You're standing on the corner of Princes Street. The wind is whipping off the Firth of Forth, and you've got a suitcase that feels like it’s filled with lead. You just want a bed. But not just any bed—one that doesn't cost the same as a small used car. This is where Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre Princes Street enters the chat. It’s arguably the most sought-after budget location in the Scottish capital, but there's a lot of confusion about which "Princes Street" hotel is which.
Edinburgh is basically a maze of hills and hidden wynds. Honestly, if you don't book the right one, you'll end up hiking a mile uphill just to get a sandwich.
Why Location Is Everything (and Nothing)
The Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre Princes Street sits right at the West End. It’s located in a stunning Victorian building that used to be a department store. That’s the first thing people get wrong. They expect a concrete box. Instead, you get high ceilings and windows that look out over the graveyard or the castle if you're lucky.
Wait.
Let’s be real for a second. You aren't staying here for the "boutique" experience. You’re staying here because you can walk to the Scott Monument in ten minutes. You can hit the shops at St James Quarter without needing a taxi. But—and this is a big but—the "Princes Street" label is a bit of a lure. There are actually several Premier Inns within a stone's throw of the city center. This one, specifically the one at 122-123 Princes Street, is the crown jewel because of the view.
If you end up at the one on York Place or Morrison Link, you’re still "central," but you're not Princes Street central.
The Room Situation: What to Actually Expect
The rooms are purple. You know the drill. It’s that signature Premier Inn purple that either feels cozy or slightly like a 90s lounge. However, the beds? They are legitimately some of the best in the business. They use Hypnos mattresses. These are the same makers that supply the Royal Household. So, you're sleeping like a king on a budget.
The space is functional. You get a desk, a TV that usually has a decent selection of Freeview channels, and a bathroom that is clean but basic. Don't expect fancy artisanal soaps. It’s a pump-bottle situation. But it works.
One thing that surprises people is the noise. Princes Street is loud. It has trams, buses, and thousands of tourists. The hotel has double—sometimes triple—glazing, but if you're a light sleeper, ask for a room at the back. You won't get the castle view, but you will get some peace.
💡 You might also like: Where to Stay in Seoul: What Most People Get Wrong
Understanding the "Premier Plus" Hype
Recently, they’ve started rolling out "Premier Plus" rooms. Is it worth the extra twenty quid?
Basically, you get faster Wi-Fi, a better showerhead, and a Nespresso machine. You also get a mini-fridge with some water. If you’re a caffeine addict who hates instant coffee, it’s a lifesaver. If you just need a place to crash after a night of drinking drams at The Bow Bar, just stick to the standard room. Save that money for a fried Mars bar. Or a nice bowl of Cullen Skink.
The Logistics of Checking In
Checking in is mostly automated now. You walk in, find a kiosk, scan your booking, and out pops a key. It's efficient. It's cold. But there's usually a human standing nearby looking slightly bored who can help if the machine eats your reservation.
One massive caveat: Parking.
There is no parking at Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre Princes Street. None. Zero. If you drive here, you are going to suffer. The nearest options are NCP car parks which will charge you an absolute fortune—sometimes £30 or £40 for 24 hours. If you're coming to Edinburgh, take the train to Waverley. The hotel is a short, flat walk from the station. Or take the tram from the airport. It stops almost right outside.
Eating and Drinking Nearby
The hotel has an on-site restaurant, usually a Thyme Bar & Grill. It’s fine. It’s predictable. The breakfast is a buffet, and honestly, the "kids eat free" rule is the only reason to stay there for a meal. If you're a solo traveler or a couple, go somewhere else.
You are in one of the best food cities in the UK.
- For Coffee: Head to Lowdown Coffee on George Street. It's underground, sleek, and the beans are world-class.
- For a Pub: The Oxford Bar. It’s where Ian Rankin’s Inspector Rebus hangs out. It’s no-frills and perfect.
- For a View: The rooftop at Cold Town House in the Grassmarket. You’re literally under the castle walls.
The Seasonal Price Spike
Price is where things get wonky. In November, you might snag a room for £60. In August, during the Fringe Festival, that same room might be £350.
