Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Leith

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Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg Beds photo

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg Interior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Britannia Way, Ocean Drive, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ

Close to the waterfront

Great

8.1

8.5

/10

4.0

4.2

Loved by Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg guests

Comfortable beds

Friendly staff

Delicious breakfast

Convenient location

"As a Coeliac, I have to eat gluten free and was really pleased to see a separate toaster, gluten free bread, porridge and cornflakes."

Lynne from United Kingdom

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"The tram was another bonus to our holiday"

martinrmn from United Kingdom

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"Clean, comfortable stay perfect for Royal Brittania visit and close to city centre via a tram ride."

Christine

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3-star hotel with free breakfast next to Royal Yacht Britannia and Ocean Terminal

Location & Transport

The hotel is situated directly across from the Ocean Terminal shopping centre and the Royal Yacht Britannia, within walking distance of Leith's bars and restaurants. A tram stop right outside provides service to Edinburgh city centre in approximately 18 minutes and direct access to Edinburgh Airport in under an hour. The property is less than 2.5 miles from Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and Edinburgh Waverley Rail Station.

Rooms & Amenities

Guest rooms include a work desk, power shower, wall-mounted TV with Freeview, USB charger ports, and an iron with ironing board. Family rooms are available with sofa beds, and the hotel offers accessible rooms with disability access. All rooms have air conditioning and tea and coffee making facilities.

Dining & Breakfast

A free Express Start buffet breakfast is included in the room rate, offering continental items plus hot options such as scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, and beans. The hotel bar serves coffees, teas, premium spirits, craft beers and world wines, with pizzas available 24 hours a day. An all-day dining menu includes paninis, soup, and burgers.

Business & Connectivity

Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel for both leisure and business guests. The property has a 24-hour reception with luggage assistance and express check-in/check-out. Business travellers benefit from proximity to the city centre and direct tram connections.

Pet-Friendly & Sustainability

The hotel operates a comprehensive pet-friendly policy with designated areas for guests travelling with animals. Sustainability is addressed through the IHG Green Engage system which tracks energy and water usage. On-site parking is available for a fee, with a machine in the foyer for easy payment.

Highlights

Location: Across from Royal Yacht Britannia & Ocean Terminal

Breakfast: Free Express Start buffet with hot and cold items

Transport: Tram stop directly outside for city and airport

Rooms: Family rooms with sofa beds and air conditioning

Business: 24-hour reception and free WiFi

Sustainability: IHG Green Engage system

“The Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront is a practical choice for those prioritizing location and value; the tram stop right outside whisks you into the city center with ease. I appreciate the reliably clean, modern rooms and IHG's commitment to sustainability, though some rooms can pick up street noise. Included breakfast seals the deal for a no-fuss Edinburgh stay.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels

Location: Great

8.5/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningFresh and Plentiful

Breakfast offered a great selection of hot and cold items, replenished frequently. The buffet was included and adequate.

Oliver from England

Review on

Guest ParkingEasy Parking

Overnight parking is available. There's also parking across the road, plus a discount from the hotel.

Rajesh from India

Review on

BedroomSuper Comfortable!

The king-size bed was extremely comfortable. I slept so well in the comfy bed, better than other places.

Naomi from Canada

Review on

Media & EntertainmentStay Connected

Free Wi-Fi was easy to access and adequate for surfing the web. Lots of devices can connect to it.

Kenji from Japan

Review on

Select your room type

The hotel provides many room choices—family rooms, doubles, and pet-friendly suites—with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers

Room allocated on Arrival Hot
2 persons
11 m²
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Standard Twin Room Hot
2 persons
11 m²
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Standard Double Room Hot
2 persons
12 m²
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details

Show all rooms

Rates & availability calendar

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August 2026 - August 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Hotels feature amenities designed to keep both you and your pet comfortable

Facilities: Great

8.1/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Lift
Vending machines
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Housekeeping
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Children

Cots

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries
Sink

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront, the dining options promise delightful culinary experiences for every guest. Enjoy a casual yet inviting atmosphere that caters to diverse tastes, featuring all-day dining and a stylish bar to unwind after a day of exploration.

Restaurant #1
Casual dining with a focus on comfort foods
Ambiance
Family-friendly setting with a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for groups and gatherings
Key Offerings
Indulge in light bites like pizza and nachos, alongside hearty favorites such as chicken wings, burgers, and curries
Reservation
Not needed
Open daily from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM for lunch and dinner, with good and simple breakfast options available each morning

Location

Britannia Way, Ocean Drive, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ

Explore Edinburgh

Explore Leith and Beyond

Royal Yacht Britannia

5 minutes' walk

The former floating royal palace offers audio tours revealing fascinating royal history.

Ocean Terminal

6 minutes' walk

A shopping and leisure destination with views of the docks, featuring various shops, restaurants, and a cinema.

Trinity House Maritime Museum

10 minutes' walk

A museum showcasing the maritime history of Leith with intriguing exhibits and historical artifacts.

Calton Hill

30 minutes' walk

An iconic viewpoint offering stunning panoramas of the city and notable monuments like the National Monument.

