Junior Suite
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Fireplace
- Bathtub
Hotel · Edinburgh · Edinburgh
Thistle Hotel
A quietly positioned 3-star hotel in central Edinburgh, within walking distance of the castle and Royal Mile, with on-site parking and a welcoming, old-school atmosphere.
- Quiet central location near the castle and Royal Mile
- On-site parking available
- Friendly, helpful staff (Staff rating 8.6)
7.2
Very good
1514 reviews
Booking.com 7.2 · 1514 reviews
About
Thistle Hotel
Thistle Hotel sits on a quiet road in the heart of Edinburgh, about a 12-minute walk from Edinburgh Gin Distillery and within easy reach of the castle and Royal Mile. The building retains original features like sash windows and high ceilings, and amenities include a bar/lounge, luggage storage, and a range of breakfast options.
The hotel offers a mix of room types – singles, twins, triplets, and quadruples – all with private bathrooms and heating. A lounge/TV room and coffee shop add to the relaxed, homely feel, while practical extras like laundry, meeting facilities, and a safe deposit box cover most traveller needs.
- No smoking on site
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- Security
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
4 reasons to book- Quiet central location — Guests repeatedly mention the peaceful road and the easy walk to the castle, Royal Mile, pubs, and bus routes to the airport and zoo. The hotel sits close to St Mary's Cathedral.
- Helpful, friendly staff — Reviewers highlight the accommodating front desk, including staying late for a late arrival, and an owner/manager who is very helpful. The Staff rating category sits at 8.6, the highest of all categories.
- On-site parking — Unlike many central Edinburgh hotels, Thistle provides parking on site, which guests note as a plus.
- Old-building charm — Original features like sash windows, high ceilings, and a cosy bar area give the hotel character, and some rooms offer garden or castle views.
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Worth weighing
4 to weigh- Comfort scores below other areas — The Comfort category rates 5.9, the lowest of all rating categories, suggesting that some guests find the beds or general room comfort not up to the same standard as service and staff.
- Rooms and value are modest — Rooms (6.9) and Value (6.7) and Dining (6.7) all sit below the hotel's overall rating of 7.2. The price point (from £189 per night) may feel high for what is essentially a 3-star property.
- Limited check-in window — Check-in is only from 15:00 to 23:00, which might be tight for late arrivals. However, one guest noted that the receptionist waited beyond official hours, so flexibility is possible.
- No pets allowed — The hotel does not accept pets, which may be a drawback for those travelling with animals.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
Double Room
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
Single Room
- 1 Single bed
- Shower
- Heating
Triple Room
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
Executive Double Room Non-Smoking
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
Twin Room
- 2 Single beds
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
Quadruple Room
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
General
- No smoking on site
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- Security
- Luggage storage
- Key access
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Welcome drink
Food & Drink
- Coffee shop
- Snack bar
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
- Children's buffet
Room Amenities
- Free Wi-Fi in rooms
- Heating
- Sitting area
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
- Electric kettle
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
- Carpeted floor
Services
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
- Cots
- Leisure/ TV room
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 7.2/10 from 1,514 reviews
Booking.com · 7.2 · 1514 reviews
7.2Verified guest“The location is quiet and comfortable, and they have parking on site.”
7.2Verified guest“Rooms on a higher floor were peaceful. High ceilings, coffee-making facilities and a dining area were provided. Prime location right by the castle and the Royal Mile, the main tourist attractions and pubs, and convenient for buses into town and out to the airport, zoo etc. Situated on a very quiet road close to St Mary's Cathedral, I felt safe. Had some takeout meals at La Campagnola, just a short walk from the hotel – I couldn't resist.”
7.2Verified guest“It was small, clean and very well run. The owner/manager was very helpful.”
7.2Verified guest“Hotel staff were very nice. I arrived after business hours, but the lady at reception stayed late waiting for me.”
7.2Verified guest“Like a home away from home – staff so friendly and very convenient.”
7.2Verified guest“The room was spacious and cosy. The unique charm of the old building caught my eye. I loved relaxing in the cosy bar area after a day of sightseeing. The old sash windows provided a good view of the surroundings.”
04 — Location
Getting around Edinburgh
The property sits in Edinburgh.
Around the hotel: The hotel sits on a quiet road in Edinburgh's West End, within walking distance of St Mary's Cathedral. The castle and the Royal Mile are a short stroll or bus ride away, and Edinburgh Gin Distillery is about 900 metres from the front door.
Getting around: Buses from the nearby stops connect to the city centre, the airport, and the zoo, making it easy to explore beyond the immediate area. On-site parking is a plus for drivers.
Eating nearby: Guests mention La Campagnola, a takeaway within walking distance, for a casual meal. The hotel also offers a bar/lounge and snack bar, plus packed lunches for day trips.
59 Manor Place, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH3 7EG, United Kingdom
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 15:00-23:00
- Check-out
- By 11:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Property
- 21 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 15:00 to 23:00, and check-out is at 11:00.
Is parking available on site?
Yes, the hotel has parking available on site.
Are pets allowed at the hotel?
No, pets are not allowed at Thistle Hotel.
Is breakfast included?
The hotel offers a variety of breakfast food, but it is not clear if it is included in the room rate. It's best to confirm with the hotel directly.
Does the hotel have internet access?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in rooms.
What room types are available?
The hotel offers single, double, twin, triple, quadruple, and junior suite rooms, all with private bathrooms and heating.
The bottom line
Thistle Hotel is a sensible pick for travellers who value a quiet, central base and a genuinely helpful team over modern frills. Its old-school character and on-site parking are uncommon advantages in central Edinburgh, while the modest comfort scores and price soften the recommendation for those who prioritise a plush room.
7.2Best for: quiet-centrality seekers, history lovers, and drivers.
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