Skip to main content

Places to stay when attending an Open Day

Woman smiling while walking down street

So, you've planned your visit to Heriot-Watt University, and now you need to find a place to stay. With our campus situated just seven miles from Edinburgh city centre, there are no shortage of options to suit your budget and interests.

Courtyard by Marriott

First up we have our very own campus hotel, Courtyard by Marriott, great for those who are only with us for a flying visit, or those who wish to take in all that campus has to offer, such as the woodland nature trails or Oriam, Scotland’s National Sports Performance Centre. Rated four-stars, the hotel itself boasts a range of rooms and suites as well as the Avenue, a casual restaurant that is open all-day for breakfast, lunch and dinner services. More than this, you can get 10% off the best room rate available.

Key points:

  • On-campus
  • Free parking
  • Restaurant
  • 10% discount available
  • Four-star
  • Mid-level price range (££)

Airport hotels

Will you be flying over to visit Heriot-Watt University? You might find it’s easier to stay in a hotel next to Edinburgh Airport depending on your flight times and what you’re looking for.

You can easily reach campus and the city centre from the airport using the Airlink 100 bus or Edinburgh Trams. Both services stop at Haymarket train station where you can transfer to travel to campus and Edinburgh Waverley train station on Princes Street in the city centre.

There are plenty of options, we’ve listed two so you can get an idea of what is available near Edinburgh Airport.

DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport

If you’re looking for a bit more luxury but still away from the hustle of the city centre, DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport is the perfect if you’re flying into Edinburgh Airport. The pet-friendly hotel also has a restaurant, gym and swimming pool. If you’re a Hilton Honours member, you can earn points on your stay and may even qualify for a discount.

Key points:

  • £16 per day parking
  • Free airport shuttle
  • Approximately 40 minutes from campus on public transport
  • Approximately 10 minutes from campus by car
  • Restaurant, gym and swimming pool
  • Four-star
  • High-end price range (£££)

Travelodge Edinburgh Airport

The Travelodge a budget three-star hotel next to Edinburgh Airport. It’s situated on the main road and reachable from the airport in approximately 10 minutes (by bus or car). It is a good base for getting to Heriot-Watt University and the city centre.

Key points:

  • Approximately 25 minutes from campus on public transport
  • Approximately 15 minutes from campus by car
  • Restaurant serving breakfast and evening meals
  • Three-star

City hostels

Hostels are great if you are looking for a budget option in prime central Edinburgh locations.

Kick-ass Hostels: Grassmarket and Greyfriars

If you’re on a budget, visiting us solo, or with friends, a hostel could be a perfect place for you to stay. Kick-ass Hostels has two locations in central Edinburgh , with a range of different rooms, and both locations have their own bar which host a wide variety of activities which you can attend no matter which location you decide to stay at.

Grassmarket

The Grassmarket hostel as the name suggests is right in the middle of Edinburgh’s famous Grassmarket. A historic market now bursting with pubs and restaurants, Grassmarket is an excellent place to stay if you want to soak up some of Edinburgh’s pub culture and rich nightlife. If you’re the 'staying in' type, you’ll also have access to the chill-out room with access to Netflix. At the Grassmarket hostel, you can choose from a range of rooms or bunks, and can may even get a view of Edinburgh Castle.

Greyfriars

Just round the corner from the Grassmarket hostel, you will find the Kick-ass Greyfriars hostel. It is situated facing Greyfriars Kirkyard, home to Greyfriar’s Bobby. Again, another central location, and close to the Cowgate, where you can find some of Edinburgh’s late-night venues and comedy clubs. Again, if you choose to stay here, you’ll be able to participate in the activities hosted by Kick-ass

Key points:

  • No under 18s
  • Nearest parking is Castle Terrace NCP
  • Approximately an hour from campus by public transport
  • Approximately 30 minutes from campus by car
  • No curfew
  • Luggage storage
  • Free wifi
  • Café and bar
  • Shared bathrooms – same-gender available

There is something for everyone when it comes to accommodation in Edinburgh city centre. We recommend that you consider what you would like to get out of your trip and then choose your accommodation based on this. Is your focus on getting a feel for the city of Edinburgh? Would you like to be on campus for as long as possible? Do you want to experience Edinburgh’s nightlife?

We have great transport links in Edinburgh and it’s easy to get to campus by bus and by car. We have free visitor parking on campus and our team will be there to direct you to the car parks at our open days. If you will be travelling by bus you may want to factor this in to your choice of accommodation. Our page with details on travelling to campus may come in handy for this.