Edinburgh Ibis Royal Mile - Safe?

Well, I can't speak for the Royal Mile Ibis, but I stayed in New Town when I was there in 2023 and loved it. Much more peaceful, less crowded and yet still within easy walking distance to the sights. It has a very residential feel to it, which I liked, especially around St. Andrew's Square, where there are a lot of trees and flowers.

I stayed at the Premier Inn on York Place, but a couple of other members here stayed at the Ibis on St. Andrew's Square and spoke highly of it. I actually met one of them for lunch and went to the Ibis to meet him, and really liked it. Very cool and interesting decor and a great location right on the square. I felt very safe in New Town, also, and I am a female solo traveler. One evening around 7:30 pm, I walked about a mile through New Town to meet another friend at a restaurant, and felt perfectly safe. I headed back after 10 pm, and it was a beautiful evening and there were other people strolling along. It was a lovely walk and a lovely night.

Here’s my thought on hotel reviews. If you are reading things that are making you question a particular hotel, I would pick another one. There are lots of good hotels to choose from.

In May 2023, I stayed on Market Street across from the train station at the Market Street Hotel. I loved the location and plan to stay there again when I return next year.

I (50 year old female) was traveling solo and never felt unsafe in Edinburgh. I am not out at night. If I see something or someone that makes me feel uneasy, I just turn and walk the other way. I have done that several times during my trips.

Of course - I live in a major US city and am very familiar with the usual hassles of city life. I am more seeking any information about this location - Hunter Square - in particular. And im fact I have not found many great options for hotels in Edinburgh — I think I was expecting rates to be a bit lower in September as we are well past festival season, but I guess it’s still a busy time, and honestly everywhere seems very pricey for what it is - and many places now fully booked. Would love any feedback about the Hunter sq area in particular.

Well, if you’re concerned about budget, I would definitely suggest the Premier Inn York Place. Premier Inns are a chain of hotels in the UK that are very clean, very comfortable and very consistent. I’ve stayed at a number of them both in Scotland and England and I’ve always been pleased with my stay. And the prices are very very reasonable. There is also a Premier Inn closer to the Royal Mile, but I like the one on York Place, as it is a nicer area and much quieter.

I was quite surprised to hear about drugs or crime on the Royal Mile. I wouldn't have thought that a problem in Edinburgh. Do you recall where you heard that?

the area around hunter square is a hotspot for the local alcoholics to hang out/ meet up. really isn't a major problem but you will see a few about.it is as safe an area as any others, it is a really busy area as it is also a central meeting point for tourist and locals. I use it as a meet up point for friends and have done all my life ( I am 68 now) but we call it the Tron Kirk as that is the Church (Kirk) that dominates the area. I really would not worry.
There is another Ibis about 100 yards away on South Bridge

I stayed at this hotel earlier this week. It was peak Festival time with tons of people around. I didn’t feel unsafe at all. The location is great. You’re within a 15 minute walk of just about everything you might want to see.

the area around hunter square is a hotspot for the local alcoholics to hang out/ meet up. really isn't a major problem but you will see a few about

Ah ok UncleGus. I can see where that might come from then. There's a few folk in my neighbourhood who aren't necessarily homeless but like to spend their day outside drinking with friends in the square or park. I think it's a fairly harmless feature of most big cities in the UK.