Holiday Inn Edinburgh Zoo: Rooms, Location, Facilities & Zoo Guide
If you are planning a family trip to Edinburgh Zoo, choosing accommodation close to the zoo can make the day much easier. Holiday Inn Edinburgh is particularly convenient because it is located next door to Edinburgh Zoo, with the zoo entrance around a two-minute walk from the hotel. The hotel also provides useful facilities for families and city break visitors, including an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, restaurant, Wi, Fi, room service and parking. Its position on Corstorphine Road also gives you straightforward access to Edinburgh city centre and Edinburgh Airport. Whether you are specifically searching for Holiday Inn Edinburgh Zoo, looking for a hotel near Edinburgh Zoo or planning a family weekend in the Scottish capital, this guide covers what you need to know before booking.
Table of Contents
Where Is Holiday Inn Edinburgh?
Holiday Inn Edinburgh is located at: 132 Corstorphine Road
Edinburgh
EH12 6UA
United Kingdom
The hotel is in the west of Edinburgh, immediately beside Edinburgh Zoo. The zoo itself is at 134 Corstorphine Road, so the two properties are exceptionally close.n This location is useful if your main reason for visiting Edinburgh is the zoo, but it also works well for a wider city break. The hotel is close to major roads including the M8, while regular bus services provide connections towards central Edinburgh and the airport.
| Hotel detail | Information |
| Hotel | Holiday Inn Edinburgh |
| Brand | Holiday Inn by IHG |
| Address | 132 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh |
| Postcode | EH12 6UA |
| Nearby attraction | Edinburgh Zoo |
| Pool | Heated indoor pool |
| Restaurant | Yes |
| Starbucks | Yes |
| Wi,Fi | Free |
| Parking | Complimentary for registered guests, subject to availability |
| Check-in | 3 pm |
| Check-out | 12 pm |
| Family rooms | Available |
| Airport access | Bus connections available |
How Close Is Holiday Inn Edinburgh to Edinburgh Zoo?
This is the hotel’s biggest advantage for zoo visitors. Holiday Inn Edinburgh is next door to Edinburgh Zoo, and the zoo’s own accommodation page describes the walk to the zoo entrance as approximately two minutes. That makes the hotel particularly convenient for families with young children. Instead of travelling across Edinburgh on the morning of your zoo visit, you can have breakfast at the hotel, collect your belongings and walk to the attraction. It is also useful if you want to return to the hotel during the day. For example, families with younger children may appreciate being able to take a break before heading back into the city or returning to the zoo area.
Holiday Inn Edinburgh Rooms
The hotel offers several room configurations, including standard and premium rooms. Current IHG information lists standard rooms in different layouts, including options with a double bed, two double beds, or two single beds. Family rooms are also available. Room facilities include Wi, Fi, air conditioning, a television, tea and coffee, making facilities, a mini refrigerator, a work desk, an iron, and an ironing board. Connecting rooms are also available by request, which can be useful for families travelling with older children or larger groups.
What to Consider When Choosing a Room
If you are booking primarily for Edinburgh Zoo, the most important consideration is not necessarily getting a particular room type. Instead, think about how many people are travelling and whether you need extra sleeping space or connecting rooms. For a family of four, a room configuration with two double beds may be more practical than booking separate rooms. If you need an accessible room, IHG lists accessible guest rooms with features including accessible door locks, grab bars and suitable bathroom facilities.
Hotel Facilities
Holiday Inn Edinburgh has a range of facilities that make it more than simply a convenient place to sleep after visiting the zoo.
Indoor Swimming Pool
The hotel has an indoor pool, making it an appealing extra for families travelling with children.
A swimming pool can be particularly useful when you have a multi-night stay and want something relaxing to do after sightseeing.
Fitness Centre
There is also a fitness centre with equipment including treadmills, stationary bikes, rowing equipment, free weights and other cardio machines. The current listed opening hours are 7am to 8 pm.
Restaurant and Bar
The hotel has an on-site restaurant and lounge bar, giving guests the option of eating without heading back into central Edinburgh. This can be convenient after spending several hours walking around Edinburgh Zoo, particularly if you are travelling with children.
Room Service
24-hour room service is listed among the hotel’s facilities. That can be useful for families arriving late, tired visitors, or anyone who simply wants to relax in their room.
Wi, Fi
Free Wi, Fi is available at the hotel.
Is Holiday Inn Edinburgh Good for Families?
For a family trip centred around Edinburgh Zoo, the location is one of the strongest reasons to consider the hotel. The zoo is next door, the hotel offers family rooms, there is an indoor pool, and IHG currently advertises Kids Stay and Eat Free at this property, subject to the programme’s terms. The short walk to Edinburgh Zoo is especially helpful if you are travelling with young children. You avoid adding a bus journey or car journey to what can already be a long day. The hotel can also work as a base for combining the zoo with Edinburgh’s other attractions. Families planning more trips can also explore these family day out ideas in the UK for inspiration.
