The Guards Hotel Edinburgh * Military-Themed Stay

Name: The Guards Hotel, Edinburgh
Address: 1 Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh, Edinburgh
Price range: US$67+
Rating: 6.8

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The Guards Hotel Edinburgh Exterior photo

The Guards Hotel Edinburgh Interior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

1 Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh

Close to Edinburgh Castle

Nice

6.8

6.2

/10

2.0

Loved by The Guards Hotel guests

Kind reception

Great location

Comfortable room

Good value

Prompt service

"Location of this hotel was perfect for our night in Edinburgh."

Lynsey from United Kingdom

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"Absolutely amazing location, right opposite Haymarket station and a stroll away from Princes Street etc."

CallaKat from United Kingdom

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"Very close to Haymarket station, so close to transport links."

Lynne from United Kingdom

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3-star accommodation near Edinburgh's attractions

Location

The Guards Hotel is situated in the west end of Edinburgh, a ten-minute walk from the city center. Guests have direct access to Haymarket Train Station, offering travel links to the city and airport. Notable attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are within close proximity.

Rooms

The Guards Hotel offers a range of ten rooms, including a family-friendly Balmoral Suite and a four-poster Windsor Suite. The rooms accommodate various needs, featuring en-suite options and walk-in wet rooms. Each room is equipped with a writing desk, tea and coffee making facilities, and a small fridge.

Dining

Guests at The Guards Hotel have access to The Scots Guards Club bar, located next door, through an adjoining door. The club offers a selection of bar snacks and meals within a family-friendly atmosphere. The hotel also provides a writing desk in the Balmoral Suite for guests who need to combine leisure with work.

Accessibility

The Guards Hotel provides accommodations suitable for families and disabled guests, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors. The Balmoral Suite, located on the ground floor, is specifically designed to cater to accessibility needs. Additionally, communal facilities such as irons and ironing boards are available for guest use on each landing.

Entertainment

The hotel sells tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an event showcased globally, featuring performers from 48 countries. Guests can enjoy the stunning view of the iconic Edinburgh skyline while attending this celebrated performance. Edinburgh Zoo, also within proximity, offers educational programs and encounters with rare animals.

Highlights

Location: Ten-minute walk from the city center

Rooms: Ten varied accommodations, including a four-poster suite

Dining: Scots Guards Club bar with bar snacks

Entertainment: Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

“This is a cozy, military-themed hotel, which is affiliated with The Scots Guards. Though some may find certain aspects tired, it's a characterful place to stay. The location is extremely practical, right by Haymarket Station with immediate access to public transport and local bars.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Great

8.8/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingParking solved!

I found parking across the road. It was at the Distillery, about 200m away from the hotel. Easy!

Oliver from Canada

Review on

DiningCurry next door

The curry restaurant right next to the hotel was really good and super convenient after a long day.

Priya from India

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BathroomAmazing shower!

The shower was the best I've had in a hotel! Great water pressure and perfect temperature, a real treat.

Grace from United Kingdom

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BedroomSpacious Comfort

The room was huge, located on the ground floor, with a massive comfy bed. I slept so well!

Hans from Netherlands

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Select your room type

The Guards Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Triple Room
2 persons
13 sq. feet
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Heating
room details
Classic Double Room
2 persons
12 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Heating
room details
Suite
2 persons
20 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Fireplace
Heating
room details

Show all rooms

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

The Guards Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

No smoking on site
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

Golf course

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping

Children

Cots

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Heating
Sitting area
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

The Guards Hotel Location

1 Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh

Explore Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

20 minutes' walk

A historic fortress dominating the skyline, known for its rich history and the Honours of Scotland. Offers guided tours year-round.

National Museum of Scotland

25 minutes' walk

A fascinating collection including Scottish history, science, and culture. Admission is free, with special exhibitions available.

Scottish National Gallery

20 minutes' walk

Features an impressive array of art from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Free entry with seasonal exhibits and events.

Arthur's Seat hike

35 minutes' walk

A popular hiking spot with panoramic views of the city, ideal for thrill-seekers. Accessible via public trails.

Yoga classes at The Meadows

20 minutes' walk

Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions take place in The Meadows park, providing a tranquil environment. Classes vary in schedule.

Le Petit Repas

1 minute' walk

A cozy bistro offering French cuisine with a homely feel. Signature dishes include coq au vin; reservations recommended.

Dimitris

1 minute' walk

Casual Greek eatery known for its meze and grilled dishes. Offers vegetarian options; perfect for a quick meal.

The Usher Hall

15 minutes' walk

A renowned concert hall hosting a variety of performances, from orchestras to rock. Check their schedule for events.

