Premier Inn Edinburgh Guide: Reviews, Prices & Location

Planning a stay in Edinburgh and wondering which Premier Inn offers the best value? This guide cuts through the noise by comparing the three main city-centre and airport locations, backed by verified guest ratings, official pricing, and transport data. We’ll help you decide whether the Princes Street, Royal Mile, or Airport hotel fits your budget and itinerary. Trip.com data shows the Princes Street property opened in 2012 with 157 rooms and scores an average 8.7/10 from approximately 135 reviews.

Last checked: 2026-07-21

Brand: Premier Inn ·
Key Edinburgh locations: City Centre (Princes Street), City Centre (Royal Mile), Edinburgh Airport (M9, Jct1) ·
Airport transport: Tram stop outside Princes Street hotel; no free shuttle at airport ·
Star rating classification: 3-star (self-rated); guest reviews describe as ‘basic 2-star in North America’

How many Premier Inns are there in Edinburgh?

Premier Inn operates multiple hotels in Edinburgh. According to Edinburgh Live, the city includes at least three Premier Inn properties: City Centre (Princes Street), City Centre (Royal Mile), and Edinburgh Airport (M9, Jct1). A fourth location at Leith Waterfront offers a quieter, often cheaper alternative, though it is less central.

The Princes Street hotel, at 122–123 Princes Street, is the most searched. It opened in 2012 and has 157 rooms, according to Trip.com. The Royal Mile and Waverley properties are also centrally located, with the Waverley hotel praised for its proximity to the main rail station (TripAdvisor).

The bottom line: Edinburgh offers at least four Premier Inn options, but the core decision is between the central Princes Street, Royal Mile, and Waverley hotels – each with a slightly different walkability profile.

How far is Premier Inn Edinburgh from the airport?

The city-centre Premier Inns (Princes Street, Royal Mile, Waverley) are about 10 km from Edinburgh Airport. The Premier Inn Edinburgh Airport is on airport grounds, adjacent to the M9 motorway junction.

The Princes Street hotel has a tram stop directly outside, providing a direct link to the airport in roughly 30 minutes. There is no free shuttle at the airport hotel; paid shuttle buses and the tram serve the terminal. One guest review reported a taxi fare of approximately £10 from the Airport Premier Inn to the terminal.

For travellers with early flights, the Airport Premier Inn offers on-site parking and the shortest transfer time. City-centre guests can rely on the tram, which runs from early morning until late evening.

The pattern: The Airport hotel is best for flight convenience; the city-centre hotels are better for sightseeing, with the tram bridging the gap efficiently.

Which is better in Edinburgh, Travelodge or Premier Inn?

Guest reviews indicate that Premier Inn and Travelodge in Edinburgh are often compared as budget-chain alternatives. TripAdvisor summaries note that Premier Inn offers “more consistent bedding,” but rooms are described as “extremely basic” – no phone or luggage rack in some properties. Several reviewers perceive the UK 3-star as equivalent to a 2-star in North America.

Travelodge often undercuts Premier Inn on price, but guests report similar basics. The Waverley Premier Inn ranks #89 of 168 hotels in Edinburgh on TripAdvisor, suggesting a mid-range perception.

“Many travelers question the value for money, citing high prices that don’t always align with room or service standards.”

– TripAdvisor summary editor for Princes Street Premier Inn

If price is your primary concern, Travelodge may save you a few pounds per night. If you prioritise location and a slightly more consistent room, Premier Inn’s central hotels are the better choice.

The trade-off: Premier Inn Edinburgh properties command a premium for location, but the room quality may not justify the higher price during peak seasons.

How much is breakfast at Premier Inn Edinburgh?

Premier Inn offers a hot and cold buffet breakfast at its city-centre properties. The standard price for an adult hot breakfast is approximately £10–£12 per person, with a continental option at a lower rate. The official Premier Inn site confirms an on-site restaurant at the Princes Street hotel.

Children under 16 eat breakfast for free when dining with a paying adult. A “To-Go” breakfast bag is available at some properties for early departures, but this is not guaranteed at all locations.

Room rates themselves vary significantly. Trip.com lists average room prices for Princes Street around USD 378, with minimum prices from approximately USD 230. These rates are notably higher than typical Premier Inn rates in other UK cities, especially during the Edinburgh Festivals and summer months. If you’re looking for accommodation in Edinburgh, Готелі Единбурга can help you find the perfect place to stay.

What this means: Breakfast is a paid add-on, but children eat free. The real cost difference is in room rates, which can swing dramatically based on demand.

What is the best area to stay in Edinburgh?

Choosing between the Princes Street, Royal Mile, and Airport Premier Inn depends on your priorities. We’ve broken down the best fit for four common traveller profiles.

Couples seeking central location

Princes Street wins for couples wanting views of Edinburgh Castle and direct tram access to the airport. The hotel is on the main shopping thoroughfare and a short walk to the Old Town.

Families wanting airport convenience & parking

The Airport Premier Inn provides on-site parking, which is a significant advantage when driving to Edinburgh. The hotel is also close to the M9, making day trips to the Lothians easy.

Budget-conscious travellers comparing to Travelodge

If you’re watching your wallet, the Royal Mile Premier Inn or even the Leith Waterfront location often offer lower rates than Princes Street. Travelodge may be cheaper still, but check reviews for cleanliness.

Business travellers needing Waverley station access

The Waverley Premier Inn is directly next to the main train station, ideal for those arriving by rail or needing quick connections to Glasgow and the north.

“The overall reviews on TA and Google seem to be good, over 4 stars on each, which is generally good enough for me.”

– Rick Steves Scotland forum contributor, on Princes Street and Royal Mile Premier Inns

Why this matters: Your choice of Premier Inn in Edinburgh is primarily a location decision. The Princes Street hotel is the most versatile, but the Royal Mile and Waverley properties are strong alternatives for specific travel needs.