2,058 reviews
From
$53139 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1JS, United Kingdom
2,058 reviews
1/123
Free wifi
Air conditioning
Bar
Terrace
24-hour front desk
Non-smoking rooms
Live music/Performance
Wheelchair accessible
Welcome to the Stay Central Hotel, a charming 3-star gem nestled in the heart of Edinburgh at 139 Cowgate. Just a delightful 0.3mi stroll from the vibrant city center, this hotel is the perfect base for adventurers eager to explore the rich history and culture of Scotland’s capital. With prices starting from just $53, you can take a break on a budget without skimping on comfort or fun!
Step into the spacious rooms that come equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning and free wifi, while enjoying delightful room service at your convenience. The hotel is adults-only, ensuring a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration. You'll be lured by the enticing aroma of breakfast each morning, setting the stage for your adventures ahead. Don't forget to unwind in the garden, or catch some live music performances while sipping a refreshing drink at the bar!
With over 1,965 glowing reviews, guests rave about the welcoming ambiance and attentive 24-hour front desk service, ensuring that everything you need is just a call away. Stay Central Hotel boasts wheelchair accessibility and an elevator for your convenience, making it easy for everyone to enjoy a seamless experience. So grab your bags, head to Edinburgh, and prepare for an unforgettable stay filled with comfort and excitement!
At Stay Central Hotel, every aspect of your stay is designed to delight and inspire! After enjoying a scrumptious breakfast, why not venture out to explore Edinburgh’s iconic sights? With the enchanting Edinburgh Castle only a stone's throw away, you can capture the spirit of Scotland's storied past. And after a day filled with adventure, returning to your hotel to unwind in the garden is the perfect way to recharge. Whether you're lounging with a book or sipping a cocktail, it's your time to enjoy the serene surroundings.
For those after a lively evening, the hotel’s bar is not to be missed! Sip on expertly crafted cocktails and mingle with fellow travelers or locals, all while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. With live music performances that will have you tapping your feet, expect your evenings to be filled with rhythm and good vibes. And for those ready to get their travel buddies onboard, our spacious dormitory options offer the perfect solution for making unforgettable memories with friends while saving a few pounds!
Now, let’s talk about your accommodations! From cozy single rooms for solo explorers to spacious queen rooms suitable for families, there’s something for everyone. The large executive rooms offer both comfort and elegance, inviting you to relax after a bustling day in the city. Each room is designed with your comfort in mind, offering a cozy oasis that feels like home! So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for a fabulous stay where fun meets comfort at the Stay Central Hotel!
Closest airports
Edinburgh Airport
7.1miDundee Riverside Airport
35.4miGlasgow Airport
48.5miFree wifi
Air conditioning
Bar
Terrace
24-hour front desk
Non-smoking rooms
Live music/Performance
Wheelchair accessible
Elevator
Garden
Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)
Upper floors accessible by elevator
Free toiletries
Show 6 photos
Queen/2 Single Room
1 Queen Size Bed
120 sqft
Wheelchair accessible
x4
+
x3
More details
L Room is 118 square feet and includes either a queen-size bed 150-154 width or 2 single beds 80-130 width plus desk, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities , and safe and is Wheelchair-accessible with a Disability-friendly bathroom.
Show 19 photos
Dormitory, 3 Double/3 Twin
3 Twin Beds
3 Double Beds
325 sqft
Private Bathroom
Wifi
Coffee machine
Flat-screen TV
x9
More details
Welcome to our spacious Private Dormitory Room, perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together. With modern amenities including a private bathroom, coffee machine, flat-screen TV, and air conditioning, you'll have all the comforts of home during your stay. Sleep comfortably in our assortment of bunk beds, twin beds, and double beds, accommodating up to 9 adults.
Show 9 photos
Dormitory, 3 Queen/3 Single
3 Queen Size Beds
430 sqft
x10
+
x6
More details
Dorm is 431 square feet and includes either 3 queen-size beds 150-154 width or 3 single beds 80-130 width plus desk, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities , and safe.
Show 5 photos
Xxl, 2 King Size Beds
2 King Size Beds
1 Bunk Bed
4 Twin Beds
1 Bunk Bed
235 sqft
Private Bathroom
Wifi
Flat-screen TV
Air conditioning
x6
More details
Welcome to the Large 6 Bed Room, perfect for families. With 237 sqft of space, this room offers 2 King size beds, 2 Bunk beds, and 4 Twin beds, accommodating 6 adults. Enjoy a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and more in this spacious and comfortable room.
