Cairn Hotel

United Kingdom , Edinburgh
EDINBURGH, Windsor Street, 10-18
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100 reviews shown

6/10

Pleasant

11 Mar 2026

Chloe

Nice and quiet location despite it being not too far from roads and the daily walk to Calton Hill around the corner was lovely. Great location to be able to walk to the likes of the Royal Mile, Holyroodhouse, Arthurs Seat etc. The room was very nice, clean and large enough, especially as a solo traveller. The bathroom was quite small and a squeeze, but it was substantial. The daily room service was nice to come back to and having tea facilities was nice to have in the evenings. The issue I had, was having the window open as they are old latch windows to slide up and so I had to prop it open as the room could get rather warm.
The breakfast was substantial and it catered for different tastes and it was clean and spacious breakfast room.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

10 Mar 2026

Katherine

I used this as a base for moving out of my Ex's flat. It was a terrible experience to move out but the staff here was firendly, ameniable, understanding, and so so helpful. They cheered me on, and checked in with me whenever I would get back. My room was just what I needed, good lighting/good curtains when needed, bathroom was spacious considering Edinburgh and the shower pressure was amazing. This is a great comfortable, budget friendly place with a good breakfast and great location. Will be staying here again and highly recommend.

Self

4/10

Poor

10 Mar 2026

Charlotte

The room was clean, no A/C -used a fan
Bed was well used, lumpy...
I didnt care for the breakfast- the food wasnt up to par.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2026

Eli

It was great in the city centre and nearby to the shopping mall.

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2026

Claire

Spotless hotel, nice and close to shops (John Lewis 5 min walk) and restaurants. Nice touch to leave snacks for us, and shower gel provided. Would recommend and stay there again. Very Satisfied

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2026

Erin

Room nice, good cleaning services, friendly staff.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jan 2026

Elle

lovely staff, had a free upgrade from single room to family room, great location walkable to everything

Self

8/10

Excellent

18 Jan 2026

Brian

All of the above.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

18 Jan 2026

Lisa

We enjoyrd our stay - everything except the smell of cigaratte smoke that came into our room this morning about 9am.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

25 Dec 2025

Asghar

They say parking is free but it’s not, we spent 18 pounds for that

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

20 Dec 2025

Yvette

Everything great except having to move car before 11am. Could understand if that was the time for next customers but check in time is 3pm. 3pm to 3pm - 24 hrs would be better.

8/10

Excellent

13 Dec 2025

Andrew

Room was clean with no issues. Staff we friendly and helpful

10/10

Exceptional

10 Dec 2025

Eliud

This hotel was amazing! Perfect location, walking distance to downtown and the pice was perfect. Every other hotel nearby was nearly double the price and this hotel had a nice size room and bathroom.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Dec 2025

Wesley

A nice little hotel to stay at for a few days.

10/10

Exceptional

05 Dec 2025

Sharon

I stayed in the single room, it was quiet, decent temperature, and whilst small it had everything I needed. I had a pleasant stay overall and look forward to staying there again.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

04 Dec 2025

Alvaro

Amazing property and great staff! Very near the train station and close to shopping and dining options.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

01 Dec 2025

Damian

Clean room and really helpful staff

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

23 Nov 2025

Henry

Nice stay, staff very friendly and helpful

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Nov 2025

Ian

Friendly welcome extended throughout stay. Hotel clean, tidy and warm although shower showing signs of black mould between tiles and glass frames. Breakfast excellent.

6/10

Pleasant

05 Nov 2025

jeff

The room was an odd shape and we wish we could've had a King sized bed without having an extra small bed taking up space. The \"King sized\" bed was actually 2 twin sized mattresses and had a gap down the center. Weird.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 Nov 2025

Julia

This hotel was lovely and the staff were very friendly and efficient. My only quibble was the breakfast options cold have been more Scottish. Where was the fresh porridge option and some of the typical Scottish breakfast options; black pudding, square sausage, white pudding, etc. Would I stay here again? yes.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Nov 2025

Matt

Was the perfect spot and the perfect vibe for everything me and my (now partner) required! Absolutely perfect. Cannot recommend enough!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Nov 2025

Anthony

I did not have breakfast.

Self

8/10

Excellent

17 Oct 2025

Kaysie

Nuce clean place to stay in a good area of the city

8/10

Excellent

14 Oct 2025

Ann Marie

Clean rooms, bathroom was tiny

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Oct 2025

Edmond

Clean and comfortable stay for 2 nights.
The hotel has everything you need.
Easy walk to Royal Mile and Calton Hill.
Many restaurants and cafes nearby.
Good place to stay for a few nights

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Oct 2025

Kendra

Staff was friendly, room was HUGE and it had a bath tub! Would definitely stay here again!

