Premier Inn Edinburgh Central Lauriston Place Hotel

So there I was, standing outside a hotel in Edinburgh, wrestling with a suitcase that had apparently developed a mind of its own. The wind was doing its best impersonation of a Scottish welcome—fierce, unforgiving, and a little bit damp. I’d just trudged up a gentle hill (okay, a steep incline that felt personal) and was ready to collapse before even checking in. That’s when I spotted the Premier Inn Edinburgh Central Lauriston Place sign, glowing like a beacon of dry warmth and promised sleep. And honestly? It delivered.

The Location: Right Where You Need It (And a Bit of a Hill)

Let’s get the obvious out of the way: this hotel sits on Lauriston Place, which is perfectly central—if your definition of “central” includes a modest cardio workout every time you head out. You’re minutes from Edinburgh Castle, the Grassmarket, and the Royal Mile, so you can stumble into history without breaking a sweat (unless you count the hill). But hey, you’re in Edinburgh; hills are part of the charm, right? Right? (I’m smiling through the leg pain.)

The bus stops are literally at the doorstep, so if you’re not in the mood to channel your inner mountaineer, just hop on. Pro tip: the Lothian Bus app is your best friend here—saves you wrestling with change while the Scottish mist ruins your hair.

The Rooms: Predictably Good (In the Best Way)

You know that feeling when you walk into a Premier Inn room and it’s exactly what you expected? That’s not a criticism; it’s a therapeutic guarantee. The bed is firm but forgiving, the pillows are a conspiracy of softness, and the blackout curtains could survive a nuclear dawn. I flopped onto the duvet like a landed fish and didn’t move for a solid ten minutes. Bliss.

There’s a desk if you’re one of those “let me just check email” types (I’m not, but I appreciate the option), and the bathroom is spotless—no weird hairs or mysterious stains. The shower pressure? Aggressively good. It practically bullied the travel grime off me. And yes, there’s a kettle. Because a hotel room isn’t a hotel room until you can make tea while staring out at a drizzle-covered city.

What’s Nearby? Everything You’ll Actually Want to See

Step outside and you’re on the doorstep of the National Museum of Scotland, which is free and full of enough weird taxidermy to entertain you for hours. The Grassmarket is a five-minute wander down, packed with pubs that serve proper haggis and live folk music that makes you feel suddenly Scottish. You’ll probably order a whisky you can’t pronounce—just go with it.

For food, you’ve got budget-friendly options like the nearby Tesco Express (great for emergency shortbread) and fancier spots like BrewDog Bar if you want craft beer with your chips. And if you’re feeling brave, try the deep-fried pizza from a chippie—it’s a local rite of passage you’ll either love or regret for a day.

PREMIER INN EDINBURGH CENTRAL (LAURISTON PLACE) HOTEL - Updated 2022

The Noise Factor: City Centre, Baby

Okay, let’s be real: you’re in the middle of Edinburgh, so expect some sound—especially on weekends. I heard a bagpiper outside at 11 PM once, which felt like a surreal Scottish haunting. But the double-glazed windows are thick, and the air-con hums a lullaby that drowns most of it out. Earplugs? Not necessary, but not a bad idea if you’re a light sleeper.

One downside: the walls are thin-ish. I could hear my neighbour enthusiastically discussing their day trip to Loch Ness. “Did you see the monster?” “Naw, but I bought a hoodie.” It was oddly endearing, like a free podcast. Just keep your voice down if you’re sharing spicy secrets.

The Staff: Cheerful, Even at 7 AM

Front desk team was genuinely lovely—not that corporate smile that says “I’ve been trained to be nice,” but actual warmth. When I asked for extra towels, they didn’t sigh or make me fill out a form; they just handed them over with a “no problem, hen.” The breakfast team was equally efficient, pouring tea and refilling the bacon tray like it was a sacred duty. I may have eaten four hash browns. No regrets.

One lad at reception even drew me a little map to a hidden pub—one of those places with no sign, just a wooden door and locals playing darts. That kind of extra mile makes a chain hotel feel like a local spot.

Premier Inn Edinburgh Central (Lauriston Place) Hotel: Bewertungen

The Breakfast: Yes, You Should Add It

I’m usually a “skip breakfast and grab a pastry” traveler, but here? Add the breakfast option. It’s a full buffet—hot items (bacon, scrambled eggs, sausage, beans), pastries, yogurts, and a toaster that works faster than my anxiety. The cooked breakfast is quintessentially British, but the fresh fruit and granola bar will save you if that’s not your jam. Pro move: grab a banana for a mid-walk snack.

Coffee is decent, which is rare for hotel buffets—usually it tastes like burnt regret, but here it’s passable. Just don’t expect artisanal pour-over; this is “get caffeine and go” territory. And that’s fine.

Final Verdict: Perfect for the Practical Traveler

Premier Inn Edinburgh Central Lauriston Place isn’t trying to be a boutique wonderland—it’s a reliable, comfortable basecamp for exploring a fantastic city. You won’t brag about the interior design on Instagram, but you’ll sleep like a log and wake up ready to tackle the next hill. It’s the hotel equivalent of that friend who doesn’t show off but always has clean sheets and good tea.

If you’re after luxury, go somewhere with a spa and £20 cocktails. If you want a practical, clean, central spot that doesn’t break the bank, this is your place. Just bring sturdy shoes for that hill—and an appetite for haggis. You’ll be fine. Honestly, you will.