📖 Related: Red Bank Battlefield Park: Why This Small Jersey Bluff Actually Changed the Revolution
Is it worth £350? No.
Nothing in a budget hotel chain is worth £350. But that’s the Edinburgh market. If you are planning to visit during the Fringe or Hogmanay, you need to book six to nine months in advance. If you wait until the last minute, you’ll end up staying in a hostel in Fife.
Hidden Details Most People Miss
The building itself has a history. It wasn't always a hotel. It was a massive retail space, and you can still see some of the architectural flourishes in the stairwells and the window frames.
Also, the Wi-Fi. The "free" version is slow. Like, 2005-era slow. If you need to do a Zoom call for work, you'll have to pay for the "Ultimate" Wi-Fi or have a Premier Plus room. It's a bit of a cheeky way to get extra cash, but it's a standard play for the brand.
How to Get the Best Room
You want a room on a high floor. You want it facing the front if you want the "wow" factor of Edinburgh Castle. Mention it’s a special occasion in the notes. Sometimes they listen. Often they don't, because they are running at 99% occupancy most of the year.
Avoid the rooms near the elevators. The "ding" and the foot traffic can be relentless.
Dealing with the Edinburgh "Hill Factor"
Most people don't realize that Edinburgh is built on different levels. The Princes Street level is "New Town" (which is actually from the 1700s). The "Old Town" (The Royal Mile) is much higher up. Staying at this Premier Inn means you are on the flat part of the city. This is a massive win for anyone with mobility issues or heavy bags.
You can hop on a bus right outside. The bus network in Edinburgh (Lothian Buses) is incredible. You don't even need an app; just tap your credit card when you get on. It’s capped, so you won’t spend more than a few pounds a day.
👉 See also: Why the Map of Colorado USA Is Way More Complicated Than a Simple Rectangle
The Reality of the Budget Experience
People love to complain about budget hotels. They complain the towels are scratchy or the view wasn't "perfect."
But let’s be honest. You’re in Edinburgh to see the city. You’re there to see the vaults, the castle, the museums, and maybe climb Arthur’s Seat. The Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre Princes Street serves its purpose perfectly. It’s a clean, safe, reliable base camp. You know what the breakfast tastes like before you even sit down. There’s a comfort in that.
It’s the "Old Reliable" of the Scottish hospitality scene.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
- Book Direct: Use the official website. If you use a third-party site, you often get the "leftover" rooms near the noisy linen closet.
- The "Good Night" Guarantee: If you don't sleep well due to noise or a lumpy bed, they actually do refund you. Don't be afraid to ask, but be reasonable.
- Bag Drop: They have a luggage room. If you arrive at 10 AM, drop your bags and go explore. Don't waste your first day sitting in the lobby.
- Check the Map: Make sure you are at the Princes Street branch and not the "Princes Street East" or "Edinburgh City Centre (Royal Mile)" branch. People mix them up constantly.
- The Tram is King: Don't take a taxi from the airport. The tram takes you straight to the West End, which is right by the hotel door. It’s cheaper and usually faster during rush hour.
Final Word on Value
If you can get this hotel for under £120, grab it. It’s a steal for the location. If it’s over £250, start looking at guesthouses in Bruntsfield or Leith. You’ll get more character for your money elsewhere once the price crosses that threshold.
Edinburgh is a city that demands your energy. It’s windy, it’s hilly, and it’s beautiful. Having a predictable, warm room waiting for you at the end of the day—especially one on the most famous street in Scotland—is a massive advantage. Just remember your earplugs and your walking shoes.
Don't bother bringing an umbrella. The Edinburgh wind will just turn it inside out in five minutes. Buy a decent raincoat instead. It’s the local way.
Check the current room rates at least three weeks before your trip to ensure you aren't hitting a major event weekend that will drive prices up. Look at the local events calendar for Murrayfield Stadium; if there's a big rugby match or a concert, every hotel in the city will double its rates overnight. Plan your dates around those spikes if you want to keep the budget under control.
Lastly, verify your check-out time. It’s usually 11 AM, and they are quite strict about it because the cleaning crews have to turn over hundreds of rooms before the next wave of tourists arrives at 3 PM. If you need a late check-out, ask the night before, but don't count on it during peak season.