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Stay Central Hotel
139 Cowgate near St. Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh EH1 1JS Scotland
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Avg. €80 /night, 3/23 - 3/24
€256
per night
€167
per night
€78
per night
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About
#83 of 163 hotels in Edinburgh
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
At STAY central we aim a little bit higher than just providing you with a good night's sleep. We have 37 fresh and refurbished bedrooms perfect for 2 to share or bedrooms for up to 6 guests. We like to look after you and free Wi-Fi is a must for our guests. Each of our lovely bedrooms have large flat screen TV's, iPod docks, rain fall style showers to get lathered up in and lots of little extras you won't expect. Located in the heart of Edinburgh's eclectic Cowgate surrounding the famous lively Three Sisters bar, STAY Central is a short stroll from everywhere.
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Property amenities
Parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Bar / lounge
Nightclub / DJ
Taxi service
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
24-hour front desk
Wifi
Coffee shop
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Room features
Air conditioning
Desk
Room service
Safe
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quirky Hotels
Trendy
Languages Spoken
English
Location
139 Cowgate near St. Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh EH1 1JS Scotland
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 100 out of 100
100
390 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
Reviews
4.3
2,137 reviews
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Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Stay Central Hotel enjoys a prime, central location that guests find convenient for exploring local attractions. The rooms are generally appreciated for being spacious and modern, with commendable cleanliness and well-regarded amenities like good showers, though some visitors missed having a fridge. However, the hotel's atmosphere often suffers from nearby bar noise, which has led to sleep disturbances for many travelers.
While the staff is recognized for their friendliness, issues with noise and room allocation have affected the overall service experience. Additionally, some guests question the value for money, citing concerns over noise and the lack of certain services.
Location
Central
Atmosphere
Rowdy
Rooms
Mixed
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Mixed
Noise level
Noisy
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Satisfactory
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Traveller rating
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Detailed Reviews
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A good location, you can easily reach (but uphill) the golden mile and the castle. Large room of 4, well heated and large bathroom. Sore note: in 4 days they never went to clean beds and clean room, despite we left signs on the door. In the rooms there is kettle and need x tea and coffee. The windows overlooking the pub have double glazing and at night there is not too much noise
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed here over NYE with my children (we didn't come for the parties just a break) and we have had the BEST time in Edinburgh made even better by STAY Central. The staff are so friendly and happy and really made me and my children feel welcomed and wanted. The room was massive, clean and modern with plenty of plug sockets and the best shower I've ever had. The hotel is in a great location, there's a pub and bar attached but the only noise we heard was NYE which was expected, otherwise we didn't hear a thing from the outside of our room. We really enjoyed our stay and are already thinking of coming back when it's less cold!
Kids are 15, 14 and almost 3 so a mixed bag but all 3 have been treated like royalty. And as a single parent I've appreciated the kind smiles, extra hot coffee and the staff checking in to make sure we were all okay.
Thank you Stay Central, we will see you again!
Kids are 15, 14 and almost 3 so a mixed bag but all 3 have been treated like royalty. And as a single parent I've appreciated the kind smiles, extra hot coffee and the staff checking in to make sure we were all okay.
Thank you Stay Central, we will see you again!
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Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: New Years eve was noisy but such a vibe the pun next door gets busy
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
We arrived at round 3pm for a 1 night stay without breakfast. Our welcome email we were sent prior to arrival advised us of discounted parking through an approved NCP car park just down the road which is very convenient.
We checked in and were allocated a room on the 2nd floor, room 205 to be exact. The room was small, but it was clean and had everything you needed. Bottled water, tea coffee, and even tunnocks tea cakes were a nice touch. The en suite had a shower which was a rainfall effect and was very powerful. The downside to the shower is that because it is a walk in without an enclosure the water sprays and wets the floor and the mats provided are not the best nor are they non slip.
The bed is comfortable but I think it is a small double rather than a standard double. The pillows are of basic condition and I would have preferred the option of one firm and one soft. There is a safe in the wardrobe which is great as it is complimentary for the duration of your stay.
We returned from sightseeing in Edinburgh and decided to ask if there was the possibility of extending our stay for an extra night. The gent on reception was very friendly and was able to book us in but we would have to move rooms, this was not an issue and we were advised after our first night to hand our keys in for room 205 and we would be allocated another room.
The next morning we were allocated room 210, this is once again on the 2nd floor but at the opposite end of the corridor. This room should be AVOIDED at all costs. Room 210 backs on to the main stairwell which links to the fire exit and beer garden of the adjoining pub. It is extremely loud until the bar closes and you can hear each and every footstep from anyone that walks up or downstairs and my guess is that it is not solely for the use of guests. One again the pillows on the bed are of mediocre standard and I had a worse nights sleep on these pillows compared to the ones in 205.
