Hotel
 Stay Central Hotel

139 Cowgate, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 1JS, United Kingdom – Excellent location – show map

Excellent location – rated 9.1/10! (score from 1827 reviews)

Real guests • Real stays • Real opinions

8.4
Very Good
1,827 reviews

I expected a run-of-the-mill urban hotel but it turned out to be a really interesting boutique hotel with some fascinating amenities (it was the first British hotel I stayed at with a fridge in the room). The room had plenty of places other than the bed to sit and relax. The restaurant was lovely as well. I highly recommend this place for enjoying Edinburgh without being too close to nightlife noise.

Michael United States of America

nice staff nice bed good location actually a couch and little xtra space in room luggage management easy

Rebecca United States of America

Comfortable bed, nice lounge area, nice staff, great location

Danielle United States of America

Very nice location . Clean and new facilities . Very friendly staff.

Mauricio Portugal

The Vibe. The Customer service and the location. The room was very spacious, comfortable and well equipped.

Lisa United States of America

The staff was friendly and helpful. They provide free hot drinks. Housekeeping did a wonderful job. Definitely central to everything.

Rosa United States of America

it was pretty, clean, great location, and very handy

Skidmore United States of America

I liked the location, rooms, bed was comfortable, great staff!

Skidmore United States of America

great location and staff let us into the room early which was very nice of them after a rough flight.

Caroline United States of America

The hotel has a very relaxing atmosphere and the staff were very helpful. Great location for centre of the City.

Paul United Kingdom
8.4
Very Good
1,827 reviews
  • What guests loved the most:
  • “I expected a run-of-the-mill urban hotel but it turned out to be a really interesting boutique hotel with some fascinating amenities (it was the first British hotel I stayed at with a fridge in the...”
    Michael Michael United States of America United States of America
  • “nice staff nice bed good location actually a couch and little xtra space in room luggage management easy”
    Rebecca Rebecca United States of America United States of America
  • “Comfortable bed, nice lounge area, nice staff, great location”
    Danielle Danielle United States of America United States of America
  • “Very nice location . Clean and new facilities . Very friendly staff.”
    Mauricio Mauricio Portugal Portugal
  • “The Vibe. The Customer service and the location. The room was very spacious, comfortable and well equipped.”
    Lisa Lisa United States of America United States of America
  • “The staff was friendly and helpful. They provide free hot drinks. Housekeeping did a wonderful job. Definitely central to everything.”
    Rosa Rosa United States of America United States of America
  • “it was pretty, clean, great location, and very handy”
    Skidmore Skidmore United States of America United States of America
  • “I liked the location, rooms, bed was comfortable, great staff!”
    Skidmore Skidmore United States of America United States of America
  • “great location and staff let us into the room early which was very nice of them after a rough flight.”
    Caroline Caroline United States of America United States of America
  • “The hotel has a very relaxing atmosphere and the staff were very helpful. Great location for centre of the City.”
    Paul Paul United Kingdom United Kingdom

Categories:

  • Staff9.0
  • Facilities8.6
  • Cleanliness8.7
  • Comfort8.7
  • Value for money8.5
  • Location9.1
  • Free WiFi8.3

Stay in the heart of Edinburgh – Excellent location – show map

You're eligible for a Genius discount at Stay Central Hotel! To save at this property, all you have to do is sign in.

Stay Central Hotel is just a 3-minute walk from the historic Royal Mile. Located in the Cowgate, this lively budget hotel is in Edinburgh's Old Town, within half a mile of Princes Street. It surrounds the Three Sisters bar, a pub and nightclub that hosts entertainment and lively events nightly.

Dating back to 1621, the Stay Central Hotel retains many original features. Its rooms with attached bathroom each have a flat-screen TV and on-demand movies, an iPod docking station, tea and coffee-making facilities and a bathroom with a rainfall-style shower.

Guests can relax outside the hotel, where there is an outdoor plasma screen and seating areas that are part of The Three Sisters cobbled courtyard, which attracts a diverse mix of locals and tourists.

