At the eastern end of the New Town, on one of the area's distinctive wide roads, it's on the edge of the new St James retail quarter. It's a busy spot but also on good transport routes direct from the airport - the tram stops outside - and down to Leith. Princes Street with Waverley Station, and the fashion shops of George Street, are a ten-minute walk. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is less than five minutes, while you're on the right side of Edinburgh for the easy climb up Calton Hill and its superb views.
By car: drive from Carlisle in 2 hours 30 minutes and Leeds in 4 hours 20 minutes. Paid public parking is available nearby.
By train: reach Edinburgh Waverley from London in 4 hours 30 mins, and from Birmingham in 4 hours 45 mins. Book trains to Edinburgh.
By plane: Edinburgh Airport (35-minute drive).
Converted from a terrace of five 18th-century townhouses, it offers handsome Georgian symmetry outside but a straight-forward contemporary hotel inside: dark-wood floors, plain walls, and Hotel Indigo's signature colours of chocolate, tangerine and turquoise in chairs and sofas. Edinburgh references are in architectural photography, and feature walls in bedrooms bring interest.
Indigo Hotels are not about extras - hence their good price - so don't expect much more than a couple of sofas in reception, a small bar and a small gym. Staff, however, make up for the lack of facilities with their upbeat manner, local knowledge and cheery helpfulness. There's also a useful 40 per cent discount at a nearby car park.
- Breakfast
- Bar
- Gym
- Pet-friendly
- Paid parking
- Free Wi-Fi
The rooms have a funky simplicity, with a bright clean look of dark wood floors, minimalist shiny white furniture and pale grey walls with splashy 'feature wallpapers' of Edinburgh's historic buildings and street plans. Pops of colour in modern velvet chaise longues and armchairs add warmth, while bathrooms (mostly shower-only) are bright with good storage.
Room types: Standard Room, Premium Room, Suite
Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, desk, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryer, air-conditioning, TV, free Wi-Fi
It's breakfast-only with a small, well-chosen cold buffet including fresh fruit salads, yoghurts, cold meats, cheeses and pastries. Cooked-to-order dishes include porridge, pancakes and eggs Benedict as well as the full Scottish with a vegetarian version. For evenings, staff can suggest options, whether you want buzzy or trendy, simple or fine-dining.
Breakfast: continental cold buffet breakfast and hot breakfasts to order, including the full Scottish, porridge and pancakes.
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