Your stay — Menzies
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The Property — Menzies
The Menzies hotel in Edinburgh is a 3-star gem that exudes a warm, inviting atmosphere, with a nautical theme that echoes the city's maritime history. The lobby's dark wood paneling and plush furnishings create a cozy ambiance, while the friendly staff ensure a welcoming stay. This hotel is perfect for budget-conscious travelers looking for a comfortable base to explore the city's historic Old Town and Royal Mile. The hotel's central location and reasonable prices make it an excellent choice for families and solo travelers alike.
Chronicles of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, was founded in the 2nd century AD by the Votadini tribe, with the Romans later establishing a military settlement in the 1st century. The city's medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been shaped by its rich history, from the 12th-century Edinburgh Castle to the Georgian New Town's elegant architecture. Today, Edinburgh is a cultural hub, hosting the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world, which draws millions of visitors each year. The city's cultural identity is a unique blend of Scottish heritage and international influences, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs, artists, and foodies.
Best Time to Visit
Full Edinburgh guide →Best months
June and July are ideal months for a visit, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 17°C to 22°C (63°F to 72°F) and manageable crowds. The summer months offer long days, with up to 18 hours of daylight, allowing you to explore the city's many attractions without feeling rushed.
Peak / festival surge
August is the peak month, driven by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which attracts millions of visitors. Hotel prices surge during this time, with prices often doubling or tripling their usual rate. The festival's vibrant atmosphere and world-class performances make it a must-visit experience, but be prepared for the crowds and higher prices.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are the best budget shoulder months, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. You can enjoy the city's attractions without the peak-season prices, and still experience the city's cultural events, such as the Edinburgh International Children's Festival.
Weather & packing
Edinburgh's climate is known for its unpredictable weather, so be prepared for sudden rain showers. Pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, to ensure a comfortable stay, and don't be afraid to bring a hat and umbrella, even in the summer months.
Live City Briefing — Edinburgh
- The Waverley Station redevelopment is currently underway, with improved accessibility and transportation links to the city center. The National Museum of Scotland has recently opened a new exhibit on Scottish history and culture, which is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The city's tram network is expanding, with new routes and stops being added, making it easier to get around the city without a car.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Menzies, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor, ideally above the 4th floor, to minimize street noise from Leamington Terrace. The hotel's lift is located on the ground floor, so rooms on higher floors will have less noise from lift traffic. Additionally, consider requesting a room facing the side or rear of the hotel to avoid noise from the street.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the ground floor, especially those near the lift, may be noisier due to foot traffic and lift operation. Also, rooms near the service entrance or bar area might experience some noise, especially during peak hours.
Best views
Rooms facing the front of the hotel (Leamington Terrace) will have a view of the city streets, while rooms facing the side or rear will have a view of the surrounding buildings or rooftops.
Quietest floors
Floors 5-7 are likely to be the quietest, considering the hotel's layout and the street noise from Leamington Terrace.
🔊 Noise notes
Leamington Terrace is a relatively quiet street, but it can get busy with foot traffic, especially during peak tourist season. The hotel's location in a residential area means some noise from nearby residents and occasional street events is possible.
Insider tips
Take advantage of the hotel's proximity to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh by asking the staff for a room with a view of the gardens. Request a room with a bath if you prefer a more traditional Scottish experience, as many of the rooms have en-suite bathrooms.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Menzies
free throughout, 100 Mbps, no login constraints
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
digital newsstand (PressReader) on rooms' TVs, plus The Scotsman (physical) in lobby
15:00, 08:00 early bag-drop, £20 late check-out fee
available 24/7, £5 per bag per day
step-free access, wheelchair entries at main entrance, some rooms wheelchair accessible
on-site parking available, £15 per night; nearest public car park at nearby Bruntsfield Place, £5 per hour; no EV charging on site
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: £20 advance deposit + £50 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Bruntsfield Evangelical Church (133 m · ~2 min walk)
- Church: Gilmore Place Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland (289 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Barclay Viewforth Parish Church (386 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Barclay Viewforth Parish Church (386 m · ~5 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Waverley Market — 2.4 km · ~30 min walk
Bruntsfield Links — 524 m · ~7 min walk
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
King's Theatre — 569 m · ~7 min walk
Football area — 587 m · ~7 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 309 m · ~4 min walk
Bruntsfield Pharmacy — 347 m · ~4 min walk
Londis — 302 m · ~4 min walk
Haymarket — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →British Pound Sterling, GBP
You can exchange currency at Travelex or other bureau de change at Edinburgh Airport, but rates are generally poor; for better rates, use a cash machine or exchange at a local bank. Be aware that cash machines may charge a fee.
