Grassmarket Hotel Edinburgh > Steps from Castle

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Key details

About the Hotel

94-96 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 2JR

Close to Edinburgh Castle

Great

8.2

8.6

/10

3.9

4.0

Loved by Grassmarket Hotel guests

Central location
Comfortable beds
Spacious rooms
Friendly staff
Delicious breakfast

"The Bluetooth sound system in the room is a nice touch."

namizon from Thailand

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"Loved the little touches of chocolate, sweets, canned drinks, etc."

Janet from United Kingdom

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Location

The Grassmarket Hotel sits at the corner of Grassmarket and Victoria Street, known for its independent businesses, bars, and restaurants. This location places guests just a 2-minute walk from the Royal Mile and offers views of Edinburgh Castle. The surrounding area includes attractions from history to Harry Potter, ghost tours, and shops.

Rooms

Grassmarket Hotel offers 42 well-appointed rooms, accommodating a range of guests from solo travelers to families. Room options include the Comfy Quad, which sleeps up to four people comfortably, as well as Cosy Singles and Snug Doubles. Each room includes luxurious bathroom products, air conditioning, and rainfall showers.

Dining

Guests can enjoy breakfast at Biddy Mulligan's, an Irish bar adjacent to the hotel, featuring a selection of hot foods along with a continental buffet. The breakfast includes bottomless coffee and juice, enhancing the morning experience. The bar offers a cheerful atmosphere with live music and hearty fare throughout the week.

Family-Friendly Accommodations

The Grassmarket Hotel is suitable for families with varying room configurations to suit different needs. The Comfy Quad is particularly favorable for larger groups, providing spacious settings for relaxation. Convenient access to nearby attractions ensures families can easily explore Edinburgh.

Recreation

The Grassmarket area buzzes with activity and offers numerous options for leisure and exploration. From hiking up to Arthur's Seat to visiting local shops, every day brings new opportunities. The location's proximity to famous sites enhances the overall visitor experience.

Highlights

Location: Iconic Grassmarket, steps from the Royal Mile

Rooms: Comfy Quad accommodating up to four guests

Dining: Breakfast at Biddy Mulligan's with unlimited options

Family-Friendly Accommodations: Comfy Quad for groups and families

Must-do experiences

Visit the hidden gems of Victoria Street for unique shops and vibes.
Savor haggis at The Last Drop for an authentic Scottish meal.
Explore the historic Greyfriars Kirkyard, home of Greyfriars Bobby.
Join a guided tour of the Scottish Parliament for stunning architecture.
Experience live music at Sandy Bell's for a taste of local culture.

Location: Perfect

9.6/10Review score

See hotel location on map

Guest Emotional Experience

Shine on SocialsPicture-perfect spot

“Right on the corner of the Grassmarket and Victoria Street, walking distance to most tourist sights you want to visit.”

namizon from Thailand

Strange & UniqueHidden portal

“Also, we had the quirky room that we were calling "Platform 9 3/4" as it was hard to find and not accessible by lift.”

pumuckl

Quiet Nights for Busy DaysPerfectly silent

“We were worried of the noise given how central it was but couldn't hear a thing in our room!”

Faye from United Kingdom

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Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.

Cosy Single Room

2 persons

90 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Snug Double Room

2 persons

100 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Comfy Twin or Double Room

2 persons

140 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Comfy Quad

2 persons

230 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

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Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay

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
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Housekeeping
Laundry
Welcome drink

Dining

Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Children

Children's buffet

Facilities for people with disabilities

Bathroom for disabled

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
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

Grassmarket Hotel Location

94-96 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 2JR

Map view

94-96 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 2JR

City landmarks

Museum

National Museum of Scotland

2200 ft

Landmark

Arthur's Seat hike

1.3 mi

Palace

Palace of Holyroodhouse

1.0 mi

Landmark

Calton Hill

4400 ft

Church

St Giles' Cathedral

2000 ft

Store

Edinburgh Old Town

2100 ft

Monument

Scott Monument

2700 ft

Landmark

Nelson Monument

4800 ft

Landmark

Surgeons' Hall Museums

2600 ft

Botanical Garden

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

1.3 mi

Museum

Museum of Childhood

2500 ft

Landmark

Princes Street

2500 ft

Museum

Dynamic Earth

4700 ft

Museum

John Knox House

2800 ft

Museum

The Museum of the Royal Scots and the Royal Regiment of Scotland

3100 ft

Gallery

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One

1.4 mi

Gallery

City Art Centre

2300 ft

Nearby

Museum

Edinburgh Castle

1500 ft

Royal Mile

800 ft

Gallery

Scottish National Gallery

1400 ft

High Street 2 Warriston's Close

The Real Mary King's Close

1700 ft

Park

Princes Street Gardens

1400 ft

Museum

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

900 ft

Museum

The Writers' Museum

1100 ft

Museum

Gladstone's Land

1000 ft

Square

Grassmarket

700 ft

354 Castlehill

The Scotch Whisky Experience

1000 ft

2 Chalmers Close High Street (opposite Museum of Childhood on Royal Mile)

Brass Rubbing Centre

2000 ft

Cemetery

The Robertson Mausoleum

900 ft

81-83 Grassmarket

Armstrong's Vintage

200 ft

Restaurants

Oink

400 ft

34 Victoria Street 82 Canongate

The Bow Bar

300 ft

80 West Bow

Over Langshaw Farmhouse

100 ft

The Grassmarket Old Town

Castle Rock Chip Shop

200 ft

Rock Chip Shop 87 Grassmarket In Between Greyfriars Kirkyard & The Scotch Whisky Experience