Visiting Edinburgh Zoo From Holiday Inn
Edinburgh Zoo is a substantial attraction located on Corstorphine Hill, so comfortable footwear is recommended. The zoo covers more than 80 acres of wooded hillside and some paths include steep slopes. The zoo is home to thousands of animals and includes a mixture of indoor and outdoor areas. Because the hotel is immediately beside the zoo, you can plan your day around the zoo’s opening hours rather than spending additional time travelling there.
Current zoo opening times vary by season:
| Period | Opening hours |
| January–February | 10 am–4 pm |
| March | 10 am–5 pm |
| April–September | 10am–6pm |
| October | 10am–5pm |
| November–December | 10am–4pm |
| Christmas Day | Closed |
Last entry is one hour before closing. Opening times can change, so check the zoo’s current information when planning a specific visit.
How to Get From Holiday Inn Edinburgh to the Zoo
Getting from the hotel to Edinburgh Zoo is exceptionally straightforward. The hotel is next door to the zoo, and Edinburgh Zoo states that the Holiday Inn is around a two-minute walk from the entrance. This means you do not need a separate bus or taxi for the journey. For families, this is particularly useful because you can leave the car at the hotel and walk to the zoo instead of worrying about finding a parking space at the attraction. Edinburgh Zoo’s own car park has limited spaces and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It can fill early during busy periods such as school holidays.
Holiday Inn Edinburgh Parking
Parking is available at the hotel for registered guests, although the hotel describes its on-site spaces as limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The hotel currently lists additional parking in the adjacent zoo car park, with charges applying between 10 am and 5 pm, and the charge paid directly to the zoo. IHG currently lists this hotel guest charge as £4 per day, but parking prices and arrangements can change. There are also accessible parking spaces and step-free access around the property. If you are driving to Edinburgh specifically for a zoo visit, parking arrangements are worth checking before arrival rather than assuming a space will always be available.
Getting to Holiday Inn Edinburgh From Edinburgh Airport
The hotel is also convenient for visitors arriving by air. The hotel states that a number 100 bus can be taken from outside Edinburgh Airport directly to the hotel, and the airport service also serves Edinburgh Zoo. Edinburgh Zoo confirms that the 100 Airlink service operates between Edinburgh Airport and the city centre and stops regularly outside the zoo entrance. This makes the location useful for visitors who do not want to hire a car.
Getting to Edinburgh City Centre
Although Holiday Inn Edinburgh is outside the historic centre, it has bus connections into Edinburgh. Edinburgh Zoo itself is served by frequent Lothian bus services including routes 12, 26 and 31. These connect the zoo with areas including Haymarket and Edinburgh city centre.
This gives you the option of spending one day at the zoo and another exploring central Edinburgh. You can therefore combine a stay at the hotel with attractions such as:
- Edinburgh Castle
- The Royal Mile
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Arthur’s Seat
- National Museum of Scotland
- Princes Street
- Old Town Edinburgh
The hotel is positioned on the western side of the city, so allow additional travel time when visiting attractions in the Old Town.
Holiday Inn Edinburgh for an Edinburgh Zoo Weekend
A short weekend itinerary could work particularly well from this location.
Day 1: Edinburgh Zoo
Arrive at the hotel, settle in, and enjoy the hotel’s facilities. Depending on your arrival time, you can then explore the surrounding area or relax at the hotel.
Day 2: Full Day at Edinburgh Zoo
Have breakfast and walk directly to the zoo. Edinburgh Zoo recommends booking tickets online in advance, particularly during busy periods, as popular time slots can sell out. Spend most of the day exploring the zoo before returning to the hotel.
Day 3: Edinburgh City Centre
Use public transport to head into central Edinburgh and spend the day exploring the city’s historic attractions. This gives you a good balance between wildlife and sightseeing without constantly changing accommodation.
Things to Know About Edinburgh Zoo
The zoo is built on Corstorphine Hill, meaning some paths are steep. Comfortable footwear is recommended, particularly if you plan to spend several hours exploring. Many paths are accessible to wheelchair users, although some routes contain steps or steep slopes. The zoo also provides a mobility vehicle to help visitors access areas that may otherwise be difficult to reach. Dogs are not permitted inside Edinburgh Zoo, apart from assistance dogs. Parking at the zoo is limited, so staying at the adjacent Holiday Inn can make the overall visit easier if you are travelling by car.
Nearby Attractions
Holiday Inn Edinburgh is not only useful for Edinburgh Zoo. Its location gives you access to several popular Edinburgh attractions.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle sits on Castle Rock and is one of Scotland’s most recognisable landmarks. It is one of the main attractions to include if you are combining your zoo visit with a city break.
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile runs through Edinburgh’s historic Old Town between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Located at the opposite end of the Royal Mile, the palace is another major historic attraction and a useful addition to a city sightseeing day.
Murrayfield Stadium
Rugby fans can also use the hotel as a base when attending events at nearby Murrayfield Stadium. This can make the hotel useful beyond family zoo trips, particularly for visitors attending sporting events or concerts.
