Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile By Ihg

This hotel stands out for its exceptional central location, placing guests just moments from the Royal Mile and many of Edinburgh's iconic attractions. Its signature feature is the consistently praised friendly and helpful staff, who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. This makes the hotel an excellent fit for sightseers and families looking to explore the city on foot, as well as solo travelers seeking a secure and welcoming base. Most guests appreciate the comfortable accommodations and the complimentary breakfast, which provides a convenient start to the day. For an enhanced experience, guests are advised to clarify room specifics upon booking, especially regarding bed types and potential noise levels, and to take advantage of the staff's local knowledge for recommendations.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers essential facilities that contribute to a comfortable stay, though some guests note a basic approach. While there is a small bar area in the reception, some guests found it convenient for a late-night drink. Wi-Fi is available, with most guests finding it functional, though some reported it could be unstable or slow in certain rooms. The elevator is a practical amenity, but with only one, it can sometimes lead to waiting times, especially during peak hours. For those arriving by car, parking is not available on-site, but a nearby NCP car park offers a discount for hotel guests. Room amenities include a TV, kettle with tea and coffee supplies, and a hairdryer, though some guests experienced issues with TV functionality or inconsistent replenishment of supplies.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find the rooms to be clean and comfortable, providing a good base for exploring the city. The beds are generally described as comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though some found them too firm or the sofa beds less comfortable. The showers are frequently praised for good water pressure and quality toiletries, though a few guests noted issues like leaks, mold, or outdated fixtures. Room size receives mixed feedback; while some found them adequate or even spacious, many described them as small or cramped, especially when a sofa bed is in use, limiting space for luggage. Lighting in rooms is often mentioned as being too dim. Noise levels are generally low, with many guests appreciating the quiet atmosphere, but some experienced disturbances from street noise or neighboring rooms due to sound insulation.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast is a significant highlight for many guests, consistently described as very good and plentiful. It typically includes a buffet with both hot and continental options, such as sausages, bacon, scrambled eggs, beans, and hash browns, alongside cereals, pastries, and fruits. Most guests appreciate the variety and the convenience of an included meal. However, some feedback indicates that the food quality can be inconsistent, with items sometimes being cold or running out quickly during busy periods. The coffee at breakfast received mixed reviews, with some finding it unsatisfactory. While the selection is generally good, some guests wished for more variety, such as cheese, cold meats, or fresh vegetables.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location, making it highly convenient for tourists. It is situated just a short walk from the Royal Mile, providing easy access to major attractions like Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, and numerous shops, restaurants, and pubs. Guests appreciate its proximity to Edinburgh Waverley Station, which is typically a 10 to 15-minute walk, facilitating arrival and departure. While the hotel is centrally located, some guests note that reaching the main street involves navigating steep hills or cobblestone paths. Parking is not available directly on-site, but a nearby NCP car park offers a discounted rate for hotel guests, which is a practical solution for those traveling by car.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight their attentive service, from the quick check-in process to their willingness to assist with requests and provide local recommendations. Many reviewers commend the staff for going "above and beyond," such as decorating rooms for special occasions or assisting with luggage storage. While most experiences are positive, some guests reported inconsistencies with housekeeping, noting issues like unmade beds, uncleaned cups, or failure to replenish toiletries and coffee supplies. Despite these minor points, the overall sentiment is that the staff's dedication significantly enhances the guest experience.

Additional Information
The hotel offers a pet-friendly policy, though some guests noted occasional noise from dogs. Guests can benefit from the IHG Greener Stay programme, which allows them to decline daily housekeeping in exchange for rewards points. A unique feature mentioned by some guests is the availability of a 24-hour bar, providing flexibility for late-night refreshments. While generally accommodating, some guests reported a small fee for luggage storage before check-in or after check-out, which is a detail to be aware of. A few guests also highlighted a potentially dangerous bathroom door design that swings quickly, advising caution upon use.