Within a mile’s walking distance from the hotel are Holyroodhouse Palace, Festival Theater and the National Museum. Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle can be reached in 10 minutes on foot.

This is our guests' favorite part of Edinburgh, according to independent reviews.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.1 for a two-person trip.

Stay Central Hotel has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Sept 24, 2009

Show me more

Most popular amenities

Parking
Free WiFi
Family rooms
Non-smoking rooms
Facilities for disabled guests
Room service
Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
Bar

Property Highlights

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, this hotel has an excellent location score of 9.1

Breakfast Info

Continental, Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Vegan, Buffet

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4 reasons to choose Stay Central Hotel

  • Prices you can't beat!
  • Booking is safe
  • Manage your bookings online
  • The staff speaks English

Guest reviews

8.4
Very Good · 1,827 reviews
Read all reviews
  • Staff9.0
  • Facilities8.6
  • Cleanliness8.7
  • Comfort8.7
    Shower
  • Value for money8.5
  • Location9.1
    Central location
  • Free WiFi8.3

Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Michael
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “I expected a run-of-the-mill urban hotel but it turned out to be a really interesting boutique hotel with some fascinating amenities (it was the first British hotel I stayed at with a fridge in the room). The room had plenty of places other than the...”
  • Rebecca
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “nice staff nice bed good location actually a couch and little xtra space in room luggage management easy”
  • Danielle
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “Comfortable bed, nice lounge area, nice staff, great location”
  • Mauricio
    PortugalPortugal
    “Very nice location . Clean and new facilities . Very friendly staff.”
  • Lisa
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “The Vibe. The Customer service and the location. The room was very spacious, comfortable and well equipped.”
  • Rosa
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “The staff was friendly and helpful. They provide free hot drinks. Housekeeping did a wonderful job. Definitely central to everything.”
  • Skidmore
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “it was pretty, clean, great location, and very handy”
  • Skidmore
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “I liked the location, rooms, bed was comfortable, great staff!”
  • Caroline
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “great location and staff let us into the room early which was very nice of them after a rough flight.”
  • Paul
    United KingdomUnited Kingdom
    “The hotel has a very relaxing atmosphere and the staff were very helpful. Great location for centre of the City.”
Property questions and answers
Browse questions from guests for anything extra you want to know about the property

The property usually replies within a few days

  • Do you have parking?
    Not on-site, although we have a deal with the local NCP car park at 2 Viewcraig Gardens, EH8 9UN. Which is a short 6-7 minute walk from us. You can pick up a discount voucher at reception to receive 20% off the total!
    Answered on August 11, 2020
  • Is it extra to use the minibar in room?
    Hi, The fridge in the room is empty, you can keep all your own things in there. Thanks, Alex & The STAY Central Team
    Asked about: Executive Double or Twin Room - Room Only • Answered on October 12, 2019
  • parking. where can I park and do you have a discount scheme and how does it operate?(
    Unfortunately we don’t have onsite parking here. However, the NCP at Viewcraig Gardens secure car park is just a few minutes from the hotel. This currently costs £20.00 for 24 hours however, we will give you a discount ticket on arrival for 25% off
    Asked about: Executive Double or Twin Room - Room Only • Answered on September 3, 2021
  • hi there. I'd like to know if you offer vegan option at breakfast. thank you!
    We do have vegan and vegetarian options available at breakfast. The STAY Central Hotel Team
    Answered on January 10, 2020
  • Hi, do you serve breakfast as early as 7am? Thanks
    Hi, Breakfast is from 8am until 11am, but if you let us know in advance we can organise a packed breakfast for you! Thanks, Alex & The STAY Central Hotel Team
    Answered on March 24, 2022

  • Still looking?

    Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.

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Hotel surroundings *
Guests loved walking around the neighborhood!
Excellent location – show map
Located in the historic old town

Stay in the oldest part of Scotland's capital, where gas lamps light up elegant buildings and cobblestone streets. Nearby, the impressive Edinburgh Castle looks over the city.

