Name: The Scholar
Address: Holyrood Park Road, 18, Edinburgh, EH16 5AY, GB

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jul 2026

Pamela

Delightful breakfast!

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jul 2026

Adrian

I was there for about ten days during a couple of conferences, and it was ideal for that.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jul 2026

Shona

Very good food. Peaceful environment. Easy access to city. Comfortable bed

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jul 2026

Elizabeth

Very clean, recently redecorated, friendly staff.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jul 2026

Imogen

Restaurant was excellent (although breakfast didn't live up to what was available for lunch and dinner). Rooms very comfy and well provided.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jul 2026

Antoinette

Being on the grounds of the University of Edinburgh felt like I was staying in my own private garden. So calm, peaceful and beautiful. Excellent food. Welcoming and helpful staff. Highly recommend The Scholar.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

14 Jul 2026

annie

So absurdly expensive !

2/10

Poor

12 Jul 2026

Satyaveer Singh

Stay away from this one. Rooms and baths are very small. Constant noise around due to large delivery vans.

The worst experience was dealing with the staff! Front desk and restaurant.

Definitely not something anyone should have to deal with.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

05 Jul 2026

Rola

Clean place
Friendly staff

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jun 2026

Ann

Staff very helpful. Nice toiletries if you don’t bring your own

Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2026

Laura

I have visited Edinburgh at least a dozen times and this was my first time staying in a hotel. The Scholar is a find! It’s about a 25 minute walk to The Royal Mile but the distance is well worth the park-like setting. The hotel is beautifully appointed and the staff is the best I’ve ever experienced anywhere. Great room amenities as well. Birch and Bloom products, thick and quite large bath towels, and an incredible rain shower. It was warm while I was in town and when I asked about options, within 2 minutes they had a fan and mini fridge delivered to the room. It’s a great value for the price and located on the University of Edinburgh campus below Arthur’s Seat. They have a wonderful restaurant on site and a beautiful garden seating area as well.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2026

Ann

Beautiful hotel and friendly staff. Great location - highly recommmeded!

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2026

Alexander

This is a very contemporary hotel and the service was great. We thought the new restaurant in the hotel is quite good. It is about a 25 minute walk from the Royal Mile, but the walk is easy and pretty if you walk through the common. There are good places to eat around the Scholar as well.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jun 2026

John Kevin

Parking in Edinburgh is why I booked this hotel. Ample parking, always had a spot and still able to walk downtown. Loved it.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2026

Rick

Excellent hotel with wonderful staff and service. Mostly quiet although the outside seating could be a bit noisy in the evenings.
Restaurant has somewhat limited hours with little flexibility and is overpriced with spotty service levels.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Jun 2026

Raquel N

It was great… room was small but well appointed. Good view of forestlike area. Just a bit of a walk to other restaurants and shops

Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jun 2026

Stephen

Delightful setting. The hotel is set back from the street with surrounding gardens. Very quiet. Very well run. Staff are true professionals, eager to help with any questions or problems. Pleasant room, although a little small, but spotlessly clean. Reasonable rates. Good value!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jun 2026

janet

We had such a wonderful stay at The Scholar. Gorgeous view of Arthur’s Seat from our room, comfortable bed. The breakfast was delicious and plentiful. The staff were all wonderful and very helpful. This was our third stay here at The Scholar. Definitely will be back.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jun 2026

Gregory

Hotel is exceptional. Very comfortable, friendly staff with a restaurant reasonable priced on site. They certainly welcome you and go the extra mile. Would highly recommend.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2026

janet

The staff could not do enough for us! The room was spotless and good wifi. The room tea and coffee set up was a nice touch, also it’s totally worth getting the breakfast . It was delicious!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2026

Thomas

As always, a lovely stay and very helpful staff. Rooms clean and comfortable and easy to walk into town and buses available if you prefer that.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2026

Ann

A very convenient place to stay to attend a conference at the John McIntyre Conference Centre, The University of Edinburgh, just 2-minute walk. Short walk to the bus stop as well. We had an excellent stay for a few nights & lovely meals at the restaurant. Very helpful & friendly staff.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2026

