Edinburgh Waverley leaves travellers between two sides of the city: views towards Princes Street to the north, and the Old Town's sloping streets leading to the Royal Mile to the south. Choosing “a hotel near the station” sounds sufficient, but Market Street offers two different stays only a few doors apart. One treats the room as a straightforward base; the other makes design, breakfast and views part of the trip. The useful question after leaving the train is how much each element will matter after a day walking around Edinburgh.
At 18–21 Market Street, Motel One Edinburgh-Royal combines easy access to Waverley, a walkable route to the Royal Mile and the familiar format of an urban hotel chain. It has a bar, contemporary rooms and breakfast that may cost extra depending on the rate. Guests especially value the position and cleanliness; some mention compact rooms or noise according to orientation. For a short visit with early starts and late returns, the central question is whether the selected room category provides the space and rest you need.
At number 6, Market Street Hotel proposes a design-led stay. Its website describes Cozy, Roomy and Vista categories, among others: not all look across the city. Nor' Loft sits high in the building and serves guests breakfast before becoming a bar with views. Public feedback values the staff and atmosphere, although room rates and possible extras make it important to compare the precise offer. If you need truly separate beds or an accessible room, the site explains that suitable configurations are limited and specific categories should be requested when booking.
The shared location does not erase practical details. Waverley has several exits and the Old Town climbs away from Market Street; with a heavy case, inspect the walking route before leaving the station. Nor should a guest rating be mistaken for an official hotel star classification. Each profile records opinions for the exact property. Drivers should note Market Street Hotel's warning that both its surroundings and Waverley's car park are within the city's Low Emission Zone, making access rules worth checking separately.
To choose, compare the same dates, cancellation terms, breakfast and room type on both websites. Motel One suits a rail arrival and travellers who want to spend most of their budget on the city. Market Street Hotel may justify a different decision when the room and Nor' Loft are part of the plan. Both allow a walk to the Royal Mile; any saving or extra expense only makes sense alongside the experience you will actually use.
Motel One makes for a straightforward stay near the trains; Market Street Hotel adds design-led rooms and Nor' Loft, at rates to compare for the actual date and room category.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Motel One Edinburgh-Royal stands on Market Street between Waverley station and the climb towards the Royal Mile. It suits travellers who want to arrive by train, leave their bags and begin exploring the Old Town without another journey. The chain presents contemporary interiors, compact rooms and it
Practical base between the station and Royal Mile
Market Street Hotel occupies number 6 on Market Street, opposite the Waverley area. It describes itself as a design hotel and makes Nor' Loft, its seventh-floor bar with views towards the New Town, part of its identity. The rooms mix contemporary fittings with Edinburgh references, but categories di
Design rooms and Nor' Loft beside the station
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website of Motel One Edinburgh-Royal ↗
Primary source
Motel One · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Market Street Hotel ↗
Primary source
Market Street Hotel · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Market Street Hotel ↗
Primary source
Market Street Hotel · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Motel One · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Market Street Hotel · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Market Street Hotel · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Google Hotels ↗
Secondary source
Google · Accessed October 11, 2026
Google 4.4/5, 2572 reseñas; dirección y síntesis.
-
Google Hotels ↗
Secondary source
Google · Accessed October 11, 2026
Google 4.7/5, 903 reseñas del hotel en Market Street 6.