What's nearby
  • Edinburgh Sheriff Court
    0.1 miles
  • National Library of Scotland
    0.1 miles
  • Central Library
    0.1 miles
  • St. Giles Cathedral
    0.1 miles
  • National Museum of Scotland
    0.1 miles
  • The Real Mary King's Close
    0.1 miles
  • Edinburgh Law School
    0.1 miles
  • Gladstones Land
    0.1 miles
  • Royal Mile
    0.2 miles
  • Edinburgh Military Tattoo
    0.2 miles
Top attractions
  • Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
    0.2 miles
  • University of Edinburgh
    0.3 miles
  • Edinburgh Castle
    0.4 miles
  • Edinburgh Playhouse
    0.6 miles
  • Arthur's Seat
    1.1 miles
  • Murrayfield Stadium
    2 miles
  • Royal Yacht Britannia
    2.3 miles
  • Edinburgh Zoo
    3.1 miles
  • Dalhousie Castle
    7.4 miles
  • Forth Bridge
    9 miles
Closest Airports
  • Edinburgh Airport
    6.7 miles
  • Dundee Airport
    35.4 miles
  • Glasgow Airport
    48.4 miles
* All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.
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Amenities of Stay Central Hotel

Most popular amenities

Parking
Free WiFi
Family rooms
Non-smoking rooms
Facilities for disabled guests
Room service
Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
Bar
Outdoors
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace
  • Garden
Activities
  • Live sports events (broadcast)
  • Live music/Performance
  • Evening entertainment Additional charge
  • Nightclub/DJ Additional charge
Food & Drink
  • Coffee house on site
  • Fruit Additional charge
  • Wine/Champagne Additional charge
  • Special diet meals (on request)
  • Snack bar
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Bar
Internet
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and costs GBP 12 per day.
  • Accessible parking
  • Parking garage
Front Desk Services
  • Invoice provided
  • Baggage storage
  • Express check-in/out
  • 24-hour front desk
Entertainment & Family Services
  • Board games/Puzzles
Cleaning Services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Dry cleaning Additional charge
  • Laundry Additional charge
Safety & security
  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV outside property
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Key card access
  • 24-hour security
  • Safe
General
  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Smoke-free property
  • Hypoallergenic room available
  • Heating
  • Packed lunches
  • Elevator
  • Family rooms
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Room service
Accessibility
  • Bathroom emergency cord
  • Toilet with grab rails
  • Wheelchair accessible
Languages Spoken
  • English
Missing some information? Yes / No
Great! Thanks for your response.
Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.
Sustainability initiatives
This property has taken steps to provide more sustainable and eco-friendly travel

House rules Stay Central Hotel takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in

From 2:00 PM

Check-out

Until 11:00 AM

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children not allowed.

Crib and extra bed policies

There's no capacity for cribs at this property.

This property doesn't offer extra beds.

Age restriction

The minimum age for check-in is 18

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Groups

When booking more than 4 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Mastercard Visa American Express Stay Central Hotel accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print

The cancellation policy shown on this page is based on an arrival time of 14:00 (GMT).

Payment is required at the time of check-in.

Please note breakfast is served in The Three Sisters bar, which is adjoined to the hotel.

When booking 4 or more rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

Food and beverage services at this property may be limited or unavailable due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property is taking steps to protect the safety of guests and staff. Certain services and amenities may be reduced or unavailable as a result.

This property is located in a busy area so guests might experience some noise.

FAQs about Stay Central Hotel

  • Stay Central Hotel offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):

    • Evening entertainment
    • Live sports events (broadcast)
    • Live music/Performance
    • Nightclub/DJ

  • Guests staying at Stay Central Hotel can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 7.3).

    Breakfast option(s) include:

    • Continental
    • Full English/Irish
    • Vegetarian
    • Vegan
    • Buffet

  • Stay Central Hotel is 650 feet from the center of Edinburgh.

  • The prices at Stay Central Hotel may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

  • Check-in at Stay Central Hotel is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM.

  • Room options at Stay Central Hotel include:

    • Family
    • Quad
    • Twin/Double
    • Double

  • From the nearest airport, you can get to Stay Central Hotel by:

    • Taxi 25min