Martin

Hermoso lugar, muy bien atendido, todo impecable. Super recomendable. A unas 20 cuadras de la ciudad vieja (old town) de Edinburgo.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 May 2026

Briel

This was a great place to stay during our three nights in Edinburgh! I loved the location as it wasn’t in a super busy area but was close enough to everything that you could walk or take public transportation. The buses were easy to use, you could just scan your credit card when you got on. The restaurant on site was very good and we enjoyed our breakfasts and some dinner there as well. The room we were in had nice tree-filled views and we were able to leave the windows open for a lovely cross breeze and to hear the birds chirping away. One downside is the location is near a busy road and on a college campus so you will definitely hear road noise all night and people walking by if you leave the windows open. Nothing some ear plugs can’t help with though. I’d definitely stay there again!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2026

Mafalda

Muy buenas instalaciones, nos encantó

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

15 May 2026

Erick

Clean room, beautiful building, location was great, overall an amazing experience

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 May 2026

Pamela

Clean comfortable room and welcoming staff! So easy to store your luggage and nice location- a little over a mile to Prince Street and lots of local food nearby. Would stay again!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 May 2026

Timothy

We are delighted with this hotel and its staff. In a quiet location on the University of Edinburgh campus, yet only about a 30 minute walk or inexpensive cab ride to the Royal Mile. Breakfast was very good and allowed us to skip the time and expense of having lunch. Staff was very friendly and accomodating. Recommend this hotel to anyone wanting a quiet oasis at the end of a busy day.

Family

8/10

Excellent

10 May 2026

Peter

The scholar is a nice hotel in a lovely setting surrounded by trees. I had a small single room but it worked for me for the price. Quite easy to get into Edinburgh cental from the bus stoop across the street, too.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

06 May 2026

Kathryn

This was among the finest accommodations I’ve ever experienced in over 60 years of travelling. I appreciated the tranquility of the setting and the familiarity of the academy. The staff was outstanding in their hospitality and assistance. I’d go back in a heartbeat

Self

10/10

Exceptional

05 May 2026

Rachel

Breakfast was good, room was clean. There is a lift in the building which definitely helps.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

05 May 2026

Beatriz

Rooms are big and clean, all the bits you would need are there. Staff is super welcoming, friendly and funny. Car parking available and Electric chargers too! Very well located and super quiet at night. My only tiny complaint- the door to the stairs were next to one of the walls and early morning bang again and again with people coming and going so a lay in would be difficult if you are a light sleeper

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2026

Debra

Breakfast was exceptional as was the evening meal we booked. Hotel was stylish and spotlessly clean. Staff extremely helpful. Location in pleasant, green surroundings - quiet respite from the tourists and bustle of the city, yet within walking distance for all the visitor attractions.
I would definitely stay at the Scholar again when I visit Edinburgh.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2026

Donald

We had a wonderful stay. Conveniently located in a nice area. The staff was attentive, and friendly. We enjoyed the breakfast, and drinks in the evening.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 May 2026

Charles

The hotel is on the south campus of University of Edinburgh. Lovely grounds and away from crowded tourist areas but close enough to walk everywhere!

Partner

4/10

Poor

01 May 2026

Clare

It’s a lovely spot. However, we were placed in a room located on ground floor right beside all the door entries & also the lifts which meant the noise was absolutely atrocious to even try & relax. This was also a birthday stay and when checking in, the people before us for some reason were rewarded a free beverage for their booking and we weren’t. My mother was massively disappointed as I had made the hotel aware we were coming over for her birthday and they didn’t offer us anything.
Service in the restaurant took a bit of time but that’s okay as I expect that in most places and the food was lovely. The bar staff (girls who were on the night of my stay) were lovely but again I overheard their manager being rude to them and I felt this was really inappropriate in front of anyone having a drink that evening.
I would come back, but I wouldn’t be happy if they placed me in the same room so I would make that very clear if I was to return. However, mum has said she wouldn’t return due to all the issues and her being older. The hotel isn’t too far away from the city centre but you will need to get on a tram from the airport to the town and then a bus towards the hotel if you struggle with walking. Taxis are available, I would imagine it will cost a hefty amount if this was from the airport to the hotel.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

29 Apr 2026

Beverley

Roon nice and clean. Food ok but had better food for less money. Staff v good service especially in restaurant.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

