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The Guards Hotel

3.0 star property
Travelers connect to what matters at this Edinburgh gem, where the welcoming bar provides perfect relaxation after days exploring the city's historic treasures

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The Guards Hotel sits in Edinburgh's center, offering travelers a genuine welcome with its intimate bar and complimentary WiFi in every room. Its location earns consistent praise from guests who appreciate being just steps away from Edinburgh Castle.

Reviews

6.4 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Housekeeping

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

View all photos for Luxury Double Room, Ensuite

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Luxury Double Room, Ensuite

Highlights

Heating
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Double or Twin Room with Ensuite

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double or Twin Room with Ensuite

Highlights

Heating
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Single Beds

Single Room, 1 Large Single Bed, Private Bathroom

Highlights

Heating
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Large Single Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Double Bed, Ensuite

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 1 Double Bed, Ensuite

Highlights

Heating
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Double Room

Highlights

Heating
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Triple Room

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Triple Room

Highlights

Heating
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

View all photos for 4 poster Suite

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

4 poster Suite

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Heating
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Separate bath and shower
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed

View all photos for Basic Single Room

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Basic Single Room

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Detached private bathroom
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

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About the area

Located in West End, a neighbourhood in Edinburgh, The Guards Hotel is in a shopping district and near a train station. Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile are notable landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Princes Street and George Street. Check out an event or a game at Murrayfield Stadium, and consider making time for Edinburgh Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed.
Visit our Edinburgh travel guideOpens in a new window
Map
1 Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH12 5DR

What's nearby

  • Edinburgh International Conference Centre - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Dean Village - 7 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Princes Street - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • George Street - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Edinburgh Castle - 16 min walk - 1.4 km

Getting around

  • Edinburgh Haymarket Station - 2 min walk
  • Haymarket Tram Station - 2 min walk
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Black Sheep Coffee - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Jolly Botanist - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Ryrie’s Bar - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Pho Viet - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Platform 5 - ‬1 min walk

About this property

The Guards Hotel

Hotel near Princes Street
Close to Edinburgh Castle and George Street, The Guards Hotel has plenty to offer. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Other perks include:
  • Tour/ticket information
Room features
All guest rooms at The Guards Hotel offer amenities, such as free WiFi.
More amenities include:
  • Electric kettles, heating and daily housekeeping

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • 3 floors
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle

More

  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 10 PM
Late check-in fee for check-in between 10:30 PM and 1:30 AM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests must contact the property for check-in information
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 10 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Cash Breakage deposit: GBP 60 per stay for guests aged under 25 years old

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Late check-in fee for check-in between 10:30 PM and 1:30 AM

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts major credit cards and cash

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

Property is also known as

Guards Hotel Edinburgh
Guards Hotel
Guards Edinburgh
The Guards Hotel Edinburgh, Scotland
The Guards Hotel Hotel
The Guards Hotel Edinburgh
The Guards Hotel Hotel Edinburgh

Frequently asked questions

Is The Guards Hotel pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at The Guards Hotel?

The Guards Hotel doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at The Guards Hotel?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 10 PM. Late check-in is available from 10:30 PM to 1:30 AM for a fee.

What time is check-out at The Guards Hotel?

Checkout is at 10 AM.

Where is The Guards Hotel located?

Located in West End, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Edinburgh International Conference Centre and Princes Street. Edinburgh Castle and George Street are also within 1 mile (2 km). Edinburgh Haymarket Station is only a 2-minute walk and Haymarket Tram Station is 2 minutes.

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Reviews

The Guards Hotel Reviews

6.4

7.0

Cleanliness

8.0

Location

7.2

Staff & service

5.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 33 out of 263 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 89 out of 263 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 64 out of 263 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 44 out of 263 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 33 out of 263 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Iain

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean room, friendly staff, and an excellent location. This no-frills hotel is perfect for a night or two’s stay.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

michael

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Very nice staff members and very walkable to city centre and buses
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Kelly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is an affordable hotel in Edinburgh. It is right across the street from the Haymarket Station. The rooms are small but clean and the staff is super nice and welcoming.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Pam

Liked: Staff & service
This property is an old property that needs renovating. In saying that it was clean and our king room was huge. Khaled checked us in and he was very helpful, friendly and explained everything about the property. It is in a great location but on a main road opposite Waterloo train station. This is why we chose it for 1 night prior to catching a train early the next morning. It’s very inexpensive for the area and needs updating hence the price. I’d recommend it as long as you are not expecting anymore that a 3 star hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

STEWART

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great service after a long journey very easy check in
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was central for every thing we needed
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Yifei

