voco Edinburgh - Royal Terrace by IHG is a distinctive hotel set within a charming Georgian terrace. Offering stunning views of the city and the Firth of Forth, this hotel combines modern comfort with historic elegance. The beautifully designed rooms feature contemporary furnishings, en-suite bathrooms, and many provide picturesque vistas. Guests can enjoy an array of amenities, including a stylish bar, a restaurant serving locally inspired cuisine, and scenic gardens for relaxation. Ideal for both leisure and business travelers, it is conveniently located near local attractions, making it a perfect base for exploring Edinburgh.
What each source says
- Google 4.0 1,306
- Priceline 4.0 942
- Expedia 4.1 725
- Tripadvisor 4.0 329
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
- Beautiful Historic Property Housed in a charming Georgian terrace, the building features an attractive, well-presented lobby and bar area that adds significant character and a welcoming atmosphere to the guest experience.
- Comfortable Sleeping Experience Guests consistently highlight the high quality of the beds and linens, providing a restful night's sleep in a quiet, relaxed environment perfect for unwinding after a day exploring Edinburgh.
- Exceptional Service Many guests report that the staff are exceptionally friendly, welcoming, and helpful, often going above and beyond to assist with luggage, recommendations, and special requests like anniversary or pet accommodations.
- Good Breakfast Options The hotel offers a varied and tasty breakfast spread, with both hot and cold items that generally receive positive remarks for quality, variety, and the relaxed dining room ambiance.
- Ideal Location Situated on a quiet street near Calton Hill, the hotel is within easy walking distance of the city centre, attractions, and public transport, offering a peaceful retreat from the city bustle.
Criticised
- Breakfast Service Issues Despite the good food selection, several guests reported frustrations with breakfast service, including cold dishes, broken coffee machines, and slow table clearing during peak or busy morning periods.
- Inconsistent Room Temperature Many visitors experienced difficulties with room heating or ventilation, citing rooms that feel freezing, noisy boilers, or windows that cannot be opened for fresh air to regulate temperature.
- Limited Room Space Some room categories are described as surprisingly small, leaving little space to navigate around the bed furniture or store luggage, which can feel quite cramped for two guests.
- Substandard Basement Rooms Some guests report being assigned to basement-level rooms that feel dark, bleak, and damp, often featuring unattractive views of walls, staircases, or neglected outdoor areas instead of the city.
- Tired Room Conditions Multiple reviews mention rooms appearing worn, with issues like chipped bath enamel, cracked tiles, scuffed paint, and stained carpets, suggesting a need for more consistent maintenance and refurbishment.
The longer read
The voco Edinburgh - Royal Terrace offers a classic, historic Georgian aesthetic that appeals to travelers seeking a quieter retreat while remaining within walking distance of Edinburgh’s major city center attractions. Situated on a serene, cobble-stoned street behind Calton Hill, the hotel provides a peaceful base just a 10-to-15-minute walk from Princes Street and the Royal Mile. Guests consistently praise the beautiful lobby, the bar area, and the landscaped rear gardens, which provide an elegant, relaxed atmosphere often described as an oasis after a day of sightseeing. The location is ideal for those who prefer to be removed from the immediate noise of the tourist hubs but still desire easy access to public transport, including trams and buses.
However, travelers should be aware of significant inconsistency in room quality, which can make the stay feel like a lottery. While some guests are delighted with spacious, stylish, and updated rooms featuring high ceilings and beautiful views of the park or garden, others express frustration upon being allocated rooms in the lower ground or basement levels. These lower-tier rooms are frequently described as small, dark, and occasionally damp, with views of brick walls or staircases. Furthermore, as the property occupies an older building, several guests have reported maintenance-related frustrations. Common issues include creaky floors, dated decor, peeling paint, plumbing challenges such as erratic water pressure or temperature, and ventilation systems that can be noisy or ineffective at maintaining comfortable room temperatures. Potential guests should temper their expectations regarding modern infrastructure in some of the un-refurbished sections.
Service remains a major highlight for most visitors, with the staff frequently cited as the primary reason for a positive experience. The team is often described as professional, welcoming, and particularly accommodating when resolving issues with room assignments or special requests. The concierge team, in particular, receives high marks for their knowledge of the area. While the breakfast buffet is generally considered high-quality with a good variety of options, some reviewers have noted inconsistencies in service speed and staffing levels during busy periods. Additionally, while the gym and other communal facilities are available, some experienced travelers find the amenities to be basic or in need of updates. Overall, this property is a strong choice for those who value character, a historic setting, and excellent service, provided they are prepared for the potential quirks of an older, grand building.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +441315573222
- Website
- ihg.com/redirect?path=hd&localeCode=en&hotelCode=EDITE
- Check in
- 15:00 · out 12:00
Facilities
- 24 Hours
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accessible
- Activities
- Air Conditioning
- Baggage Storage
- Banquet Room
- Bar
- Bath Shower
- Bathrobes
- Blackout Curtains
- Bridal Suite
- Cafe
- Complimentary Tea
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Concierge
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.0 against a median of 4.4 across the 93 venues we hold for Edinburgh, where the most-reviewed is Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh.
Booking
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.