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

26 Sep 2025

MR S A

Only used room as not in main hotel but across way in apartments. Main bedroom bigger than expected but bathroom very cramped with how close toilet to shower

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2025

Mary

It is a small property with a personal touch. Value for money

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

21 Sep 2025

Julia

Lovely, Little Hotel in a quiet area

The cairn is in a very quiet neighborhood and it's a lovely little place. There is no elevator, so that's important for folks with mobility issues.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Sep 2025

Carlie

This property is in a really good location.
The room was an okay size and very clean.
The staff were also very helpful and friendly.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Sep 2025

Shana

This tucked away hotel is good for those who want to spend their day out and about in Edinburgh. It's on a residential street, but it's right by bus transportation.
It's around the corner from many brilliant restaurants and pubs, as well as a wonderful bookshop.

The room was clean and comfortable, with all mod needs. Looks like it was recently decorated.
No lifts, but not many floors.

If you prefer to walk, it's about a ten, fifteen minute walk to the Royal Mile.

Staff was very helpful, rooms and area was quiet.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

11 Sep 2025

Catherine

Quiet rooms, comfortable beds,friendly staff

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Sep 2025

Gemma

We had a lovely stay, check in/out was very easy. Staff were great especially Bala.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

31 Aug 2025

sarah

Comfortable, clean, and nice location.

10/10

Exceptional

31 Aug 2025

Philip

Great

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

31 Aug 2025

Zurisadai

Nice hotel. Quiet. Plenty to eat nearby. About 25-30 min walking distance to Old Town and other tourist places, but there is Uber and City Cabs readily available.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Aug 2025

Teresa

Safe, clean room and easy access to train and bus.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

23 Aug 2025

Jill

A good p

We stayed here while we attended the Fringe. It was comfortable and convenient to buses or to just to walk to events.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Aug 2025

Max

I got an upgrade to a spacious room although it was in the basement. All amenities were included except a mini fridge was not included. Still a pleasant 2 night stay.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

11 Aug 2025

Edgar Rafael

La limpieza de la habitación es cada 48 horas y ademas olvidaron realizarla. No hay servicio de limpieza adecuado.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

10 Aug 2025

Rachel

Room was very small and a bit outdated, but generally good place to stay for location alone.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Aug 2025

John

Great place. Like everywhere in Edinburgh, you pay quite a bit for what you get, but the room was nice and the staff were great.

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

08 Aug 2025

Andrew

Bed only ok but just staying for one night so will survive.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Aug 2025

Carmine

Front desk staff were excellent to deal with. Everyone was pleasant

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

01 Aug 2025

Jennifer

Nice location. Quiet but easy to walk to everything. Room was very small and hot. I had to shuffle sideways to get past the bed. Window only opened a few inches. The fan made it tolerable, but it was still pretty warm.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

30 Jul 2025

Susan

The hotel eas in a great location however the room was small and hot. Only a fan to keep
Cool. Had a hard time sleeping because of it.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

30 Jul 2025

Catherine

Great location, walking distance to the Royal Mile
Plenty of options for meals
The room was nice but very small.
Parking limited for the size of the hotel
Our bathroom had a smell of stale cigarette

Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 Jul 2025

Megan

We loved the location, the room was wonderful, big with a great layout. We had one issue with the bathroom garbage having not been emptied from the previous guests and the bathroom was quite pungent. When we made the staff aware they dealt with it promptly. Parking was tricky as the area is busy and there are reserved spots during the weekdays but we did find space while we were there.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jul 2025

Richard

Great

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jul 2025

Mintoi

Perfect location to visit Edinburgh

Location is perfect, close to center and yet in a quiet street, room was comfortable and clean with plenty of milk for tea and coffee which is a rarity in hotels. Nice enough breakfast and staff were very helpful, really enjoyed our 2 day stay there, plenty of restaurants around and close to the tram to go to the sea front as well as to the centre of town.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jul 2025

Tom

Great large room, really helpful staff, excellent location. Good price.

Leisure Family_with_children

4/10

Poor

10 Jul 2025

gina

The hotel is fine a little expensive for what u get not even a chair but the location convenient

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Jul 2025

Angel

The staff at the hotel were really nice, and the facilites are well maintained. The area around the hotel is quiet, and there are some places to have a decent meal. The location is just 10 minutes from the central station, a big plus!!
Price worthy.

Leisure Friends

4/10

Poor

27 Jun 2025

Eric

Tiny rooms, thin walls, but a great place to just get a little sleep before heading to the airport. I would not want to stay in this place for more than one night.

