Motel One Edinburgh-Royal

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Key details

About the Castle Hotel

18-21 Market Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1BL

Close to the Old Town

Great

8.6

9.1

/10

4.3

Loved by guests

Central location
Comfortable beds
Friendly staff
Clean rooms
Good shower pressure

"Just returned from a one night stay here, and I don't think i could have chosen anything better for this price."

Sheila.1955 from United Kingdom

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"The location of this Hotel was superb-just 5 mins walk from station and 5mins walk from Royal Mile."

bluequeen2015 from United Kingdom

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"Very clean and comfortable, conveniently located near the train/bus hub and the Royal Mile, and literally across the street from the gardens."

Donna from United States

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Motel One Edinburgh-Royal - The Savvy Explorer's Edinburgh Base

For the discerning traveler seeking to unlock Edinburgh's ancient secrets without sacrificing comfort or style, the Motel One Edinburgh-Royal presents itself as an exceptionally well-placed and thoughtfully designed option. It's a establishment that manages to feel both contemporary and intrinsically tied to its historic surroundings, proving that a budget-friendly stay need not compromise on sophisticated design or a prime location. This is a hotel that understands the traveler's needs, from proximity to transport hubs to moments of quiet repose after a day of exploration.

Location

Situated near the foot of the iconic Cockburn Street, this hotel finds itself at the very heart of Edinburgh's UNESCO World Heritage site, an advantageous position that places much of the city's storied past within striking distance. The legendary Royal Mile and the imposing Edinburgh Castle are mere minutes away on foot, as are the Princes Street Gardens, providing a picturesque backdrop. For those wishing to venture further afield, the Waverley Train Station, the second-largest rail depot in the United Kingdom, is a mere five-minute stroll, and the Airport Express bus ensures effortless transit. The historic market square of Grassmarket, with its array of bars and restaurants, is also easily accessible, completing a picture of supreme connectivity.

Style and Character

Motel One Edinburgh-Royal successfully sidesteps the usual expectations of its 'motel' moniker, instead offering a boutique and design-led experience. The property has infused the rustic yet regal style of the Scottish Highlands into its interiors, creating a unique atmosphere. This is immediately apparent in the reception area, where a wall of real ferns and mosses brings the charm of the Scottish outdoors inside, a fetching touch that sets the tone. The collective design ethos marries mid-century modern sensibilities with a distinctively Scottish flair, evident in elements like Arne Jacobsen ball chairs paired with tables crafted from repurposed whiskey barrels. Decorative flourishes abound, from fetching blue tartan swivel chairs to elegant Arco floor lamps and warm wooden floors. The property's walls in the One Lounge are notably adorned with sheep sculptures by artist Marie Talalaeff, adding a narrative and artistic dimension. Overall, the aesthetic is one of refined contemporary style that sits comfortably within Edinburgh's Old Town scenery.

Service and Facilities

The commitment to guest comfort is evident in the 24-hour reception and consistently high standards of service. The lobby lounge, known as the One Lounge, offers a welcoming sanctuary, outfitted with an abundance of high-backed, cloth-covered chairs that invite guests to linger. It serves as a practical space for enjoying breakfast in the morning or unwinding with a drink at day's end. For those seeking a caffeine fix or a light refreshment, freshly brewed barista coffee is available alongside an assortment of hot and cold snacks. The hotel provides complimentary WiFi throughout the property, a standard that has become essential for any modern traveler.

Rooms

The hotel offers 208 non-smoking rooms, each designed to be a stylish and comfortable retreat. Standard rooms feature practical amenities such as an en suite bathroom with a shower, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and modern, tasteful furniture. Thoughtful touches like premium bedding and laptop-friendly workspaces are standard inclusions, alongside essential amenities like free WiFi. While the Basic Room might offer a skylight window rather than an external view, the Double Room with View provides an opportunity to gaze out over Edinburgh, offering glimpses of its historical beauty. Each room is appointed with carpeted floors, a desk, a safe deposit box, and an electric kettle, ensuring a degree of convenience and comfort.

Food and Drink

While not offering extensive onsite dining facilities in the traditional sense, the Motel One Edinburgh-Royal ensures guests have access to refreshments. The One Lounge serves as the central hub for food and drink, providing freshly brewed barista coffee and a selection of hot and cold snacks. This makes it a convenient spot for a quick bite or a pre-dinner aperitif. For more substantial meals, guests are perfectly positioned to explore the numerous bars and restaurants in the nearby Grassmarket and the wider Old Town, a short walk away.

Value for Money

As a 3-star budget hotel, the Motel One Edinburgh-Royal excels in delivering a design-conscious experience at an accessible price point. The inclusion of complimentary WiFi throughout the property and its prime location within a UNESCO World Heritage site significantly enhance its value proposition. Guests gain access to a stylish, comfortable base from which to explore one of Europe's most captivating cities, with many key attractions and transport links within easy walking distance. It represents a smart choice for the traveler who prioritizes location and curated design without the premium price tag.

Accessibility

While specific details on adapted rooms and comprehensive wheelchair access are not detailed, the hotel's general layout and 24-hour reception suggest a degree of attentiveness to guest needs. The presence of a functional lift would be typical for a property of this nature, facilitating access to upper floors. Further inquiry directly with the hotel would be recommended for specific accessibility requirements.

Family-Friendly

The proximity to attractions like the Scottish Storytelling Centre, which is just a 10-minute walk away and offers family activities and evening entertainment, makes this a practical choice for those traveling with children. Its central location also means easy access to museums and historical sites. While not overtly marketed as a family resort, the provision of comfortable rooms and a convenient location for exploring the city's many wonders should appeal to families looking for a functional and engaging base.

“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.”

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

Basic Double Room

2 persons

16 m²

1 Double bed

Shower

room details

Classic Double Room

2 persons

16 m²

1 Double bed

Shower

room details

Double Room View

2 persons

16 m²

1 King-size bed

Shower

room details

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

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

Location

18-21 Market Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1BL

Map view

18-21 Market Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1BL

City landmarks

Museum

Edinburgh Castle

610 m

Museum

National Museum of Scotland

640 m

Landmark

Arthur's Seat hike

2.9 km

Palace

Palace of Holyroodhouse

1.3 km

Landmark

Calton Hill

770 m

Landmark

Nelson Monument

890 m

Landmark

Surgeons' Hall Museums

720 m

Botanical Garden

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

2.1 km

Museum

Dynamic Earth

1.3 km

Landmark

Princes Street

630 m

Museum

The Museum of the Royal Scots and the Royal Regiment of Scotland

820 m

Gallery

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One

2.1 km

Square

Grassmarket

730 m

Park

Holyrood Park

2.6 km

Nearby

Gallery

Scottish National Gallery

310 m

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

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

8 minutes' walk

A comprehensive museum showcasing Scottish culture and history, featuring free admission and special exhibitions.

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

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

6 minutes' walk

Casual eatery known for its delicious pulled pork rolls sourced from local farms, perfect for a quick, hearty meal.

Waverley Cafe

1 minute's walk

A charming spot serving traditional Scottish dishes, famous for its breakfast and locally sourced ingredients.

Belushi's

2 minutes' walk

Vibrant bar offering live music, sports screenings, and a lively atmosphere, ideal for a fun night out.

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

Dundee Airport (DND)145 min · 96.3 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

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:

Number of rooms:

169

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.