The Scholar

4.0 star property
Eco-certified hotel with 24-hour front desk and restaurant

Photo gallery for The Scholar

Exterior
Family Room
Food and drink
Lobby lounge, garden views, open daily
Reception

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Room service
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

Map
18 Holyrood Park Road, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH16 5AY
  • University of Edinburgh
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Royal Mile
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Edinburgh Castle
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Edinburgh (EDI)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Room options

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

Highlights

Heating
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
Wardrobe
  • 13 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

Deluxe Twin Room, Ensuite

Highlights

Heating
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
Wardrobe
  • 13 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Single Beds

Deluxe Single Room

Highlights

Heating
LCD TV
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
Wardrobe
Daily housekeeping
  • 9 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

Deluxe Double Room Single Use, Ensuite

Highlights

Heating
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
Wardrobe
  • 13 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Double Bed

Family Room

Highlights

Heating
LCD TV
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
Wardrobe
Daily housekeeping
  • 13 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Bed

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About the area

Edinburgh

The Scholar puts you in the centre of Edinburgh, 2 km (1.2 mi) from Royal Mile and 2.4 km (1.5 mi) from Princes Street. Highlights at this eco-friendly hotel include in-room free WiFi, free high-speed Internet and LCD TVs. .The brasserie, The Brasserie, is open for breakfast and dinner. Scholar Bar & Lounge is the hotel's own lobby lounge, serving drinks along with lunch and dinner. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas and a conference centre. Full breakfast is available on weekdays between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM and on weekends between 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM. Bring your pet along and take advantage of this property's pet-friendly amenities, such as food and water bowls. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Attractions within a 30-minute walk of this 4-property class Southside hotel include University of Edinburgh and Grassmarket.

What's nearby

  • University of Edinburgh - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Royal Mile - 4 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Grassmarket - 4 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Edinburgh Castle - 5 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Princes Street - 5 min drive - 2.4 km

Getting around

  • Princes Street Tram Stop - 6 min drive
  • Newcraighall Station - 11 min drive
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 41 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Abbey - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Southpour - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Pizza Hut - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪The Salisbury Arms - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Macau Kitchen - ‬10 min walk

About this property

The Scholar

Eco-certified hotel with 24-hour front desk and restaurant
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi and wired Internet. The eco-certified The Scholar also features room service (during limited hours), a front desk safe, and a lift. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

This 4-star Edinburgh hotel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 72 guestrooms or units
  • 4 levels
  • Built in 1994
  • Charging station for electric cars
  • Conference centre
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
The Scholar offers 72 accommodations with laptop-compatible safes and coffee/tea makers. LCD televisions come with digital channels. Bathrooms include a shower, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

This Edinburgh hotel provides complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and fridges can be requested.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-certified property
This property participates in Green Tourism Programme – a programme that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural heritage and the local economy.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site parking

Food and drink

  • Full breakfast available for a fee 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM on weekdays and 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM on weekends; GBP 16 for adults and GBP 16 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Scholar Bar & Lounge
  • The Brasserie

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals

Family friendly

  • Refrigerator on request

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Business services

  • Conference centre

Outdoors

  • In a nature reserve

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • 1 building
  • 4 floors
  • Built in 1994
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • LCD TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Limited room service
  • Refrigerator on request

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: midnight
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: GBP 30.00 per pet (varies based on length of stay)
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for full breakfast: from approximately GBP 16.00 for adults and from GBP 16.00 for children
  • Pet fee: GBP 30.00 per pet (varies based on length of stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit and window guards
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, debit cards and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit and window guards in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

National rating

This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitScotland, the National Tourist Board for Scotland.

Property is also known as

Salisbury Green Hotel Bistro Edinburgh
Masson House Edinburgh
Masson House Hotel
Masson House Hotel Edinburgh
Masson House Edinburgh, Scotland
Masson House Edinburgh Scotland
Masson House B&B Edinburgh
Masson House B&B
Salisbury Green Hotel Bistro
Salisbury Green Bistro Edinburgh
Salisbury Green Bistro
The Scholar Hotel
The Scholar Edinburgh
The Scholar Hotel Edinburgh
Salisbury Green Hotel Bistro

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at The Scholar?

The Scholar offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at The Scholar?

Yep, The Scholar has a free self car park. Onsite parking is limited.

Are there any beaches close to The Scholar?

