HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS EDINBURGH - ROYAL MILE BY IHG, Edinburgh

The hotel sits on the edge of the Old Town, just off the Royal Mile. Edinburgh Waverley train station is a 6-minute walk (take the Market Street exit, walk up Jeffrey Street). Edinburgh Castle is also 6-7 minutes on foot. Holyrood Park (Arthur's Seat) is an 8-minute walk, Calton Hill 12 minutes, and Princes Street's shops are 10 minutes away. The Scottish Parliament, National Museum of Scotland, and Palace of Holyroodhouse are all within 15 minutes. The location is central but on a side street, so the immediate area is quieter than the main thoroughfare. Several restaurants, pubs, and a convenience store are steps away. There is a steep hill from the hotel up to the Royal Mile, which can be challenging in bad weather or for those with mobility issues. Access to the hotel entrance is via a side street, and the immediate surroundings can feel less polished, especially near the car park at night. The University of Edinburgh campus is just across the road. From the airport, take the Airlink 100 bus or tram to Princes Street (30 minutes, £10), then a 10-15 minute walk; a taxi costs about £25-30.

Rooms are bright and modern, equipped with a work desk, iron and ironing board, and a choice of pillows (soft or firm). The rooms are generally compact: a double room with a sofa bed is tight for 3 adults - the sofa bed is more suitable for two children under 12. The twin rooms have two single beds and are a comfortable size for two, with some premium twin rooms on higher floors offering more space. The private bathrooms have power showers (no bathtubs), hairdryers, and large towels; accessible rooms feature wet rooms, grab rails, emergency pull cords, and wider doorways. All rooms are non-smoking and have blackout blinds for a good sleep. Some rooms on lower floors or in the basement can be dark, have a slightly musty smell, and may be noisier due to foot traffic above. Interconnecting doors are present in some rooms - these provide minimal sound insulation, so it is best to request a room without one if privacy is important. The heating and air conditioning work well in most rooms, but a few units have been reported as ineffective; a portable heater can be provided on request. The windows can be opened for fresh air in some rooms. Lighting in standard rooms is limited - there is a floor lamp and a few spots, but no overhead main light. The lift is small and can be slow at busy times.

Breakfast is served at the bar/lounge area from 7:00 to 10:00 Monday- Friday, 7:00 to 10:30 weekends. The buffet includes hot favourites (bacon, scrambled egg, sausages, baked beans), toast, pastries, cereals, yoghurt, fruit, and drinks (tea, coffee, juice). There are vegan and gluten-free options available, including gluten-free bread and a pancake machine. The breakfast is generally well-stocked but can run low on hot items if you arrive near closing time. Grab-and-go bags are available for early departures. The bar serves a 24-hour snack menu with items like chicken wings, pizzas, toasties, and light bites, plus drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks) and a lounge area with big-screen sports. For a fuller evening meal, numerous restaurants and takeaway options are within a short walk (e.g., 0.5 km from David Bann, Mother India's Cafe, and others). The hotel does not have its own restaurant for dinner - it relies on the snack menu and external deliveries.

The hotel itself offers no wellness facilities (no swimming pool, spa, sauna, or gym). However, its central location puts many of Edinburgh's top natural attractions right on the doorstep. Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat (a volcanic hill with panoramic views) are an 8-minute walk away. Calton Hill and the Scottish National Monument are 12 minutes away. Princes Street Gardens and the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade are under 15 minutes. The Royal Mile, Grassmarket, and the vibrant pub/bar scene are all within a few minutes' walk, providing plenty of cultural and social leisure opportunities. The hotel's bar/lounge area offers a quiet space to relax with a drink or snack after a day out.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and works well in most areas. The 24-hour reception desk is staffed and can arrange taxis, provide local advice, and help with luggage storage (available free before check-in and after check-out). There is a luggage room first-come, first-served. Daily housekeeping is included; towels and bin are refreshed, but the service can vary - some staff report rooms not being cleaned on some days. The hotel is cashless - only card payments are accepted (American Express, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard, UnionPay). A safe is available at reception (not in rooms). Business services include printing, copying, and a meeting room with free Wi-Fi and unlimited tea/coffee (ideal for up to 40 people). Accessible features: ramps, lifts with Braille, accessible public restrooms, wheelchair-accessible rooms with wet floors, emergency pull cords, and vibrating pillow alarms. Pets are allowed by prior arrangement (£20 per night per dog, non-refundable; service animals free). Cots (cribs) can be provided. Connecting rooms available. The hotel has a shared lounge/TV area and vending machines for drinks and snacks.