The Guards Hotel Edinburgh Exterior photoThe Guards Hotel Edinburgh Exterior photoThe Guards Hotel Edinburgh Interior photo

THE GUARDS HOTEL, Edinburgh

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Check rooms and rates
From$67 /night
Check-in
01Sept
Check-out
02Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room

About the Hotel

1 Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh-
Near the waterfront

Key Highlights

Directly opposite Haymarket station with tram, bus and train links to central Edinburgh and the airport.

Princes Street and the EICC are within a 10-minute walk.

Rooms include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities, and a flat-screen TV.

Luggage storage is available from 10:00, even before check-in.

Hotel Details

Location

The Guards Hotel sits directly opposite Haymarket station, a 10-minute walk from Princes Street and the EICC.
The location is ideal for travellers relying on public transport. Haymarket station is across the road, offering direct tram and bus services to Edinburgh Airport (25 minutes) and the city centre. The main shopping street of Princes Street and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre are a 10-minute walk away. The West End neighbourhood has numerous restaurants, bars, and shops within a few minutes' walk. A taxi from the airport costs around £20-25, making this a convenient base for both business and leisure stays.

Accommodation

Rooms are basic and vary significantly; some are spacious with en-suite bathrooms, while others are compact with dated furnishings.
The hotel offers a mix of room types, including doubles, twins, a single with a private bathroom, and a suite. Many rooms feature tea/coffee making facilities, free Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV. The condition and cleanliness of rooms vary greatly. Some have been noted as clean and comfortable, with good beds, while others have significant maintenance issues: stained carpets, worn mattresses, broken shower fittings, and noise from the main road. Rooms facing the back of the hotel are quieter. Some rooms have ensuite bathrooms; the single room has a private external bathroom. The hotel is a small, no-lift property, with stairs to all floors. A limited number of ground-floor rooms are available for those who cannot use stairs.

Dining

The hotel does not offer breakfast or an on-site restaurant; several cafés and restaurants are nearby.
No breakfast is provided, but the hotel is surrounded by dining options. Within a 2-minute walk, you will find cafés serving cooked breakfasts and lighter options. For dinner, there are numerous restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, including Scottish, Italian, and Indian, all within a 5-minute stroll. Guests are welcome to bring food to their room, and the hotel can provide cutlery and crockery. The location makes it easy to explore the wider range of Edinburgh's dining scene.

Wellness and Leisure

There is no spa, swimming pool, or fitness centre on-site.
A golf course is located within 3 km of the hotel.

Facilities and Services

Free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and daily housekeeping are provided; no lift or on-site parking available.
Wi-Fi is free in all rooms. Luggage can be stored at reception before check-in (from 10:00) and after check-out (until 22:00). Daily housekeeping is included. The hotel has no lift, but a ground-floor double and a family room with walk-in showers are available. Parking is not on-site; the nearest paid car park is Distillery Lane (bookable via JustPark app) and Grosvenor Street (paid for a maximum of 4 hours from 08:30-18:30). Check-in is from 14:00 to 22:00 and check-out is by 10:00. The hotel is child friendly and can provide a cot and high chair in the suite. No pets are allowed.
Highly rated by guestsof The Guards Hotel
Friendly staffClean facilitiesComfortable bedExcellent locationSafe luggage storageTea and coffee
  • Guest Parking

    Easy Access

    “The hotel's location is perfect, with quick access to public transport by train, tram, and bus.”

    Rajesh from India
    Review on
  • Room Features

    Snug Haven

    “The room was cozy, offering tea and coffee making facilities, a comfy bed and a clean environment.”

    Janina from United Kingdom
    Review on
  • Bathroom

    Wet Room Wonder

    “The accessible wet room was very clean with plenty of towels and a great shower.”

    Kenneth from Canada
    Review on
  • Media & Entertainment

    Stay Connected

    “Proximity to the Haymarket station and the main road allows easy access to the airport and Princes Street.”

    Aisha from Kenya
    Review on

Critical Operational Notes

  • Check-in is from 14:00 to 22:00; late arrivals after 22:00 are not possible without prior arrangement and a £10 per hour surcharge.
  • No breakfast is provided on-site; several cafés are within a short walk.
  • The hotel has no lift; ground-floor rooms are available but limited.
  • Pets are not allowed.

Most popular facilities

at The Guards Hotel
Free Wi-Fi
24-hour services
TV
Kitchen facilities
Sports activities
Facilities for kids

Top Strategic Tips

  • 01

    Choose a room at the back of the hotel for a quieter stay away from main road noise and trams.