29 Apr 2026

Zvi

The breakfast was very goof .
The staff was very helpful .
The hotel is perfect

10/10

Exceptional

28 Apr 2026

Nigel

The property is on a beautiful site just under Arthurs Seat. It is very quiet and has seating areas both inside and outside the building which are very comfortable. If you come from the airport, the property is easily accessed by a combination of tram and bus (it takes under an hour). It is on several bus routes so Edinburgh sights are easily and conveniently accessible. Most people would not need a car although there is parking on site. Breakfast was excellent and, from what we could see, the restaurant serves well priced food in the evening (we ate elsewhere).

10/10

Exceptional

28 Apr 2026

Nicky

The hotel had everything I needed and the staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. Would definitely stay again.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2026

John

All great! Super convenient for Pollock and environs - and easy bus/taxi into centre.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

22 Apr 2026

Mark

Staff wonderful, very friendly, very helpful. Pillows and soap in room lovely. We had a family room and bathroom was very small and tv did not work. But great location and very tasty breakfast.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Apr 2026

Cassandra

The staff by the check-in deal was extremely helpful and service minded. We had a great stay, and enjoyed a fantastic meal at the restaurant.

Rented a family room, which was great size and space for 3 adults.

Would recommend and visit again!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Apr 2026

Denise

Staff was friendly and helpful

10/10

Exceptional

18 Apr 2026

RICHARD

Great location, free parking and helpful & courteous staff.

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2026

Jonathan

What a lovely place. Easy to get to, parking was close by, staff were great, breakfast and restaurant were excellent. Access to city centre was good, we walked in and back, no need for taxis.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2026

Joana

Friendly staff

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

05 Apr 2026

Alison

Breakfast menu was lovely
Easy access to the bus route
A lovely hotel to stay in

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Apr 2026

Abbie

Lovely room, great amenities and delicious coffee/biscuits. Would stay again!

Friends

8/10

Excellent

30 Mar 2026

Wendy

Towel had dirty marks. Usb ports in an awkward place to charge. Sockets in general poorly located. Very tight to walk to the other side of king size bed. Like the parking, comfortable bed, good breakfast, friendly staff.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Mar 2026

Frank

staff were very friendly and helpful and were always available, even helping us out when we had an early excursion by allowing us to have a coffee and pastries early as we were going to miss breakfast. highly recommended staying here

Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Mar 2026

William

The hotel has been recently refurbished to a vert high standard. The restaurant was excellent.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Mar 2026

Alana

Everything amazing!

10/10

Exceptional

22 Mar 2026

Clara

The pet charge is a bit expensive but they give a proper welcome pack for your doggo so honestly worth it. The room was very clean, quiet as requested and the amenities were great. Ideal for a single trip with your dog like it was for me.
Be careful they tell you after, that you cannot leave your pet alone in the room! More and more properties request this and it’s really not easy when you’re alone and have planned a diner out.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Mar 2026

Robin

Very friendly and helpful staff. Clean room and comfortable beds. Ideal location for visiting son at uni.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Mar 2026

Nithya

Exceeded our expectations in every way. Very spacious room, clean, helpful staff and great location.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Mar 2026

Alicia

Great location and nice stay, very comfortable

10/10

Exceptional

19 Mar 2026

Jeff

Outstanding place to stay. Staff was really friendly and the location is fabulous. Far enough away from the hub of Edinburgh but close enough to walk where you need to. Did was really good and the breakfast was the best

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Mar 2026

Ann

Nice rooms with a bus ride to Princes St or a walk if you are keen. Next to the park so nice area. (Arthur’s Seat)

Self

8/10

Excellent

17 Mar 2026

Catherine

The room was comfortable with a large, comfy bed, though the lighting was a bit dim as the only overhead light was near the door not over the bed or chairs, so difficult for reading. The restaurant was pleasant and comfortable and the breakfast was excellent, with lots of choice. However, although the quality of food was good there was a rather limited choice of meals in the evening. The restaurant staff were very friendly and helpful.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Mar 2026

Michael

Just a really lovely stay. Room we got was a little smaller than the others- don’t get the end room. But Abacus was great as was the breakfast and staff were really accommodating

