Stay Central Hotel Edinburgh Exterior photoStay Central Hotel Edinburgh Exterior photoStay Central Hotel Edinburgh Exterior photo
Book through our site
—up to 10% cheaper
than Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From741US$ /night
Check-in
01May2026Select date
Check-out
02May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

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

Location

Stay Central Hotel is conveniently located within a ten-minute walk of The Royal Mile, The Grassmarket, and Edinburgh Waverley Train Station. Situated in the lively Cowgate area, guests have easy access to iconic bars such as The Three Sisters and Biddy Mulligans. The hotel is also close to Edinburgh University Campus and just a short tram ride from Edinburgh Airport.

Rooms

The hotel offers 37 stylishly designed rooms, accommodating from 2 to 9 guests, making it suitable for a variety of group sizes. Room types include configurations labeled S, M, L, XL, and XXL, along with a private dorm that provides spacious accommodations. Many rooms are equipped with SMEG fridges, chill-out sofas, and Bluetooth speakers for added comfort.

Dining

Stay Café serves as the on-site social space where guests can enjoy coffee and collaborate on activities designed to foster new connections. The hotel partners with 'Company Bakery' to offer fresh baked goods daily, including croissants and pain au chocolat made from organic ingredients. Guests can also enjoy drinks in the courtyard or arrange for pizza and cocktails delivered directly to their room.

Entertainment

Enjoy the best of nightlife right next door at The Three Sisters, which features live entertainment and a courtyard for outdoor drinks. Stay Central Hotel is also located within walking distance of Edinburgh's rich bar scene, with numerous pubs and clubs nearby. This appealing location brings guests closer to the lively and social atmosphere of Edinburgh's Old Town.

Group Stays

The hotel serves as an accommodating venue for stags, hens, and group getaways, offering rooms that can be combined for large parties. Guests can request tailored packages for dining, drinks, and entertainment tailored to their events. This setup allows for a stress-free experience, keeping every group's needs in mind.

Highlights

Location: Within a ten-minute walk of The Royal Mile

Rooms: 37 stylishly designed rooms for up to 9 guests

Dining: Fresh baked goods at Stay Café

Entertainment: Live entertainment and vibrant nightlife next door

Group Stays: Tailored packages for stags, hens, and large parties

“The hotel's prime spot near the University district puts you right in the middle of Edinburgh's action. It's a modern, social hub with a lively bar that extends into the courtyard-perfect for groups looking to mingle. Just be aware that the central location means you might want earplugs for a peaceful night's sleep.”
Hotel logo
Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
View all

Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals
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
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
Show all roomsLess

Room rates & availability calendar

See the best prices and book your dates today!

Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking
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
Show more

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
Explore Edinburgh
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
4 minutes walking
A vast collection of Scottish artifacts and exhibitions, showcasing culture, history, and science.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
12 minutes walking
A historic fortress dominating the skyline, offering stunning views and rich history dating back centuries.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Palace of Holyroodhouse
19 minutes walking
The official residence of the monarch in Scotland, featuring lavish rooms and beautiful gardens.
Scottish National Gallery
Scottish National Gallery
11 minutes walking
An impressive collection of art, including works by renowned artists, housed in a grand neoclassical building.
Arthur's Seat Hike
30 minutes walking
A popular hiking spot offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes, suitable for all skill levels.
Yoga Classes at The Meadows
8 minutes walking
Serene outdoor yoga sessions in a park, perfect for relaxation and meditation amidst nature.
Wings Edinburgh
Wings Edinburgh
5 minutes walking
Casual eatery famous for its variety of wings and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for groups and families.
Uncle's Fish & Chips
Uncle's Fish & Chips
6 minutes walking
Traditional fish and chips served in a cozy setting, well-loved by locals for its authentic flavors.
Yum Yum
Yum Yum
6 minutes walking
Offers delightful Vietnamese cuisine with fresh ingredients and a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
10 minutes walking
An interactive experience with amazing optical illusions and stunning rooftop views of Edinburgh.
The Stand Comedy Club
14 minutes walking
Live comedy shows featuring local talent, providing a fun and lively atmosphere for all ages.
Getting around town
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
Looking for early-bird discounts?
Get special discounted rates today!
Check Rates
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:
38
Former name
Tailors Hall

