Stay Central Hotel

8.0
Excellent
(557 reviews)

139 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JS, United Kingdom

+44 131 622 6801

Access the hotel social media

Hotel Description

Stay Central Hotel, located at 139 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JS, United Kingdom, offers an exciting and energetic atmosphere right in the heart of Edinburgh. Situated in a lively neighborhood with proximity to iconic attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, this contemporary hotel is ideal for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the culture and vibrancy of Scotland's capital. Guests can easily access the famous National Museum of Scotland, which is just a short walk away, along with numerous pubs, restaurants, and shops that make the Royal Mile one of the city's most beloved streets. The hotel’s funky design offers a mix of modern luxury and casual cool, making it an appealing choice for those seeking both style and comfort during their stay.
Each of the hotel’s rooms features stylish, contemporary décor, complete with en suite bathrooms featuring rainfall showers, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi, providing a comfortable and convenient space for guests. The rooms are designed with relaxation in mind, and a dorm room sleeping 9 guests is also available for those traveling in groups or looking for a more social atmosphere. A Scottish breakfast is offered either in-room or in the dining room, allowing guests to enjoy a true taste of the region before exploring Edinburgh’s many sights.
Among the standout amenities at Stay Central Hotel are its accessible features, 24-hour front desk service, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. For guests looking to unwind, there is an on-site bar offering a wide selection of drinks. While there is no fitness center or spa, the hotel’s location ensures that guests have easy access to Edinburgh's attractions, making it an excellent base for exploring the city.
The hotel’s prime location makes it easy to access Edinburgh's public transportation options, with South Bridge and Edinburgh Waverley train station only a short walk away. Edinburgh Airport is approximately 29 minutes by taxi, ensuring hassle-free connections for those flying into the city. Other popular landmarks, including Arthur's Seat, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the Royal Mile, are all within a short walking distance or a quick taxi ride away.
Stay Central Hotel places guests in the heart of Edinburgh’s bustling cultural scene, offering endless opportunities for exploration. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from historical tours to scenic hikes up Arthur's Seat, which offers panoramic views of the city. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the Royal Mile is lined with quirky shops and traditional pubs where guests can unwind and soak up the local atmosphere.
Nearby, there are several exceptional dining options. Makars Mash Bar, just a short taxi ride away, serves delicious Scottish dishes, while MUMS Great Comfort Food is known for its hearty, home-style meals. For a change of pace, guests can also enjoy Italian cuisine at Vittoria on the Bridge or indulge in French specialties at Le Bistrot. The Outsider Restaurant, located just 4 minutes away by taxi, offers a variety of international dishes.
In conclusion, Stay Central Hotel invites guests to experience the heart of Edinburgh with comfort, style, and convenience. Whether you’re visiting for a short stay or an extended vacation, this hotel provides a perfect blend of modern amenities, exceptional service, and a fantastic location close to all that Edinburgh has to offer.

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. Featured in 23 Best Edinburgh Stag Accommodation & Hotels

2. Walking distance to the National Museum of Scotland and Royal Mile

3. 9 min walk to nearest train station

4. Guests mentioned 'Pub' 49 times

5. Guests mentioned 'nightclubs' 11 times

6. Contemporary rooms with rainfall showers and free Wi-Fi

7. On-site bar with a variety of drinks

8. Accessible features for a variety of guests

9. No pets allowed to maintain a clean environment

10. Scottish breakfast available in-room or in the dining room


10 Exceptional

Location rating

Top sights

Edinburgh Castle
9 min
National Museum of Scotland
4 min
Royal Mile
5 min
Palace of Holyroodhouse
12 min
Arthur's Seat
15 min

Nearest locations

Cafe Andaluz Old Town
1 min
MUMS Great Comfort Food
3 min
Vittoria on the Bridge
3 min
The Outsider Restaurant
4 min
Le Bistrot
5 min
Howies Restaurant
5 min
Whiski Bar & Restaurant
5 min
Makars Mash Bar
6 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Check-in15:00
Check-out11:00
Location rating10
Nearest airportEdinburgh Airport
Travel time to airport29 min

Nightly price (Only for reference price for sample day)

Check-in: Fri, Dec 06
Check-out: Sat, Dec 07
    Bluepillow.com

    $185

    Booking.com

    $191

    Agoda

    $195

    Reserving

    $192

    Vio.com

    $193

    ZenHotels.com

    $193


Location

139 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JS, United Kingdom

Airports:

Edinburgh Airport

Taxi: 29 min

Transit: 37 min

Glasgow Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 19 min

Transit: 1 hr 29 min

Transit:

South Bridge

Walking: 6 min

Haymarket

Taxi: 10 min

Walking: 26 min

Edinburgh Waverley

Walking: 9 min

Forrest Road

Walking: 6 min

Victoria Street

Walking: 8 min


Nearby locations

10

Exceptional Location

Edinburgh Old Town

Lively area with Edinburgh Castle & Scottish Parliament, plus pubs & shops along the Royal Mile.

