voco Edinburgh – Haymarket, an IHG Hotel

voco Edinburgh – Haymarket, an IHG Hotel Overview

First Impressions

Walking into voco Edinburgh – Haymarket, an IHG Hotel, you immediately get that feeling of being somewhere that actually gets it right. This four-star property sits on Torphichen Street in Edinburgh‘s Haymarket district, and honestly, the location couldn’t be better — couples consistently rate it 9.0, which tells you something about how well-positioned it really is. The lobby has this modern Scottish vibe that doesn’t try too hard, and you can tell from the moment you check in that this isn’t your typical chain hotel experience.

Location & Neighborhood

Here’s what I love about staying in Haymarket — you’re close enough to everything that matters but far enough from the Royal Mile crowds to actually breathe. The train station is literally around the corner, which means getting to and from the airport is ridiculously easy. You can walk to Edinburgh Castle in about fifteen minutes, but you’re also right near some of the city’s best local pubs and restaurants that tourists often miss. The area has this great mix of business travelers and leisure guests, so there’s always something happening without feeling chaotic.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in was exactly what you’d want after a long day exploring Edinburgh’s hills — comfortable bed, great shower pressure, and windows that actually open (you’d be surprised how rare that is). The design feels contemporary Scottish rather than generic hotel, with thoughtful touches like proper lighting for reading and enough outlets where you actually need them. What really impressed me was the attention to sound insulation — even though you’re in the city center, it’s genuinely quiet at night.

Breakfast & Dining

The breakfast setup here is honestly one of the better hotel spreads I’ve encountered in Scotland. They do the full Scottish breakfast properly — none of that sad, lukewarm buffet nonsense — alongside continental options and solid vegetarian choices. The restaurant space feels relaxed rather than stuffy, and the staff actually seems to care about what they’re serving. I mean, you’re paying for it anyway, so it’s nice when it’s actually worth getting up for rather than just grabbing coffee and running.

Why Guests Love It

What keeps people coming back to this place is how it strikes that perfect balance between professional service and genuine Scottish hospitality. The location score of 8.9 isn’t just numbers — it reflects how easy this hotel makes exploring Edinburgh while giving you a proper base to return to. You’re getting thoughtful details and a level of comfort that makes the whole trip better. Plus, the staff actually knows the neighborhood and can point you toward things you wouldn’t find on your own, which honestly makes all the difference when you’re trying to experience a city rather than just check boxes.

Locals suggest to book apartments in Edinburgh around Stockbridge for farmers’ markets, gin tastings, and leafy Water of Leith strolls.

Facilities