Stay Central Hotel Edinburgh Exterior photoStay Central Hotel Edinburgh Exterior photoStay Central Hotel Edinburgh Exterior photo
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From100US$ /night
Check-in
02Jun2026Select date
Check-out
03Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

139 Cowgate, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1JS
-
Steps from the Old Town
Very good
7.9
7.9
/10
4.0
/5

Accommodation Options

Stay Central Hotel offers 37 rooms across four floors, categorized by size from S to XXL plus a private dorm. Rooms include free Wi-Fi, Bluetooth speakers, LCD TVs with Freeview, rainfall showers, and Arran toiletries. Larger rooms feature SMEG fridges, Nespresso machines, SEGA Megadrive consoles, and sofas. The XXL room sleeps up to six guests, while the private dorm accommodates nine with bunk-style beds.

Dining and Social Spaces

The hotel connects to The Three Sisters bar, serving burgers, pizzas, wings, nachos, and desserts like sticky toffee pudding. STAY Café offers baked goods from Company Bakery, including croissants, pain au chocolat, and morning buns. An outdoor courtyard with plasma screens provides seating for drinks and socializing.

Location and Accessibility

Located on Cowgate in Edinburgh's Old Town, the hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Royal Mile, Grassmarket, Edinburgh Waverley Station, Princes Street, and Edinburgh University. The airport tram stops at St Andrew's Square, with a walk across North Bridge to reach the property. Nearby landmarks include Edinburgh Castle (1 km) and St Giles' Cathedral (0.5 km).

Group and Event Services

The hotel specializes in stag and hen parties, offering customized bed configurations for groups. Services include late checkout until 1 PM for £10 per hour, pre-arranged drink and food packages, and pizza delivery to rooms. The private dorm features multiple TVs, PlayStation, Xbox 360, and a large bathroom with dual showers.

Hotel Features and Policies

The 24-hour reception provides concierge services and lift access. Rooms include tea/coffee facilities, hair dryers, GHD straighteners, and USB charging. Advance purchase rates are non-refundable. The hotel may relocate guests to equivalent properties if necessary. Allergen information is available for food items, though shared preparation areas are used.

“The hotel places you perfectly for Edinburgh exploration, especially around the Royal Mile; rooms feature cool tech like Bluetooth speakers and offer options for groups, hinting at a lively social scene. I think this location makes it ideal for those wanting to dive into the city's nightlife and historical sites. It's a solid choice for a spirited visit.”
Hotel logo
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels
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Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
XL Sleeps up to 4
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Small Double Room
2 persons
165 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Large Executive Double or Twin Room
2 persons
195 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Medium Double or Twin Room
2 persons
195 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
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Availability and pricing for your selected dates

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Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
Facilities: Great
8.1/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Lift
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Children

  • Board games

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Live entertainment
  • Night club
  • Garden area

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
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Stay Central Hotel Location