10/10

Exceptional

08 Mar 2026

Rosie

We had a lovely stay at The Scholar. The hotel room was super spacious, I really loved the dressing table area! Everything was in pristine condition. The staff were super friendly and helpful, one lady even recommended us things to do in Edinburgh which we were grateful for. It was about a 20-30 minute walk from the city centre and we found lots of nice cafes to eat at and shops along the way. Overall we would definitely come back and next time I would like to try the restaurant either for breakfast or an evening meal. I would 100% recommended!!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

05 Mar 2026

Lindsay

Had a great breakfast and staff was super friendly

Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2026

Joseph

Enjoyed a 2 night stay. The room was clean and well equipped and the hotel in general was very clean and well presented. Iverlooked by Arthurs Seat and a short walk, 15-20 mins, into the heart of the old town or right on the bus route. Would happily stay again.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 Mar 2026

william

Room ok - was not set up for twin . Separated beds and carpet need hovering . Tea and coffee ok - shame that the Opal Coffee machine loading mechanism did not work. Did referred this to reception but nothing was done . Just had with normal sachet coffee during visit . Noise was not too bad since it is a student location

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2026

David

Perfect location and only a pleasant half hour walk to the city centre

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Feb 2026

Simon

Very clean room and service is outstanding.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Feb 2026

david

One of the best hotels I've stayed at. From staff , cleanliness, to food.
Would recommend without hesitation.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

24 Feb 2026

Joanna

Lovely staff, room comfortable. Food really nice

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2026

Linda

Room was spacious very clean and warm. Staff very helpful and friendly

10/10

Exceptional

22 Feb 2026

Mark

Turned up and greeted by a lovely member of staff who went through everything with me and as I was early and room was ready allowed me to check in.

I had in issue with the room door and informed reception who made sure everything was sorted by the time I came back. I’d also not got a phone charger but had a wire but this didn’t work with my phone (believe it was a wire issue not a usb socket issue), so went to reception and they lent me a charger so I had enough battery for the train journey home the following day.

Room was clean and had everything I needed for a great stay including a really comfy bed. I don’t normally sleep well when away from home but this was best I’d slept in a hotel for some time.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Feb 2026

Haider

One of the best hotels in Edinburgh. Everything was amazing

10/10

Exceptional

22 Feb 2026

Brogan

The staff was amazing especially the breakfast manager in the restaurant. She was amazing.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Feb 2026

Louise

The room was calm, it was clean and very comfortable.
It had plenty of room and storage for the three of us.
The staff were very helpful and gave recommendations and helped with any questions about the local area.
The breakfast was lovely and the sitting room was very comfortable to sit and have a drink in.

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2026

Ramzy

The room was clean and well oriented. The staff were extremely helpful. And the Location was easily accessible to the university, the Royal Mile, and other locations.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2026

Liliya Borisova

The ambience of the hotel is perfect, staff are super friendly and passionate as well

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Feb 2026

Shaun

Brilliant! We had such a pleasant stay at The Scholar hotel. The rooms were lovely and clean, the location is great and the staff are amazing. Will be recommending to others planning a trip to Edinburgh.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

13 Feb 2026

Hannah

All of the above. Easy check in too and proximity to the local areas needed.

Business_and_leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Feb 2026

Graham

Clean, well finished rooms. The public areas were bright and clean. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly.

6/10

Pleasant

08 Feb 2026

Clare

We had a ground floor room that was very noisy as next to path. This also meant no privacy as both windows were right on path. Traffic noise also very loud. Definitely need some double glazing and upgrades of wooden frames. Expect more from hotel charging this amount.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Feb 2026

Tony

We felt as if we'd traveled back in time. The grounds are oozing history, charm and elegance. It was nice with the windows open, listening to the pitter patter of students’ feet heading to class, having a morning jog or groups having a laugh together.

Most pleasant staff we’ve experienced to add to the terrific stay! In particular, we had drinks before turning in for the night, at the hotel bar. Kinga and Angela efficiently served our drinks, all while flitting around getting the place cleaned and set up for the morning crew. We had an excellent chat about a multitude of subjects and a great laugh. What a pair of wonderful Ladies! Honestly, we didn’t expect to have such a great visit. Clean rooms, common areas, modern and the breakfast was 5*! Our server, Sancha didn’t blink an eye when I ordered my fussy breakfast. Eggs cooked perfectly and the black pudding/haggis stack was worth the visit alone!

