Edinburgh is a labyrinth. If you’ve ever tried to navigate the climb from the Waverley station platforms up to the cobblestones of the Royal Mile with a suitcase that suddenly feels like it’s filled with lead, you know exactly what I mean. Location isn't just a "nice to have" in this city; it’s a survival tactic. That’s usually why the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre stays so busy. It sits right on Picardy Place, occupying a spot that’s basically the gateway between the sleek, modern New Town and the moody, medieval Old Town.
It’s an interesting building. Unlike the cookie-cutter blocks you see out by the airport, this one is housed in a handsome Georgian terrace. You get the high ceilings and the big windows, but inside, it’s all very "IHG"—predictable, clean, and functional. Honestly, for most travelers, that's the dream. You don't want surprises when you're tired. You want a power outlet near the bed and a shower that doesn't require a manual to operate.
The Reality of the Picardy Place Location
Let's talk about the geography. The Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre is parked right across from the Edinburgh Playhouse and the St James Quarter. If you’re in town for a show or a massive shopping spree, you’re looking at a two-minute walk. Max.
The Tram stop is literally steps away.
This is huge. If you’re flying into Edinburgh Airport, you hop on the tram, sit there for 35 minutes, and hop off at Picardy Place. No expensive taxis. No getting lost in the rain.
But here is the trade-off. Picardy Place is a major traffic artery. It’s loud. The city has been doing a massive amount of roadwork in this area over the last few years to accommodate the tram extension down to Leith. While the bulk of the heavy digging is done, it's still a bustling intersection. If you’re a light sleeper, you absolutely need to request a room at the back of the hotel. The front-facing rooms have great views of the gothic architecture, but you’ll hear the hum of the city.
Walk five minutes south and you're at the top of Leith Walk. Walk ten minutes west and you're on Princes Street. It’s central, but it feels slightly removed from the absolute madness of the Royal Mile, which is a blessing during the Fringe Festival in August.
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What the Rooms are Actually Like
Don’t expect a palace. These are Express rooms. They are designed for efficiency.
Most rooms feature the standard Holiday Inn Express "Next Generation" design. This means smart TVs that you can actually cast your phone to—a rarity in many older UK hotels—and bedside USB ports. The beds are firm. The pillows come in "Soft" and "Firm" varieties, which is a small touch that makes a massive difference if you’ve got a picky neck.
One thing people often miss: the bathrooms are pods. They are clean, bright, and the water pressure is usually excellent, but they are compact. If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, the floor space can get tight.
Expert Tip: If you are traveling as a family, the "Double Bed with Sofa Bed" rooms are the way to go, but be aware that when the sofa bed is out, floor space basically disappears. It’s a place to sleep, not a place to hang out all day.
The WiFi is free. It’s fast enough for a Zoom call or streaming Netflix, which is more than I can say for some of the high-end boutiques nearby that still charge for "premium" speeds. It’s these little things that keep people coming back to the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre. You know the WiFi will work. You know there will be a kettle and some instant coffee.
The Breakfast Situation and Eating Nearby
The "Express Start" breakfast is included in the rate. This is a double-edged sword.
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It’s convenient. You get your sausages, scrambled eggs, beans, and the legendary British "continental" spread of pastries and yogurt. It’s decent. It’s filling. But let’s be real: you are in Edinburgh. Some of the best breakfast spots in the country are within a ten-minute radius of the front door.
If you want to skip the hotel buffet for a morning, head over to The itsy bitsy Kitchen or Lowdown Coffee. You’ll get a much better flat white and a pastry that wasn't defrosted.
That said, the hotel bar is a surprisingly cozy spot for a drink after a long day of walking. It’s not a "destination bar," but it’s quiet, the staff are usually lovely, and it’s cheaper than the tourist traps on Rose Street.
Why People Choose This Over the Old Town Hotels
Price is the obvious factor, but it's also about the vibe. The Old Town hotels—like the ones on the Royal Mile or near the Grassmarket—are often cramped, incredibly noisy until 3:00 AM, and involve navigating steep hills every time you leave the lobby.
The Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre offers a flatter, more manageable experience.
It’s also right next to the Calton Hill entrance. If you want those iconic photos of the Dugald Stewart Monument with the city skyline in the background, you can be at the summit in about twelve minutes from your hotel room. I always tell people to do this at sunset. It’s one of the few free things in the city that actually lives up to the hype.
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Navigating the Challenges
It's not all perfect. Parking is a nightmare.
If you are driving into Edinburgh, rethink that choice. The hotel doesn't have its own parking lot. They have an arrangement with the Q-Park at the Omni Centre nearby, which gives guests a discount, but it’s still expensive. Edinburgh is a city designed for walking and buses. If you bring a car to this hotel, you’re going to spend more on parking than you did on petrol.
Another thing: the elevators. There are two. When the hotel is at 100% capacity—which is often—there can be a bit of a wait during the 9:00 AM breakfast rush. Take the stairs if you’re able; the Georgian stairwell is actually quite beautiful anyway.
Sustainability and Local Impact
IHG has been pushing their "Journey to Tomorrow" program, and you see it here in small ways. Bulk toiletries instead of those tiny plastic bottles. Reduced plastic in the breakfast area. It’s a start.
The staff at this specific location deserve a shoutout. A lot of them are locals or students from the nearby university, and they actually know the city. They aren't just reading from a script. If you ask for a pub recommendation that isn't full of tourists, they'll usually point you toward something on Broughton Street, which is just around the corner and much more "authentic."
The Verdict on Value
Is the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre the most "Scottish" experience you can have? No. You won't find tartan carpets or a piper in the lobby.
But you will find a reliable, air-conditioned home base in a city that is notoriously difficult to navigate. You’re paying for the peace of mind that comes with a global brand, situated in a historic building that keeps you within arm's reach of everything that matters.
For the budget-conscious traveler who wants to be in the middle of the action without the Royal Mile price tag, it's a very hard option to beat.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
- Request a high-floor room at the rear: This is the only way to guarantee a quiet night's sleep away from the Picardy Place traffic and tram bells.
- Download the Lothian Buses app: The hotel is a hub for almost every major bus route. The app lets you "Tap Tap Cap" with your credit card for the cheapest fares.
- Walk to Calton Hill for sunrise: Since you're so close, get there before the crowds. It’s the best view in the city and it's less than a mile walk.
- Use the Tram from the airport: The "Picardy Place" stop is practically the hotel's front door. Don't bother with an Uber or a black cab unless you have excessive luggage.
- Check the Playhouse schedule: If there’s a major musical playing, the area will be packed between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM. Plan your dinner reservations accordingly to avoid the "theatre rush" at local restaurants.
- Join IHG One Rewards: Even if you aren't a frequent traveler, members often get a late checkout (subject to availability) which is gold when your flight or train isn't until the afternoon.