HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS EDINBURGH CITY CENTRE BY IHG, Edinburgh

The hotel is in a Georgian listed building on Picardy Place, directly opposite the Edinburgh Playhouse and the Omni Centre (which has a 12-screen cinema, restaurants, and shops). Princes Street and George Street are a few minutes' walk away, while Edinburgh Castle is a 20-minute walk and the Royal Mile 10-15 minutes. The tram stop outside the hotel provides a direct 30-40 minute link to Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Business guests are near the St Andrew Square and George Street financial district, and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre is under 10 minutes by car. The Bier Keller, Pomegranate, Giuliano's, and a Tesco express are within a three-minute walk.

All rooms have air conditioning, black-out shades, a work desk with lamp, flat-screen TV with cable and premium channels, free high-speed Wi-Fi, iron and ironing board, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and hairdryer. Rooms on the back of the hotel tend to be quieter, while those in the 'new wing' may face another building or interior courtyard. Some rooms are in the basement or are interconnecting, so sound insulation varies. The property is older and basic in style, better suited to travellers prioritising location and practical amenities over modern decor. Rooms have no fridges, mini-bars, or in-room safes; the reception offers a safety deposit box for valuables.

Breakfast is a buffet offering scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, hash browns, tomatoes, breads, cereals, fruit, yogurt, and gluten-free alternatives on request. The Great Room serves breakfast, and the upgraded Lounge Bar offers a large selection of beers, gins and whiskies in the evening. For lunch and dinner, there is no on-site restaurant, but guests are welcome to bring takeaway food into the hotel. The Omni Centre and dozens of restaurants (Thai, Italian, Chinese, seafood, traditional Scottish) are within a minute's walk.

The hotel does not have a swimming pool, spa or fitness centre on site, but provides access to a nearby fitness centre. The lounge bar is a space to unwind after sightseeing. For leisure, the Princes Street Gardens, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (30 minutes on foot), and Arthur's Seat (20 minutes' walk) are easily reachable. There is no outdoor seating or terrace.

The 24-hour reception handles express check-in/out, luggage storage (free, located near reception), and can provide wake-up calls, cots, and power converters. Daily housekeeping is included, and laundry/dry cleaning is available for a fee. The hotel has two lifts (one may be out of service), and accessible rooms can be reached via a rear entrance on Broughton Street. The business centre offers two PCs, and the Wallace Meeting Room (boardroom style for up to 12) has free Wi-Fi and AV equipment. Safety features include CCTV, smoke alarms, key-card access, and a safety deposit box at reception.