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The setting
The Stay Central Hotel is in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, just a few doors down from the National Museum of Scotland and a short walk from the Royal Mile. The surrounding streets are lined with university buildings, pubs, and cafes; the area is lively even in the evening, but it never gets too noisy. Waverley Station is within walking distance, which is especially convenient if you plan to continue your journey by train to your next destination. In addition, most attractions are within walking distance.
What to expect
This is a simple 3-star hotel with air-conditioned rooms and free Wi-Fi, as well as its own bar and restaurant where guests can enjoy drinks and local delicacies.For families, there’s a game room where children can have fun after an eventful day. The hotel is simple and unpretentious and is in the city centre—an ideal choice for those who want to spend the weekend exploring the city.
Things to do nearby
The National Museum of Scotland is right nearby, and just behind it are Magdalen Chapel and the MacEwan Hall. St. St. Giles' Cathedral and “Old Tolbooth” are just a few minutes’ walk up the hill, and the shops, side streets, and whiskey bars along the Royal Mile are easy to explore on foot. Since Grassmarket and the university quarter are also within walking distance, these spots are ideal for lunch or a photo shoot.
Best for
It’s perfect for couples and small groups who want to spend the weekend exploring the Old Town on foot without paying the high prices of boutique hotels. Thanks to its game room, families with young children can also relax here comfortably. In addition, the hotel bar is perfect for travellers who, after a long day, prefer to unwind right on the premises rather than look for another place to go. For those travelling alone and going on cultural excursions to museums and castles, the hotel’s convenient location is arguably second to
How to get to the hotel
Edinburgh Airport is about 8 miles west of the hotel. The trip by tram from the airport to the city centre takes about 35 minutes, and by taxi, about 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. If you’re arriving by train, get off at Waverley Station. From there, you can walk downhill to the hotel, or if you continue further west, you can also use Haymarket Station. If you’re arriving by car, please note that the streets in the Old Town are narrow, and parking is limited to public parking lots in the surrounding area.
Choose your room
âś“ Your selection
+ÂŁ30Large Double room
Modern room featuring all the essentials, plus a Nespresso machine and a SMEG fridge.
View room →- Free Internet
- Luggage storage
- Safe-deposit box
- Nightclub
Property, in pictures
Latest reviews
Young hotel in the middle of everything
Nice clean hotel in the middle of everything. Close to the Royal mile and the city center. Staff is helpful and friendly, extar plus for the awesom espresso at the… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Better than you think
Stayed one night for a gig at le angel down cowgate. Didnt expect much for the price and the reviews were very mixed. I'm 59 and booked a twin for me and my mate to… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Amazing
I had a fantastic stay at Stay Central Hotel and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Edinburgh. The location is absolutely perfect—right in the heart of the… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Your 3 days, loosely planned
Suggestions, not orders. Tour ideas to mix and match for your trip.
Museums and the Royal Mile
To start, let’s visit the National Museum of Scotland, located right next door. You’ll need about two hours to explore the Grand Gallery and the exhibition hall dedicated to the history of Scotland. Take a stroll toward St. St. Giles' Cathedral and, along the way, explore the side streets branching off the Royal Mile. After lunch at a café near Grassmarket, walk past MacEwan Hall through the university quarter, and then enjoy an early cocktail at the hotel bar.
Old Town corners and evening pubs
In the morning, you’ll explore the sights of the quiet Old Town la. First, you’ll visit the Chapel of St. Magdalen Chapel with its beautiful stained-glass windows, then the Old Town la Hall, and take a stroll through the medieval streets behind it. Grab some coffee and pastries on Cockburn Street, and in the afternoon, take your time exploring the unique shops on Victoria Street. In the evening, consider stopping by a traditional pub near the cathedral to enjoy local cuisine accompanied by folk music.
Slow morning and a final walk
Then take one last stroll through the streets of the Old Town la and pick up anything you may have missed so far. If you have time, visit the Princes Street Gardens and enjoy a moment surrounded by nature, admiring the view of the cliff with the castle perched atop it. Before leaving, have lunch near the hotel, then take your luggage to the nearest station, Waverley, and board the next train.
Where you'll be
Edinburgh, UK
FAQ
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
Take a stroll along the Walk the Royal Mile between the castle and Holyrood, visit the National Museum of Scotland, and explore St. St. Giles' Cathedral. Also, visit Add Arthur's Seat, where you can enjoy views of the city during your walk, as well as Dean Village, a perfect spot for photos, and the “Closes” and “Winds” in the Old Town. At Grassmarket and on Victoria Street, you’ll find plenty of unique shops, whiskey bars, and restaurants where you can enjoy a relaxed dinner.
Where is Edinburgh located?
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, on the country’s east coast, on the shores of the Firth of Forth. The city is about 400 miles north of London and about 45 miles east of Glasgow. The city’s own airport is about 8 miles west of central, and there are direct trains to Waverley Station from London, Manchester, York, and Newcastle.
When is the Edinburgh Military Tattoo held?
The “The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo” takes place every August on the Esplanade at Edinburgh Castle and coincides with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The 2026 event will run for most of August. Please check the festival’s official website for exact dates and ticket booking information, as tickets for the most popular performance days often sell out well in advance of the event. If you arrive in late July, you’ll be able to get there before the big influx of tourists begins.
Is Edinburgh in Scotland?
Yes. Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and the country’s second-largest city after Glasgow; the Scottish Parliament is in Holyrood. Since Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, travellers from England, of course, won’t have to go through passport control, but they will notice that Scottish banknotes are used here, along with Scottish place names, as well as its own legal and educational systems.
How old is Edinburgh Castle?
A royal castle has stood on Castle Rock since at least the 12th century; St. St Margaret's Chapel, located within the fortress walls, was built around 1130 and is considered the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh. Since this site was fortified as early as the Iron Age—that is, much earlier—this rock has served as a strategically important defensive stronghold for over 1,000 years.
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