Review: Motel One Edinburgh Princes - quality budget accommodation in Edinburgh

For travelers arriving in Edinburgh on train, you’d be hard pressed to find a budget-friendly, modern hotel as perfectly located as Motel One Edinburgh Princes.

Motel One Edinburgh Princes is a budget-friendly, but modern hotel, tucked right on the corner opposite the central station, Edinburgh Waverly’s Princes Street exit and next to the Apple Store. It’s a 5 minute walk over the bridge to the Royal Mile where you can access such sites like the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle. We also took a walk up the hill to the National Monument on Calton Hill to take in the sweeping views of this beautiful city, all accessible from Princes Street.

We had stayed at a Motel One before in Berlin and knew what to expect. We liked the brand’s ethos—no hidden surprises and comfortable rooms. We say we picked the hotel for its location but truth be known, we also liked the tartan chairs in the foyer, which were actually the final selling point for us when imagining the selfies that would result…

We booked a standard room mid-week at the Motel One Edinburgh Princes and the prices were very reasonable for such a centrally located hotel. The room is basic but clean and has everything you need for a stay in the city. As we entered our room, we are greeted by a crackling fire on the screen, a nice touch after a weary journey to get there.

The rooms are basic blue and white, with tartan flair in the brands colors of brown and turquoise. The room is fit out with branded toiletries that are nicer in quality than some more upmarket hotels we have been to. And for those of you out there with fine, curly hair, you will know what we are talking about! Tea and coffee selections are also provided, along with a kettle. And with the usual Edinburgh weather outside, all in all, the offerings were inviting.

The staff at the Motel One Edinburgh Princes were very friendly and welcoming. At check in, there was a problem with their software and they were on the phone to the IT department trying to trouble shoot. They stopped an installation mid-way to cut a key for our room—for which we were very grateful.

And while we can’t speak to the food, the hotel did offer breakfast at an additional fee. The bar though, however minimal, was very reasonably priced and we did enjoy a traditional Scottish experience sipping some whisky by the faux-fire and trying some of the local beers.

For affordable casual dining with the locals, check out the bar on the corner from the front door, The Guildford Arms. It’s packed with after-work socialites and seasoned regulars. Food is classic pub grub, like Bangers and Mash, Fish n Chips, and the ultra-Scottish option – Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties.

For beers, try the Stewarts Pentland IPA, the Loch Lomond Southern Summit, and the Orkney IPA.

The Motel One Edinburgh Princes was just what we needed for a short stay. Comfortable beds, close proximity to the railway station, and an easy walk to the best of what this Scottish capital has to offer. Explore more of our Scotland vacation ideas, from the highlands and islands to the whisky distilleries.

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