139 Cowgate, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1JS
Map view
139 Cowgate, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1JS
Nearby
Museum
National Museum of Scotland
1000 ft
High Street 2 Warriston's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
1500 ft
Church
St Giles' Cathedral
1600 ft
Store
Edinburgh Old Town
1800 ft
Nicolson Street
Surgeons' Hall Museums
1500 ft
2 Chalmers Close High Street (opposite Museum of Childhood on Royal Mile)
Brass Rubbing Centre
1600 ft
Church
Mercat Cross
700 ft
Cemetery
The Robertson Mausoleum
1200 ft
Restaurants
Wings Edinburgh
1200 ft
7 Old Fishmarket Close
Uncle's Fish & Chips
1400 ft
52 George IV Bridge
Yum Yum
1400 ft
48 George IV Bridge Old Town
The Deli Global
1500 ft
13 George IV Bridge
Pizza Paradise
1200 ft
4-6 South Bridge EH1 1LL
Angus Fling
1300 ft
27 George IV Bridge
The Piemaker
1300 ft
38 South Bridge
Bobbys Kebab House
800 ft
21 Candlemaker Row
Explore Edinburgh
Discover Edinburgh
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
4 minutes' walk
A celebration of Scotland's history and culture, featuring fascinating exhibitions and free admission.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
12-minute walk
Historic fortress with stunning views and rich military history, home to the Honours of Scotland and St. Margaret's Chapel.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Palace of Holyroodhouse
19 minutes' walk
The official residence of the Monarch in Scotland, offering guided tours and beautiful gardens.
Scott Monument
Scott Monument
11 minutes' walk
Gothic tower dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, featuring stunning city views from its climbable heights.
Arthur's Seat Hike
30-minute walk
A popular hiking spot with panoramic views over Edinburgh. Access is free, and it's perfect for nature lovers.
Scottish Yoga
10 minutes' walk
A local yoga studio offering classes focused on relaxation and well-being, ideal for calming post-exploration.
Rush Skate Park
20 minutes' walk
An indoor skate park perfect for thrill-seekers, featuring ramps and sessions available for all skill levels.
Wings Edinburgh
Wings Edinburgh
5 minutes' walk
Casual eatery specializing in flavorful chicken wings with various sauces. Great vibe for groups and fans of comfort food.
Uncle's Fish & Chips
Uncle's Fish & Chips
6 minutes' walk
Traditional British fish and chips with a friendly atmosphere. Perfect after a long day of sightseeing.
Yum Yum
Yum Yum
6 minutes' walk
Cozy spot serving Asian-inspired dishes with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Vegetarian options available.
The Bongo Club
15 minutes' walk
Trendy nightclub and arts venue known for live music, club nights, and an eclectic atmosphere. All-ages events available.
The Stand Comedy Club
15 minutes' walk
A well-known venue for stand-up comedy and live performances. Hosts popular local comedians and regular open mic nights.
Tips on navigating the city
City Centre
Edinburgh4 min  ·  1000 ft
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)21 min  ·  8.4 mi
Glasgow (GLA)132 min  ·  54.7 mi
Bus
Bus stop3 min  ·  700 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP15 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of floors:
5
Number of rooms:
37
Former name
Tailors Hall

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Stay Central Hotel is appreciated for its superb location, within easy walking distance of attractions like Victoria Street and the Royal Mile. Guests often enjoy the well-equipped and modern rooms, some featuring unique amenities like arcade tables and sound systems that connect to phones. While the music from nearby pubs can be quite loud late into the night for some guests, many find the spacious rooms, some accommodating up to six people, and the option to stream Netflix on the TV, to be a great value.
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Review score
Based on 1064 verified reviews
7.4/10
Very good
72%
Recommend
Location
9.2/10
Staff
8.7/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.0/10
Value for money
7.9/10
Pros
Clean rooms
City center
Pleasant staff
Good size room
Cons
Inconsistent prices
Non-working safe
Guest reviews
based on 1064 reviews
7.4/10
based on 1758 reviews
7.9/10
tim from united kingdom
small double room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 14, 2026
9.0/10

central location bliss

great locationdinner optionfriendly staffpub noise
The location was great. i could easily walk to many key attractions. the pub next door gave a good dinner option. the staff was friendly. They always seemed ready to help.
the noise from the nearby pub was noticeable. it continued late into the night and disrupted sleep a bit. i wish the soundproofing was better.
Dining
9/10
the pub downstairs provides a convenient dinner option with a discount. the food quality was good. this made getting a meal very easy after a long day.
Facilities
8/10
the hotel offers a great bar next door. i found a nice courtyard. the courtyard had covered seating, a great feature for enjoying a drink outside, no matter the weather!!!
Location
10/10
this location is central. many key attractions are within walking distance. victoria street, grassmarket, and the royal mile are all very close. this made exploring very easy.
Rooms
9/10
The rooms were modern. the cleaning was immaculate. the showers have a rainfall feature. It feels amazing after a long day. the beds were comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep.
0 Helpful
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Christina from United States
Medium Double or Twin Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:January 09, 2026
6/10
helpful stafffrosted bathroom doordoor gaps
the location was central the staff was helpful breakfast was great
the bathroom door was frosted i could see outlines of people i felt uncomfortable the door had gaps i could hear everything
0 Helpful
Thomas from United Kingdom
Single
small double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 23, 2025
9.0/10

