apparently the pool gets cleaned on Thursdays . Additionally, the restaurant doesn't open until 7am for breakfast, which is unusual, considering other lower badget hotals usually offer breakfast from 6am. Since we had paid in advance for breakfast, but we had to leave by 6.30am to catch our flight, the hotel gave us what was meant to be a take away breakfast. These were a joke, particularly mine, being a celiac. They consisted in all liquids and a banana. Oh I forgot, and a little packet of cornflakes , not quite sure how was i meant to have them...maybe pour the milk inside the packet? Their GF food selection really needs to improve in their restaurant too. Overall, an ok and convenient stay, but not the best in my experience.

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Cleanliness

Many guests find the hotel and rooms clean, but others report stained carpets, mouldy grout, dusty or poorly serviced rooms, and inconsistent housekeeping.

Related guest reviews

10

Lisa

Jan 15, 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

Very clean eco-friendly stay. Staff was very accommodating and it was so very close to everything!

2

Nicola

Jun 27, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Allocated a VERY tired worn out room. Sheets were threadbare and actually torn, the carpets were badly stained with spilt bleach, coffee and numerous other dubious substances. A terrible first inpression. The bed was comfortable just let down by the quality of bedding. The old smelly pillows were dreadful and terribly uncomfortable. It was noisy outside with the window open (smashing bottles into waste bin) but unbearably hot with the room cooling system. No air-con and unable to sleep due to the high temperature. The shower was ok but leaked as seal needed replacing. Insufficient toiletries. No conditioner or moisturiser. For a four star rated hotel it was a 2 star room. We may have been extremely unlucky. We were in a family room fourth floor room 448 which had obviously been very well used. The rest of the hotel seemed ok. We didn’t eat or use the pool so can’t comment about that. The staff were cheerful and welcoming. We didn’t complain as the we believed the hotel was full so would have been pointless. We generally use Novotel as we find them clean, well equipped, well staffed and comfortable and worth that bit extra for peace of mind that you are going to get a good nights sleep. So disappointed with our experience at this hotel. For £300 a night I believe we deserved MUCH better.

6

Dr Francis

Jul 1, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Our stay was fine, breakfast was good with different variety of food. quality of food was nice. However the room was not clean. On entrance was a bit dusty and the bathroom has black mould on the tires and seals, which I hated. otherwise ok stay

6

Lorraine

Jun 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Hotel room needs new carpet -stained - will happen in august. No places to hang clothes or towels other than small rails on bathroom and toilet doors or wardrobe. Sink too shallow and no way of keeping water in. No room cleaning until late afternoon. Good restaurant and bar, staff very friendly, good breakfast.

10

Emma

Feb 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Amazing stay, nothing was too much for us. The hotel was exceptionally clean to a high standard and the food was good too. Will definitely stay here again.

10

Maria

Feb 7, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The staff in the hotel are very welcoming and attentive. Our room was spotless and very comfortable. We thoroughly enjoyed breakfast which had plenty of choice . I must almost mention how nice it was to have the pool for an evening swim. Overall this is a perfect choice of hotel to explore Edinburgh , it is very convenient and within walking distance to the castle. I would recommend it to anyone considering staying in Edinburgh.

10

Robert

Apr 18, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Nice clean and quiet hotel would definitely stay again

6

paul

Aug 17, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Having a toilet separate to the bathroom is silly...as there iant a basin in the toilet cubicle. Also, grouting between tiles in shower was mouldy...bathroom probably needa a deep breakfast good and location concenient for fringe shows....only 10 - 15 minite walk to most venues

8

Diane

Dec 1, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The room was clean, the breakfast was varied and good.

6

Brian

Jun 24, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Ok Hotel, very expensive for what it is. Strange room with sink in the middle of it and see through bathroom and loo doors! Not particularly clean, did mention this to hotel staff but no action taken!

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Rooms

Rooms are generally comfortable and sometimes spacious, but recurring issues include very warm temperatures or no effective air conditioning and an unusual layout with a separate toilet and see-through doors; some decor feels dated.

