You’re looking at Edinburgh. You’ve seen the prices for hotels on Princes Street or the Royal Mile and, frankly, they’re eye-watering. So, you start scrolling. You find Premier Inn Edinburgh East. It looks fine. The purple sign is comforting. But then the doubt creeps in: is it actually too far away? Will you spend your whole holiday on a bus?
I’ve spent a lot of time navigating the Scottish capital. It’s a city of hills, cobbles, and confusingly named neighborhoods. Most people think if they aren't staying within sight of the Castle, they’ve failed at being a tourist. That's just wrong. Staying at the Premier Inn Edinburgh East, located on Milton Road, is a tactical move. It’s about 3 miles from the city center. It’s not "downtown," but it’s also not the middle of nowhere.
What You Are Actually Getting at Milton Road
This isn't a boutique hotel with hand-poured soaps and a "concept" lobby. It’s a Premier Inn. You know what that means. You get the Hypnos bed, which is arguably the most consistent sleep in the UK. You get the blackout curtains. You get that slightly clinical but very clean bathroom.
The building itself is a bit of a hybrid. It sits right next to a Greene King pub called the Jewel. This is crucial because the hotel doesn’t have its own internal restaurant in the way a city-center "Hub" might. You walk across the car park for your breakfast. Some people hate this, especially if it’s raining—and in Edinburgh, it usually is—but it keeps the hotel itself quiet. No clinking plates at 6:00 AM right outside your door.
The Location Logistics: It's Not Just "East"
Let’s talk about the geography. The Premier Inn Edinburgh East is technically in the Duddingston/Milton area. To your left, you have the massive ASDA Superstore. To your right, the A1 road heading toward Portobello and eventually England.
If you are driving, this is a goldmine. Finding parking in central Edinburgh is a nightmare that usually costs £30 a day. Here? It’s free. You park the car, leave it, and use the bus. This is the "pro move" for anyone doing a Scottish road trip.
✨ Don't miss: Things to do in Hanover PA: Why This Snack Capital is More Than Just Pretzels
Getting Into Town (Without Going Broke)
Honestly, don’t bother with Ubers or Taxis unless it’s 2:00 AM. Edinburgh’s bus system, Lothian Buses, is world-class. You want the Number 4 or the Number 44. They stop right outside or very near the hotel.
- Use the "Tap on, Tap off" system with your contactless card.
- It caps your daily spend.
- The 44 takes you straight to Waterloo Place, right at the east end of Princes Street.
- It’s about a 20 to 25-minute ride depending on how bad the traffic is at the Meadowbank junction.
Is it a long commute? Kinda. Is it worth the £80 a night you’re probably saving? Absolutely.
The Secret Perks of the East Side
Most tourists stay in the Old Town, walk the Royal Mile, eat an overpriced sandwich, and go to bed. By staying at the Premier Inn Edinburgh East, you are actually closer to some of the city's best "local" spots that most people miss entirely.
Portobello Beach is just down the road. You can walk there in about 20 minutes or take a five-minute bus ride. It’s a classic Victorian promenade. In the summer, it’s packed. In the winter, it’s moody and beautiful. Grab a coffee at The Little_Victorian or some posh pizza at Civerinos Slice. It feels like a different world compared to the Gothic gloom of the city center.
Then there is Duddingston Village. This is a hidden gem. It’s an ancient village tucked behind Arthur’s Seat. It’s home to The Sheep Heid Inn, which claims to be the oldest pub in Scotland (dating back to 1360). They have a vintage skittle alley. You can walk from the hotel, through the village, and then hike up the back side of Arthur’s Seat. It’s a much gentler climb than the steep face most tourists tackle from Holyrood.
🔗 Read more: Hotels Near University of Texas Arlington: What Most People Get Wrong
The Room Situation: What to Expect
Don't expect a view of the Castle. You’ll likely be looking at the car park or the main road. However, the soundproofing at this specific branch is surprisingly solid. The windows are thick.
They have the standard room mix:
- Double rooms (The classic)
- Twin rooms
- Family rooms (One of the few places you can fit two kids and two adults without paying for two suites)
- Accessible rooms
There are no "Premier Plus" rooms here yet. If you want the fancy Nespresso machine and the vanity mirror, you’d have to head to the York Place or Princes Street branches. This is a "no-frills, high-sleep-quality" zone.
Why People Complain (The Nuance)
I’m not going to tell you it’s perfect. It’s a 3-star budget hotel. If you’re here during the Fringe Festival in August, even this "budget" spot will cost more than usual, though still less than the center.
The biggest gripe? The Wi-Fi. The free version is fine for checking emails, but if you’re trying to stream a 4K movie or jump on a heavy Zoom call, you’ll probably end up paying the £5 for the "Ultimate" speed. It’s a bit of a cheek, but it’s standard across the brand.
💡 You might also like: 10 day forecast myrtle beach south carolina: Why Winter Beach Trips Hit Different
Also, the dining. The Jewel pub is... fine. It’s a standard Greene King. It’s reliable. You know what the burger tastes like. But if you want a "culinary experience," you need to head into Leith or the city center. Don't stay here expecting gourmet dining on your doorstep. You stay here for the bed and the price point.
Comparing the "East" to Other Premier Inns
Edinburgh has a lot of these.
- York Place/Princes Street: Best for being in the middle of it. Expensive. No parking.
- Leith Waterfront: Great for the Royal Yacht Britannia. A bit isolated.
- Edinburgh Park/Airport: Good for flights. Soul-crushing industrial estates.
- Edinburgh East: The sweet spot for drivers and people who want to see the beach.
Is It Right for You?
If you are a solo traveler who wants to stumble out of a pub at midnight and be in bed in five minutes, don't stay here. You’ll spend your savings on late-night taxis.
If you are a family with a car, or a couple on a budget who doesn't mind a 20-minute bus ride to save £300 over a weekend, this is exactly where you should be. You get the same mattress as the guy paying £250 a night at the Hub on Rose Street, but you have enough money left over for a nice dinner at The Witchery.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
- Book Direct: Use the Premier Inn website. They have a "Non-Flex" rate that is usually significantly cheaper, provided you're sure about your dates.
- Download the Lothian Bus App: It's called "m-ticket" or just use the "Bus and Tram" app for live timings. The 44 bus is your lifeline.
- Check the ASDA: Since you have a kettle in the room but no fridge, the 24-hour ASDA next door is perfect for grabbing snacks or fresh milk so you aren't reliant on the little plastic UHT pots.
- Walk to Portobello: On your first morning, don't head to the city. Walk to the beach. Get your bearings. It’s a much more relaxed way to start an Edinburgh trip.
- Request a Quiet Room: Ask for a room away from the A1 side of the building. Even with double glazing, the "quiet side" facing the back is always better for light sleepers.
Staying at Premier Inn Edinburgh East is a choice for the practical traveler. It’s about prioritizing the destination over the zip code of your pillow. You’re close enough to the action to feel the city’s energy, but far enough away to actually get some sleep—and keep your bank account intact.