The next morning as part of our extended stay we had included breakfasts for us both. I chose the full Scottish which was well presented and delivered hot and fresh. My partner had the flatbread which he commented was better than he expected. The buffet selection was varied and fresh, but I think somethings such as the sour dough should have some form of tea towel or napkins to cover it to prevent many hands touching the piece which you intend to eat.
On check out we were asked how our overall stay was by the lady on reception. I voiced by concerns about room 210 and how apart from those issues our stay had been pleasant. She did not seem to know how to take the complaint feedback and did not offer to follow it up with her superiors or managers.
Overall if you want a very centrally located hotel, which offers discount parking, the Stay Central Hotel offers this but I would be requesting not to be allocated room 210 by email or telephone prior to your arrival.
We checked in and were allocated a room on the 2nd floor, room 205 to be exact. The room was small, but it was clean and had everything you needed. Bottled water, tea coffee, and even tunnocks tea cakes were a nice touch. The en suite had a shower which was a rainfall effect and was very powerful. The downside to the shower is that because it is a walk in without an enclosure the water sprays and wets the floor and the mats provided are not the best nor are they non slip.
The bed is comfortable but I think it is a small double rather than a standard double. The pillows are of basic condition and I would have preferred the option of one firm and one soft. There is a safe in the wardrobe which is great as it is complimentary for the duration of your stay.
We returned from sightseeing in Edinburgh and decided to ask if there was the possibility of extending our stay for an extra night. The gent on reception was very friendly and was able to book us in but we would have to move rooms, this was not an issue and we were advised after our first night to hand our keys in for room 205 and we would be allocated another room.
The next morning we were allocated room 210, this is once again on the 2nd floor but at the opposite end of the corridor. This room should be AVOIDED at all costs. Room 210 backs on to the main stairwell which links to the fire exit and beer garden of the adjoining pub. It is extremely loud until the bar closes and you can hear each and every footstep from anyone that walks up or downstairs and my guess is that it is not solely for the use of guests. One again the pillows on the bed are of mediocre standard and I had a worse nights sleep on these pillows compared to the ones in 205.
The next morning as part of our extended stay we had included breakfasts for us both. I chose the full Scottish which was well presented and delivered hot and fresh. My partner had the flatbread which he commented was better than he expected. The buffet selection was varied and fresh, but I think somethings such as the sour dough should have some form of tea towel or napkins to cover it to prevent many hands touching the piece which you intend to eat.
On check out we were asked how our overall stay was by the lady on reception. I voiced by concerns about room 210 and how apart from those issues our stay had been pleasant. She did not seem to know how to take the complaint feedback and did not offer to follow it up with her superiors or managers.
Overall if you want a very centrally located hotel, which offers discount parking, the Stay Central Hotel offers this but I would be requesting not to be allocated room 210 by email or telephone prior to your arrival.
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Date of stay: August 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Avoid Room 210 and call before you book through an agent as you made be offered a better room...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Manager Edinburgh, General Manager at Stay Central Hotel
Responded 20 Oct 2021
Dear rhyspalmer, Thank you for taking the time to review our hotel, I am sad to see you found it hard to sleep on your stay, We are in the center of the city in the heart beat I do hope you will give us another try Kind regards
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed for one night midweek with a friend on my first visit to Edinburgh, the hotel is located only a short walk away from the station and the location is perfect for getting around Edinburgh. The new lobby area looks amazing and all the staff I came across at reception were super friendly and helpful, and upon checkout we were able to leave our luggage until later on. The room we stayed in was incredible and I did not expect it to be so good for the price, plenty of space, comfy beds, amazing waterfall shower and loads of convenient amenities such as a fridge and a coffee machine, as well as the treat of a Tunnock’s tea cake and a little bottle of Prosecco each in the room on arrival. Had some issues with the wifi but this is understandable in such an old building, and this was made up for with the games consoles etc in the room as well as Bluetooth speakers. Overall we had a wonderful stay and wish we had stayed for longer, will definitely be back!
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a large room which was excellent for our family. The first room we stayed in was loud (Room 208) at night. Fortunately, our next room (Room 202) that we moved to was larger and much quieter.
The shower is amazing with the rain water nozzle overhead. Having two sinks was nice also. The TV is also large and the beds were comfortable. The breakfast is good (not great) with eggs and smoked salmon, but was sat up late a couple of mornings.
As you can read from other reviews, there is a nightclub venue next door that can be loud depending on the room you get. The rooms have double-paned windows and heavy curtains, but certain rooms can be loud at night so the hotel gives out earplugs.
