Motel One Edinburgh-Royal Exterior photoMotel One Edinburgh-Royal Exterior photoMotel One Edinburgh-Royal Exterior photo
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From262US$ /night
Check-in
18Apr2026Select date
Check-out
19Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Castle Hotel

18-21 Market Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1BL
-
Close to the Old Town
Great
8.7
9.0
/10
4.5
/5

Location

Situated steps from Edinburgh Waverley station, Motel One Edinburgh-Royal is positioned near the iconic Royal Mile and various noted landmarks. Guests can explore the National Museum of Scotland, Princes Street, and the Scott Monument-all within a short walking distance. Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park offers additional outdoor adventures just a quick bus ride away.

Rooms

The hotel offers well-appointed rooms featuring cozy box spring beds and tasteful decor inspired by Scotland's natural landscapes. Guests will find botanical touches along with images of Scottish flora and fauna enhancing the comfort and atmosphere. The tartan covers on headboards add a local touch to the sleeping experience.

Dining

Motel One Edinburgh-Royal presents an inviting One Lounge where guests can enjoy a variety of refreshments and a hearty breakfast. The breakfast selection provides guests with a range of continental options at a reasonable cost. The hotel bar also offers a selection of Scottish whiskies for tasting.

Artistic Elements

The hotel incorporates local artistry with sculptures by Marie Talalaeff displayed in the One Lounge. The interior design integrates rich textures and a rustic style, creating a homey ambiance. Photography by Thomas Effinger highlights the natural beauty found throughout Scotland.

Accessibility

Guests can easily access the hotel via public transport, making it a practical choice for travelers arriving from Edinburgh Airport or other destinations. The central location minimizes travel time to key attractions, allowing guests to maximize their exploration of Edinburgh. Proximity to vibrant pubs and local dining options enhances the experience further.

Highlights

Location: Steps from Edinburgh Waverley station

Rooms: Cozy box spring beds with tartan accents

Dining: One Lounge offers hearty breakfast

Art: Photography by Thomas Effinger highlights Scotland

“Motel One Edinburgh-Royal places you squarely in Old Town, steps from the Royal Mile; the location alone makes it a winner. Rooms are streamlined and well-maintained, with botanical-themed decor adding a touch of local character. For a comfortable base to explore Edinburgh's history, and a central spot near Waverly Train Station, it's a smart choice.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Castle-hotel
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Choose your room

Castle hotels provide room choices such as doubles, family chambers, and grand suites—often with breakfast, free cancellations, and exclusive offers
Single Room
2 persons
14 m² 
1 Single bed
Shower
Standard Double Room
2 persons
16 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Standard Double Room City View
2 persons
16 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower

Price and Room Availability Calendar

See current availability and rates for your selected dates

Facilities

Each castle hotel provides features designed for both comfort and memorable moments
Facilities: Great
8.6/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Bar/ Lounge area

Spa & Leisure

  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Motel One Edinburgh-Royal Location

