THISTLE HOTEL, Edinburgh – A Smart Stay in the City
About the Hotel
Rooms & Amenities
The Edinburgh Thistle Hotel offers 16 individually designed en-suite rooms in a classical Georgian building. Room types include Single, Twin, Double, Executive Double, Triple, Quad, and Junior Suite. Two rooms feature views of Edinburgh Castle. All rooms have HD digital TVs, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee makers, digital safes, and hairdryers. Beds are king-size or super king-size with synthetic duvets. Some rooms include sofa seating or sleigh beds.
Dining & Drinks
The Manor Lounge Bar serves single malt whiskies, beers, wines, and cocktails, with a wood-burning stove in winter. Breakfast options include a full Scottish breakfast with bacon, sausages, and black pudding, or a continental breakfast with croissants, fruit, and juices. Breakfast-to-go is available for early departures. Live sports events are shown on large TV screens.
Events & Business
The Manor Lounge can host meetings, parties, or small exhibitions for up to 20 people. Corporate rates are available for extended stays. The hotel is a 15-minute walk from Murrayfield Stadium, popular during rugby events. Live sports broadcasts include football, golf, and tennis.
Location & Transport
Located in Edinburgh's West End, the hotel is a 5-minute walk from Haymarket Train Station and a 15-minute drive from Edinburgh Airport. Trams run every 8-12 minutes from the airport. Nearby attractions include Edinburgh Castle (2 km), Princes Street (1.5 km), and the Royal Botanic Garden (2.5 km). Parking costs £20 per night, with free options a 20-minute walk away.
Festivals & Activities
The hotel is close to major events like the Edinburgh International Festival, Hogmanay fireworks, and the Royal Highland Show. The Edinburgh Art Festival and Imaginate Festival for children are also nearby. During rugby weekends, the bar is lively with fans. Golf fans can attend the Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club.
Choose the Room
Check Dates & Room Rates
Getting around
All Transportation Options at a Glance
Amenities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- Security
- Luggage storage
- Coffee shop
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Welcome drink
Dining
- Snack bar
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Children's buffet
Spa & Leisure
- Leisure/ TV room
Room features
- Wi-Fi in rooms
- Heating
- Sitting area
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
Guest Ratings & Reviews
My stay at the hotel was a mix of highs and lows. The room was spacious with a lovely view of the castle, but felt outdated. However, it was clean, comfortable, and exactly as advertised. The service was exceptional, especially during a difficult time, but there was an incident of intrusion. The location, though a bit of a walk from the main street, was peaceful, close to the cathedral, and convenient for exploring the city. The dining options were limited and somewhat disappointing, but the facilities were adequate for a comfortable stay.
The hotel was simple, clean, cosy, and quiet, but the rooms were a bit small with rubbish sticking to our feet. The service for breakfast was not overly helpful initially but improved later. The location was great, close to the city center and public transport options, but had some darkness at night. The dining experience was poor with limited options. Overall, a decent stay with some drawbacks.
My stay at the hotel was a bit of a mixed bag. While the rooms were clean, they were a bit run down and tired-looking, not what I expected from the website. The location was good, though a bit of a walk from the main street, and the dining experience left much to be desired with a poor selection and hard bread.
The hotel is in a good location, convenient for exploring the city with helpful staff. The rooms are small but clean and well-equipped, although cleanliness in common areas could be improved. The dining options are average, and the breakfast could be better. Overall, a decent value for money stay.
The hotel offers a mixed experience with spacious but worn-out rooms and friendly service. The location is convenient but needs modernization. The dining options are limited, but the facilities are decent.
The hotel was cozy and lovely, with a minor downside of my room facing a wall. Despite that, the overall experience was pleasant, and I'm planning to return in September. The location in the west end of Edinburgh near the train station was convenient, but next time, I might explore other options due to the pricing concerns.
The hotel's location is excellent, with easy access to main tourist attractions and a quiet street in the West End of Edinburgh. The rooms are comfortable, but the proximity to the kitchen extractor fan might disrupt the stay. The service is friendly and helpful, enhancing the overall experience. Dining options could be more varied, leading to dining out as an alternative. Overall, a good value for a stay in a convenient location.
I had a wonderful stay at the hotel. The rooms were spacious, quiet, and well-furnished, with a large comfortable bed. The staff was incredibly friendly and went out of their way to make my stay enjoyable. However, the room could benefit from double glazed windows. The hotel is in a nice area within the West End of the City, with many restaurants nearby.
I had a mixed experience at the hotel. The room was big and clean, but surprisingly, it was covered in dust and in a bad state of repair. The service was friendly and kind, especially Becky who was very helpful. The location was convenient, within walking distance of the city center but I had some issues with parking. The dining options were excellent, providing just what I needed, but the facilities were lacking in maintenance.