Show 5 photos
Xxl, 6 Single
235 sqft
Flat-screen TV
Tea/Coffee maker
+
More details
This room contains 6 single beds, and private bathrooms containing a rainfall shower and complimentary toiletries. Guests will find an iPod docking station, flat-screen TV and tea/coffee making facilities in the room.
Show 6 photos
Room - 2 Twin
2 Twin Beds
1 Bunk Bed
1 Bunk Bed
1 Queen Size Bed
235 sqft
Private Bathroom
Wifi
Flat-screen TV
Air conditioning
More details
Show 6 photos
Standard Room
1 Double Bed
2 Twin Beds
195 sqft
Private Bathroom
Wifi
Flat-screen TV
Air conditioning
+
More details
Show 6 photos
Small
1 Double Bed
160 sqft
Private Bathroom
Wifi
Flat-screen TV
Air conditioning
+
More details
Show 5 photos
Quadruple Room
x4
+
More details
Experience the perfect space for a group getaway in our Quadruple Room. Featuring comfortable beds, modern amenities, and a private bathroom, this spacious room provides everything you need for a memorable stay.
Show 10 photos
Large Executive, Doubleortwin
+
More details
Executive
1 Double Bed
+
x3
More details
Executive
Show 15 photos
Dormitory, 6 Bed
More details
7.7
2,058 reviewsCategories of assessments
Cleanliness
Comfort
Location
Facilities
Staff
Value for money
WiFi quality
Breakfast
Featured reviews:
Mandi
9.1
January 2025
Location is amazing, good value for money, we have been visiting this hotel for around 18 years now. The refurb as noticed last time gave it a much needed separate identity to the pub. Beds are comfy, cleaning immaculate, showers are rainfall and feel amazing. Staff are brilliant. We are going to keep coming back 😀
Noticed the lift interior map is fading, would make it look so much fresher in line with the refurb to fix that. Didn't like not knowing where breakfast was going to be served here or Biddy Mulligan's. Would be great if we could be told each day before. Also menu was different at Biddys to Stay Central.
Lisa
9.1
January 2025
Staff were amazing they were so friendly and helpful and really made our trip special! The room was big and clean and very comfy with a fantastic shower. The hotel is in a great location but is next to a pub. I took my 3 children, 2 teens and a toddler, and we were made to feel so welcome and wanted! Everyone was kind and loving to the kids and were actually very supportive to me as a lone parent.
There was a karaoke bar literally behind our bathroom. We stayed over new year so we expected noise and didn't mind the festivities but it was VERY loud. The pub downstairs was busy but we didn't hear a thing from them only the karaoke/cabaret bar.
Emma
10
December 2024
The location is perfect. The room was superb, clean, comfortable everything you could need was provided. The room was cool and trendy with a massive TV with free view, coffee making facilities, even shampoo in the shower and hairdryer AND straighteners! The lobby was so lovely to chill in and the food from next door delivered to your table was delicious and reasonably priced. The guy at reception as we arrived was absolutely lovely, really helpful! The guy as we left literally grunted at us - such a stark contrast.
The room was quite cold - air con range was 21-24, and it was still cold. But they did provide a blanket so that helped with sleeping. Sadly a little noisy from the street with refuse collection but we didn’t hear the club at all.
John
9.1
June 2024
The location was excellent, the main reason I booked this joint. Breakfast was pretty good, all things considered. The staff were excellent in their helpfulness, going over and above to help me when I required assistance.
Room was very small... Bathroom door did not close correctly and did not have a lock. No fridge in the room, so therefore only powdered milk for coffee. Bar downstairs was very noisy, this is not advertised before booking. Large garbage bins being emptied in alley outside window every morning by truck at 3 or 4 am.
Mary
10
November 2024
This was a quirky hotel in an excellent location. Had concerns about possible noise from the street but our room was to the back and as it was mid week we didn’t hear anything from the surrounding pubs. Staff were helpful and pleasant. Breakfast was basic but fresh and more than adequate. Had a nice coffee later and had a luggage room for bags. Shower was excellent and quality toiletries provided also hairdryer and straighteners. Room had large TV games console and Sky box although we didn’t use them. Also tea coffe facility and a few biscuits which was a nice touch. We were in Edinburgh for theatre and some sightseeing so only really in hotel minimal time but would highly recommend this hotel although I suspect at weekends there would be plenty of noise as lots of student accommodation nearby and very late pubs
We were thankfully able to open the windows and we’re grateful we left them open when put even though it was very cold as the room was still quite stuffy so if you like fresh air open your windows
Bente
10
October 2024
GREAT Hotel and so close to The Royal Mile. The name Central is excellent as it's Central to Everytjing.