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We did not realise there was no reception, but luckily we checked in before the staff left. Helpful staff. We have to pay cash in full since their card machine was broken? Good location, but can be noisy. Good size room but not comfortable bed.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Lynne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Very close to Haymarket station, so close to transport links.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Romy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
I loved the room. It was huge and beautiful. Just the sanitary facilities could use an update. We had fans and radiators/heaters to use. Close by (1 min walking) was the haymarket tram station. That was very useful and so we were fast in the center.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This property was lovely, and on our last evening we had a lovely visitor in our room upon our arrival home from dinner ... a cat! Most would be bothered by this, we saw it as a sign of good will.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Natalia Ramirez

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very polite. However the place was quite dirty, peanuts on the floor, plenty of hairs on the carpet, the toilet was running water during the day and night. Difficult to sleep with the constant noise. The bed was also unsteady and noisy. There was some spider webs hanging on the ceiling.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Lauren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Affordable, safe, great location

This hotel was worth the low price. Places in Edinburgh are generally super expensive, so this a great option if you're okay with staying somewhere a little less fancy but in a great location. It's a bit out-dated but has lots of character, and it's in a safe, central location (incredibly close to st Mary's Cathedral) and about 20 mins walking from the Royal Mile and all the action. There are good affordable food options nearby as well, and it's a minute from the tram station which was nice because we were hauling around luggage.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

4/10 Poor

Annalie

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
We adored the location and the building was beautiful with a helpful and kind staff but there was a great deal of mold in our room and it felt as though the heat was not on despite the winter weather. Definitely would stay again given the convenience but I may think twice about staying for more than a night or two
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

6/10 Okay

Lorraine

Liked: Staff & service
Had to pay cash for the room. Their CC system had been compromised. Staff- friendly. Beds-Uncomfortable Location-convenient Good area for transportation and dining options.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

6/10 Okay

Deidre

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
One star for location…very easy access to the city. One star for room size and beautiful ceiling. Otherwise disappointing plumbing, tv and drainage on bathroom floor which was non existent. Needs some attention to maintenance.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Beverley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The shower was cold - not hot water and when we got to the room it was cold but I told the receptionist and he provided me with a heater but the hot water was not reported. No receptionist around at 6am for me to report the problem to. Room was comfy and clean. great value for a night in Edinburgh which is expensive.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Jessica

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The bathroom facilities were sub par - the toilet did not flush easily and the shower was lukewarm The bedroom was spacious and lovely, but the bed was not very comfortable. Noisy for sure, but to be expected given its proximity to the tram and train station. City noises - we could definitely live with them (and sleep through them)
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

4/10 Poor

Georgios

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Not too bad, but for sure not good hotel

Very nice building but it calls for renovation. Hair on the shower from previous visitors. Good location. Would not let us in the room, before paying, which was necessarily in cash. No elevator.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

4/10 Poor

Anna

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was in serious need of renovating. Really run down. The reception person was very helpful amiable and accommodating. The room was clean enough but dilapidated. Really old stained carpet and bed supports and broken okd lamshades. Ripped worn stair carpets just really okd and worn in general. It was quiet though.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

An absolute bargain for August!!

For the price we paid during The Fringe Festival it was fantastic value for money. Yes the hotel is tired and in need of refurbishment but it was clean and comfortable enough and was perfect for us to lay our head down after 2 busy Festival days. Only a 15/20 minute walk from the Royal Mile and directly opposite Haymarket Train Station. Lots of shops, pubs and restaurants minutes away from the property. We were able to park 2 minutes away in Distillery Lane using Just Park app. The surrounding area seemed very safe day or night. Finally we were that happy with the hotel and its fantastic price during Fringe month we have booked again for next year already!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

4/10 Poor

Mark

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Basic

We were early for check-in and it took some time to find a member of staff to take our bags for storage. Check-in was smooth and we were forewarned that the hotel were unable to take card payments. The room smelled musty and was dated (in need of modernisation). It seemed that we were in a disabled room with a wet room shower, the position of the toilet meant that only a child could sit on it properly, very little space between it and dividing wall. Apart from tea/coffee making facilities in room the hotel didn't offer anything else The mattress was springy but nonetheless comfortable, Room was a bit noisy from passers by and trams. Overall however, for a one night stay in Edinburgh the location was excellent and it did represent value for money.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Sathiyam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

My 1 night stay in Guards Hotels - St James Palace

It was not so good, except clean bed, soap, clean bathtub and towels rest are below average. Bathroom door remains open as the lock is jammed. Electric kettle was cleaned ages before. No drinking water, Toothbrush/Paste, shampoos, available in the facility. Heater was not working. Other than the above, its big, quite, cosy heritage palace in the heart of Edinburgh. Few steps away from Tram station, Bus stops, Bars, Indian Restaurants, Edinburgh Haymarket Station, etc.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Judi

Staff very nice, baggage storage before check in was great, carpet old, linens clean, would stay again. Excellent location!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

DAVID

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room and facilities were basic but good, other than a slow shower drain. Good job gaurds!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I enjoyed my stay.. nice staff and in an excellent location. I would stay here again, would recommend to others. Ideal for a one or two nights stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025