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

16 Jun 2025

Frank

Property is not well kept and the advertise having parking on site for a fee, when I got the hotel there was no parking and the staff didn’t provide any solutions.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

13 Jun 2025

Cheryl Lynn

I was upgraded to a very large \"apartment\" but it had no coffee maker or other snacks, it was odd...I had gotten used to these things on my previous two weeks in Scotland and this hotel had nothing at all in the room BUT the street and staff were lovely and helpful.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jun 2025

lynn

Excellent location very comfortable spacious room

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2025

Caroline

We had a great 3-night stay at the Cairn Hotel. The staff were friendly and helpful and the location was perfect for all the places we wanted to visit. Our room and bathroom were comfortable and clean and we had everything we needed. It was nice to have complimentary crisps, biscuits and water too. We appreciated having an electric fan in the room, as it got a little warm in there with not being able to open the windows. Would definitely stay again :)

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

09 Jun 2025

Martin

Summer trip

Location was great for the city - price wise was good too, the secure car park was brilliant and the staff were really helpful and nice

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2025

Patrick

All good staff whgonderful

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2025

Debbie

Great experience Staff so friendly and helpful. Great location

6/10

Pleasant

24 May 2025

effie s

I liked the quiet central location. The front desk staff were polite and friendly. The room was ok but could do with a major facelift - TV etc very dated - furniture generally dated and the upholstery on the chair was dirty. I did not like the laminate flooring in the room, it was cold and dusty. The woodwork around the windows was not in good decorative order. The view out of my window into the garden was very disappointing. The garden is in serious need of attention. The carpets in the communal corridors are in need of a wash. I did not eat breakfast or visit the bar so cannot comment on that. The hotel was adequate but in future, I would choose a different place to stay.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

23 May 2025

Jennifer

The room was very small, the bathroom door didn’t shut, the bed was horrible. Felt a little claustrophobic.
staff was very friendly though.
The royal walk is not that close, about a 15 minute walk from the hotel. If you are staying for a day or 2, it’s fine, longer than that, it’s a nope for me.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

22 May 2025

Guojin

1101房间衣柜坏了，前台说要第二天早上才有人修，但第二天早上我们就要退房了。房间离过道们很近，外面人来来往往有些噪音。酒店位置很好

Leisure Friends

4/10

Poor

21 May 2025

Kaylee

Toilets didn’t flush properly. Poor drainage in the shower. King size bed was just two twins pushed together. Not the best breakfast especially for the added expense.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

21 May 2025

Isabel

Basic hotel with a basic breakfast. Overpriced for what it was

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

12 May 2025

Renee

The two-bedroom apartment was wonderful! Comfortable beds, nice and clean, and a beautiful view onto a quiet neighborhood but still within easy walking distance to everything you’d need in Edinburgh. It’s a great place to stay with very friendly staff.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

02 May 2025

Simon

Brilliant stay in Edinburgh

We had a brilliant stay at The Cairn in Edinburgh.
The location is excellent for city centre visiting.
We were lucky with the free weekend parking - right outside the front door but it's worth considering other locations, just in case.
The room was clean - the bathroom a little bit cramped and the door to the room hit the bed every time we came into the room.
Some of the fixtures looked a little tired but everything worked.
We stayed in the apartments opposite the main hotel, which was good and made use of the bar when we came back after our evenings out.
The staff were friendly and accommodating - I would definitely consider staying at The Cairn again in the future.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Apr 2025

Tara

Large room & Pleasant Staff

The room was large and updated. The check in and out processes were smooth and staff was pleasant. It was walking distance to restaurants and we’d recommend Edinburgh Street Food. We’d stay here again.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Apr 2025

Lynn

Very friendly attentive staff. Room was available very early. Room great size and very clean. Wi-Fi and complimentary water, tea, coffee, biscuits and crisps. Highly recommend. 5 mins walk from the playhouse.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Apr 2025

Amy

Clean comfortable room. Bus stop nearby, but we just walked to town/Royal Mile and it was fine. Staff was very friendly. Parking was around the block and safe and locked up.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Apr 2025

Cecilia

Excellent service, professional and very friendly!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2025

Richard

Huge room for 3 Great friendly service close to all attractions. Freshly renovated. Whats not to like?

6/10

Pleasant

02 Apr 2025

martin

You get what you pay for …..

Was placed in an annexe over the street from the main hotel reception. Room was clean enough but looking a little tired. Free water crisps and cookies which was good.Good bathroom facilities. Comfy enough bed.

