The Inn Place

Housed in a beautiful 19th-century building, the Inn Place is much more casual than its exterior may suggest. Once home to The Scotsman newspaper offices and printing facilities -- whose masthead is still displayed in big, golden letters on the handsome stone facade -- the building has been fully refurbished to house 29 rooms (plus 12 additional units in the adjacent structure), a small reception with a bar, and a breakfast room. Decor is contemporary and appealing throughout, with dark walls and floors, strategically placed LED lighting, and bold pops of orange here and there.Though common areas are limited at the Inn Place, the hotel draws young travelers with competitive rates, a wonderful location in the Old Town, and a wide array of private room types suitable for couples, families, and even groups. The hotel was quiet during our visit, but its dorm-like rooms draw bachelor and bachelorette parties, as well as many rugby fans in town to watch the game, which can make for a livelier atmosphere at times. Located just down the street, the Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge is a good alternative in this price range if there is no availability at the Inn Place. Those wanting something with more character may want to compare rates at the Angels Share Hotel, an upscale boutique with a great restaurant and cool, stylish rooms. The Ballantrae Albany Hotel is another decent pick for families seeking big, multi-bed rooms in the city center, though the Inn Place is more centrally located and better maintained overall. 

The Inn Place is located on Cockburn, a steep, cobblestoned street in the heart of the Old Town. The block is lined with cute little cafes, bars, and boutiques, and many more can be found on the surrounding streets, including along the Royal Mile, which is right behind the hotel. While the hilly terrain may be challenging to some, this location is ideal for those wanting to explore the city on foot, as most of the top attractions can be found within a five- to 10-minute walk, including Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, the Scott Monument, the Scottish National Gallery, and Waverley train station. Airport buses and trams are also just an easy stroll away, as is the National Museum of Scotland and shopping along Princes Street. It takes about 25 minutes to get to the Edinburgh Airport by car. There is no parking at the Inn Place. 

The hotel has a total of 41 rooms ranging from twin or double rooms to private dormitory-style units with bunk beds and en-suite bathrooms. Decor is simple but has a dash of style, with dark-brown accent walls, backlit headboards, polished wooden finishes, and pops of orange. All rooms have windows, including some offering great views of the Old and New Towns. Six and eight-bed dorms are great for groups wanting to stay together, as they can only be rented as a whole and have en-suite bathrooms with rainfall showers. Decor in these units is more basic and plain, with white metal bunk beds, recessed lighting, and bare walls. Rooms and dormitories all have the same solid amenities, including free Wi-Fi, plasma TVs with international channels, and electric kettles with free tea and instant coffee. However, mini-fridges, safes, and air-conditioning are not available, and fans require an extra fee. Bathrooms are clean, and feature walk-in rainfall showers (two rooms have shower/tub combos), hairdryers, and toiletries. Travelers with mobility issues should note that some rooms do not have elevator access. 

As a small, urban hotel, the Inn Place is light on amenities and common areas. The lobby has a small bar area with a couple of tables and a good selection of drinks available 24/7. Big windows and mood lighting make the space pleasant, but few guests seem to hang out here in the evening. The hotel lacks a full restaurant, but breakfast is available for a fee in a contemporary, spacious room down a few steps from the lobby. Continental breakfast includes breads, pastries, fruit juices, meats, cheeses, and cereal, along with tea or coffee, and there are several options for those wanting a bigger, cooked breakfast, including a full Scottish option of eggs, sausages, haggis, beans, and grilled tomatoes. Eggs Florentine, eggs on toast, pancakes, and porridge are also available. The hotel is also connected via internal stairs to a cozy coffee shop offering tasty sandwiches, hot and cold drinks (including some gins), homemade cakes, pastries, and soups. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.