18-21 Market Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1BL
Map view
18-21 Market Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1BL
Nearby
Gallery
Scottish National Gallery
310 m
Royal Mile
Royal Mile
380 m
High Street 2 Warriston's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
190 m
Park
Princes Street Gardens
580 m
Museum
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
450 m
Church
St Giles' Cathedral
270 m
Monument
Scott Monument
280 m
Store
Edinburgh Old Town
130 m
Museum
The Writers' Museum
300 m
Museum
Gladstone's Land
310 m
Museum
Museum of Childhood
420 m
2 Chalmers Close High Street (opposite Museum of Childhood on Royal Mile)
Brass Rubbing Centre
250 m
Museum
John Knox House
500 m
Gallery
City Art Centre
140 m
354 Castlehill
The Scotch Whisky Experience
470 m
Church
Mercat Cross
310 m
Restaurants
Oink
460 m
34 Victoria Street 82 Canongate
Waverley Cafe
0 m
30 Market Street
The Booking Office
150 m
17 Waverley Bridge
Belushi's
90 m
32 Market Street
Deacon's House Cafe
320 m
304 Lawnmarket Brodies Close
The Pasty Shop
110 m
Waverley Station
Bagel Factory
110 m
Waverley Railway Station
Gordon Street Coffee
100 m
6 Market Street
Zebra Coffee
230 m
16 Bank Street
The Halfway House
180 m
24 Fleshmarket Close Just Off Market Street by Waverley Station Entrance
Makars Mound 2 Go
210 m
9 North Bank Street During CV19 use this entrance
Italian on the Mound
230 m
15 Bank Street
Explore Edinburgh
Discover Edinburgh
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
8 minutes' walk
A historic fortress offering stunning views and a glimpse into Scotland's royal history with exhibits and guided tours.
National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
8 minutes' walk
A comprehensive museum showcasing Scottish culture and history, featuring free admission and special exhibitions.
Calton Hill
Calton Hill
10 minutes' walk
A beautiful hill providing panoramic views of the city and iconic monuments, perfect for a scenic walk or photography.
The Real Mary King's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
3 minutes' walk
An underground tour revealing Edinburgh's hidden history, with well-preserved streets and tales from the past.
Arthur's Seat Hike
35 minutes walking
A rewarding hike leading to an ancient volcano with breathtaking views of the city, suitable for all skill levels.
Yoga at The Meadows
12 minutes' walk
Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions in a scenic park, ideal for unwinding and connecting with nature.
Oink
Oink
6 minutes' walk
Casual eatery known for its delicious pulled pork rolls sourced from local farms, perfect for a quick, hearty meal.
Waverley Cafe
Waverley Cafe
1 minute's walk
A charming spot serving traditional Scottish dishes, famous for its breakfast and locally sourced ingredients.
Belushi's
Belushi's
2 minutes' walk
Vibrant bar offering live music, sports screenings, and a lively atmosphere, ideal for a fun night out.
Grassmarket
Grassmarket
9 minutes' walk
A lively historic area with pubs, shops, and regular events, offering a taste of local culture and nightlife.
Local transport options
City Centre
Edinburgh4 min  ·  300 m
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)20 min  ·  13.3 km
Glasgow (GLA)133 min  ·  88.4 km
Train
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station4 min  ·  300 m
Bus
Bus stop4 min  ·  300 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 12 pm
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP13.90 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, German, Spanish, Italian, Czech, Hungarian, Polish, Greek, Bulgarian, Slovak, Thai, Tagalog / Filipino
Number of floors:
7
Number of rooms:
196

Guest reviews & ratings

Guest impressions & feedback from past stays
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Motel One Edinburgh-Royal enjoys a superb location, convenient for exploring the city center and close to attractions such as the Royal Mile and Cockburn Street. Guests often highlight the comfortable and spacious rooms, some boasting excellent views, particularly towards the Christmas market. Many appreciate the modern and welcoming lounge and bar area, and the breakfast is frequently described as excellent; however, some guests have occasionally noted issues with room temperature. Its central location near the train station and airport bus stop adds to the overall convenience and value.
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Review score
Based on 5453 verified reviews
8.6/10
Great
90%
Recommend
Location
9.8/10
Staff
9.2/10
Value for money
8.2/10
Facilities
8.6/10
Pros
Helpful staff
Central location
Spacious room
Good value
Cons
Poor ventilation
Weak shower
Guest reviews
based on 5453 reviews
8.6/10
based on 10987 reviews
8.7/10
Cyril from France
Single
Standard Double Room
2 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 16, 2026
9.0/10

Excellent Stay Near the Station

train stationhelpful staffroom cleanlinessfloorboard noise
The location proved advantageous due to its proximity to the train station. The reception area was inviting, and the staff displayed a helpful attitude. The room maintained cleanliness and offered adequate warmth. Housekeeping provided a refresh of the room, a welcome touch after a day of exploring.
I found the noise from upstairs neighbors quite disruptive, especially with the floorboards amplifying the sounds.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel features a modern lobby area with comfortable seating, perfect for relaxation. A stylish bar offers a range of beverages. Its operation extends into the late hours, catering to evening socializing.
Dining
8/10
A continental breakfast is available, showcasing a selection of pastries and fresh fruit. Coffee and tea are readily accessible. The dining area is kept clean and well-organized.
Location
10/10
This hotel is near public transportation options, ensuring ease of movement around the city. Main attractions are within reasonable walking distance. A train station is nearby.
Rooms
9/10
The room included sufficient space, along with standard amenities. The bathroom maintained brightness, as well as cleanliness, supplying necessary toiletries. The temperature control was adequate, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere!!!
0 Helpful
|
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Daniel from United Kingdom
Single
Standard Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 27, 2025
9.0/10

Fantastic Stay!

