Finding a place to stay in Edinburgh is usually a nightmare of choosing between a drafty B&B that smells like damp wool or a luxury hotel that costs more than your monthly mortgage. Then there is Motel One Edinburgh-Royal on Market Street. It sits right in the thick of it. Literally steps from Waverley Station. Most people see the "Motel One" branding and assume it’s just another budget chain, like a glorified airport stay. Honestly? They’re wrong.
The location is ridiculous. You walk out the door, turn a corner, and you’re staring at the Scott Monument. It feels like cheating. Usually, when you get a room this close to the Royal Mile, you pay for the privilege by staying in a room the size of a shoebox with windows that don't shut. But this place manages to be stylish without being pretentious. It’s got this weirdly cool turquoise-and-tartan vibe that shouldn't work but somehow does.
The Real Deal on Market Street
The "Royal" part of the name isn't just marketing fluff. It refers to the proximity to the Royal Mile, which is basically the spine of the Old Town. If you’ve ever lugged a suitcase up the Fleshmarket Close stairs, you know why staying on Market Street is a tactical win. It’s flat. Well, as flat as Edinburgh gets.
You’re basically at the base of the hill. You have the luxury of exploring the medieval wynds of the Old Town and then quickly escaping back to a room that actually has modern plumbing and soundproofing. That soundproofing is a big deal. Edinburgh is loud. The bagpipes, the ghost tour guides shouting about the plague, the stag parties—it’s a lot. Inside the Motel One Edinburgh-Royal, it’s surprisingly quiet. They use heavy-duty glazing that manages to muffle the chaos of the city center.
The design is distinctive. They lean hard into the Scottish theme but stop just short of being "shortbread tin" tacky. Think velvet chairs, dark wood, and atmospheric lighting. It’s moody. It feels like a high-end boutique hotel in the lobby, but then you get to the price tag and realize you’re paying a fraction of what the Balmoral across the street charges.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Let's be real: the rooms are compact. If you’re planning on doing yoga in the middle of the floor or hosting a dinner party, you’re out of luck. But for sleeping? They’re perfect. The beds are surprisingly high quality. Not that thin, bouncy mattress you find in most "budget" spots.
👉 See also: Are there spiders in Antarctica? What you'll actually find at the South Pole
The bathrooms follow the same "small but mighty" philosophy. Dark slate, rain showers that actually have decent water pressure, and organic toiletries. You don't get a fridge. You don't get a closet (it’s more of an open hanging rail). You don't get a kettle. That last one is the biggest gripe for most travelers. No morning tea in bed. However, the One Lounge downstairs is open 24/7, and they’ll fix you a proper coffee or a dram of whisky whenever you want.
The Breakfast and Bar Scene
Don't expect a full Scottish breakfast with haggis and tattie scones at Motel One. They do a continental buffet. It’s fine. It’s lots of grainy breads, cheeses, meats, and decent pastries. If you want the full fry-up experience, you’re better off walking five minutes to a local cafe like The Milkman or Southern Cross Cafe.
The bar, however, is the secret weapon of Motel One Edinburgh-Royal. It’s gorgeous. It’s filled with locals and travelers alike, especially in the evening. They have an extensive gin list—which is mandatory in Scotland these days—and the staff actually know their stuff. They aren't just pouring drinks; they’re recommending local spirits based on what you usually like.
Navigating the Logistics
Getting there is a breeze. If you’re flying into Edinburgh Airport, take the tram or the Airlink 100 bus. Both drop you at Waverley Bridge. From there, it’s a three-minute walk. No taxis required. No complex navigation.
If you’re driving, well, God help you. Edinburgh’s Old Town was built for horses and carts, not SUVs. There is no on-site parking at the hotel. You’ll have to use the NCP at Waverley Station or another nearby garage, and it will be expensive. Seriously, just take the train. The hotel is right across from the station entrance on Market Street.
👉 See also: Robert Moses Field 2: What Most People Get Wrong
Is it right for you?
This isn't a "resort" hotel. There’s no gym. No pool. No spa. If those are dealbreakers, look elsewhere. It’s a base camp for people who actually want to see Edinburgh.
It works best for:
- Couples on a weekend break.
- Solo travelers who want to feel safe and central.
- Business travelers who need reliable Wi-Fi and a desk.
It doesn't work for:
- Families who need interconnecting rooms or lots of floor space.
- People who insist on "traditional" luxury (valet parking, bellhops).
- Anyone who can't start their day without an in-room kettle.
The Neighborhood Vibe
Market Street is an interesting strip. It’s right on the edge of the New Town and Old Town. To your left, you have the Fruitmarket Gallery and the City Art Centre. Directly above you is the Royal Mile. To your right is the entrance to the station.
You’re seconds away from the Scott Monument. If you have the lungs for it, climb the 287 steps for the best view in the city. Just don't do it right after a heavy lunch. Or, if you want something quieter, walk through Princes Street Gardens. Even in the winter, when the Christmas Market is in full swing (and literally right outside your door), the gardens provide a bit of breathing room.
Addressing the Competition
Edinburgh has a lot of hotels. You could stay at the Apex or the Scotsman. Those are great, but you’ll pay for the name. You could stay at a Premier Inn further out. You’ll save money, but you’ll spend your time commuting. Motel One hits that "Goldilocks" zone.
The staff are worth mentioning too. In many big chains, the service is robotic. Here, it’s more relaxed. They’re helpful but not hovering. If you want to know which pub has the best live music or where to find a quiet spot away from the tourists, they’ll give you a straight answer rather than pointing you to the nearest tourist trap.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Stay
To get the most out of a stay at Motel One Edinburgh-Royal on Market Street, keep these points in mind:
- Book Direct for Flexibility: While third-party sites are fine, booking directly through the Motel One "beOne" program usually gets you a free breakfast or late check-out options.
- Request a High Floor: The street level can be busy. Higher floors offer better views toward the New Town and less noise from the morning delivery trucks.
- Embrace the One Lounge: Since there are no kettles in the rooms, make the lobby your living room. It’s a great place to work or people-watch.
- Skip the Hotel Breakfast Once: Head to Cockburn Street (just a few minutes' walk) for more diverse local food options if you want something hot.
- Walk Everywhere: You are within a 15-minute walk of 90% of Edinburgh's major attractions. Don't bother with buses or Ubers unless you're heading out to Leith or Portobello.
- Pack an Adapter: While the rooms are modern, it's always smart to have a multi-plug if you're traveling with a lot of tech, as the desk space is tight.
Staying here means you’re prioritizing location and style over sheer square footage. It’s a smart choice for the modern traveler who wants to be in the heart of the action without overpaying for "heritage" features they don't actually use. Just remember to bring your own travel kettle if you really can't live without that midnight brew.