Let Me Eat Too

300 ft

7 Cowgatehead Grassmarket

El Toro Loco

300 ft

60 Grassmarket

Pirlous

400 ft

67 Grassmarket

Grassmarket Cafe

400 ft

86 Candlemaker Row Grassmarket Community Project

Bains Retro Sweets

500 ft

37 Grassmarket

Explore Edinburgh

Explore Grassmarket

Edinburgh Castle

6 minutes' walk

Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, offers stunning views and a rich history, including the Honours of Scotland.

National Museum of Scotland

8 minutes' walk

The museum features diverse exhibits showcasing Scotland's history, culture, and natural environment; free admission is available.

St Giles' Cathedral

8 minutes' walk

St Giles' Cathedral, with its iconic crown steeple, boasts stunning stained glass and rich history, often hosting free concerts.

Princes Street Gardens

5 minutes' walk

Beautifully landscaped gardens near the Old Town, perfect for a leisurely stroll with scenic views of the castle and city skyline.

Arthur's Seat Hike

25 minutes' walk

A rewarding hike up an ancient volcano offering panoramic views of Edinburgh. Ideal for adventurous souls seeking natural beauty.

The Meadows

10 minutes' walk

A large park with green spaces, perfect for picnics or relaxation. It's great for families and hosts seasonal festivals.

Oink

2 minutes' walk

Casual eatery specializing in whole roast pig sandwiches. Popular for its hearty portions and unique flavors, perfect for lunch.

The Bow Bar

2 minutes' walk

Traditional pub known for its extensive selection of ales and cozy atmosphere. Ideal for enjoying local brews and pub fare.

The Stand Comedy Club

12 minutes' walk

A vibrant spot showcasing local and international comedians. Offers nightly shows, providing entertainment for all ages.

The Usher Hall

18 minutes' walk

Iconic concert venue hosting a variety of live performances and events, famous for its acoustics and historic architecture.

Getting around

City Centre

Edinburgh8 min · 2000 ft

Airports

Edinburgh (EDI)21 min · 8.6 mi

Glasgow (GLA)133 min · 54.9 mi

Bus

Bus stop3 min · 700 ft

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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

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP15 per person per day.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

English, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Grassmarket Hotel boasts a superb location right around the corner from Victoria Street, making it easy to explore the city on foot, including Edinburgh Castle. Guests often appreciate the modern and updated rooms found within this vintage building. Breakfast is served in the pub downstairs, offering a simple continental buffet, although some guests have noted that hot breakfast options come at an extra charge. Many find the rooms spacious, and some even include extras like a mini-fridge, tea and coffee facilities with a variety of teas, and even caramel wafers.

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Review score

Based on 1533 verified reviews

8.0/10

Great

81%

Recommend

Location

9.6/10

Staff

9.0/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.2/10

Breakfast

7.4/10

Pros

Great location

Clean room

Cozy room

Modern interior

Cons

Slow breakfast

Lack of privacy

based on 2884 reviews

4/5

Charlotte from United Kingdom

Single

snug double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:February 02, 2026

7/10

a mostly adequate stay

amazing locationfriendly staffsecure receptionsmall roomchewing gumuncomfortable warmth

the location proved amazing. the staff demonstrated consistent friendliness and helpfulness. i felt secure with the 24-hour reception.

the room felt small for two people. i noticed a piece of chewing gum stuck to the floor. the room was uncomfortably warm.

0 Helpful

Luna from Spain

Couple

Snug Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 10, 2026

9/10

helpful staffcentral locationconvenient breakfast

the staff was helpful and friendly. the location was central, close to many attractions. i found breakfast at the pub next door quite convenient (though it's a pub, it worked well).

the lift required navigating a few stairs, made moving luggage slightly inconvenient.

0 Helpful

james from united kingdom

Single

snug double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 02, 2026

8.5/10

central stay

amazing locationmany shopscute staffcomplimentary wafers

the location was amazing. it was near many shops and pubs. the staff at the reception were very cute. i also appreciated the complimentary tunnocks wafers i received upon arrival.

The room was a bit small for the price i paid. It was hard to move around freely.

Rooms

8/10

My snug double room included a double bed and a small en suite bathroom. It had a glass door. the room also featured a small wardrobe with limited space for clothes. I did not like that there was dust on the floor, though.