Related guest reviews

8

Nazrul

Apr 17, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Nice hotel. Small pool and an even smaller gym but still handy to have. Very good location. 5 mins walk from the castle and just a min away from the high road with shops and lots of eateries. Beds were comfortable including the sofa bed which was a pleasant surprise. My main complaint was with the bathroom/toilet. The room had a separate w/c but it didn’t have a sink in it and the door didnt have a lock. The bathroom didn't have a lock either and there was a big gap where the door closed which meant that there was hardly any privacy in the bathroom. Bathrooms with no locks seems to be a trend nowadays and its one that I don't understand. When I'm using the facilities I don't want people to be able to watch! Even if they are family! I don't get why a lock can't be installed and anyone who wants to keep their doors open can still do that. Other than that the rest of the hotel was fine. Breakfast was ok but did have a waffle maker which was good for the kids.

8

Anders

May 21, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

This is a nice hotel overall. The bed was comfortable, and the room was clean. There was no desk, microwave, or a true refrigerator. There was plenty of hot water. Our biggest complaint was our room was hot and there is no air conditioning. We did open the windows and that help some. The restaurant and bar have the same menu. There are not a lot of selections and there are no other restaurants nearby.

8

Emma

Sep 23, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Room as expected, fairly basic but clean and modern. A bit warm and couldn’t control the temperature- only turn on a fan which was pretty noisy.

6

Paul

Apr 14, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Service was mostly good. Reception staff were friendly and welcoming. The main issues with the stay were in terms of the lay out of the bedroom. The sink was in the actual bed room with separate cubicles for toilet and shower. The door on the toilet didn’t close properly and the shower wall facing the bedroom was transparent. The whole set up made sharing the room with my teenage daughter very difficult and uncomfortable. Breakfast food was good but service non existent. We were just shown to an empty dirty table and no guidance given on set up for the buffet etc.

8

Suha

Oct 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good location. Size and comfort of the rooms was good too. Beds comfortable. Wish the toilet and bathroom were attached. Its inconvenient to use the toilet in one spot and have to go to the bathroom to wash your hands. Expensive as well.

6

Situl

May 23, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

It was stylish and clean but lacks privacy as shower walls n door were transparent and no option to cover it incase we don't want to shower in the open. the toilet door was also had gaps all around so you can hear everything . The sink facing the middle of the room isn’t attractive.

8

Katherine

Sep 20, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel is in a great location, with an easy walk to Grassmarket. The room was spacious and decorated very nicely. The staff were great and the breakfast was extremely good! The only downside was that the room was very hot, and the thermostat was difficult to use. It wouldn’t stop me from staying here again though!

4

Allison

Jun 8, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I booked under the belief there was a sofabed in the room. It was essentially a sofa with another sofa underneath. So it was just like sleeping on a single sofa. I had to ask for bedding and was provided with a duvet. No undersheet or pillows. The temperature in the room was unbearably hot meaning that we did not sleep at all. Would neither recommend nor stay again.

8

frank

May 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

First two nights we stayed in an executive suite wonderful, good location, beautiful views of the castle. We moved as part of a tour to a much smaller room with a leaky overhead shower head Biggest drawback was the lack of air-conditioning hotel was stifiling hot every night.

6

david

Aug 3, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

We stayed in a executive room At a cost of £460.00 a night with Breakfast the hotel is desperately in need of renovation the rooms are dated and have no AIR CONDITIONING at the price we paid it is unacceptable, breakfast is average and has the worst toaster of any hotel I have ever stayed in including so called budget hotels definitely will not stay again

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Service

Staff are frequently described as friendly and helpful, though some guests experienced slow or confusing check-in, limited assistance, or inconsistent service at breakfast and reception.

Related guest reviews

8

Kathleen

Aug 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

What is the point of the hotel’s detailed and mandatory pre-registration questionnaire that asks (among other things) for expected time of arrival? We specified that we would arrive before 12pm (one of the options given) and arrived around 11:30. Nevertheless, we were still made to wait over 3 hours for our room to be ready.

10

Craig

Aug 11, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Not usually one to leave reviews but the staff are so friendly and helpful that I had too. Would definitely stay here again if I come back to Edinburgh.

4

Samantha

Feb 20, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

We arrived a little early for the checking in and was told to take a seat in reception at someone from check on would call us at the allocated check in time. This didn't happen so at 3pm there was a massive influx of people so had to queue up for around 45mins to check in. When we finally got to the room, the it was dirty. Bits of skin on bed, dead fly's on window, brown stains on carpet. The bathroom was filthy. So we complained and was told that another room would be allocated. Another 30 minutes later we were given alternative room. But this was also just as bad. We went to the reception to complain that this was not good enough to be told there was nothing further they could do, but they would happily give us a refund and asked us how quickly we could get our bags together. Baring in mind this was a Friday evening just as the school half term holidays were starting, and we have a teenage son, so walking round the streets of Edinburgh on on Friday night with no where to go was not an option, so basically told to put up with it. This is definitely not a 4 star hotel. Do not stay here if there are rooms available else where.

