You’ve just stepped off the train at Edinburgh Waverley, your suitcase wheels rattling against the cobblestones, and there it is—a bright turquoise sign staring you right in the face. If you’re looking for Motel One Princes St, you don’t even need a map. It’s basically right there, across from the Balmoral and a stone's throw from the Scott Monument. Honestly, for a city that usually charges a small fortune for a central bed, this place feels like a glitch in the matrix.
But here is the thing: staying at Motel One Princes St isn't exactly like staying at a Marriott or a quaint Highland B&B. It's a specific vibe. You're trading a mini-fridge and a closet for a location that literally cannot be beaten.
The Reality of Location vs. Space
Most people book this hotel because they want to be in the thick of it. And you are. You're so central that if you leaned out the window (don't actually do this), you could almost touch the Sir Walter Scott Monument.
Rooms here are... efficient. That’s the polite way to say they’re small.
We're talking 172 square feet for a Queen room. If you’re traveling with three suitcases and a golf bag, you’re going to be playing Tetris just to get to the bathroom. They don’t have wardrobes—just a hanging rail. It’s functional. It’s clean. But it isn't a place where you’ll be hosting a dinner party.
✨ Don't miss: Hotel Gigi San Diego: Why This New Gaslamp Spot Is Actually Different
The design is surprisingly chic for the price point. Think Egyptian cotton sheets, hydromassage showers, and those iconic turquoise Egg chairs in the lobby. It’s got that "designer budget" feel that the German brand Motel One has perfected since they landed in the UK.
Why Everyone Talks About the One Lounge
The "One Lounge" is effectively the heart of the building. It’s a 24-hour bar and breakfast spot that manages to feel way more expensive than it is. They use a lot of local touches here—velvet fabrics, dark wood, and even a custom Motel One tartan created by Johnstone's of Elgin.
- The Drinks: They have a solid selection of gins and whiskies. It's actually a great spot for a nightcap after a show at the Playhouse.
- The Vibe: It's usually buzzing with a mix of European backpackers and business travelers who realized they didn't need to spend £400 a night at the Balmoral next door.
- The Breakfast: It's a continental spread for about £13.90. You won't find a full Scottish fry-up here. No haggis, no tinned tomatoes. Just good rolls, cheeses, sliced meats, and those boiled eggs that sometimes have little smiley faces drawn on them.
The Noise Factor: A Honest Warning
If you are a light sleeper, listen up. Motel One Princes St sits on one of the busiest intersections in Scotland.
🔗 Read more: Wingate by Wyndham Columbia: What Most People Get Wrong
While the rooms have sound-insulated walls, the doors have a habit of making a distinctive bang-clunk when they close. If your room is near the elevator or a high-traffic hallway, you’re going to hear your neighbors coming home from the Rose Street pubs at 1:00 AM.
Also, the street noise is real. Edinburgh never really sleeps, especially during the Fringe Festival or Hogmanay. If you get a room facing Princes Street, the view is a 10/10, but the ambient hum of trams and buses is part of the package. Some guests find the rooms run a bit hot, too, and since the windows are heavy-duty to block noise, airflow can be a bit of a struggle if you don't fiddle with the thermostat just right.
Is it Better Than the Royal Mile Location?
There are actually two Motel Ones in the city center. This one (Princes St) and the one on Market Street (Motel One Edinburgh-Royal).
💡 You might also like: Finding Your Way: The Sky Harbor Airport Map Terminal 3 Breakdown
The Princes Street location is superior for shopping and transport. You are 30 seconds from the airport tram. The Royal Mile location is better if you want that "old world" medieval atmosphere and don't mind walking up the steep hills of Cockburn Street.
What You Need to Know Before You Check In
There are a few quirks that catch people off guard. First, they take a £50 deposit upon arrival. It’s standard, but if you’re on a tight budget, it’s good to have that accounted for on your card.
Second, don't look for a phone in the room. There isn't one. If you need more towels or want to ask about the Wi-Fi speed (which is usually a very decent 80mbps, by the way), you have to walk down to the 24-hour front desk. It's a "no-frills" model, just with really nice wallpaper.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Request a High Floor: If you want any chance of a quiet night, ask for a room away from the lobby and as high up as possible.
- Ditch the Car: There is zero parking at the hotel. If you drive, you’ll end up paying a fortune at the St James Quarter or Greenside car parks. Take the train to Waverley; the hotel is literally across the street.
- The Luggage Move: If you arrive before the 3:00 PM check-in, they have a secure luggage room. Use it. Drop your bags, grab a coffee in the lounge, and go walk through Princes Street Gardens.
- BYO Iron: They don't have irons in the rooms. You can borrow one from reception, but they are in high demand during wedding season.
This place is for the traveler who spends 14 hours a day exploring and just wants a high-pressure shower and a designer bed at the end of it. It’s not a "resort" stay, but for a city break, it’s one of the smartest plays in Edinburgh.
To get the most out of your trip, check the tram schedule if you're flying in—the "Princes Street" stop is your best bet, and it's less than a five-minute walk from the hotel doors.