I would highly recommend this hotel. We will definitely be back!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Feb 2026

Sue

Nice room. Parking difficult as on University campus. Staff good, breakfast very good.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Feb 2026

Harriet

Had a lovely stay at The Scholar. The hotel has spacious rooms, lounge and restaurant. It has recently been renovated and rooms are very clean and spacious with friendly staff. It was my boyfriend’s 40th Birthday and they put a lovely note and chocolate in the room and gave us a glass of Prosecco! We loved the food at the Abacus restaurant and the breakfast choice was great. Located 20 mins walk into Edinburgh or you can take the bus from outside the commonwealth pool.

With it being on campus we do hear some chatter from the students late on the Friday night but this was nothing too rowdy and we will return!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jan 2026

Nigel

Simply stunning.

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jan 2026

mike

Due to travel problems, we arrived around 10pm on check in. The process went fine, and we were pleasantly surprised to find such a nice room. It was larger than we expected. It also had a functional bathroom.

The breakfast really stood out. Bang for buck- wise it might have been the best hotel breakfast I’ve had.

We loved the location. It was a mile or so from the Royal Mile. Easily walkable, cab and local bus also convenient.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jan 2026

Lynsey

Welcome and attentive staff, clean and excellent location.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jan 2026

Travis

Spotless room, fabulous staff and great breakfast.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jan 2026

Michael

Hotel is located adjacent to Holyrood Park which is wonderful for going for a stroll or a hike up Arthur's Seat. Restaurants are a 5-10 minute walk away. There is health club access which is about a 15-20 minute walk away. The restaurant is excellent, we had dinner there once and the food was very good and the service was very friendly and attentive with the staff chatting with diners. The breakfast buffet was very good (cereal, yogurt, fruit, pancakes, croissants, cinnamon rolls, juice, coffee, cheese & salami/ham/etc) as well as hot items that could be ordered included in the breakfast fee. It is about a 30 minute walk to the castle/Royal Mile which was very manageable (or easily accessed with an Uber). The hotel leaves umbrellas in the lobby to borrow which is a nice touch as it rains regularly in Scotland. Rooms are clean and modern. Would definitely recommend this hotel!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jan 2026

John

The room was modern, clean, had a comfortable bed and great shower. The breakfast was of high quality and delicious. Overall a great experience and will definitely revisit.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jan 2026

Kip

Such a welcoming and helpful staff! The room was cozy and clean. A cool small hotel on the University campus.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jan 2026

Douglas

Amazing staff. So happy to help

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jan 2026

Alan

Nice room, great staff, great food. Nice area

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jan 2026

Jayne

The room was immaculate, very spacious and accommodating for my toddler.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Dec 2025

Jasmine

Great stay - all the staff were lovely and we enjoyed all the food at the Abacus

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Dec 2025

Nicola

Chose this hotel for location to city centre and Arthur’s Seat and for being dog friendly. Staff were extremely welcoming and helpful as well as being very accommodating to our dog. Perfect choice 😁

Partner

2/10

Poor

23 Dec 2025

Heidi

This ‘hotel’ (or university dorm) is completely unsuitable for families. I booked two nights for my family and by 2am on the first night had us moved to a different hotel next door (which is part of the same group and ten times better). The staff were very good I really can’t fault them and the help they provided, but the paper thin walls and inexcusable behaviour from other guests means I would never ever stay here again. If you value sleep or are travelling as a family I’d strongly recommend you think twice.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Dec 2025

Aye

Friendly staff, spacious and very clean . Nice atmosphere

Partner

8/10

Excellent

20 Dec 2025

Christopher

Great room! The breakfast and service at breakfast was second to none, like a 5 star hotel. Maybe consider some water in the rooms and vanity kits. Every staff member was amazing.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Dec 2025

Shona

Excellent peaceful and comfortable stay as before. Friendly helpful staff and very good food.

10/10

Exceptional

18 Dec 2025

Iain

All good

Leisure Family