Water Sports at Leith

6 minutes' walk

Kayaking and paddleboarding are available at Leith, perfect for adventure seekers of all levels.

Yoga on the Shore

10 minutes' walk

Relaxing yoga classes on the beach provide a rejuvenating experience along Portobello's scenic coastline.

Fit Food Bistro

6 minutes' walk

A health-focused restaurant offering delicious wraps and smoothies, accommodating vegetarian and gluten-free diets.

Mr Nicks

4 minutes' walk

A cozy eatery known for its burgers and local beers, providing a warm atmosphere perfect for casual dining.

Leith Theatre

12 minutes' walk

A historic venue featuring live performances, with events ranging from concerts to local productions.

The Shore Bar

10 minutes' walk

A vibrant pub offering a selection of craft beers and regular live music nights, catering to all ages.

Local transport and travel tips

City Centre
Edinburgh 5 min · 3.3 km
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI) 26 min · 17 km
Glasgow (GLA) 140 min · 93.2 km
Train
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station 5 min · 3 km

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site at true.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

At the hotel Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Languages

English, Czech, Hungarian, Polish

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

127

Former name

holiday inn express edinburgh - leith waterfront, an ihg hotel

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests consistently highlight the hotel's prime location, conveniently close to the tram line for easy access to Edinburgh city center. The modern and clean rooms, often described as spacious, feature comfortable beds and well-equipped bathrooms, complete with nice Dove toiletries. A delicious and complete breakfast is included, though some guests have noted occasional crowding during peak hours. The hotel's proximity to Ocean station is appreciated, offering straightforward connections to both the city center and the airport.

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Review score

Based on 2815 verified reviews

8.0 /10

Great

83 %

Recommend

Staff

8.9/10

Free WiFi

8.6/10

Breakfast

7.6/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.7/10

Pros

Comfortable bed

Helpful staff

Good breakfast

Good location

Useful desk

Cons

No heating

Limited menu

Unhelpful map

Victoria from United Kingdom

Family with children

Standard Double Room Hot

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 31, 2026

9.0/10

Fantastic Stay at Leith Waterfront!

friendly staff tasty bacon convenient parking

The team WAS friendly and helpful, especially the front desk agent. She was very charming. I enjoyed the super tasty quality of the bacon and sausage available during breakfast. The location felt very convenient with easy parking.

I found the appearance a tad shabby. Some signs needed cleaning. I saw broken slates on the front roof. Screening the bins is also a plus.

Dining

9/10

The breakfast included a good choice of food. I enjoyed the tasty bacon and sausage. The toast bread available was not the usual pan loaf. It felt a better option. The hotel offered some menu items with a free drink.

Rooms

8/10

My room was air-conditioned and situated on the fourth floor. It overlooked the Leith harbour. The room included ironing equipment and tea and coffee facilities. I appreciated having two pillows on the bed.

Location

10/10

The hotel provided easy access to public transportation. A tram service runs regularly taking you to the city and the airport. I found many restaurants and wine bars within a short walk from the hotel.

Facilities

9/10

The hotel offered easy parking. The checking in process felt smart. I appreciated the professional and polite staff that i encountered. A lift is available for easy access to all floors.

0 Helpful

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Grace from United Kingdom

Family with children

Standard Double Room Sofa Bed Hot

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 27, 2026

9/10

A heartful LEITH waterfront stay

tram station varied selection warm service

the location NEAR the tram station proved wonderfully convenient for exploring. i FOUND the breakfast included A DELICIOUS and varied selection. The friendly STAFF offered genuinely warm, helpful service.

0 Helpful

Jessica from United Kingdom

Standard Double Room Hot

3 nights in December 2025

Reviewed: January 05, 2026

6/10

small room bacon shortage

The room was a little TOO compact. There wasn't a desk to do my makeup. The breakfast was manic. They knew it was busy, but bacon was missing. this IS quite annoying

0 Helpful

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FAQs

About Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg

Which landmarks are closest to the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg?

Guests of the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg can visit Sir James Young Simpson Monument (approximately a 5-minute stroll from the accommodation), or Royal Yacht Britannia placed 10 minutes' walk away.

What is the closest airport to the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg?

Edinburgh airport is located within a 25-minute drive (20 km) from the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg.

Can we park our car at the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg?

Guests of the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg can take advantage of a car park.

At what time can I check-in at the Edinburgh inn?

At the Edinburgh inn, you can check in from 15:00 till 23:59.

At what time can I check-out at the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg?

You can check out of the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg from 11:00 till 11:00.

What are the booking prices at the inn?

The prices at the inn start from £257.

What payment methods are available in the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg?

At the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg, you can pay using Visa, American Express, and Diners Club.

What kinds of rooms does the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg offer?

The Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg offers such room types as Standard Twin Room, Standard King Room, and Standard Double Room.

Does the staff at the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg speak any foreign languages?

Yes, the staff of the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg will help you in Czech, Polish, English, and Hungarian.

Which facilities are provided in the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg?

Top locations of the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront By Ihg include a restaurant and a lobby area, whereas guests' safety will be ensured with a safe deposit box and 24-hour security service.