There’s so much to see and do in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, from historic castles to its unique shops and bars, but it can be a rather expensive place to stay if you’re on a budget.
The Holiday Inn Edinburgh provides the perfect place to rest your head after a long day of exploring.
Where is Holiday Inn Edinburgh?
The Holiday Inn is located a short drive away from the centre of Edinburgh. There is a convenient taxi rank close to the entrance of the hotel, with the cost of a taxi being around £10 - £15 per journey into the centre.
Although it looks a little run down from the outside, don’t let that put you off. The inside lobby and dining area has been fully refurbished along with some of the rooms to create a welcoming feel as you walk in.
If you’re looking to drive, there’s also a very convenient car park located right next to the hotel which belongs to the zoo. It costs £4.50 per day which is paid directly to the Zoo.
Where will I sleep?
You can either opt for a standard room or premium room for your stay. We stayed in a premium room and it was very comfortable. There was a very large window with a lovely view of the countryside and of the city. Towels, robes and slippers were also provided in the room - a lovely touch. The room also comes complete with a tea and coffee making station with biscuits which is a must for us.
The bathroom was also very bright and came complete with a bath which was a lovely surprise. The only criticism I would have with the bathroom is that instead of a shower screen, it was a shower curtain which made the room feel a lot more dated.
The bed was very comfortable and large, but the pillows were quite uncomfortable and I did wake up in the night with a stiff neck. The room temperature was perfect however, and it was easily adjustable - something which you don’t always get in hotels.
There was a locked door which divided our room from the one next door. This wasn’t a problem in the evening, but in the morning the room next door were playing some very loud music very early which woke us up. We believe this was being played from the speaker system next to the bed and although we did appreciate the option to play music in the room, it perhaps isn’t the best idea for rooms that aren’t sound proofed.
What is there to do?
Within the hotel there is a large indoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, health and fitness club with a fully equipped gym, making it ideal if you’re keen to stay active during your stay. The gym equipment includes Elliptical Machines, Free Weights, Rower, Stair Stepper, Stationary Bicycle and Treadmill.
The Holiday Inn is located right next to Edinburgh Zoo, making it an ideal place to stay if you’re keen to visit the zoo with your kids or grandchildren! It’s also within easy reaching distance from the city of Edinburgh where there is endless things to explore.
Depending on how much time you have in the city, we’d recommend seeing Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and Royal Yacht Britannia. It’s also worth having a good wonder down the Royal Mile and looking in the shops - particularly at all the tartan.
For younger explorers, we’d recommend the Edinburgh Dungeon, Deep Sea World, The Museum of Scotland and definitely one of the Harry Potter tours if you’re a fan.
Final thoughts
If you’re looking for a reliable, no-frills place to stay during your trip to Edinburgh, then the Holiday Inn is just what you’re looking for. We’d highly recommend upgrading to a premium room for a much more spacious and comfortable room.
Book your room at the Holiday Inn Edinburgh from £87 per night.