8

Rowena

Aug 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We enjoyed our stay very much and all staff was friendly enough. However on arrival at reception we were just handed over our room key with no directions. I had to ask which floor we were in and looked around and spotted the lifts ourselves. On entering the lift we wasn't told to tap the key to the special part. We didnt go anywhere for 5 mins until someone entered the lift and explained to us what to do! I think this could have been explained to us when we were handed our key at reception.

10

Glenn

Sep 25, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great room and nice people at the desk.

10

Dominic

Apr 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very comfortable stay and extremely helpful staff.

10

Edyta

Feb 27, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Perfect customer service

6

Emily

Nov 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room would have been good for adults only, but felt the hotel wasn’t very accommodating for younger guests. We had a 18month with us and requested a travel cot then wished we had brought our own as the one the hotel supplied only had a very very thin mattress that was really hard and bumpy and not comfortable at all so ended up having to put towels and blankets under the sheet and resulted in a very poor quality sleep. We had brought baby food with us with the plan to heat in the sink with boiling water from the kettle, but this didn’t go to plan as the sinks plug was broken. We asked staff if they would mind firing the food in the microwave and they advised no (at first we thought for health and safety but the staff advised us it was because we didn’t buy it on their premises) although nothing suitable on menu. When checking out I was on my own with a lot of luggage and pram and rang down to see if staff could assist and they advised this was not a service they provided. If staying as adult only hotel is nice, bit random having the toilet seperate from bathroom and felt a bit claustrophobic. The food during dinner time for room service was really delicious and definitely worth eating at hotel if staying Central location

6

zarrish

May 30, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

In over 2 weeks of UK trip this is the only hotel we didn’t enjoy because of the attitude of the front desk. The check in was a bother with lady acting like it was such a favor she was doing letting us in. The indifference continued all the way to check out where the front desk after giving us tags for our bags insisted the numbers didn’t match with our bags when we came back to collect them. The location was excellent and we enjoyed the pool but the staff really destroyed it for us.

10

Loan

Aug 28, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The staff was amazing!

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Location

Widely praised central location near the Old Town, Edinburgh Castle and Grassmarket, with most attractions walkable and good transport links.

Related guest reviews

10

Matt

Jan 21, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Really good stay here. Close to pubs and restaurants and only a short walk to the castle

10

Kyla

Nov 30, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Lovely stay! Very nice location! Pretty and near old town! I loved my stay will be back! Only minus was the fire alarm going off early hours sat morning

10

Hilary

Sep 10, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location. Adjacent to U of Edinburgh. 15 min. walk from West End tram stop from airport. Near the pubs/cafes of Grassmarket. 15-20 min walk to Royal Mile. Comfortable room, very quiet. Very helpful staff. Good selections at breakfast buffet. Would definitely return.

8

Adrian

Aug 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

A bit on the pricey side and not the most modern hotel, but it was a nice clean room and you can walk to the castle and old town in a couple of minutes which is handy.

10

Mark

May 8, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely rooms and spacious. The location was central to Edinburgh which made most attractions in walking distance. Staff were very nice and helpful too.

10

Ciaren

Dec 20, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location, 5 minute walk to Edinburgh castle, 10/15 minute walk to city centre. No need to buy a tram travelcard for your stay as everything is walkable distance.

10

Michael

Oct 22, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good location very close to everything that's happening but just sufficiently out of the way to be quiet.

10

Christian

Jul 2, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Location is excellent

10

Sarah

Aug 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Really nice stay. Probably the best nights sleep I’ve ever had a in hotel. The beds were really comfortable and the climate control kept the room at a pleasant temperature. Nice bathroom, with separate loo. Good breakfast choice, nice bar and lounge area in reception. Didn’t use the pool but it looked good. Easy walk to the main attractions of central Edinburgh. Would stay here again.

10

paul

Aug 26, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Great location if youre visiting Edinburgh for the Fringe.

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Dining

Breakfast is often rated very good with plenty of choice and waffles, but some find it busy, pricey, or limited for gluten-free and lactose-free needs; dinner and bar food get positive mentions, though room service can be expensive.

