Finding an affordable city-centre hotel in Edinburgh means weighing location, price, and guest experience. This guide compares Cityroomz Edinburgh, Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street), Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel, and Travelodge Edinburgh, drawing on verified guest data from TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and official hotel sites to help you choose a city-base that fits your trip. TripAdvisor lists Cityroomz Edinburgh’s standard-room range from roughly $78 to $443 per night, establishing the budget bracket we used for cross-comparison.
Last checked: 2026-08-18
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Old Town location relative to city centre: Old Town is the historic city centre · Walk time from Waverley to Castle: ~10–15 minutes · Famous street in Old Town: Royal Mile · Recommended stay duration: 3 days
How we researched this
Last checked 2026-08-18..
Sources reviewed: official hotel websites, TripAdvisor reviews, Booking.com listings, Trip.com reviews, Yelp, Edinburgh Guide, and Skyscanner hotel data.
No on-site visits, no staff interviews, and no independent price verification were conducted. Review platforms reflect user-generated content rather than editorial assessment.
City hotel Edinburgh: key facts at a glance
- 25–33 Shandwick Place, West End, EH2 4RG (TripAdvisor) (Booking.com)
- 115 rooms, check-in from 15:00 (Booking.com)
- 121–123 Princes Street, New Town, EH2 4AD (TripAdvisor) (Premier Inn)
- 97 rooms, directly opposite Edinburgh Castle (Premier Inn)
- 61 Grassmarket, Old Town, EH1 2HS (TripAdvisor)
- 33 St Marys Street, Old Town, EH1 1TA (TripAdvisor)
- Budget-friendly chain with 153 rooms (official site)
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Old Town location relative to city centre | Old Town is the historic city centre |
| Walk time from Waverley to Castle | ~10–15 minutes |
| Famous street in Old Town | Royal Mile |
| Recommended stay duration | 3 days |
| Premier Inn Princes Street room count | 97 rooms |
| Cityroomz room count | 115 rooms |
| Cityroomz check-in time | 15:00 |
| Cityroomz distance from city centre | 0.6–0.64 miles |
What is the best hotel in the city centre of Edinburgh?
For first-time visitors wanting a central base with consistent quality, Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) has the strongest location: directly on Princes Street opposite Edinburgh Castle. Its 97 rooms follow the chain’s standardised comfort design, and the hotel’s official description positions it “in the heart of the city” close to the Royal Palace. Premier Inn notes no on-site parking, but guests can use discounted parking at Castle Terrace NCP about a 10-minute walk away.
Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street)
Located at 121–123 Princes Street in Edinburgh’s New Town, this Premier Inn has a restaurant and bar on site. TripAdvisor lists its standard-room price range roughly between $190 and $472 per night. One Edinburgh Guide description calls it “one of several Edinburgh hotels from the budget Premier Inn chain, located smack in the centre of the New Town on busy Princes Street.” The address places it near Princes Street Gardens and within a 10- to 15-minute walk of Edinburgh Castle.
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
Situated at 61 Grassmarket in the Old Town, this hotel is at the foot of Edinburgh Castle with modern rooms and a spa. Its Grassmarket location puts it a short walk from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle esplanade. Guest reviews on TripAdvisor frequently note the castle proximity and contemporary interiors.
Travelodge Edinburgh Central
With 153 rooms at 33 St Marys Street in the Old Town, this Travelodge offers the most straightforward budget option. Its location on the edge of the Royal Mile keeps major attractions within walking distance, and standard amenities include free Wi-Fi and en-suite bathrooms. Price ranges are typically lower than Premier Inn, though rates vary sharply by season.
Where is the best location to stay in Edinburgh?
The answer depends on whether you prioritise historic atmosphere or modern convenience. Old Town—centred on the Royal Mile—contains Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, and the Grassmarket. New Town, built on a Georgian grid, hosts Princes Street’s shopping and Princes Street Gardens. Both are within a 15-minute walk of each other. The city centre encompasses both, with Waverley Station acting as the geographic hinge between them.
Old Town vs New Town
Old Town is the historic core, with narrow closes, 17th-century architecture, and the bulk of tourist sights. Its hotels are often older buildings with period character. New Town offers wider streets, more modern shop fronts, and chain hotels like Premier Inn that sit directly on Princes Street. The Edinburgh city centre is compact: you can walk from New Town to Old Town in roughly 5 to 10 minutes. The famous street in Old Town is the Royal Mile, which runs from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace.
City centre amenities
Both areas have ample restaurants, pubs, and shops. The Grassmarket in Old Town has an evening pub scene, while Princes Street and George Street in New Town focus on retail and dining. Waverley Station, the main railway hub, sits directly between the two. The Edinburgh city centre is small enough that no hotel in either area is far from public transport or major attractions.
Is it better to stay in Edinburgh, Old Town or New Town?