The hotel location is good for quick access to the Royal Mile and most other locations in Edinburgh. There was a strike by the people who collect garbage, but hopefully that will be fixed soon.
Overall, if you can find a room that is quiet, but hotel can be a good choice especially if you are trying to save money.
The shower is amazing with the rain water nozzle overhead. Having two sinks was nice also. The TV is also large and the beds were comfortable. The breakfast is good (not great) with eggs and smoked salmon, but was sat up late a couple of mornings.
As you can read from other reviews, there is a nightclub venue next door that can be loud depending on the room you get. The rooms have double-paned windows and heavy curtains, but certain rooms can be loud at night so the hotel gives out earplugs.
The hotel location is good for quick access to the Royal Mile and most other locations in Edinburgh. There was a strike by the people who collect garbage, but hopefully that will be fixed soon.
Overall, if you can find a room that is quiet, but hotel can be a good choice especially if you are trying to save money.
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Date of stay: August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Manager Edinburgh, General Manager at Stay Central Hotel
Responded 29 Aug 2022
Dear TeamTex, Thank you for taking the time to review us, i am happy to see you enjoyed your stay with us. I am also glad to see you loved your visit to Edinburgh. We all hope to see you again soon Kind regards
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I’m not normally a fussy hotel guest, in this case I was really just looking for a clean bed to sleep in for the night, I got the clean bed but no sleep. The room was barely big enough to move around in, the toilet offered very little privacy so if you like a bit of separation for your business don’t count on it here. I was sharing with my adult daughter and I’m grateful it was just one night. Upon arrival there was a full on hen party in the lobby area and celebrations outside due to “the rugby”. We went to bed around 11 and did not get any sleep until the music and shouting quieted down after 3. Even with earplugs and white noise the bass of the music was disruptive. Left as soon as we could the next day, the desk person was nice and allowed us to leave our luggage in room with an unlocked door in the main area which didn’t feel very secure but was still there when we returned. I wouldn’t have left it but they were locked. Overall, I personally would not return or recommend to anyone over 25.
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Date of stay: February 2025Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
An excellent hotel for a reasonable price. Clean and roomy. We booked a four bed family room that came with four individual beds, two separate sinks and two TVs.
Located truly centrally to most must see attractions in Edinburgh with pubs and restaurants all around. The national museum is just a stone throws away.
Only con is the loud music from the bar next door every night, however it may not be am issue if you like to join in anyways. Also our room did not have a small fridge to store things like fruits.
Located truly centrally to most must see attractions in Edinburgh with pubs and restaurants all around. The national museum is just a stone throws away.
Only con is the loud music from the bar next door every night, however it may not be am issue if you like to join in anyways. Also our room did not have a small fridge to store things like fruits.
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Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Book a room on a higher floor, bring ear plugs or simply join in the partying yourself at the pub...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
With just the right amount of quirkiness without going overboard, Stay Central felt welcoming, clean and relaxing.
Within two minutes walk of Grassmarket; lots of restaurants, bars, and nightlife, the hotel rooms are tucked at the back of the building, providing insulation from the busy streets.
The bed, pillows and seating were comfy. The room was well equipped with a good selection of teas and coffees, as well as a small SMEG fridge. The Bluetooth room speakers are also a treat for playing music from your devices.
Fair price for one night with good facilities in this lovely part of Edinburgh and a healthy vegan breakfast too.
It was a good experience.
Within two minutes walk of Grassmarket; lots of restaurants, bars, and nightlife, the hotel rooms are tucked at the back of the building, providing insulation from the busy streets.
The bed, pillows and seating were comfy. The room was well equipped with a good selection of teas and coffees, as well as a small SMEG fridge. The Bluetooth room speakers are also a treat for playing music from your devices.
Fair price for one night with good facilities in this lovely part of Edinburgh and a healthy vegan breakfast too.
It was a good experience.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I booked this hotel for my wife and 19 year old granddaughter. I booked and paid for a medium double or twin room. The booking was confirmed and I rang the hotel to request the twin beds. They told me that I had booked a small room but that was not what the confirmation said. They said that I would have to pay an extra £30 per night unless I could get confirmation from the booking agent. Impossible speak to any one at the agency (Priceline).
On arrival they were greeted nicely by a young Ukrainian girl who did not know how to deal with the problem. Was given a welcome letter but no verbal directions. A guest who was also at reception understood our dilemma and kindly swapped her room for ours. She was travelling alone. They were assured at reception that this would have twin beds. It didn’t. Eventually they managed to organise twin beds. Even so the room was very small.
At no time during the stay was the room serviced even when the request was put on the door.
