Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) Hotel

Sandwiched between a coffee shop and a clothing store, this Premier Inn is easy to miss. A tiny door with a purple banner is the only thing marking the entrance, and the foyer, with little more than two elevators, looks more like the access to an office building than to a hotel. The reception area, restaurant, and cafe are all located on the second floor, while rooms take the building’s top floors. Premier Inn properties around the world are virtually carbon copies of each other, and this one is no different. Travelers familiar with the brand will recognize every square inch of the hotel, from the purple color scheme to the Thyme restaurant, and even the coffee served. Though rather predictable and chain-like, there are two things that make this Premier Inn stand out among the many other hotels in this price range: its location in the heart of the action, and its stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. Most of the guests we saw during our visit were older couples traveling in groups, but competitive rates and rooms with an additional twin bed also draw many families during school vacation periods. Budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind being a short train ride from the city center may want to compare rates at the Premier Inn Edinburgh Park (The Gyle) Hotel, which has free outdoor parking and is located across the street from the Edinburgh train and tram stations. The Apex Haymarket is a solid mid-range option closer to the center, though some rooms are smallish. Travelers seeking something with more character may prefer The Bonham, a stylish upscale property located within walking distance of the action. 

The Premier Inn has one of the most coveted settings in central Edinburgh. The hotel is located directly on Princes Street, Edinburgh’s top shopping destination, and there are dozens of stores of all kinds -- from affordable chains to designer brands -- literally steps from the main entrance. This location is ideal for those wanting to explore the city on foot, as most major attractions are also just a short stroll away. The Scottish National Gallery, Scott Monument, and St Andrew Square are all less than a five-minute walk from the hotel, and other major sights such as Calton Hill, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the National Museum of Scotland can all be reached in about 15 minutes on foot. There are several bus and tram stops within two blocks of the hotel, and Waverley Railway Station, along with the airport buses and trams, can be found a 10-minute walk away. The drive to Edinburgh Airport takes about half an hour. 

The hotel has 97 rooms, all decorated in the chain’s purple color scheme and furnished with simple wooden desks, nightstands, and open closets. Although lacking in character, rooms are comfortable and clean, and feature all the basics for a pleasant stay. Quality beds are topped with duvets and a selection of pillows, and carpets muffle the noise of footsteps from the rooms above and next door. Standard amenities are great for the price, and include electric kettles, flat-screen TVs with over 80 free channels, and free, reliable Wi-Fi. Rooms, however, lack safes and mini-fridges. Most rooms have big windows overlooking the back of the building, but 22 of them offer panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle. These rooms are not available for online booking, but can be requested on arrival, as they are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Bathrooms are clean and straightforward, with white tiles throughout, linoleum floors, and a few purple accents. They all have shower/tub combos with plastic curtains, and two-in-one shampoo and shower gel are provided in large wall-mounted containers. Liquid hand soap is also available, as are basic hairdryers. 

Thyme Restaurant offers a long menu of pub food and international specialties in a spacious, pleasant dining room offering stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town. Breakfast (not included in the standard rate) is made up of all-you-can-eat set menus along with unlimited hot drinks. The continental breakfast offers pancakes, toast, pastries, yogurt, fresh fruit, and cereals, while the full breakfast option includes bacon, sausages, eggs, hash browns, and grilled tomatoes. Kids under 16 get free breakfast when accompanied by a paying adult. The on-site Costa Coffee is a good alternative for those who prefer a lighter breakfast. The bar offers hot and cold drinks, along with a few small nibbles such as chips and candy, until late in the evening. No wellness facilities of any kind are on-site. There is no on-site parking at the Premier Inn, but the hotel offers discounted rates at a parking garage located a short walk away.