This question divides travellers. The Old Town is closer to Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile—sights that form the core of most itineraries. The New Town, especially Princes Street, has more direct views of the castle and easier access to Waverley Station. Both areas are safe and walkable. The trade-off involves noise: Old Town’s Grassmarket and High Street can be busy late into the evening, while Princes Street’s traffic is a constant presence.
Pros and cons of Old Town
Pros: direct access to the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle within a 5-minute walk, historic atmosphere, and proximity to the Grassmarket’s nightlife. Cons: older buildings may have uneven floors or no lifts, and street noise from pubs and the Royal Mile can be noticeable. Travelodge Edinburgh Central and Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel both sit in the Old Town.
Pros and cons of New Town
Pros: sleek chain hotels, wider streets, direct castle views from Princes Street, and shorter walk to Waverley Station. Cons: fewer historic character options, bus traffic on Princes Street, and slightly longer walk to the Royal Mile’s deeper attractions. Premier Inn Princes Street exemplifies the New Town’s central-comfort model.
The pattern: Old Town rewards sightseers with proximity, New Town rewards those who prefer predictability and modern amenities. Neither choice is wrong—the answer matches your tolerance for charm versus convenience.
What should I do in Edinburgh in 3 days?
A well-paced three-day stay in Edinburgh covers the Old Town core, New Town exploration, and a dose of the city’s natural landscape. Below is a sample itinerary anchored to city-centre hotels.
Day 1: Old Town and Castle
Spend the morning at Edinburgh Castle: from a Princes Street hotel you can walk there in 10 minutes; from the Old Town it is even faster. After lunch, walk the full length of the Royal Mile (1 mile downhill) to the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace. Evening dinner on the Grassmarket or Victoria Street works well. Cityroomz Edinburgh on Shandwick Place is a 5-minute walk from the Grassmarket, making it a practical base for this day.
Day 2: New Town and Royal Mile
Explore New Town’s Georgian architecture on George Street and the National Gallery of Scotland on The Mound. Afternoon: return to the Royal Mile for any sights missed on Day 1—St Giles’ Cathedral, the Real Mary King’s Close, or the Scotch Whisky Experience. Premier Inn Princes Street’s location at 121–123 Princes Street puts you steps from the National Gallery connection to the Royal Mile.
Day 3: Arthur’s Seat or day trip
From April to October, an early morning walk up Arthur’s Seat (an extinct volcano) offers panoramic city views. The walk takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes from the city centre. Afternoon: consider a day trip to Rosslyn Chapel (30 minutes by bus) or simply revisit a favourite street. Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel’s Grassmarket location is a 20-minute walk from the Holyrood Park entrance for Arthur’s Seat.
Multi-option comparison: city hotel Edinburgh options
| Hotel | Location | Rating (TripAdvisor) | Price Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) | 121–123 Princes Street, New Town | 4.5/5 | $190–$472 | Opposite Edinburgh Castle, tram stop outside |
| Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel | 61 Grassmarket, Old Town | 4.0/5 | $150–$350 | Foot of castle, modern rooms with spa |
| Travelodge Edinburgh Central | 33 St Marys Street, Old Town | 3.5/5 | $80–$250 | Budget chain with Royal Mile proximity |
| Cityroomz Edinburgh | 25–33 Shandwick Place, West End | 8.3/10 (Trip.com, 2025) | $78–$443 | Budget price, Airlink bus stop at door |
Cityroomz Edinburgh vs Premier Inn Princes Street: detailed comparison
Cityroomz Edinburgh at 25–33 Shandwick Place sits 0.6–0.64 miles from the exact city centre, in the West End. Premier Inn is directly on Princes Street. Cityroomz has 115 rooms, Premier Inn has 97. Cityroomz’s lower price band (from $78) positions it as a budget option, while Premier Inn’s starting point of $190 places it higher. Both lack on-site parking. Premier Inn offers discounted NCP parking 10 minutes away; Cityroomz recommends street parking and public transport. Trip.com reviewers rate Cityroomz location 8.9/10, though some note noise from a nearby bar or nightclub. Premier Inn reviews emphasise location convenience and chain consistency.
Our pick: budget-conscious city base
For travellers who prioritise lower cost without sacrificing central Edinburgh access, Cityroomz Edinburgh offers the best value among the city-centre hotels compared. Its Shandwick Place location, direct Airlink bus connection, and sub-$100 nightly entry price fill a clear need for budget-focused stays. First-time visitors or couples looking for romance may prefer the Old Town atmosphere of Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel or the Princes Street views from Premier Inn. For families or budget-conscious travelers, Cityroomz’s 115 rooms and family room types—available with bunk beds—make it a practical choice. The bottom line: if saving $50 or more a night matters, Cityroomz delivers a legitimate city-centre alternative to the higher-priced chains.
City hotel Edinburgh: pricing bands
Edinburgh’s hotel prices vary dramatically by season. High season (June to August and Christmas markets) sees prices double or triple. Budget-to-mid-range city hotels typically range from $80 to $180 per night from October to March, climbing to $200 to $450 during peak periods. Cityroomz Edinburgh’s range spans $78 to $443. Travelodge Edinburgh Central often falls $20–$50 below Cityroomz in off-peak but can match it in August. TripAdvisor shows Premier Inn Princes Street consistently above $180 even in low season, reflecting its premium-central status.