It was the most unpleasant experience and totally ruined what would otherwise have been a lovely 4 day stay in Edinburgh. Other people were complaining at reception.
For the level of service the cost was very expensive. We have never given a bad report on a hotel before.
On arrival they were greeted nicely by a young Ukrainian girl who did not know how to deal with the problem. Was given a welcome letter but no verbal directions. A guest who was also at reception understood our dilemma and kindly swapped her room for ours. She was travelling alone. They were assured at reception that this would have twin beds. It didn’t. Eventually they managed to organise twin beds. Even so the room was very small.
At no time during the stay was the room serviced even when the request was put on the door.
It was the most unpleasant experience and totally ruined what would otherwise have been a lovely 4 day stay in Edinburgh. Other people were complaining at reception.
For the level of service the cost was very expensive. We have never given a bad report on a hotel before.
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pre pandemic we stayed in lots of hotels (Premier, Jury’s etc.) usually for one or two nights when we were going to a gig. Decided to stay somewhere a bit different this time and was so glad we did! This lovely old building is very central and definitely not run of the mill. The foyer is cool, colourful, uncluttered with displays of pictures and some groovy wall and furniture painting. So very different to the overwhelmingly, staid purpleness of Premier Inn (not thatI I’m knocking Premier). The rooms we stayed in (small doubles) were unfussy, clean, again interesting, modern decor, with comfortable beds, air con, bluetooth speakers, an enormous smart tv, drink making facilities and a rainfall shower in the ensuite. The shower deserves a special mention…I would return just to use this shower again! The ensuite is stocked with quality soap/shower gel/shampoo (loved them all). One really good point was the recycling bin in the room so waste can be separated into different containers.
All the staff were friendly and went out of the way to be helpful. Lovely Martha on reception who offered us free coffee and croissants in the morning.
We would return here as the location is so good (Brewdog pub next door), can be a little noisy at night but this is only to be expected in such a central position.
I felt as though we were staying somewhere abroad as this hotel reminded me of ones we have stayed at when not in the UK.
Yes, we will stay here again and hopefully for longer next time!
All the staff were friendly and went out of the way to be helpful. Lovely Martha on reception who offered us free coffee and croissants in the morning.
We would return here as the location is so good (Brewdog pub next door), can be a little noisy at night but this is only to be expected in such a central position.
I felt as though we were staying somewhere abroad as this hotel reminded me of ones we have stayed at when not in the UK.
Yes, we will stay here again and hopefully for longer next time!
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Date of stay: July 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Bidaiari77,
Yes, we do have a USB connector in the plug sockets in our bedrooms.
The STAY Central Team
I’m so sorry I did’t see your question before now. No, we didn’t have any parking.
Hi badmoon81!
The easiest and quickest way to reach us from the airport is by taxi - this will take around 25 minutes and cost approximately £25.
However, a cheaper option would be to use the Edinburgh Tram or Airlink 100 Bus, both leave from outside Edinburgh Domestic arrivals at the airport and after a 30 minute journey will drop you at Princes Street. From there the hotel is just a 10 minute walk. Both will cost around £5!
I hope this has been helpful for you however please do not hesitate to call us directly on 0131 6226801 should you need more details or have any further questions.
The STAY Central Team
Hi RoseBallerine,
Thank you for taking the time to write to us.
We do have ironing boards & irons available in the hotel, these can be delivered to your room upon request at our 24 hour reception!
The STAY Central Team
"Book a room on a higher floor, bring ear plugs or simply join in the partying yourself at the pub next door."Read full review
"A little far from train station. Was not expecting that “brisk hiking” was literally meant in their website. Take a £6 Uber to go to the hot"Read full review
…
PRICE RANGE
€73 - €257 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
hotel tailors hall, tailors hall hotel edinburgh
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandEdinburghCowgate / Old Town
NUMBER OF ROOMS
37
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Stay Central Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Stay Central Hotel?
Nearby attractions include The Real Mary King's Close (0.2 km), National Museum of Scotland (0.2 km), and Edinburgh Old Town (0.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Stay Central Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a lounge, and breakfast buffet.
Which room amenities are available at Stay Central Hotel?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a desk.
What food & drink options are available at Stay Central Hotel?
Guests can enjoy a lounge, breakfast, and free instant coffee during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Stay Central Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Makars Gourmet Mash Bar, Doctors, and Hot Toddy.
Is Stay Central Hotel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.8 km away from the centre of Edinburgh.
Are there any historical sites close to Stay Central Hotel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting The Real Mary King's Close (0.2 km), Palace of Holyroodhouse (1.2 km), and Gladstone's Land (0.3 km).
Is Stay Central Hotel accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and facilities for disabled guests. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.