The Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street Hotel is situated in a prime location, offering stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town. This contemporary hotel features well-appointed rooms that blend comfort with modern amenities, ensuring a pleasant stay for guests. Visitors can enjoy the on-site restaurant, which serves a variety of Scottish and international dishes, making it an ideal spot for casual dining. The hotel is conveniently located near many local attractions, shops, and transportation links, allowing guests easy access to explore the city's rich history and vibrant culture.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 3.5 3,537
- Priceline 4.0 2,850
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Comfortable Accommodations Despite some dated decor, the beds are frequently noted as being extremely comfortable, providing a restful night's sleep after long days of sightseeing across the busy city center.
- Exceptional Customer Service Guests consistently praise the staff for being professional, warm, and highly attentive. The team is frequently commended for going above and beyond to assist with luggage, directions, and special requests.
- High-Quality Breakfast The extensive buffet breakfast is highly regarded for its variety, freshness, and delicious options. Guests frequently mention it as an excellent value and a delightful way to start their day.
- Spectacular City Views Many rooms, particularly those facing the front, offer breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle and the Scott Monument. The breakfast restaurant also provides panoramic vistas, enhancing your dining experience throughout your stay.
- Unbeatable Central Location Situated on Princes Street, the hotel is steps from Waverley Station, tram lines, and the Royal Mile. Its prime spot makes it an incredibly convenient base for exploring Edinburgh's major sights on foot.
Criticised
- Disturbing Noise Levels Due to the central location on a busy street, guests often experience significant traffic and tram noise. Internal noise issues, including slamming doors and thin walls, can also disrupt your sleep.
- Lack of Climate Control Many rooms lack air conditioning, which can lead to uncomfortably hot temperatures. Guests often face the dilemma of opening windows for air, which drastically increases the disruptive outside street noise.
- Limited Space and Amenities Rooms are often described as cramped with minimal storage or hanging space for clothing. Additionally, some rooms lack expected modern conveniences like reliable Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, or up-to-date televisions.
- Subpar Bathroom Facilities Bathrooms are frequently described as small and dated, with maintenance issues such as poor water pressure, flimsy shower curtains, or ventilation problems. Some guests also noted worn fixtures and tired flooring.
- Tired and Dated Interiors Many rooms appear worn and in need of renovation. Guests frequently report peeling paint, aging furniture, and old-fashioned bathroom fixtures that do not align with modern expectations for this hotel brand.
The longer read
The Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street Hotel is primarily defined by its exceptional location, making it a standout choice for travelers prioritizing convenience. Situated directly opposite the Waverley Train Station and the airport tram stop, it offers unparalleled access to major attractions like the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and numerous shops and restaurants. Many guests emphasize that the hotel’s greatest asset is the view; requesting a room facing the front of the building is highly recommended, as these rooms often feature breathtaking panoramas of the Scott Monument and Edinburgh Castle. However, travelers should be aware that Princes Street is a busy thoroughfare, and noise from street traffic, trams, and nightlife can be significant in these front-facing rooms.
A consistent highlight across the reviews is the quality of the staff. Numerous guests single out members of the reception, restaurant, and housekeeping teams for being exceptionally welcoming, professional, and helpful. Whether providing local travel tips, handling luggage, or addressing special requests like birthday surprises, the staff frequently receive high praise for going above and beyond. This warm, attentive service significantly enhances the guest experience and contributes to the hotel's reputation as a friendly, guest-focused establishment.
Conversely, the condition of the rooms is a recurring point of contention. Many reviewers describe the accommodation as dated, tired, and in need of renovation. Common complaints include worn carpets, peeling paint, and bathrooms that feature antiquated fixtures and dated plumbing systems, such as separate hot and cold taps or inconsistent water pressure. Storage space in some rooms is described as minimal, and several guests noted a lack of electrical outlets near the bedside. Furthermore, the absence of air conditioning in many units necessitates opening windows during warmer weather, which exacerbates issues with street noise. While some guests found their rooms clean, others expressed frustration with the maintenance standards, citing issues like dusty surfaces, plumbing noises, and general wear and tear that they felt did not align with the premium price paid, especially when compared to modern alternatives.
The dining experience, particularly breakfast, is widely regarded as excellent. The restaurant area, often noted for its own impressive city views, serves a high-quality breakfast buffet with a wide selection that guests consistently appreciate. While the dining facilities receive positive marks, some guests reported mixed experiences with dinner, noting occasional service delays or limited menus. Amenities such as in-room Wi-Fi received mixed feedback, with some users reporting inconsistent signal strength. Parking and vehicle access are frequent sources of frustration; the hotel is not accessible by car for drop-offs, and there is no on-site parking, which necessitates walking from nearby public garages. Ultimately, this hotel is best suited for travelers who prioritize an unbeatable location and helpful service over modern room aesthetics.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +441313421013
- Website
- ihg.com/redirect?path=hd&localeCode=en&hotelCode=EDIIN
- Check in
- 15:00 · out 11:00
Facilities
- 24 Hours
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accessible
- Air Conditioning
- Baggage Storage
- Banquet Room
- Bar
- Bath Shower
- Cafe
- Complimentary Instant Coffee
- Complimentary Tea
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Concierge
- Conference Room
- Electric Kettle
- Family Rooms
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 3.7 against a median of 4.4 across the 93 venues we hold for Edinburgh, where the most-reviewed is Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What types of rooms offer views of Edinburgh Castle and how do they differ in price and amenities?
- What dishes and dining experience does the on‑site restaurant Scott’s on Princes Street provide, and are there options for dietary restrictions?
- How close is the hotel to major attractions like the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and public transport, and what walking distances should guests expect?
- Does the Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street Hotel offer family‑friendly amenities such as extra beds, cribs, or child‑focused services?
- What is the quality of the hotel's Wi‑Fi connectivity and are there business facilities like meeting rooms or workspaces available?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.