“Located in the heart of Edinburgh, a short walk from Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, Cityroomz Edinburgh is ideally situated on the doorstep to all Edinburgh has to offer.”
– Cityroomz Edinburgh marketing description (TripAdvisor listing), Hotel marketing copy
“One of several Edinburgh hotels from the budget Premier Inn chain, located smack in the centre of the New Town on bustling Princes Street.”
– EdinburghGuide venue description, Local editorial guide
cityroomz-edinburgh.edinburgh-hotel.org, tripadvisor.com, tripadvisor.com, premierinn.com
Frequently asked questions about city hotel Edinburgh
Which hotel did JK Rowling stay in Edinburgh?
JK Rowling wrote much of the Harry Potter series in Edinburgh’s Balmoral Hotel (1 Princes Street) and Giles Café plus several other city-centre venues. The Balmoral is a five-star property on Princes Street, roughly a 3-minute walk from Premier Inn Princes Street. The suite at the Balmoral where she finished Book 7 is named the Rowling Suite.
What is the most expensive hotel in Edinburgh?
The most expensive nightly rates belong to The Balmoral (five-star, Princes Street) and Prestonfield House (five-star, near Arthur’s Seat). Both typically exceed $500 per night, with suites at The Balmoral reaching above $1,000 during peak season.
What are the no-go areas in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is generally safe for visitors. Neighbourhoods to avoid at night, according to local police data, include parts of Leith Walk, Niddrie, and Muirhouse. None of these are in the city centre. The Old Town, New Town, and West End are well-patrolled and popular with tourists.
Can you walk from New Town to Old Town, Edinburgh?
Yes, the distance between Princes Street (New Town) and the Royal Mile (Old Town) is about 500 metres, a 6- to 8-minute walk. The connecting route crosses Princes Street Gardens and Waverley Station, with escalators from the station to the Old Town level.
How far is Edinburgh Old Town from city centre?
Old Town is the city centre itself. The Royal Mile forms the historic spine, and Princes Street marks the northern edge. No part of the Old Town is more than a 10-minute walk from Waverley Station, the central transport hub.
How long does it take to walk from Edinburgh train station to Edinburgh Castle?
Waverley Station to Edinburgh Castle takes 10 to 15 minutes on foot. The walk goes uphill via the Mound or the Royal Mile, accessible by stairs or a gradual ramp.
What is the famous street in Old Town, Edinburgh?
The famous street in Old Town is the Royal Mile, a sequence of four streets (Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate) running 1.8 km from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. It contains most major tourist attractions.
Location and getting there: Cityroomz Edinburgh
Cityroomz Edinburgh stands at 25–33 Shandwick Place in the West End. The address is about 0.6 miles from the city centre, with a short walk to Princes Street (5 minutes) and Edinburgh Castle (10 minutes). The Airlink airport bus (Airlink 100) stops directly outside the hotel, giving a roughly 30-minute ride from Edinburgh Airport. There is no on-site parking; nearby public parking is available on Shandwick Place and side streets. Skyscanner notes that guests arriving by car typically find on-street parking limited and recommend the Castle Terrace multi-storey as a nearby alternative.
Pros and cons of Cityroomz Edinburgh
Pros
- Lower entry price than Premier Inn Princes Street ($78 vs $190 base)
- Direct Airlink bus connection from airport
- 115 rooms with family and bunk-bed options
- Check-out until 11:00, flexible for late departures
Cons
- No on-site parking
- Some noise from nearby bar or nightclub
- 0.6-mile walk to exact city centre versus 0.1 miles for Premier Inn
- Limited premium amenities vs branded chains
Best for segments: matching the right hotel to your trip type
Couples
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel in the Grassmarket offers a more romantic setting with castle views from a 17th-century building. Premier Inn Princes Street also works for couples who prioritise castle-view rooms and access to Princes Street Gardens.
Families
Cityroomz Edinburgh and Travelodge Edinburgh Central both offer family rooms and bunk-bed options. Cityroomz’s 115-room stock and flexible check-out give families more space and time to manage children. Premier Inn’s 97 rooms, though comfortable, are pricier for larger families.
Budget travellers
Travelodge Edinburgh Central has the lowest starting price among the four options, but Cityroomz offers a more central West End location with better transport connections. Both fall in the $80–$120 off-peak band.
Solo travellers
All four hotels are safe and central. Premier Inn Princes Street and Travelodge Edinburgh Central have standard solo rooms. Cityroomz’s lower rate appeals to solo travellers on tighter budgets.
Sources cited
- Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) official page
- TripAdvisor – Premier Inn Princes Street
- Edinburgh Guide – Premier Inn Princes Street
- Yelp – Cityroomz Edinburgh