The breakfast I had the first Morning. And I wasn't the only one. Everything "hot" was less than lukewarm. And a shortage of the beans that didn't get replenished while I was there (almost 2 hours before breakfast was over). I got one of the very last Croissants which never got replenished either, after having run out. TOO overprised too for the £15. they charged.
Hana
8.2
May 2024
Location was absolutely 10/10. You are two minutes away from Royal Mile and the historic centre. Comfy bed, huge bathroom and very nice built in stereo system, we also appreciated that the room had a smart TV where you could watch Netflix and other subscription services. Overall good quality for the money.
Cowgate is an epicentre of nightlife (clubs and pubs) so there’s a lot of noise. Also the three sisters bar is located right next to the hotel so you will get a noise, because quite often they have live music playing late into the night. Nothing a pair of earplugs can’t handle, but if you are noise sensitive do think twice about booking
Kerrie
8.2
December 2024
Very funky and lots of little touches that made it work well. Rooms are a good size although we moved the single beds apart a bit more.
Breakfast was poor. Not much selection and couldn’t get proper coffee as they had no Milk for machine even though there was milk by the cereal. The Scottish breakfast was way too big and the scrambled eggs was watery, bacon tasted as though been cooked hours before. Suggestion would be to make it simpler..offer egg (3 ways) on toast and then bacon/sausage etc as extras.
Leslie
9.1
June 2024
It is a very cool/stylish youthful place. Inside dining area was stylish and welcoming, outdoor bar area/beer garden was gorgeous and sunny, wish I could’ve spent time out there. Our room was amazing! It had an old school ‘table’ arcade video game with Pac-Man, donkey Kong, frogger etc, a huge tv with a video console (didn’t play that), a gorgeous ‘smeg’ mini fridge, nice big shower (great shower) and BIG soft towels, really nice. I didn’t sleep that well though, it was noisy outside and bed might have been firm? Staff were very friendly and helpful - really welcoming.
Breakfast was the biggest let down - it wasn’t served until 8 am (on a Monday!) which I think is late, there weren’t many plates available to use so some people had to wait to get there food, there was no coffee for a long time and hot weather for tea was in a previously used coffee urn, the ‘hot food’ was a small little buffet area… I don’t think it’s worth it unless you’re in a hurry/don’t have time to get breakfast elsewhere but you need breakfast for a busy day.
Elizabeth
8.2
October 2022
The central location is great for getting to Edinburgh Old Town,Castle etc. I walked to South St.David's St. In 20inutes easily to get the airport bus. Note: the fare is £4.50 to Edinburgh Airport ,they DON'T give change and they DON'T take credit cards,so have the exact fare ready. I didn't and had to "donate" an extra £5.50 as I only had a £10 note. It's next door to an excellent bar ? Brewdog? That serves great pizza. There is live entertainment next door.( but that can be a problem....read on...)
On Saturday night the music and singing from the band,fantastic as it was,continued to 2am and I couldn't get to sleep..I would book this hotel again but NOT on a Saturday night.