prime locationgreat barhelpful staff
I found this hotel to be a stellar selection! It is very close to the Royal Mile, the train station and the castle, made exploring so easy! The lobby is really nice with a great bar area. The hotel staff provided assistance with the printing of boarding passes and I thought that was appreciated.
The climate control in the room was tricky. It was hard to get the temperature just right.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel lobby boasts a stylish bar area and comfortable seating. A large luggage storage facility provides added convenience.
Service
10/10
The front desk staff was notably helpful. They provided assistance with printing boarding passes. I appreciate the staff's effort to accommodate my request and enhance my stay. They were amazing!
Dining
8/10
The breakfast includes a wide selection of meats and cheeses! I noticed they offer boxes of porridge for a quick start to the day. The breakfast met all my expectations there.
Rooms
9/10
The room featured Scotland-themed decor! A hairdryer was provided in the bathroom. The bed was large. It was also comfortable. A TV provides good content for downtime.
0 Helpful
|
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Sebastian from Germany
Single
Standard Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 26, 2025
8.5/10

a really great stay

best hotelearly arrivalnice surpriseloud noise
i have stayed at a few of these hotels. this one without exception is the best. i arrived early to drop my bag off. the front desk tried to find me a room, without me even asking (what a nice surprise!). sometimes, it's the little things that make the difference.
i didn't enjoy that my upstairs neighbours could be heard storming about the room. the floorboards made that sound even louder than i would've liked. you can also hear into the corridor quite loudly.
Location
9/10
the hotel had a wonderful location just off a well-known street. i was able to easily walk to catch the bus to the airport. this location provides great access to transportation and the city's main attractions.
Rooms
9/10
the rooms were moderately sized, but they were super clean. the rooms were well stocked with the bits a traveller would need. i found the room to be cosy and warm, quite cute.
Facilities
8/10
the hotel has a lovely bar and lounge area. it also offers a 24-hour desk for guest assistance at any time. these amenities contribute to a convenient and relaxing experience for all guests.
Dining
8/10
the breakfast was good (especially the coffee!). while the food was nice, the tables and seating were not ideal. this area could benefit from improvements to enhance the dining experience.
0 Helpful
|
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Joe from United Kingdom
Single
standard double room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:November 04, 2025
9/10
bright lightsmagnifying mirror
the location was wonderful (i adored it!), right next to the train station. the room included bright reading lights on each side of the bed, a very thoughtful touch. i also found a large magnifying mirror in the bathroom.
there was no fridge in the room, and i missed having one.
0 Helpful
Joe from United Kingdom
Single
single room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:September 16, 2025
9/10
superb locationhelpful staff
the location was superb, steps away from attractions. the staff was helpful (they even helped me with directions) and courteous.
the room was quite small, barely enough space to move around.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About Motel One Edinburgh-Royal
Is there an option to store luggage if I arrive before check-in time?
15 November 2024
Luggage storage is available at no additional cost, allowing guests to store their bags both before check-in and after check-out.
Are irons and fridges available in the hotel rooms?
22 December 2024
An iron and ironing board can be obtained from the reception anytime. While there isn't a fridge in the room, guests can access a communal fridge at the front desk.
What parking options are available near the hotel?
10 January 2025
Parking is available at the OMNI Centre Q Park (EH1 3AN, Greenside Row) for £15.00 per 24 hours. Reservations must be made in advance using the code MOED40 to receive a 40% discount.
How convenient is the hotel location for dining and nightlife?
05 February 2025
Located in the city center, there are numerous restaurants and bars nearby, providing a vibrant nightlife experience.
What distinguishes a basic room from a classic room?
17 March 2025
The basic rooms have blurred or skylight windows without a view, while classic rooms feature standard windows, though views are not guaranteed.
Is breakfast available for purchase upon arrival?
08 April 2025
Yes, breakfast can be added at the time of arrival for £12.50 per person, featuring a continental buffet.
Are there USB charging ports available in the rooms?
25 May 2025
Every room is equipped with both USB charging slots and standard plug sockets.
Can I find an accessible room for someone with mobility issues?
30 June 2025
Accessible rooms are available for guests who may need additional support, including accommodations for shower access.
Is there an option for early check-in?
14 July 2025
Check-in officially starts at 3 PM, but early check-in may be possible if the room is available. Otherwise, luggage can be stored until check-in time.
Is there a bar in the hotel, and what are its hours?
12 August 2025
Yes, there is a bar within the hotel that operates from 06:00 until 02:00.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room