Most places in EH10 accept contactless payments, credit/debit cards, and mobile payments like Apple Pay; some small shops may only accept cash.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% in restaurants and pubs is considered polite; for taxis, rounding up the fare or leaving 10% is sufficient; hotel staff do not expect tips.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical coffee costs around £2-£3 from a high-street chain or independent café.
A filling lunch at a sandwich shop or cafe costs around £5-£7.
A budget-friendly dinner at a pub or restaurant costs around £10-£15 for a main course.
The area around Bruntsfield Links is a hub for affordable street food and cafes.
Asda, Sainsbury's, and Tesco are common supermarket chains in the area.
You can find affordable high-street brands at the nearby Fort Kinnaird Retail Park or at the local markets.
A day pass for public transport costs around £4.50, and the cheapest way to get from the airport is by tram (£6) or bus (£4.50).
Buy a reusable coffee cup to save money on takeout coffeeUse cashback apps like Nectar or Boots Advantage to earn rewards on your purchasesWalk or cycle around the area to explore and save on transport costs
Good to know — Edinburgh
Type G · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ £0.75 · GBP
Emergency Contacts
Edinburgh999 (or 112 from a mobile phone)
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Edinburgh, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Menzies
🕒 Check-in is from 15:00. Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 309 m · ~4 min walk — pharmacy · Bruntsfield Pharmacy — 347 m · ~4 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Waverley Station / City Centre → Princes Street / Royal Mile area
💡 Perfect for local transit once in city. Modern, accessible, connects main attractions. Hotel is walkable from tram stops.
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) → The Scotsman Hotel, Royal Mile
💡 Pre-book for better rates. Black cabs are iconic but metered taxis can be cheaper. Hotel can arrange pickups.
Edinburgh Airport → Waverley Bridge / City Centre
💡 Most economical airport transfer. Buy Ridacard for unlimited city bus travel. Buses to hotel area are frequent.
Edinburgh Airport (via airport link bus to Waverley) → Waverley Station (250m from hotel)
💡 Excellent for day trips (Glasgow, Stirling, Borders). Station is 5-minute walk to The Scotsman Hotel on Royal Mile.
About Edinburgh
Wikipedia ↗
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and one of its 32 council areas. It is located in southeast Scotland and is bounded to the north by the Firth of Forth and to the south by the Pentland Hills. Edinburgh had a population of 506,520 in 2020, making it the second-most-populous city in Scotland ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Menzies?
Request a room on a higher floor, ideally above the 4th floor, to minimize street noise from Leamington Terrace. The hotel's lift is located on the ground floor, so rooms on higher floors will have less noise from lift traffic. Additionally, consider requesting a room facing the side or rear of the hotel to avoid noise from the street.
Which rooms should I avoid at Menzies?
Rooms on the ground floor, especially those near the lift, may be noisier due to foot traffic and lift operation. Also, rooms near the service entrance or bar area might experience some noise, especially during peak hours.
Is Menzies noisy?
Leamington Terrace is a relatively quiet street, but it can get busy with foot traffic, especially during peak tourist season. The hotel's location in a residential area means some noise from nearby residents and occasional street events is possible.
Which rooms have the best views at Menzies?
Rooms facing the front of the hotel (Leamington Terrace) will have a view of the city streets, while rooms facing the side or rear will have a view of the surrounding buildings or rooftops.
What are insider tips for staying at Menzies?
Take advantage of the hotel's proximity to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh by asking the staff for a room with a view of the gardens. Request a room with a bath if you prefer a more traditional Scottish experience, as many of the rooms have en-suite bathrooms.
What time is check-in at Menzies?
Check-in at Menzies is from 15:00. Check-out is by 11:00.
Does Menzies have Wi-Fi?
free throughout, 100 Mbps, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Menzies?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Menzies?
A filling lunch at a sandwich shop or cafe costs around £5-£7.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Menzies?
A day pass for public transport costs around £4.50, and the cheapest way to get from the airport is by tram (£6) or bus (£4.50).
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
June and July are ideal months for a visit, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 17°C to 22°C (63°F to 72°F) and manageable crowds. The summer months offer long days, with up to 18 hours of daylight, allowing you to explore the city's many attractions without feeling rushed.
Top Attractions in Edinburgh
💡 Free guided tours run at 11am and 3pm. The basement cafe has the cheapest lunch on Princes Street.
💡 Head to the rooftop terrace for a clear view of the castle. The cafe does a decent bacon roll for under a fiver.
💡 Look for the grave of Thomas Riddell—J.K. Rowling borrowed the name for Tom Riddle. Ask at the art gallery next door for the map of notable graves.
💡 Start at the path behind Holyrood Palace. Avoid the grass if it's wet—it gets treacherously slippery.
💡 The glasshouses are free but ask at the ticket desk for a timed pass. The café does decent scones for under £3.