Attractions
Greyfriars Kirk
0.1miScottish National Gallery
0.3miThe Canongate
0.3miRoyal Scottish Academy
0.3miRoyal Observatory
1.7miEdinburgh Cruise Port at Leith
2.4miRosslyn Chapel
6.5miAberdour Castle
8.5miForth Bridge
8.8miBlackness Castle
13.2miDunfermline Abbey and Palace
13.5miPreston Mill & Phantassie Doocot
20.9miFalkland
21.2miFalkland Palace and Garden
21.2miMelrose Abbey
30.4miAttractions
Greyfriars Kirk
0.1miScottish National Gallery
0.3miThe Canongate
0.3miRoyal Scottish Academy
0.3miRoyal Observatory
1.7miEdinburgh Cruise Port at Leith
2.4miRosslyn Chapel
6.5miAberdour Castle
8.5miForth Bridge
8.8miBlackness Castle
13.2miDunfermline Abbey and Palace
13.5miPreston Mill & Phantassie Doocot
20.9miFalkland
21.2miFalkland Palace and Garden
21.2miMelrose Abbey
30.4miAirports
Edinburgh Airport
7.1miDundee Riverside Airport
35.4miGlasgow Airport
48.5miFree wifi
Air conditioning
Bar
Terrace
24-hour front desk
Non-smoking rooms
Live music/Performance
Wheelchair accessible
Elevator
Garden
Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)
Upper floors accessible by elevator
Free toiletries
Accessibility
Bathroom emergency cord
Toilet with grab rails
Upper floors accessible by elevator
Wheelchair accessible
Activities
Live music/Performance
Live sports events (broadcast)
Nightclub/DJ
Bathroom
Bathrobe
Bathtub or shower
Free toiletries
Guest bathroom
Hairdryer
Private Bathroom
Shower
Slippers
Toilet
Toilet paper
Towels
Bedroom
Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)
Linens
Wardrobe or closet
Cleaning Services
Daily housekeeping
Dry cleaning
Laundry
Entertainment & Family Services
Board games/Puzzles
Evening entertainment
Food & Drink
Bar
Breakfast in the room
Coffee house on site
Fruit
Packed lunches
Snack bar
Special diet meals (on request)
Tea/Coffee maker
Wine/Champagne
Food & drink safety
Breakfast to-go containers
Delivered food covered securely
Food can be delivered to guest accommodation
Front Desk Services
24-hour front desk
Baggage storage
Express check-in/out
Invoice provided
General
Air conditioning
Designated smoking area
Elevator
Facilities for disabled guests
Family rooms
Hardwood or parquet floors
Heating
Hypoallergenic room available
Non-smoking rooms
Smoke-free property
Internet
Free wifi
Kitchen
Coffee machine
Electric kettle
Refrigerator
Living Area
Desk
Sitting area
Media & Technology
Cable channels
Flat-screen TV
Telephone
TV
Video games
Outdoors
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Terrace
Physical distancing
Cashless payment available
Room Amenities
Fan
Socket near the bed
Safety & security
24-hour security
CCTV in common areas
CCTV outside property
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Safe
Smoke alarms
Safety features
First aid kits available
Services
Wake-up service
From 15:00
Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in
Until 11:00
Pets are not allowed.
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Come and go whenever you want
Parking may not be available
Child policies
Children of all ages are welcome.
To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.
Crib and extra bed policies
No capacity for extra beds or cribs.
Cash
Mastercard,
Visa,
American Express
This property does not accept cash.
What's the check-in and check-out schedule at Stay Central Hotel?
The designated check-in period at Stay Central Hotel begins at 03:00 PM. As for check-out, it's before 11:00 AM.
What's the nightly rate at Stay Central Hotel?
For stays at Stay Central Hotel, prices generally start at $53. However, your final rate might differ due to room types and date selections. To know the exact cost, specify your dates.
Which room categories can I book at Stay Central Hotel?
Stay Central Hotel offers a variety of room options. The Quadruple Room accommodates 4 adults with 2 twin beds, 2 bunk beds, and 1 queen-size bed. The Executive Double or Twin Room - Room Only accommodates 2 adults with 1 queen-size bed and 2 twin beds. The Private Dormitory Room can accommodate 9 adults with 9 bunk beds, 3 twin beds, and 3 double beds. Other options include the Double Room for 2 adults with 1 double bed, the Double or Twin Room with 1 double bed and 2 twin beds, and the Large 6 Bed room with 2 king-size beds, 2 bunk beds, and 4 twin beds. Smoking is not allowed in any of the rooms.
What activities does Stay Central Hotel offer?
Guests at Stay Central Hotel can spend their time enjoying the leisure amenities provided by the hotel. The hotel caters exclusively to adults, providing a peaceful and adult-oriented atmosphere for guests to relax and enjoy. The hotel also features live music and performances, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the vibrant local music scene.
In the evening, guests can enjoy the evening entertainment offered by the hotel. Whether it is live performances or other forms of entertainment, guests can unwind and enjoy their evenings without having to leave the hotel premises. For those who love to dance and socialize, the hotel also offers a nightclub with a DJ, providing a lively and energetic atmosphere.
Guests who prefer quieter activities can engage in board games and puzzles available at the hotel. These activities provide a fun and entertaining way to pass the time and bond with fellow guests.
What methods of payment does Stay Central Hotel accept?
Stay Central Hotel accepts Visa, American Express, and Mastercard as the methods of payment. However, cash is not accepted as a form of payment.
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