Self

8/10

Excellent

27 Mar 2025

Shannon

Nice place, great location. Very happy with our stay at this hotel.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Mar 2025

Elaine

Hotel is in a great location. Walking to all the amazing sites.
Hotel was clean, staff was friendly.
Breakfast was delicious.
Would definitely stay again.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Mar 2025

Kaylee

If you have lots of luggage or heavy luggage request a room on the first floor as the building has no lifts.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Mar 2025

Sandra

Cairn hotel

Spent a lovely night at the Cairn Hotel. Great location for the theatre and city centre. Near bus stops if you need them. Breakfast was good and staff were very pleasant and professional. Room was very clean and bed comfortable.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Feb 2025

Faariha

The hotel and staff were amazing but they didn't give us basic things like toothbrush or toothpaste so yeah get your own. :)

8/10

Excellent

24 Dec 2024

Verified traveler

Perfect base to explore Edinburgh

Excellent hotel, perfect base from which to explore Edinburgh. Faultless apart from the charge to store luggage on the final day. A sour note to finish a great stay.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

01 Dec 2024

Onur

Hotel wifi was bad , connection was dropping suddenly. Also, there was a problem on bathroom sink.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Nov 2024

David

Welcoming, efficient receptionist. Clean, commodious room.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Nov 2024

Ashwin Kumar

The double room we booked was very spacious. It’s a period property and is in good condition. Found the staff to be very friendly and accomodating.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Nov 2024

Y F A

good location near city centre.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Nov 2024

Verified traveler

It's a nice place but extremely expensive. There is no need for price gouging for guests. I don't know if it's just this hotel or other hotels in Edinburgh that do this. It was just a one night too and it cost me over $200 CAD!
Drop your prices.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

01 Nov 2024

Elizabeth

So we were \"upgraded\" to an \"apartment\" which I guess was nice because it was bigger than our original booking. However, it is to be noted that they have STEPS. Lots and in US standard definitely not up to code, smaller and steep so it sucks if you have large heavy luggage.The rooms were fairly clean a few spots in the bathroom had rust. Water pressure was fine. Bed and linens were clean too. No bed bugs. ON TO the bed... It was two twin beds pushed together. Which was only a slight inconvenience. Probably perfect if you are Jewish and it's that time of the month. I would stay here again if I did not have heavy luggage or could get a room that didn't have as many steps. Otherwise I would probably stay somewhere else. Nothing wrong with the place but I just feel like they are slightly missing the mark.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Oct 2024

Stephen

The Cairn Hotel is a wonderful place, very comfortable and quiet. The rooms were squeaky clean. The staff is super polite and kind. I felt very welcome during my stay, and slept very soundly. Highly recommended.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

18 Oct 2024

Margaret

Room was on top floor up steep spiral stairs. Rather trecherous for four seniors carrying luggage. We were unaware of this at booking. Staff was responsive and allowed us early check in, which was much aopreciated.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

17 Oct 2024

Frank

Edinburgh

Good location handy to Waverley Station and airport tram line. Stairs to second floor rooms so might not suit anyone with mobility issues. Breakfast and house bar available.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

16 Oct 2024

Richard

Central location, ok value

Functional but unremarkable room. Decent location, helpful staff.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

14 Oct 2024

Stephan

Very well located with good amenities

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Oct 2024

Carlos

Muy bueno

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Oct 2024

Jane

Sarah’s 50th Birthday celebration!

Our stay was thoroughly enjoyable. We stayed in a gorgeous room which was spotless. It was a large room, far bigger than we thought. Staff were lovely and very knowledgeable/helpful. The atmosphere in the hotel was fabulous, they made us feel very welcome!

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

06 Oct 2024

Chris

Easily walkable location from which to explore the Royal Mile and vicinity. Comfortable room which was very quiet and allowed for a good night’s rest.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

01 Oct 2024

Karen

Nice room, but expensive.

The room rate for the Cairn was very steep. I would not book it again without better researching the offerings in the area. The bathroom was the cleanest one i have ever seen. No elevator onsite. They seem to be in the midst of a renovation as there was a fresh paint smell everywhere.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Oct 2024

Derwyn

I spent two days at the Cairn and found it had everything needed. it’s in a great location within easy walking to lots of places to eat. The room was comfortable, clean, quiet, the bed and bedding wonderful. I walked to the Royal mile, train station, Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Palace but lots of transportation options from there .

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

30 Sep 2024

Derek

Great location - we walked to all the main sites and is next to tram line for the port area!
Space was tight but ok, staff friendly & helpful. Breakfast buffet was good. Secure parking is away a bit and expensive.
Overall 4/5

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Sep 2024

Nancy

This was a charming place to stay! Loved our room, the little touches of detail that were so thoughtful ie complimentary snacks & parting treat. Heated towel warmer was really nice & the excellent shower. Everything was very clean and we felt the location was ideal, quick walk for us (we are good walkers) to all the sites.
We did not have the breakfast offer so cannot comment on that (That room was full each morning tho)
Overall, loved our stay and would return without hesitation.

4/10

Poor

24 Sep 2024

apoorva

House keeping and front desk were disconnected. For replacement of basic things like cups and teabags, front desk directed us to talk to house keeping directly. No microwave, creaking floors, bath shower poorly designed.

Leisure Family