Edinburgh has a reputation for pricey hotels, but you can still find a comfortable, central room for under £200 a night if you know where to look. This guide rounds up twelve of the best budget hotels across the city, grouped by the three areas most visitors want to stay in: the Old Town, the wider City Centre, and the well-connected Haymarket district in the West End.
Each hotel below has its own full review with location details, room and price notes, and practical tips. As a rule of thumb, the Old Town keeps you closest to the Castle and the Royal Mile, the City Centre puts Princes Street shopping and the New Town on your doorstep, and Haymarket offers the best transport links, including the tram straight to Edinburgh Airport. Prices climb sharply during August for the Fringe, so book early if you are visiting in peak season.
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Budget Hotels in Edinburgh’s Old Town
Motel One Edinburgh – Royal
CentralTurquoise-accented chain rooms metres from the Royal Mile. Reliable, central and easy on the wallet.
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The Inn Place
CentralOn cobbled Cockburn Street, minutes from the Castle and Waverley. Clean rooms and a highly rated breakfast for the price.
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Soundproofed modern rooms just off Princes Street, next to Waverley. Blue Badge parking and step-free access.
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Hotel Indigo Edinburgh
Top PickStylish boutique rooms by the Playhouse with a gym and castle-view bar. Business-friendly desks and a central location.
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Cairn Hotel & Apartments
BudgetQuiet spot below Calton Hill, half a mile from Waverley. Rooms and self-catering apartments with a relaxed bar.
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Georgian townhouse with a private garden and an acclaimed brasserie. Haggis breakfasts and fine dining a short walk from the centre.
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YOTEL Edinburgh
BudgetSmart, air-conditioned cabins on Queen Street near George Street. Continental breakfast and multilingual staff.
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easyHotel Edinburgh
BudgetThe cheapest compact rooms in the New Town, with castle and gardens views. Ideal for couples who plan to be out all day.
View Hotel →Budget Hotels at Haymarket
Piries Hotel
FamilyVictorian hotel by Haymarket with en-suite rooms and a garden. Trams, trains and the airport link on the doorstep.
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Cityroomz Edinburgh
FamilyFamily- and dog-friendly rooms in Haymarket with city views. Cabin, twin and family layouts a short walk from the Castle.
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Haymarket Hub Hotel
BudgetCompact, modern rooms opposite Haymarket Station. On-site bar and coffee shop, ten minutes from Princes Street.
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Budget rooms steps from the EICC, made for conference-goers. Air-con, buffet breakfast and a well-rated couples location.
View Hotel →Budget Hotels Compared
| Hotel | Area | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motel One Edinburgh – Royal | Old Town | ££ | Central chain stay |
| The Inn Place | Old Town | ££ | First-time visitors |
| Motel One Edinburgh – Princes | City Centre | ££ | Quiet, accessible base |
| Hotel Indigo Edinburgh | City Centre | ££ | Business & boutique |
| Cairn Hotel & Apartments | New Town edge | ££ | Longer stays & apartments |
| No. 11 Boutique Hotel & Brasserie | Brunswick St | ££ | Foodies & couples |
| YOTEL Edinburgh | City Centre | ££ | Short smart city breaks |
| easyHotel Edinburgh | New Town | £ | Cheapest central rooms |
| Piries Hotel | Haymarket | ££ | Rugby & airport |
| Cityroomz Edinburgh | Haymarket | ££ | Families & dogs |
| Haymarket Hub Hotel | Haymarket | ££ | Step-off-the-train stays |
| Point A Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket | Haymarket | ££ | EICC & conferences |
How to Choose
If your priority is the lowest possible price and you plan to be out all day, easyHotel Edinburgh is hard to beat for a compact, central room. Travelling for a rugby international or an early flight? A Haymarket base like Piries Hotel gives you trams, trains and the airport link on the doorstep. And if you want a little more character and a standout breakfast without a luxury bill, the Georgian No. 11 Boutique Hotel & Brasserie is the pick of the list. Everything else comes down to which neighbourhood suits your plans and how much room you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest hotel in Edinburgh city centre?
easyHotel Edinburgh is consistently among the cheapest central options, with compact New Town rooms and optional add-on extras that keep the base rate very low. It suits travellers who mainly need a clean, central place to sleep.
Which area is best for a budget stay in Edinburgh?
The Old Town keeps you closest to the Castle and Royal Mile, the City Centre is best for Princes Street shopping, and Haymarket offers the strongest transport links, including the tram to the airport. Choose the area that matches your plans.
Can I find a budget hotel in Edinburgh under £200 a night?
Yes. Every hotel in this guide can be booked for under £200 a night outside peak dates, and several are well below that. Rates rise sharply during August for the Fringe, so book early if you are visiting then.
Are there dog-friendly budget hotels in Edinburgh?
Yes. Motel One Princes Street and Cityroomz in Haymarket both welcome dogs, so they are good starting points if you are travelling with a pet. Always confirm the pet policy when you book.