Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh: Location & Breakfast Review

The Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh sits on Jeffrey Street, a location the operator markets as “just off the iconic Royal Mile” and about two minutes on foot from Edinburgh Waverley Station (Leonardo Hotels). This review examines whether that position delivers for visitors planning to explore both Old Town and New Town, and answers common booking questions about breakfast, pricing, and how long to stay.

Last checked: 2026-06-19

Hotel Name: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh · Location: Old Town, Jeffrey Street · Nearest Train Station: Waverley Station · Distance to Royal Mile: Just off the Royal Mile

Where is the Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh?

Location on Jeffrey Street

The hotel is at 43 Jeffrey Street, on the eastern edge of the Old Town above Waverley Station. Booking.com categorises it under Old Town, and the official site describes it as being “in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town” (Leonardo Hotels). The street sits on a ridge; front-facing rooms look toward Calton Hill and the city skyline (Trivago).

Proximity to Waverley Station

Waverley Station is directly below the hotel. The official website states it is “only about two minutes away on foot”, and multiple reviews confirm the convenience for rail travellers (Leonardo Hotels; Kayak). Guests can walk through the Market Street entrance or use stairs and bridges directly to the station concourse. The catch is that the hotel is on a hill — the walk down is quick, but coming back involves an incline.

Distance to Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is roughly an 11‑minute walk according to the TripHunter video review (TripHunter (YouTube)). The route goes via the Royal Mile, which starts just a few steps up from Jeffrey Street through a network of closes and stairways. The official site lists the castle as within walking distance, and Booking.com guests describe the access as “back alley” and convenient (Booking.com review).

Getting There and Parking

The hotel does not offer on‑site parking but provides discounted rates at the Waverley Station car park opposite (Leonardo Hotels). For drivers arriving from the A1 or M8, the city centre can be congested; many guests recommend arriving by train because the hotel is steps from the station. The property is non‑smoking, pets are not allowed (guide dogs excepted), and free unlimited Wi‑Fi is available throughout (Leonardo Hotels).

Is breakfast included at Leonardo Royal?

Breakfast options

Breakfast is typically not included in standard room rates; it is available as a paid add‑on. Kayak notes the breakfast includes made‑to‑order omelettes and a varied buffet (Kayak). Guest reviews on Booking.com regularly praise the breakfast as “tasty and varied” (Booking.com).

Additional costs

The official site does not publish a fixed breakfast price; rates vary by season and booking platform. Trivago and Kayak indicate an additional charge per person per day, typically in the range of £15–£20 based on recent guest reports (no official confirmation provided).

Nearby cafes

If you prefer to skip the hotel breakfast, Jeffrey Street and the surrounding Old Town offer several coffee shops and bakeries. The Royal Mile and the area near St Giles’ Cathedral have options within a five‑minute walk. This is a practical alternative for travellers who want a lighter or earlier start.

Which part of Edinburgh is best to stay in?

Old Town vs New Town

The Old Town, where the Leonardo Royal is situated, is the historic core with the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and narrow closes. The New Town, on the opposite side of Princes Street Gardens, offers Georgian architecture, Princes Street shopping, and Waverley Station access. Both are walkable from the hotel: the Royal Mile is adjacent, and Princes Street is about seven minutes on foot via the North Bridge.

Royal Mile attractions

The Royal Mile runs from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. From Jeffrey Street, you reach the Royal Mile in under two minutes through a close. The National Museum of Scotland is a six‑minute walk, and the Real Mary King’s Close is about four minutes (TripHunter (YouTube)).

Princes Street shopping

Princes Street, the main shopping thoroughfare, is just across the railway valley from the hotel. Walk down to Waverley Bridge and you are at the Princes Street Gardens entrance. The hotel’s position means you can access both historic and modern retail areas without needing public transport.

How many days in Edinburgh is enough?

Sample 2‑day itinerary

Two days is sufficient for the major sights. Day one: walk the Royal Mile, visit Edinburgh Castle in the morning, explore the National Museum of Scotland in the afternoon. Day two: cross to the New Town for Princes Street, the Scott Monument, and Calton Hill (which is a four‑minute walk from the hotel). Evening options include ghost tours or dining in the Old Town.

3‑day extended stay

A third day allows time for the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Arthur’s Seat hike, or a day trip to Rosslyn Chapel. The hotel’s location near Waverley makes rail excursions easy — trains to Glasgow, Stirling, and the Highlands depart from the station across the street.

Day trips from Edinburgh

From Waverley, you can reach many destinations within an hour: North Berwick for coastal walks, Linlithgow Palace, or the Falkirk Wheel. The official site notes the hotel’s proximity to the train station as a key advantage for day trips (Leonardo Hotels).

Pros, Cons, and Pricing

Pros

• Exceptional location within two minutes of Waverley Station and adjacent to the Royal Mile — Booking.com location score 9.4/10 (Booking.com).
• High overall guest satisfaction: 89/100 “Excellent” on official reviews from over 10,000 guests (Leonardo Hotels reviews).
• Well‑equipped gym with Peloton bikes, free unlimited Wi‑Fi, 24‑hour reception and room service (Trivago).
• Front‑facing rooms offer views of Calton Hill and the city skyline (Trivago).

Cons

• No on‑site parking; discount at Waverley car park, but city‑centre parking is expensive.
• Breakfast is an extra charge – not included in standard rates.
• Pets not allowed (guide dogs only) (Trivago).
• Some rooms may experience street noise given the central location; front‑desk staff can assign quieter rear rooms (per guest feedback).

Pricing Band

Rates vary significantly by season and advance booking. The official site sometimes shows prices around €209 per night for standard double rooms. OTA platforms such as Kayak have displayed headline rates from approximately US$87 per night for a double room depending on dates and availability (Kayak). No formal price bracket is published; we recommend comparing across multiple booking sites for the best deal.

Our Pick and Alternatives

Best for Segments

• Couples: The central location makes it easy to explore the Old Town’s romantic closes and enjoy dinner within walking distance.
• Families: 190 rooms including family rooms; proximity to attractions and the train station reduces logistics.
• Business Travelers: Free Wi‑Fi, 24‑hour reception, and a gym are practical for corporate stays. The EICC is within walking distance per the official site (Leonardo Hotels).
• Solo Travelers: The safe, central area and easy rail access make it a convenient base for independent travellers.

Our Pick Recommendation

For first‑time visitors to Edinburgh who prioritise location and rail convenience, the Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh is a reliable choice. Its location score (9.4 on Booking.com) is among the highest for any Old Town hotel, and the rooms are consistently rated as clean and comfortable. The trade‑off is the lack of included breakfast and the hill location, but for travellers arriving at Waverley and wanting to step out directly to the Royal Mile, it deserves serious consideration.

Alternatives in the Set

• Motel One Edinburgh Royal: Also on Market Street near Waverley, with a modern budget‑conscious approach. Similar walk to the Royal Mile, but typically lower rates with breakfast not included either.
• Hotel Indigo Edinburgh – Princes Street: A boutique option on the New Town side with views of the castle. More expensive but includes a distinct design and on‑site restaurant.
• ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile: A three‑star option directly on the Royal Mile (High Street). Offers lower price points but smaller rooms and no gym. Good for pure budget travellers.