Premier Inn Edinburgh Central Lauriston Place

The Premier Inn Edinburgh Central Lauriston Place: A Hotel That’s Actually Good at Its Job

Let’s be honest: most hotels in central Edinburgh are either haunted by a 17th-century ghost or charge you £300 for a room the size of a Harry Potter cupboard. Enter the Premier Inn Edinburgh Central Lauriston Place, a mercifully normal oasis in a city that loves its cobblestones and bagpipes a little too much.

This place sits right off the Royal Mile, just a stagger away from the Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland. You can practically hear the bagpipers warming up from your bed, but the windows are so well-insulated you’ll only hear your own peaceful snoring.

The first shock? The beds. They are not just mattresses; they are hyperspace sleep pods designed by a secret government agency. I swear the pillows whisper “just five more minutes” in a soothing Scottish accent.

The Room: Where Your Back Goes to Retire

You walk in, and the room is blindingly clean. The walls are painted a shade of grey that whispers “business, but make it comforting.” There’s a desk, a TV that actually works, and a bathroom so shiny you could eat your porridge off the floor.

But the real star is the bed. It’s a Hypnos mattress—a name that sounds like a Greek god of sleep, and it basically is. Once you lie down, you will not move until the free breakfast buffet calls your name.

Surprising fact: Premier Inn is so confident in its beds that they sell them to the public. You can literally buy the same mattress you slept on. That’s like a restaurant selling the forks, but it’s a genius move.

Breakfast: The Most Important Meal of Your Edinburgh Adventure

The breakfast buffet is a feast fit for a king who just finished a marathon. There’s a full English fry-up, but also fresh fruit, yoghurt, pastries, and enough coffee to fuel a small army of tour guides.

The sausages are actually good—not the plastic ones you get at budget motels. They taste like a pig who lived a happy life and retired to a farm in the Highlands. The beans are hot, the toast is crunchy, and there’s a machine that dispenses orange juice like it’s a fire hydrant.

If you’re a “let me sleep in” person, they also have a grab-and-go option. But honestly, waking up for this breakfast is worth missing an hour of Edinburgh’s rain.

The Location: Walkable, But Not a Death March

You are three minutes from the National Museum of Scotland, which is free and has a giant stuffed giraffe. Another five and you’re at the Edinburgh Castle, where they fire a cannon at 1 PM every day—a delightful alarm if you forget your phone.

The street itself, Lauriston Place, is oddly quiet. It’s like the city said, “Here, have a peaceful corner with all the action next door.” You’re also right next to Greyfriars Bobby’s bar, where you can drink a toast to a legendary dog.

One con: no parking. I repeat, no parking. If you drive here, you will end up in a multi-story car park that charges rent. Take the tram, train, or a chariot pulled by Highland cows—it’s easier.

The Staff: Unnervingly Helpful

Every single staff member has passed a test in “Scottish Welcoming Excellence.” They greet you with a smile that suggests they just won the lottery but are still clocking in because they love their job. No judgment when you ask for a third towel.

I once asked for a late checkout, and the woman at the desk said, “Aye, no bother, take your time.” I felt so reassured I almost cried. It’s the opposite of the grumpy concierge stereotypes you see in movies.

They also have a secret: a blackout curtain that blocks 99% of light. If you’re hungover or have a baby, this curtain is a miracle. You won’t know if it’s 3 PM or 3 AM.

Price: So Reasonable It’s Suspicious

In a city where hostel bunks cost as much as a car payment, the premier inn lauriston place is a financial lifesaver. You’ll pay around £80–£120 a night, depending on the season. That’s cheaper than a ghost tour and includes a hot shower.

Compare that to some nearby “boutique” hotels that charge £250 for a room with a striped wallpaper and a kettle from 1982. This place gives you a TV that actually connects to Netflix. Revolutionary.

The only catch is that the bar area doubles as a restaurant at night. It’s not romantic, but it’s perfect for eating a burger while watching tourists get lost outside. The music is generic pop—safe, boring, and exactly what you want after hiking Arthur’s Seat.

The Verdict: A Solid, Unremarkable Hero

Look, the Premier Inn Edinburgh Central Lauriston Place won’t win any design awards. It’s beige. It’s efficient. It’s the bread and butter of hotels—but that’s exactly what you need when you’re exhausted from climbing 2,000-year-old hills.

It’s the friend who always shows up with a bottle of wine and a working phone charger. No drama, no ghosts, no hidden fees. Just a good night’s sleep and a breakfast buffet that will haunt your dreams in the best way.

So if you’re visiting Edinburgh and don’t want to sleep in a “quirky” converted dungeon, book this place. Your back will thank you. Your wallet will thank you. And the beds will hug you back—metaphorically, of course.