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Stay Central Hotel is appreciated for its central location, a short walk from main attractions such as Victoria Street, Grassmarket, and the Royal Mile. The spacious, clean rooms often include comfortable beds and very good size bathrooms, alongside updated facilities. Some guests have mentioned experiencing noise, particularly from nearby establishments at night, but others found their rooms to be quiet. The hotel's proximity to the Festival Theatre also makes it an ideal spot for theatregoers.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 996 verified reviews
7.5/10
Very good
74%
Recommend
Location
9.2/10
Staff
8.7/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.0/10
Value for money
7.9/10
Pros
Comfortable bed
Helpful staff
Superb location
Clean room
Soft towels
Cons
Lukewarm breakfast
Non-working lift
Guest reviews
based on 996 reviews
7.5/10
based on 1770 reviews
7.9/10
vic from australia
Family with children
xl sleeps up to 4
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 11, 2026
9.0/10

central location perfection

games consolesexcellent showerthoughtful treats
i appreciated the provided ear plugs. the hotel also featured games consoles. the shower was excellent and included hair straighteners. complimentary hot chocolate, fizzy drinks and sweets were also available. i found those small considerations very thoughtful.
the half inch gap around the bathroom door offered limited privacy.
Rooms
9/10
the room was quite spacious and well equipped. it included two double beds and bunk beds. the room was very clean. it also felt quiet.
Service
9/10
The day staff was very friendly. they provided good recommendations for the area. staff was very accommodating as well. I left suitcases there for two days during a tour.
Dining
8/10
breakfast was nice. it offered a simple and satisfying start to the day. the dining area was clean. the staff was attentive.
Location
10/10
the location was super central and easy to reach. the hotel is located near many restaurants and bars. it is also close to many points of interest.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Jordan from United Kingdom
Couple
Small Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 01, 2026
9.0/10

Great location with lively nightlife

fantastic locationcomfy bedsmart tv
the location was fantastic being a short walk to the main attractions. the comfy bed and huge bathroom were great. we appreciated the smart tv, it allowed us to watch netflix. the built in stereo system was nice as well.
the noise levels coming from the connected bar were high i found it hard to fall asleep.
Facilities
8/10
the hotel has a bar connected to it which provides a lively atmosphere. there is also a courtyard that guests are able to access. the front desk offers latte service adding a nice touch.
Location
10/10
the hotel sits two minutes away from the royal mile and the historic center. several cafes and eateries are very close allowing for convenient dining options. the hotel is near many tourist landmarks.
Dining
9/10
the breakfast included a variety of options. complimentary tea and coffee were available which was a nice touch. the on-site pub offers food and drinks adding to the dining convenience.
Rooms
9/10
the room was larger than expected with clean beds. the bathroom was big and beautiful. it also included a large tv with access to streaming services such as netflix and other subscription services.
Service
9/10
staff members were nice and helpful . the front desk made a good latte i appreciated. the staff are young and friendly helping provide a cute environment.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Leo from Germany
Single
Small Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 16, 2025
6/10
main train stationloud club musicclub-like feel
the location was acceptable it was close to the main train station
the noise was terrible every night from friday to monday i could hear loud club music from the pub next door until early morning this made it difficult to relax and sleep i didn't like the club-like feel in the lobby either
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Stay Central Hotel
What is the distance from Stay Central Hotel to the Royal Mile?
Stay Central Hotel is just a 3-minute walk from the Royal Mile.
How far is Stay Central Hotel from Edinburgh Castle?
Edinburgh Castle can be reached in approximately 10 minutes on foot, about 1 km away.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Stay Central Hotel?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
Is there breakfast available at Stay Central Hotel?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 15 GBP.
What dining options are available at Stay Central Hotel?
Guests can enjoy barbecue and snacks at the onsite bar, along with dining options at The Three Sisters bar located nearby.
Which popular eateries are close to Stay Central Hotel?
Nearby restaurants include BrewDog Edinburgh (0.5 km), The Elephant House (0.5 km), and The Outsider Restaurant (0.5 km).
What amenities are available in the rooms at Stay Central Hotel?
Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an iPod docking station, and bathrooms with rainfall-style showers.
What entertainment options are available at Stay Central Hotel?
The hotel offers evening entertainment with live performances, music events, and a nightclub on-site.
What languages are spoken by the staff at Stay Central Hotel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
01May2026Select date
Check-out
02May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room