Hub By Premier Inn Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel

So there I was, standing on the platform at Haymarket station, clutching a suitcase that had somehow gained ten pounds since I left home. My phone was on four percent battery, and a fine Edinburgh drizzle was doing its best to ruin my hair. I had a choice: panic, or find that hotel I’d booked in a fit of optimism. I chose the latter, and that’s how I ended up shuffling into the Hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh Haymarket—and honestly? It was the best decision of my soggy afternoon.

You know that feeling when you walk into a hotel and instantly breathe out? The kind where the lobby smells clean, the check-in is faster than ordering a takeaway coffee, and no one judges you for looking vaguely like a drowned rat? That’s the exact vibe here. The staff didn’t flinch at my damp state; they just smiled, handed me a key card, and pointed me toward the lifts. I felt seen—and slightly dehydrated, but mostly seen.

Location, location, and a bit more location

Let’s talk about where this place sits, because it’s practically a cheat code for exploring Edinburgh. You’re literally right next to Haymarket train station—like, right next to it. Need a train to Glasgow? Two minutes on foot. Fancy a stroll to Edinburgh Castle? Twenty minutes, tops. And if your legs give up (mine did, after three pints), there’s a tram stop outside that’ll whisk you to the airport or the city centre.

But here’s the sneaky bonus: you’re not in the tourist-packed Royal Mile. Instead, you’re in a quieter pocket of town with actual pubs that locals use. I stumbled into a tiny spot called The Mitre Bar around the corner—no bagpipes, no tartan tat, just proper ale and a man reading a newspaper. Bliss.

The room is smaller than your expectations, and that’s fine

I’ll be honest: the “Hub” concept means the rooms are compact. Like, ships-cabin compact. If you’re the type who needs a ballroom to do morning yoga, this might trigger a mild claustrophobic cough. But for a solo traveller or a couple who don’t mind cosy, it’s genius. The bed is a marshmallow of comfort—seriously, I slept like I’d been tranquilised—and the clever layout means you don’t bump into furniture every two seconds.

And yes, the shower pressure is strong enough to wash away a day’s worth of “I should have packed better” regrets. I tested it twice. For science.

The little things that make a big difference

You know what I appreciated? The free Wi-Fi that actually worked, not the kind that makes you wait thirty seconds for an emoji to load. There’s a smart TV with Netflix pre-loaded (hello, rainy night in), and the blackout curtains are so effective I genuinely lost track of time. Also—and this is crucial—the room has a “mood lighting” setting that makes you look like you’re in a thriller film. I took a selfie. I’m not proud.

Breakfast is a whole other story. It’s a continental affair with an optional hot upgrade, and the pastries are dangerously good. I ate four croissants. Don’t judge me; it was raining again.

Who is this hotel actually for?

Look, if you’re planning a honeymoon or a full-on luxury spa weekend, you might want to look elsewhere. The Hub is practical, efficient, and just stylish enough to make you feel grown-up without the five-star price tag. It’s for the city-breaker who wants a clean, comfy base with zero fuss. The kind of person who sees a hotel as a place to crash, recharge, then sprint back out to see more of Edinburgh’s cobbled magic.

I saw a family with two kids checking in while I was there. The parent looked tired but relieved—and honestly, that’s the target audience: people who need a break from their day, not a break from their savings account.

A final, slightly ironic confession

Here’s the thing: I usually mock chain hotels for being soul-less boxes. But the Hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh Haymarket broke that stereotype for me. It’s not trying to be a boutique art gallery; it’s trying to be exactly what it says—a hub. A sensible, warm, slightly addictive little base that makes you wonder why other hotels overthink everything. No mini-bar overcharge trauma. No confusing turn-down service. Just a really good night’s sleep and a shower that could revive a zombie.

So if you ever find yourself at Haymarket station, phone battery dying, rain in your hair? Do yourself a favour. Walk into the Hub. Ask for a room on a higher floor. Then thank me later—preferably while munching a croissant.