Bongo Club

15 minutes' walk

Trendy nightclub offering eclectic music and art events. Popular for live DJ sets, ideal for a lively night out.

Getting around

City Centre
Edinburgh 23 min · 1.2 mi
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI) 17 min · 7.0 mi
Glasgow (GLA) 131 min · 54.0 mi
Train
Haymarket Train Station 3 min · 700 ft
Bus
Bus stop 8 min · 2000 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-22:00

Check-out

until 10 am

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Guards Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Guards Hotel offers a convenient location near Haymarket station, making it easy to get around, with the city center just a short walk away. Many guests found the rooms spacious and appreciated amenities like the kettle, coffee and tea provisions, and bathtub. The heating works well and some rooms offer a nice view, although a few guests have noted that the mattresses in some rooms were uncomfortable. The hotel provides good value, especially considering its Edinburgh location.

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Review score

Based on 883 verified reviews

6.2 /10

Nice

51 %

Recommend

Breakfast

9.5/10

Location

8.8/10

Facilities

6.5/10

Paid Wi-Fi

6.9/10

Pros

Good location

Secure entry

Handy for train

Cons

Dirty carpets

No staff

Old bathroom

sebastian from germany

Single

standard single room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 18, 2026

6/10

stained carpet cramped toilet

the location was really convenient for getting around. it was easy to access public transport.

I was disappointed with the state of the room. the carpet had stains and looked worn. the toilet felt cramped. My knees kept hitting the wall when i sat down. the room needs some serious updating.

0 Helpful

Zoe from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Single Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 02, 2026

5/10

weak stream dated decor

The shower was barely functional, just a weak stream of water came out (i almost felt cleaner before i stepped in). also, the room's decor felt really dated. i mean, i'm all for vintage, but this was more like 'forgotten in time'. the corridor light was too bright. It seeped in through the door gaps making it hard to sleep. earplugs and an eye mask might be essential items to pack (who knew i'd need those in a hotel?).

0 Helpful

John from United Kingdom

Single

standard single room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 13, 2025

6/10

portable heater heater helpful staff staff good location location missing chair chair no clothes storage storage no blackout curtains curtains

the staff was very helpful, they even gave me a portable heater when i asked. the location was good, i walked straight to the center and didn't use trams or buses. the hotel seemed really nice.

my room did not have a chair. there was nowhere to put my clothes. there were big windows but no blackout curtains.

0 Helpful

Robert from United Kingdom

Single

Luxury Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 10, 2025

9/10

kind staff warm room original door

The staff were very kind. They offered assistance with my luggage. The room had good beds. It was very cosy and warm. There was also a good shower. I had a room with high ceiling and saw how they've kept some of the original doors.

The carpet had some stains.

0 Helpful

Sarah from United Kingdom

Single

Classic Double Room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: October 27, 2025

6/10

basic stay with issues

helpful staff luggage assistance bathroom curtain shower doors

the staff was helpful assisting with luggage up several flights of stairs.

The room had a curtain separating the bathroom, not a proper wall. I found this odd and not very private. the shower doors didn't close properly.

0 Helpful

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Questions of the users

About The Guards Hotel

Is there an option to have breakfast during my stay?

12 September 2024

Breakfast is not included at the hotel.

Can I drop off my luggage at the hotel in the morning and check in later?

14 October 2024

Luggage can be stored from 10:00 AM, and check-in is available between 14:00 and 22:00.

Do the rooms come with private bathrooms?

30 November 2024

All twin double rooms feature ensuite bathrooms.

Is there a place to store luggage after checking out?

22 December 2024

Yes, luggage storage is available until 22:00 after check-out.

Are there facilities for ironing clothes in the rooms?

05 January 2025

Irons and ironing boards are available on each floor for guests to use in their rooms.

Can guests access the hotel late at night?

19 February 2025

Once checked in, guests receive keycards that provide access to the hotel at any time.

Where is the closest parking facility available?

15 March 2025

The nearest car park is on Distillery Lane, which must be pre-booked via the Just Park App.

How much should I expect to pay for a taxi from the airport to the hotel?

10 April 2025

Taxi fares from the airport typically range between £20 and £25.

Are children welcome at the hotel?

27 May 2025

The hotel is child-friendly and can provide a high chair and baby cot if requested.

Is there a bar or dining option nearby?

04 June 2025

Guests can enjoy the Scots Guards Club bar adjacent to the hotel, which serves snacks and meals.

What notable attractions are within walking distance from the hotel?

12 July 2025

Attractions such as Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh Castle, and various restaurants are just a short walk away, making it a prime location for exploring the city.