Market Street hotel

Market Street hotel Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to the Market Street hotel on a crisp Edinburgh morning, I honestly wasn’t expecting much from the narrow Georgian building tucked between shops on this busy Old Town street. But you know what? Sometimes the best surprises come in understated packages. This four-star property sits right in the thick of things — I mean, you’re literally steps from the Royal Mile and all the tourist chaos, but somehow the hotel manages to feel like a calm retreat once you step inside.

Location Perfection

Here’s the thing about staying in Edinburgh’s Old Town — location is everything, and this place absolutely nails it. You can roll out of bed and be at Edinburgh Castle in about five minutes, or wander down to Princes Street for shopping without breaking a sweat. What I really loved was how easy it made exploring the closes and wynds (those narrow medieval alleyways) that most tourists miss. The Royal Mile gets all the attention, but honestly, some of the best pubs and hidden gems are just around the corner from the hotel. Plus, if you’re traveling as a couple, you’ll appreciate how walkable everything is — no need for taxis or buses when the whole historic center is your playground.

The Room Experience

My room was compact but thoughtfully designed, which is pretty much what you’d expect in a historic building like this. The windows looked out onto Market Street itself, so there’s a bit of street noise during the day, but it dies down in the evenings. What impressed me was the attention to detail — good lighting for reading, plenty of outlets for charging devices, and a bathroom that actually felt spacious despite the building’s age. The bed was comfortable enough that I didn’t wake up feeling like I’d been wrestling with medieval torture devices, which honestly can be hit or miss in older Edinburgh hotels.

Neighborhood Vibes

Being right on Market Street means you’re in the heart of Old Town’s daily rhythm. There’s a great little restaurant practically next door, and the famous Deacon’s House Café is just a short stroll away if you want proper Scottish breakfast. I actually enjoyed the morning walk to grab coffee — you pass by St. Giles’ Cathedral and can peek into some of the shops that cater more to locals than tourists. The area feels authentically Edinburgh, not like some sanitized tourist bubble. Evening walks back to the hotel were particularly nice, especially when the castle is lit up and you can see it perfectly from various points along the street.

Why Guests Love It

Look, this isn’t the fanciest hotel in Edinburgh, but it gets the fundamentals right in a way that matters. The staff actually knows the neighborhood and can point you toward things you won’t find in guidebooks. The building has character without feeling like it’s falling apart, and the location score speaks for itself — couples especially seem to love how easy it makes romantic evening strolls through the Old Town. For the price point and the location, it’s honestly hard to beat if you want to be in the center of everything without paying Royal Mile premium prices.

Early hotels booking in Edinburgh secures castle-view suites, backstage theater passes, and private ghost walks through centuries-old closes.

Facilities