excellent lodging experience

pingpong tableconvenient fridgecompetitive outlet
my stay included access to various amenities i appreciated the pingpong table for entertainment board games offered further options the dart board provided a fun competitive outlet i found the presence of a fridge highly convenient.
the noise level from a nearby outdoor bar was noticeable until late hours impacting sleep quality
Facilities
9/10
the hotel features a pingpong table for recreational use guests can also use board games for entertainment a dart board is available for friendly competitions a fridge is available for storing refreshments.
Service
9/10
staff members were consistently friendly i found them helpful with directions they promptly addressed inquiries they provided information on local attractions upon request i value their responsiveness.
Location
10/10
the hotel is near several attractions i found shops to be readily accessible the royal mile is within walking distance greyfriars kirk is conveniently close the location facilitated exploration of the city.
Rooms
8/10
my room included tea and coffee facilities i found these amenities convenient the room size proved comfortable for my needs i had sufficient space for luggage i appreciated the cleanliness maintained .
0 Helpful
|
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Marcus from Germany
Single
Small Double Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:August 31, 2025
8.8/10

Central Location with Modern Amenities

central locationample spacegood water pressure
I found the location excellent for exploring key sites. The room provided ample space for luggage. The shower had good water pressure and consistent temperature.
The street noise was noticeable late at night.
Rooms
8/10
The room featured a modern design with functional furniture. A large television offered various channels. The bed was firm and supportive, ensuring a restful sleep after a long day.
Dining
9/10
A varied breakfast buffet provided both hot and cold options. The croissants tasted fresh. I saw that coffee and tea were available throughout the morning in the dining area.
Location
10/10
The hotel has a central location with easy access to public transportation. Many restaurants and shops surround the area. The main attractions are within short walking distance from the hotel.
Facilities
8/10
A modern elevator serves guests. The bar offered a selection of local beers and cocktails. I noticed that the hotel provided luggage storage after checkout which was very useful.
0 Helpful
|
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Mia from Germany
Single
Small Double Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:August 16, 2025
8.5/10

Central Location, Great Amenities

central locationhelpful staffsmart tv
The hotel's location is central. The pub downstairs offers a convenient and affordable dinner option. The staff were helpful. The bathroom was large. The room included a smart TV. I could stream Netflix.
The bar music was loud until late at night.
Rooms
8/10
The room had a comfortable bed. It also offered tea and coffee. A separate trash can for recycling was a nice touch. The shower worked great.
Service
9/10
The front desk provided lattes. The hotel stored my bags after checkout. The staff responded quickly when I requested a room upgrade. I needed it to correct an initial configuration error.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel connects to a pub with a courtyard. The lobby was fun. There is an elevator for upper-floor rooms. The hotel provides good value for the money.
Dining
8/10
The hotel's pub offers outdoor tables. The pub also provides a discount for hotel guests. A shop near the hotel is open 24/7. I found it very convenient.
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About Stay Central Hotel
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Stay Central Hotel?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
What dining options are available on-site at Stay Central Hotel?
Guests can order from the Three Sisters bar, which offers fast food like burgers, hot dogs, and pizzas.
What amenities can guests expect in the rooms at Stay Central Hotel?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station, and rainfall-style showers.
Are there any notable attractions near Stay Central Hotel?
Nearby attractions include the Royal Mile (0.5 km), Edinburgh Castle (1 km), and Holyroodhouse Palace (1 km).
What is the distance from Stay Central Hotel to Edinburgh Waverley train station?
Edinburgh Waverley train station is approximately 1 km from the hotel.
Is breakfast available at Stay Central Hotel?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 15 GBP.
What type of entertainment is offered at Stay Central Hotel?
The hotel features live music and performances, as well as a nightclub and DJ events.
What languages do the staff at Stay Central Hotel speak?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English.
Can guests request late check-out at Stay Central Hotel?
Guests can extend their check-out time until 13:00 for an additional fee of £10 per hour.
How far is Stay Central Hotel from the nearest airport?
The hotel is approximately 63 km from Dundee Airport.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room