The closest beach to The Scholar is Portobello Beach (4.3 km).

Does The Scholar serve breakfast?

Yep, full breakfast is offered weekdays from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and on weekends from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Scholar?

No, The Scholar does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at The Scholar?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Scholar?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Scholar?

Dogs are welcome at The Scholar, with food and water bowls on offer.

The Scholar Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 589 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 294 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 82 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 27 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 11 out of 1003 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

janet

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Room was very disappointing, Floors creaking, noisy and very thin walls.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

jeremy

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent

Perfect hotel for our stay, very pleased
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Lara

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff was overall very nice, although sometimes I did have some problems, I'm assuming with the new/novice employees. The breakfast was quite poor. I had also eaten at Arthur's (the student dining hall) and it was the same—even better than the hotel, actually. Another thing that I didn't like was the ventilation system in the bathroom. Other than that, a great stay. Thanks.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Giuseppe

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful location right at the foot of Arthur's Seat and just a 20 minute walk to the city center
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice spacious rooms, finished to a high standard, the staff were very friendly and helpful, free parking on site and bus stops outside.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vivian

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sophie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely stay

Staff are friendly. Breakfast was lovely. Room tidy and clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emelia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Naveen

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness
Lift out of order and restricted WiFi make this difficult to use for business. In addition because of a fault we couldn’t turn the heating off which made it impossible to sleep in and they couldn’t change the room until the morning and the pillows were too thick to sleep on. The room was clean and tidy otherwise.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Juan I

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joanne

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was always made up during the day and there was plenty of refreshments for us to share. The toiletries smelled nice and the towels were very soft. There was a dining area however we did not use this but from the outside it looked lovely and cosy
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janice

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A wonderful find in Edinburgh

Absolutely fantastic hotel, wonderful staff, nothing is a problem for them, with special thanks to Emelise, Amrutha and Angelika. Made to feel very welcome. A real bonus, especially for a hotel in Edinburgh is having free parking. Will definitely be back. Thank you everyone x
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rosemarie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Spacious and quiet room! Lots of restaurants nearby! Good location to explore Edinburgh!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vasiliki

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a wonderful stay at The Scholar. The room was wonderful and very clean, the team was very polite and attentive (we received a wonderful hand written note as we were celebrating a special occasion, which was such a thoughtful touch!). It’s a 30 minute walk from the old town but the bus stop is right outside the hotel with regular buses. There was no mini fridge in the room, although we didn’t need it. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

2/10 Terrible

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
I have a fainting condition. I need to make sure I have adequate access to food and snacks throughout the day, especially for a demanding day walking around Edinburgh. On our first breakfast I asked for a takeout container to take a few items with us for the day. There was no issue with this and the staff were lovely about it. The next day the manager came to find us at breakfast to tell me I had taken too much food the previous day. I had taken some bread rolls, a couple pastries and a yogurt. Surprised by this I apologised and felt as if I couldn't take anything for the day. This just made my day harder for no reason. The manager made me feel embarrassed, humiliated and stressed out. There was no need to talk to me how she did in front of other guests in the restaurant. I just hope that saving the hotel £2 on leftover breakfast food was worth it for making my day harder. Maybe if someone is asking to take a few things for the day there's a reason, and I feel the manager needed to think about this. I hope in future you can think about how you treat guests with requests like these. Other than that we had a lovely couple of nights away for our anniversary but this put a real downer on the situation. It's not easy for me to prepare some food to take with me while staying in a hotel and I feel my request was perfectly reasonable. I wouldn't have mind if I'd been politely told I can't take any food. It's how the manager rudely dealt with it and how she made me feel which was the
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Astayed in a single room which was spotless and comfortable. Hotel staff were professional and friendly
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Hotel shame about the parking

Really nice hotel. Strange location in the grounds of the student halls and I believe the hotel itself used to be student halls. Situated right at the bottom of Arthurs Seat. Restaurant in the hotel was lovely for an evening meal. Breakfast had a great selection of food and catered for Gluten Free and Vegan. Only drawback is the parking. It is very limited and not easy to find.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle, Hope Valley

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable roomwith good amenities and onsite parking. About 30 minute walk to Royal Mile. Staff have been exceptionally helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Bethan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spacious clean rooms, big comfortable bed, good breakfast, quiet location but within walking distance of city centre
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Abdirahman

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very good stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice clean rooms and very helpful staff
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025