Related guest reviews

10

Samuel

Apr 12, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Breakfast in the morning was fantastic, and we looked forward to it each day.

10

Robin

May 13, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good quality 4 Star hotel with a swimming pool. Buffet breakfast was above standard for a hotel of this rating.

6

Graham

Sep 28, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very disappointing for the money - breakfast was poor (limited choice). Very much a tourist trap.

8

Linda

Jul 26, 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

Hi, Everything was very nice overall, and I truly appreciated the hospitality. However, I did notice that the gluten-free options at breakfast were quite limited — mainly just white bread and cereal, and the selection remained the same each day. Additionally, there were no clear labels indicating which products were lactose-free. As dietary needs like gluten and lactose intolerance are not uncommon, it would be wonderful to see a wider variety of gluten-free and lactose-free options, clearly marked, in the future. Thank you again for the otherwise pleasant experience!

6

Clare

Nov 4, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

Hotel was okay, but a bit disappointing. Looks tired in places: stained carpets in room and stairwell. Room seemed to be serviced with minimal effort- E.g mugs and glasses not cleaned/replaced/ bits left on carpet. Pool is very small and very busy most of the time, so we were not able to use it in the way we had hoped. Breakfast was tasty but very busy- queues for only 2 coffee machines and only one roller toaster. Felt they needed more staff and facilities available during the breakfast service. Lighting in restaurant seems to be set on evening mode so very dark and gloomy for breakfast service. Ate in restaurant twice in evenings and food and drink was good with good service. Well located so all of the main attractions within easy walking distance and we enjoyed exploring Edinburgh very much. Would probably chose a different hotel next time.

10

Sukpal

Jul 13, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location. Great breakfast buffet

8

Diane

Dec 1, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The room was clean, the breakfast was varied and good.

10

MR PETER

Mar 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

First time staying at the Novotel in Edinburgh. The early check in link through Hotels .com gave us a scare when the Novotel answered a query by saying they couldn't find the reservation, however, the actual check in at the desk was quick and easy . Hotel reception is bright and airy, staff were friendly. The execution room was excellent and the breakfast was first class, loads of choice. One of the lifts was out of action which caused an increase in wait times but nothing excessive. Great location for Grassmarket and Old town attractions. I would stay at the hotel again, recommended.

6

Francisca

Apr 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We really liked the room and the area where it is was really convenient, at walking distance from the castle and the old town. However, we couldn't have access to the pool in the two days we stayed. The first day we were told that only 16 people had access at a time and that there was a waiting list and then the day after it was closed, as apparently the pool gets cleaned on Thursdays . Additionally, the restaurant doesn't open until 7am for breakfast, which is unusual, considering other lower badget hotals usually offer breakfast from 6am. Since we had paid in advance for breakfast, but we had to leave by 6.30am to catch our flight, the hotel gave us what was meant to be a take away breakfast. These were a joke, particularly mine, being a celiac. They consisted in all liquids and a banana. Oh I forgot, and a little packet of cornflakes , not quite sure how was i meant to have them...maybe pour the milk inside the packet? Their GF food selection really needs to improve in their restaurant too. Overall, an ok and convenient stay, but not the best in my experience.

8

Colleen

Apr 16, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The staff was good, it's a nice quiet area. The amenities did not blow me away, but the hotel was fine. The room service was pricey.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$118
February	$145
March	$175
April	$217
May	$291
June	$286
July	$308
August	$374
September	$283
October	$232
November	$182
December	$221

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4 $366	5 $296
6 $234	7 $298	8 $388	9 $455	10 $390	11 $387	12 $438
13 $300	14 $440	15 $382	16 $310	17 $382	18 $418	19 $326
20 $233	21 $422	22 $422	23 $422	24 $300	25 $350	26 $380
27 $235	28 $292	29 $258	30 $312

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $304	2 $376	3 $296
4 $233	5 $342	6 $254	7 $301	8 $318	9 $411	10 $319
11 $257	12 $280	13 $249	14 $338	15 $302	16 $361	17 $348
18 $203	19 $259	20 $292	21 $274	22 $326	23 $336	24 $335
25 $186	26 $271	27 $246	28 $250	29 $223	30 $274	31 $353

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About this property

Location

Guest reviews

Very good

Who stays here?

What guests think

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