Holiday Inn Edinburgh Zoo, an IHG Hotel

Holiday Inn Edinburgh Zoo, an IHG Hotel Overview

First Impressions

Walking into the Holiday Inn Edinburgh Zoo, an IHG Hotel, you immediately get that reliable Holiday Inn vibe — but honestly, this one feels a bit more polished than your typical chain property. The lobby’s clean and modern without being sterile, and the staff actually seem to know what they’re doing. I mean, it’s a four-star hotel that doesn’t try to be something it’s not, which I actually appreciate more than places that oversell themselves.

Location & Getting Around

Here’s what’s brilliant about this spot — you’re literally across from Edinburgh Zoo (hence the name), which is perfect if you’re traveling with kids or just love animals. But what really sold me on the location is how well-connected it is to central Edinburgh without being in the thick of tourist chaos. The Corstorphine Road location means you can hop on a bus and be at Edinburgh Castle in about 20 minutes, or you know what, just grab one of the taxis that cruise this route regularly. There’s also parking right at the hotel, which honestly is a godsend in this city where finding a spot can be a nightmare.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in was exactly what you’d expect from a well-run Holiday Inn — comfortable bed, decent-sized desk if you need to work, and a bathroom that’s actually functional. Nothing fancy, but everything works properly, which is more than I can say for some boutique places I’ve tried. The windows are properly soundproofed too, so you won’t hear the road noise from Corstorphine Road, and the air conditioning actually keeps the room at the temperature you set it to.

Breakfast & Dining

The breakfast setup here is actually pretty impressive — they’ve got the full Scottish breakfast sorted, plus continental options, and they’re surprisingly good about dietary restrictions. I watched them handle gluten-free requests without making it feel like a big production, which tells you something about how they train their staff. The restaurant area gets busy around 8 AM (especially on weekends), but the buffet is well-stocked and they keep everything fresh. Pro tip: if you’re heading to the zoo, fuel up here first because the food options across the road are pretty limited and overpriced.

Why Guests Love It

What really makes this place work is that it knows exactly what it is — a solid, dependable hotel that gets the basics right. Couples seem to particularly love it here (the location scores consistently high with them), probably because you get that neighborhood feel without sacrificing access to the city center. The staff remember your name after a day or two, the Wi-Fi actually works throughout the building, and there’s something refreshing about a place that delivers exactly what it promises. It’s not trying to be the most Instagram-worthy spot in Edinburgh, but if you want a comfortable base for exploring the city — especially if Edinburgh Zoo is on your list — this place just works.

Facilities