  • 02

    Use the tram or bus from Haymarket station for a direct 10-15 minute journey to the city centre and airport.

  • 03

    Book parking in advance via the JustPark app at Distillery Lane car park for daily rates of £16-20.

  • 04

    Confirm payment method before arrival, as card payments are not always available.

Choose your room type

The Guards Hotel — double rooms, family rooms, and suites. Breakfast options and free cancellation available on selected rates
  • Triple Room
    2 persons
    13 sq. feet
    1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
    Heating
  • Classic Double Room
    2 persons
    12 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Heating
  • Suite
    2 persons
    20 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Fireplace
    Heating
Show all rooms

Hotel Price Calendar

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August 2026 - August 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

What's included at The Guards Hotel — facilities and services available during your stay

General

  • No smoking on site
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • 24-hour security
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping

Children

  • Cots

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

The Guards Hotel Location

1 Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh's Surroundings
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
20-minute walk
Iconic fortress offering panoramic views, rich history, and various exhibitions to explore.
National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
25-minute walk
A diverse collection of exhibits celebrating Scottish history and culture, with free admission.
Scottish National Gallery
Scottish National Gallery
20-minute walk
Home to an impressive collection of fine art, including works by famous artists like Van Gogh.
Royal Mile
Royal Mile
20-minute walk
Historic street lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions, representing Edinburgh's vibrant past.
Arthur's Seat hike
Arthur's Seat hike
35-minute walk
A popular hiking spot offering stunning views of the city; great for both fitness and scenic exploration.
Edinburgh Zoo
25-minute drive
Home of the UK's only giant pandas; a fun day out for families and animal lovers, with interactive exhibits.
Le Petit Repas
1-minute walk
Charming bistro serving French-inspired dishes with a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a casual meal.
Dimitris
1-minute walk
Authentic Greek cuisine in a vibrant setting; known for its mezze platters and vegetarian options.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
15-minute walk
Engaging whisky tours with tastings; offers extensive education about Scotland's famous spirit in a fun environment.
The Stand Comedy Club
15-minute walk
Hosting regular comedy shows featuring local and touring comedians; great for a relaxed evening out.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Edinburgh 23 min  ·  1.2 mi
  • Airports
    Edinburgh (EDI) 17 min  ·  7.0 mi
    Glasgow (GLA) 131 min  ·  54.0 mi
  • Train
    Haymarket Train Station 3 min  ·  700 ft
  • Bus
    Bus stop 8 min  ·  2000 ft
Book early and pay less
See available rates for your dates
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-22:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
10

Guest Reviews and Ratings

What guests said after staying at The Guards Hotel
Review score
Based on 883 verified reviews
6.2 /10
Nice
51 %
Recommend
Breakfast
9.5/10
Cleanliness
7.2/10
Comfort
7.0/10
Facilities
6.5/10
Free WiFi
8.2/10
Location
8.8/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.9/10
Staff
8.4/10
Value for money
7.2/10
Pros
Cute reception
Excellent location
Comfortable bed
Easy transport links
Helpful host
Cons
Exposed floorboards
Small bedroom
Poor quality furniture
Unclean bathroom
Guest reviews
based on 1744 reviews
6.8/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
FAQs
About The Guards Hotel
What time can I check in at The Guards Hotel?
Check-in time at the hotel is from 14:00.
What time do I need to check out from The Guards Hotel?
Check-out time is by 10:00.
What are the nearest attractions to The Guards Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Edinburgh Castle (2 km), Edinburgh Zoo (3 km), and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (2 km).
Which restaurants are close to The Guards Hotel?
Restaurants within 0.5 km include Le Petit Repas, Dimitris, Rustom Restaurant, The Khukuri, Le Marche Francais, Nicholson's Freehouse, Mercat Bar, and Ignite.
Does The Guards Hotel have on-site dining options?
The hotel features an on-site bar where guests can enjoy drinks.
What amenities are provided in the rooms at The Guards Hotel?
Rooms include free unlimited Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle, and en-suite bathrooms.
Is The Guards Hotel child-friendly?
The hotel accommodates children, but guests must provide their own bedding.
What languages do the staff at The Guards Hotel speak?
The staff primarily speaks English.
Are there any leisure activities available at The Guards Hotel?
The hotel features a golf course for guests to enjoy.
How far is The Guards Hotel from Edinburgh Airport?
The hotel is approximately 12 km from Edinburgh Airport.
Can I arrange local events or tour tickets at The Guards Hotel?
The staff can assist guests with travel arrangements and local event tickets.
Is smoking permitted at The Guards Hotel?
The hotel is a non-smoking establishment.

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