Edinburgh hotels during August

August is incredibly busy and incredibly expensive in Edinburgh as thousands of performers and theatre goers descend on the city. Try to book anything you can as soon as possible. Prices will be high due to the demand. You’ll have a lot of fun but just be aware of the madness.

Yes, I’m aware that Edinburgh will be crowded and I’m trying to get something booked asap. We just booked the RS tour last week so I hadn’t been sure of dates. I’ve seen some older forum posts for Edinburgh hotels - some suggest the Ibis Styles St. Andrew’s Square - they still have availability - would love if anyone has a recent review? It is cancellable and no advance payment, which is a plus. Market St. Hotel is another one but it looks like they only offer non-refundable, pay in advance…not my preference. Also saw a review for the B+B that the RS tour uses and it was pretty negative but the review is 2 years old - would love to hear more recent experiences with that hotel. Thanks!

Crowded during Fringe is an understatement. The city will be packed with people. You do need to make a reservation and make it soon. Find something refundable and take it. You can always keep looking for something better

Don't just rely on reviews on this website or what RS suggests. There are many more good hotels in Edinburgh. If you want to see what else is available, go to booking.com and see what they offer. Then book direct with the hotel.

While I have not stayed at that Ibis Styles hotel, I have stayed at others and they are fine. They are basic but clean and usually have a decent breakfast. Also check to see if any of the Premier Inns have availability. They are fairly consistent with their product.

I liked the Motel One on Princes Street, but it is likely booked. I didn’t know your exact dates so couldn’t check for you

https://www.motel-one.com/en/hotels/edinburgh/hotel-edinburgh-princes/

Thanks for reply, I have booked directly through booking.com/hotel websites many times. The purpose of my post was to hear reviews/suggestions of hotels from people that have traveled to Edinburgh, as this will be our first time, but it’s not the only place I’m looking. I appreciate what many have said, that Edinburgh in August will be nuts - we’ll be sure to go with a positive attitude! Since my post, I have booked with Ibis to secure something, but I will keep looking. Would still appreciate replies from people who’ve traveled to Edinburgh recently and have suggestions on particular hotels. Thank you!

I’ve heard many suggest Motel One - it looked like more of a budget hotel but maybe I’m mistaken or thinking of a different place. I will look at it again - thank you.

Jen, I wouldn’t say Motel One is a budget hotel but it is kind of corporate and not what you would say a boutique hotel by any means. My bed was super comfortable and the location can’t be beat - across from Waverley train station and the beautiful Balmoral Hotel

Thank you Linda - I just looked again at the Motel One website and reviews on TripAdvisor. Reviews for Motel One were somewhat better than Ibis…so I booked Motel One as well! Now I have two - and both are cancellable, so I can take time to decide. I like that the Motel One is across from train station, very convenient for getting to Glasgow on the day of our RS tour.

On another note - would it be better to get a taxi or Uber/Lyft (do they have those in Scotland?) form the airport to the city hotels, or is it better to take the train? (I’m sure our RS guidebook will have suggestions, but figured I’d ask while it’s on my mind.)
Thanks for the replies so far, really appreciate it!

There is no train from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre. You can take either the tram or the Airlink 100 bus, both of which stop at St Andrew Square.

Ok, thank you - I’ll look at those options.