Best transport from Edinburgh airport

What hotel,advice on public transport will vary on where you are staying

We are staying at the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre on Picardy Place.

Look here https://edinburghtrams.com/ to see if that would work for you

We used it last year the opposite way and it worked like a charm.

I know where your hotel is located as I've stayed near it a couple of times.

Take the tram from the airport to York Place (the last stop). Then walk one block east to your hotel. You can return exactly the same way.

The tram is comfortable and has luggage racks which you will be encouraged to use to keep the aisles clear. Just be aware when arriving at that early hour the trams may be crowded with people going into work although you will be getting on at the first stop in both directions.

The tram is quite easy and is frequent. You won't have any difficulties finding space for your luggage on the rack or a seat since you will be getting on at the first stop either way. You are required to buy your ticket from a machine at the station prior to boarding the tram. The machines will take credit cards or coins. Hold onto the ticket because you will be expected to show it on the tram as well. On the return to the airport the ticket will be collected when you exit.

My daughter insisted on using Uber to get to our hotel when we arrived at the airport. We used a regular taxi on the way back. The taxi was LESS expensive than the Uber. Taxi was super easy. In my mind, I'd rather not have to hassle with figuring out public transport when I'm jet lagged and just want to get to my hotel.

I'll use public transport, trains, trams, etc after I've been in country, but that first day, I just want to get to my hotel.

Note - where we stayed, they were super strict about not getting into our room until 3PM. We arrived from the US same as you, about 8AM, we got to the hotel, dirty, tired and just wanted to brush our teeth and hopefully take a shower and change clothes before going out sightseeing, but the front desk staff said no room until 3, and they stuck to that. We left our luggage in a hold room and went out to the Royal Mile to walk off jet lag. We kept checking back with the hotel, but same person insisted no room ready. So, hopefully you'll have your room ready earlier than us, but be prepared. ( we did use the public bathroom to brush teeth and wash our faces )

Used the tram from the airport and out to the airport last year. As long as your hotel is within walking distance of a tram stop (and it appears it is) then the tram is the way to go, in my opinion. Quick, inexpensive, clean, and easy to boot. As you exit the airport turn to the left and you should see the area where one boards the tram. There were attendants there from whom one could buy tickets. That may or may not still be the case.

Thanks, everyone, this is very helpful information. We will probably use the tram, sounds like the easiest and cheapest way to get back and forth from the airport!