Facilities

9/10

A pub connected to the hotel operates until 1 am, every night. Earplugs are offered by the hotel due to the noise levels. the hotel has many stairs. Navigating with large luggage was difficult. the pub is next door, though.

0 Helpful

Oscar from Sweden

Single

Snug Double Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 27, 2025

6/10

friendly staffsmall roomall night music

the location was acceptable. the staff were friendly.

the room was far to small. it had barely space for my luggage. i could hear music all night. it was hard to sleep because the noise.

0 Helpful

Justin from Canada

Single

Snug Double Room

4 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:November 10, 2025

9.3/10

Fantastic Location with Excellent Amenities

great locationfriendly staffuseful amenities

I found the hotel to be amazing. The location is FANTASTIC. It is very close to key attractions. The staff were friendly and helpful, they quickly answered all my questions. The room had useful amenities, including a mini-fridge and coffee facilities.

The lift only goes to the first floor. You must then walk some stairs to reach rooms on higher floors.

Dining

9/10

The hotel adjoins a traditional pub that serves a nice hot breakfast. It offers a satisfying selection of both continental options and cooked dishes. The atmosphere is lively and inviting. I REALLY liked it!!!

Rooms

9/10

My room included a desk, crisp sheets, and a large bathroom with an overhead shower. The room was quiet, enabling a relaxing stay without disturbances. There was a large mural depicting local sites on the wall.

Location

10/10

The hotel is situated in a central area, within easy walking distance of many attractions. Public transportation is close by, enabling convenient travel. Many restaurants and cafes are nearby.

Service

9/10

The check-in process was smooth and efficient, with minimal waiting time. Staff were available at all times to assist with inquiries and requests. I received helpful advice regarding local attractions from the staff.

0 Helpful

Liam from Ireland

Single

Comfy Twin or Double Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:September 12, 2025

9.0/10

Convenient stay near attractions

easy accesstrain stationjumpy elevator

the location offered easy access to sites. staff members were helpful with directions. i walked from the train station. plenty of restaurants were nearby.

the elevator made jumpy movements when it started. i also noticed no wash cloths.

Facilities

8/10

reception arranged a taxi for our departure. the ground floor included a lively pub.

Rooms

9/10

my room was clean and included standard amenities. rooms are small, especially on upper floors accessed by stairs. rooms provided views, but sizes varied considerably.

Dining

9/10

breakfast was served at biddy mulligans pub. a 10% discount was available for hotel guests. the breakfast menu included various options and was generally well-received.

Location

10/10

the hotel is centrally located near victoria street. many shops and pubs surround the area. i found popular attractions within walking distance. access to transportation was convenient.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Grassmarket Hotel

Is there a parking facility available nearby?

12 November 2024

Parking is not available onsite at Grassmarket Hotel, which can be a bit challenging in Edinburgh. Guests are encouraged to use the Omni Centre Car Park located at Greenside Row, Edinburgh EH1 3AN. Pre-booking is recommended, and a discount code GMH45 can be used on their website.

Can I store my luggage with you before check-in?

20 March 2025

Absolutely! Luggage storage is available for guests, so feel free to drop off your bags and explore the city before check-in.

Are there any options for breakfast at the hotel?

5 April 2025

Breakfast is served at Biddy Mulligan's, located next to the hotel. Guests can enjoy an unlimited continental buffet along with a selection from the hot food menu, but it must be pre-booked at reception the day before.

What is the best way to get to the hotel from the airport?

14 December 2024

The quickest way to reach the hotel from the airport is to take an Uber or taxi to '94 Grassmarket, EH12JR', which costs approximately £20-30 and takes about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, the Airlink bus 100 takes you to Princes Street, followed by a short walk to the hotel.

Does the hotel accommodate guests with mobility needs?

22 September 2024

Half of the hotel is accessible by elevator, while the other half has rooms accessible only by stairs. It is recommended to request elevator access when booking to ensure a comfortable stay.

Is there a swimming pool available at the hotel?

17 February 2025

Unfortunately, there is no swimming pool at Grassmarket Hotel.

Are hairdryers provided in the rooms?

30 January 2025

Each room is equipped with a hairdryer, along with complimentary shampoo and body wash. Guests can also borrow GHD straighteners for styling needs.

Are there any vegan breakfast options available?

10 March 2025

Unfortunately, there are limited choices for a vegan breakfast. Guests are encouraged to check the menu at Biddy Mulligan's for available options.

Do you allow guests to leave their luggage while they go on excursions?

25 December 2024

Yes, luggage can be stored securely for guests returning from excursions. Just be aware that space may be limited due to the historic nature of the building.

Are gluten-free options available for breakfast?

18 October 2024

Gluten-free alternatives are available as part of the breakfast options. It is advisable to discuss any dietary needs with staff at Biddy Mulligan's for more specific details.