The Parliament House Hotel is a charming establishment located in the heart of Edinburgh, just a short walk from the city centre. This hotel features elegantly decorated rooms that blend classic Scottish design with modern conveniences. Guests can enjoy amenities such as complimentary WiFi, a breakfast service, and a welcoming lounge area. The hotel's proximity to significant attractions, including the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Arthur's Seat, makes it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers looking to explore the rich history of Edinburgh.
What each source says
- Priceline 4.3 1,938
- Tripadvisor 4.0 1,322
- Expedia 4.4 881
- Google 4.4 599
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
- Charming Scottish Character The hotel features a beautiful, traditional boutique style with classic old-world décor, a cozy fireplace in the lobby, and authentic touches that create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
- Comfortable and Well-Equipped Rooms Many rooms offer spacious, comfortable beds and recently renovated bathrooms featuring powerful, high-quality showers, making for a relaxing stay after a long day of exploring Edinburgh.
- Prime Central Location The hotel is perfectly positioned just a short, five-minute walk from Waverley Station and within easy walking distance of the Royal Mile, Old Town, and major city attractions.
- Quiet and Peaceful Setting Despite its central location, the hotel is tucked away on a quiet cobbled street, offering a peaceful retreat from city noise and bustling tourist areas.
- Welcoming and Helpful Staff Guests consistently praise the reception and service staff for being exceptionally friendly, knowledgeable about local recommendations, and always willing to assist with luggage or travel inquiries.
Criticised
- Bathroom Design Flaws Several guests reported issues with shower designs, specifically short glass screens or ineffective curtains, which frequently result in water leaking out and flooding the bathroom floor.
- Breakfast Value and Quality Multiple reviewers noted that the breakfast options can be disappointing or overpriced, citing uninspired selections, inconsistent quality, or rushed service compared to local alternatives.
- Dated Decor and Maintenance While some areas are renovated, other rooms exhibit signs of wear and tear, including peeling paint, lumpy mattresses, or outdated furnishings that do not match the expected value.
- Limited Accessibility Navigating the property can be difficult, as the layout includes multiple staircases, spiral stairs in some sections, and an elevator that does not serve every floor or room.
- Temperature Control Issues Many rooms lack air conditioning and can become quite warm or stuffy; ventilation relies on windows, which may lead to noise or air quality issues depending on the location.
The longer read
The Parliament House Hotel offers a quintessential Edinburgh experience, blending characterful, traditional decor with a prime location. Tucked away on a quiet side street near the foot of Calton Hill, it provides the rare combination of being within a five-minute walk of Waverley Station and major city attractions while maintaining a peaceful, cozy atmosphere. The hotel's lobby, featuring a welcoming fireplace and tartan-accented furnishings, creates an inviting, boutique ambiance that many guests find far more charming and personal than large, sterile chain hotels. It serves as an ideal base for travelers who want to be steps from the Old Town, Royal Mile, and Princes Street without the noise and bustle of a main-street hotel. The staff are consistently described as the hotel's greatest asset: friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely accommodating, whether helping with heavy luggage or providing local insights. For those who prioritize a quiet sleeping environment and a warm, atmospheric welcome, this property frequently exceeds expectations. Guest experiences regarding the rooms are largely positive, highlighting cleanliness and an old-world charm. Many reviewers praise the recently renovated, stylish bathrooms, which often feature powerful rainfall showers—a significant highlight for weary travelers. Attention to detail, such as the provision of high-quality tea, coffee, and locally-made shortbread, consistently delights guests. However, prospective guests should be aware of certain trade-offs associated with an older, historic building. The hotel’s layout is a complex warren of corridors and staircases; those with mobility challenges or significant luggage must explicitly request lift-accessible rooms at the time of booking, as some sections require navigating steep stairs or spiral staircases that are not elevator-equipped. Temperature regulation is another area of inconsistency; the hotel lacks central air conditioning, meaning rooms can become stiflingly warm during summer months. While many guests find it manageable by opening windows, others find the lack of airflow challenging. Additionally, while the breakfast menu is expansive, reviews regarding the quality of the cooked items are polarized. Some guests consider it a delightful, hearty start to the day, while others feel it is overpriced, inconsistent, or uninspired given the cost. Potential guests should also be prepared for variations in room layout and size, as some accommodations are described as compact or showing minor signs of wear in older sections. Ultimately, while the building's historic nature creates some logistical quirks, its combination of central convenience, friendly service, and traditional charm makes it a strong contender for visitors seeking an authentic Edinburgh stay.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- 01314784000
- Website
- parliamenthouse-hotel.co.uk
- Check in
- 14:00 · out 11:00
| Mon | 24 Hours |
|---|---|
| Tue | 24 Hours |
| Wed | 24 Hours |
| Thu | 24 Hours |
| Fri | 24 Hours |
| Sat | 24 Hours |
| Sun | 24 Hours |
Facilities
- 24 Hours
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accessible
- Baggage Storage
- Bar
- Complimentary Instant Coffee
- Complimentary Tea
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Electric Kettle
- Hair Dryer
- Heating
- Housekeeping
- Internet
- Ironing
- Laundry
- Newspaper
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.2 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 is the historic significance of the Parliament House Hotel and its original 1760s tenement architecture?
- How convenient is the hotel’s location at the foot of Calton Hill for accessing Edinburgh’s main attractions?
- What types of rooms are available at the Parliament House Hotel, including the Parliament House Suite, and what are their key features?
- Does the Parliament House Hotel provide on‑site dining or nearby restaurant recommendations for guests?
- What accessibility accommodations does the Parliament House Hotel offer for guests with mobility needs?
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.