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Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront

eee - 0800 031 8416
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront, Britannia Way Ocean Drive, Edinburgh -0800 031 8416
Area: Edinburgh Waterfront - Leith Docks
(Map)
4.1
HOTEL RATING: 
VERY GOOD
4.1 out of 5 (2232 Ratings)
0.2 miles Ocean Terminal Edinburgh
t5 mins walking
UBER from £3-4
BOOK ONLINE OR CALL - 0800 031 8416
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The Spotlight on Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront

Modern Comforts by the Water, Minutes from Edinburgh’s Music Scene

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront offers a sleek, modern stay in the city’s charming old port area. Overlooking the Firth of Forth and next to Ocean Terminal shopping centre, this hotel blends convenience with comfort. With air-conditioned rooms, an on-site bar, and excellent bus links to the city centre, it’s a smart pick for concert-goers looking for a practical yet relaxed base.

Why Concert-goers love it

With regular buses stopping right outside, getting to and from Edinburgh’s top music venues is fast and painless — even late at night. After the show, retreat to a quiet waterfront area away from the city’s bustle. Late-night food options and a 24-hour lounge make post-concert wind-down easy, while check-in from 15:00 and check-out at 11:00 offer a bit of flexibility for night owls.

Who this Hotel is great for

  • Groups of friends who want a laid-back, budget-friendly base with food and drinks on hand
  • Solo travelers catching a dream gig and needing good public transport
  • Couples making a weekend of the city with a scenic waterfront vibe
  • Fans seeking a quieter recovery spot after a high-energy night
  • Budget-conscious music lovers who still want modern, comfortable amenities

Food and Drink Options

The hotel keeps it easy and satisfying with 24-hour pizzas, all-day dining options like paninis, burgers, and soup, and a stylish bar serving craft beer, premium spirits, and world wines. You’ll also enjoy a free Express breakfast with both hot and continental items — perfect fuel after a late night.

Nightlife Options

While the hotel itself doesn’t host live music, its proximity to the bars and restaurants of Leith means you’re never far from a lively night out. The on-site bar is great for a low-key drink before or after your gig, offering a relaxed atmosphere and a solid drinks list.

What People Say

Guests love the friendly staff, clean rooms, and solid value for money. Many highlight the easy access to public transport and the peaceful location. The included breakfast gets thumbs up from travelers who appreciate a no-fuss start to their mornings.

Areas for Improvement

Some guests mention that parking costs extra and the location is about a 10-minute drive from the city centre — though the frequent bus service helps bridge the gap. A few reviewers note that rooms facing the street can pick up occasional traffic noise.

The Bottom Line

If you're heading to a concert in Edinburgh and want a quiet, modern base with great transport links and 24/7 food, Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront hits the right notes.
Enter Your Dates
4
4
CHECK IN
 
CHECK OUT
 
7
1 room
7
2 guests
Amenities View More
y
Free Internet
x
Free Breakfast
w
Non Smoking
r
Pets Allowed
q
Accessible
j
Free Parking
u
Swimming Pool
E
Fitness Center
A
Business Center
B
Airport Shuttle
Other Amenities
` Free Breakfast
` Golf Course
` Room Service
` Safety Deposit Box
` Air Conditioning
` Babysitting/Child Services
` Bar
` 24-Hour Front Desk
` Elevator
` Coffee shop
` Hair dryer
` Coffee/tea maker
` Shared kitchen
` Wheelchair accessible
` On-site parking
` vending machine
` telephone
` kitchenware
` 24-hour security
` Family Rooms
` Free Wi-Fi
` Kitchen
` Restaurant(s)
` Closet
` Daily Housekeeping
` English
` Non-Smoking Rooms Available
` Parking Available
` gift/souvenir shop
` Sofa
` Smoke alarms
` Fire extinguishers
` Guests can opt-out of daily cleaning service
` Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
` Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed
` First aid kit available
` Cashless payment available
` Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
` Invoices
` Staff trained in safety protocol
` Ticket services
` Contactless check-in/out
` Food delivery
` ATM or cash withdraw on site
` CCTV security in common areas
` Daily disinfection
` Facilities for disabled guests available
` Ironing amenities
` Laundry services
` Luggage storage & lockers
` Non-smoking property
` Safety chain and/or latch on doors available
` Separate shower/bathtub
` Toiletries provided
` Tour services
` TV & Movies/Shows
` Physical/social distancing guidelines
` Protective screen or physical barriers in appropriate areas
` Individually-wrapped food options
` Air conditioning in public area
` Heating in public area
` Desk/workspace available
` Professional cleaning services
` Cleaning products available
` Pets allowed (charges may apply)
` Parking available (charges may apply)

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront Guest Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Very Good (4.1 out of 5)

Write a review

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Anastasia Fri, 25 July 2025

Exceptional

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Jan Fri, 25 July 2025

High Standard for a Holiday...

Liked: Location at the tram line to Edinburgh saves a lot of car parking angst.Location near the Royal Yacht Britannia was also an easy walk, and a very enjoyable experience.This is a busy Holiday Inn some days, but the Staff cater well for the guests at Breakfast and otherwise.I booked a king size bed and we had a lovely room looking to the port. Window could be opened too, to air the room.We had to repack after 6 weeks travelling, to return to Australia, and the room gave us ample space for that too.The 24 hour coffee etc machine in the Breakfast Room is very handy for that cuppa!The Hotel also let me use my Disability Pass from Oz (like local Blue Card) to park free in their car park the days and nights we stayed.
Disliked: No fault of the Hotel, but it was a bit of a walk to Restaurants down by the river. Pays to walk through the wide lane at the back of the next streetscape, instead of the very ordinary road in front, with cars whizzing by.There are some limited eating places at the Ocean Terminal nearby I believe, but this is all a bit run down at the moment, except you need to go there to see the Britannica. Cruise ships go to several spots in Edinburgh apparently, so not all come here. We did eat at the Hotel one night, and it was fine.

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Anonymous Thu, 24 July 2025

It was good but needs...

Liked: It was not as per standard
Disliked: At least some more fruits and eggs were not served properly except in scramble formIt

3

Pleasant - 3.0 out of 5

Sabri Wed, 23 July 2025

Pleasant

3

Pleasant - 3.0 out of 5

Doris Wed, 23 July 2025

Pleasant

Liked: Not on best public route ,which had different views on property
Disliked: Too far from amenities town

2

Disappointing - 2.0 out of 5

Linda Wed, 23 July 2025

Disappointing and very stressful

Liked: The location and easy access to teams and buses to City Centre
Disliked: It was very noisy at night with children running up and down and banging doors. The communal areas on the 4th floor hadn’t been vacuumed. Breakfasts were chaotic - long queues, food not always available, eg lack of cutlery, coffee machines breaking down. Not our usual expectation.

3

Pleasant - 3.0 out of 5

Me Wed, 23 July 2025

Pleasant

Liked: The location and the bed
Disliked: The breakfast was very busy with a queuing system in place. There was not enough space for all of the customers. There was frequently no fruit, marmalade, cutlery and crockery. It was chaotic and badly run.

3

Pleasant - 3.0 out of 5

Annie Tue, 22 July 2025

Pleasant

Liked: Staff were friendly and helpful

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Gustafson Tue, 22 July 2025

Very good

Liked: Very nice and friendly staff, nice room. Good location
Disliked: Breakfast could be better. More to choose...

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Dr Mon, 21 July 2025

Superb

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Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront Britannia Way Ocean Drive, Edinburgh