Top Attractions

Top Restaurants


Amenities and Facilities

Pets

No pets

Services

Front desk

Accessibility

Accessible

Policies & payments

Smoke-free property

Food & drink

Restaurant

Bar

Breakfast

Wellness

No fitness center

No spa

Internet

Wi-Fi

Pools

No pools

No hot tub

Rooms

Air conditioning


Reviews

100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo

4.4

10 reviews

Wonderful
1
Excellent
0
Good
3
Below Average
2
Not Good
4
Cover Image for Kristian Ziegler Kofoed

Kristian Ziegler Kofoed

2/5
Terrible experienceMy stay at this hotel in Edinburgh was nothing short of disastrous. My first room only had boiling water in both the shower and the sink, and the air conditioning blew hot air, making the room unbearable. The power outlets didn’t work. Eventually, after complaining, we were given a new room.The new room was slightly better but still far from acceptable. There was no lock on the bathroom door, and the room was located in another building that turned out to be a bar. This meant constant noise, and every time we needed to get to our room, we had to walk through the bar, where a security guard would grab us by our clothes and yell at us with no respect. We were called animals and told to go to our room and Stay in there. This wasn’t a one-time incident; it happened every day.I informed the receptionist about this terrible treatment, but they just responded with a careless “we know.”This behavior is completely unacceptable, and I strongly advise others to avoid staying here. The hotel staff treats guests terribly, and the facilities aren’t much better.The rooms was modern, and the breakfast was good.

Cover Image for Lucie Winkfield

Lucie Winkfield

1/5
Would not recommend staying here. We found bed bugs in all our beds in the bunk room. The hotel staff were very helpful with moving us to a new hotel and refunding us, but it doesn’t excuse the appalling lack of cleanliness. It’s also extremely loud from the attached bar until 1am. I don’t know where all these positive reviews are coming from!

Cover Image for David Sunshine

David Sunshine

1/5
DO NOT STAY HERE.If this room was half price it would be too much. The only redeeming quality was the room was clean and the staff was moderately friendly, though not super helpful.The noise is unbelievable, our room was shaking until 3 am and we were on the third floor. By no means did I expect a quiet stay for the location, but good lord it was unreal.The lift was broken and we had to carry our luggage up 3 flights. Not mentioned before we headed to the room. The stairs did not connect all the way up so we had to weave through the poorly marked labyrinth to figure out how to get to our room. Felt like a death trap.Our room was insanely hot when we got in and the noise was unbearable with the windows open. The AC took all night to cool the room down.Not sure you could pay me to stay here again. £400 for this room is absolutely absurd. We spent the rest of our stay at the apex Waterloo for £100 less per night and it was 1000x better.

TC

Tina C

5/5
Very excellent experience! Reception is friendly and the hotel has a very good location. It’s convenient to go everywhere. And there is a 24 hours store just next to the hotel! The equipment in the room are also very nice! It has everything. I would recommend my friends to book this hotel.

JB

Jennifer B

3/5
If your looking for a hotel central to all the sights this is it. BUT if you need quiet before 1 am this is not your place and if you happen to get the room (214) with the window facing the industrial trash bins plan on not sleeping until 3 …

Cover Image for Esben Larsen

Esben Larsen

2/5
Terrible Experience with Rude Staff and Poor FacilitiesWe had to change rooms after one night due to no electricity, scalding hot water, and the air conditioning stuck on full heat. When we moved, the receptionist was rude when I asked for an extra duvet, so we ended up sleeping without one for two nights.To reach our room, we had to go through the bar, where the security guard insulted us multiple times, telling us not to come back so he wouldn’t have to see us again. The new room also had issues.If you want a hotel full of problems and unfriendly staff, this is the place for you.

Cover Image for Shushanna Baumann

Shushanna Baumann

1/5
Location is great and that’s about it. They have a bar on the first floor that is extremely loud and we were not able to sleep because of it. People partying on a Wednesday night and loud music was no fun for us. Also, plan things accordingly as under no conditions even for extra charge they will check you in any earlier than 3pm.

l

longjevity

3/5
Location was great, staff were friendly and room clean and large. 4 of us travelling so upgraded to Dorm room which was impressive. …

J

Jet11739288717

3/5
Stay central was fine for what I needed - two nights solo in Edinburgh. The first night, my AC was messed up but was promptly fixed the next morning. Everyone working at the front desk was super nice and helpful. …

Cover Image for Amy C

Amy C

1/5
At check-in, I was met with friendly service and was allowed to put my bag in an unsecured closet in the lobby.My first room wasn’t the greatest, it was decently clean (the floors could've been swept), but the hair straightener (included with the room) was pretty gross and the refrigerator didn't work so I had to throw out food. I had no cell service and the wifi didn't work in the room. After notifying the front desk the next morning with the issues I was told that they would get back to me to get it resolved. I did receive an email later in the day asking that I pack my belongings and tell them my bed preference to switch rooms. I was unable to respond to the email and notified the hotel once I arrived back in town that evening. I was met with an unfriendly front desk staff member and was told that “my stuff might’ve been moved already,” which is alarming. Fast forward to moving rooms, I was given a different room with a working refrigerator, but no hair straightener. Again, I booked this room for those amenities. The second room had mold and significant water damage with very little wifi - I had to go to a certain spot in the room for an okay connection.At checkout, I told the front desk about the lack of a hair straightener (I switched rooms at 9 pm and went to sleep) and was told that I needed to call the front desk to get it. Why would I need to ask the front desk for something that is included in the cost of my room? In the first room it was hard-wired into the wall. I expressed my annoyance with them and went on my way.I received an email later stating I would receive a 10% refund for the inconvenience (it covered the cost of food thrown away), but have not seen that refund come across nor did they respond to my follow-up email asking about it.The nearby pub was the only good thing about this hotel. It's a great place to hang out and drink a pint after a day of sightseeing. I didn't have issues with the noise at night.TLDR; I wouldn't stay here again. I only stayed because my friends booked the hotel based on a recommendation from another friend and they're not avid travelers. Stay somewhere else.