Holiday Inn Edinburgh Check-in and Check-out
Current IHG information lists:
- Check-in: 3 pm
- Check-out: 12 pm
- Minimum check-in age: 18
- Total rooms: 303
Late check-out may also be available. These details are useful when planning your zoo visit around arrival and departure times. For example, if you arrive before check-in, you should confirm luggage storage arrangements with the hotel rather than assuming your room will be ready.
Who Is Holiday Inn Edinburgh Best For?
The hotel is particularly suitable for:
Families visiting Edinburgh Zoo: The two-minute walk to the zoo is the obvious advantage.
Visitors travelling by car: On-site parking and access to major roads make the hotel practical for drivers.
Airport visitors: The 100 bus provides a direct public transport connection from Edinburgh Airport.
City break visitors: Regular buses allow you to combine the zoo with central Edinburgh.
Rugby and event visitors: The location is also useful for visitors attending events in the western part of the city.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Next door to Edinburgh Zoo
- Around a two-minute walk from the zoo entrance
- Indoor swimming pool
- Fitness centre
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- Free Wi,Fi
- Family room options
- Parking available
- Good airport and city bus connections
Things to Consider
- The hotel is outside Edinburgh’s historic city centre
- Hotel parking is limited
- Zoo parking can also become busy during peak periods
- Public transport or driving is needed for most central Edinburgh attractions
- Edinburgh Zoo itself is hilly, so expect walking and slopes during your visit
If you enjoy planning trips around wildlife attractions, Cotswold Wildlife Park is another family-friendly option worth exploring.
Is Holiday Inn Edinburgh Worth Booking for Edinburgh Zoo?
If your main reason for visiting Edinburgh is Edinburgh Zoo, Holiday Inn Edinburgh has one major advantage that is difficult to beat: it is immediately next door. The short walk means you can avoid driving to the zoo, searching for parking and dealing with additional transport on the day. The hotel also gives families useful facilities such as an indoor pool, restaurant and family room options. It is not located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, so visitors who want to step straight out onto the Royal Mile may prefer a more central hotel. However, for a trip combining Edinburgh Zoo, the airport and wider city sightseeing, the western Edinburgh location can be very practical. For families specifically searching for Holiday Inn Edinburgh Zoo, the proximity to the attraction is the main selling point, while the hotel’s wider facilities make it suitable for a longer stay.
Holiday Inn Edinburgh vs Premier Inn Near Edinburgh Zoo
Another common search is Premier Inn Edinburgh Zoo or Premier Inn near Edinburgh Zoo. The important point is that Holiday Inn Edinburgh has a particularly strong location advantage because it is directly next to Edinburgh Zoo. It also offers facilities that are important to some families, particularly the indoor pool and on-site leisure club. When comparing hotels, consider:
| What matters | Holiday Inn Edinburgh |
| Next to Edinburgh Zoo | Yes |
| Indoor pool | Yes |
| Family rooms | Yes |
| Restaurant | Yes |
| Starbucks | Yes |
| Parking | Yes, subject to availability |
| Airport bus connection | Yes |
| City centre access | Bus connections |
| Check-out | 12 pm |
If your main reason for booking accommodation is the zoo, proximity and hotel facilities may be more important than simply choosing the cheapest available room.
FAQs
Is Holiday Inn Edinburgh next to Edinburgh Zoo?
Yes. Holiday Inn Edinburgh is directly next to Edinburgh Zoo, and the zoo describes the walk from the hotel to its entrance as around two minutes.
Can you walk from Holiday Inn Edinburgh to Edinburgh Zoo?
Yes. The zoo entrance is only around a two-minute walk from the hotel.
Does Holiday Inn Edinburgh have a swimming pool?
Yes. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool.
Does Holiday Inn Edinburgh have parking?
Yes. Parking is available for registered hotel guests, although spaces are limited and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional parking may be available in the adjacent zoo car park.
How far is Holiday Inn Edinburgh from the city centre?
The hotel is on Corstorphine Road in western Edinburgh rather than in the historic centre. Bus services provide connections into central Edinburgh.
Can I get from Edinburgh Airport to Holiday Inn Edinburgh by bus?
Yes. The hotel states that the number 100 service runs from Edinburgh Airport to the hotel.
Is Holiday Inn Edinburgh good for families?
It can be particularly convenient for families visiting Edinburgh Zoo because of its location next to the attraction, family room options, indoor pool, and family-oriented facilities.
Does Edinburgh Zoo allow dogs?
No. Dogs are not permitted inside Edinburgh Zoo, except assistance dogs.
What time is check-in at Holiday Inn Edinburgh?
Current IHG information lists check-in from 3 pm and check-out by 12 pm.
Conclusion
Holiday Inn Edinburgh is one of the most convenient accommodation choices if Edinburgh Zoo is a major part of your trip. Its standout feature is simple: the hotel is next door to the zoo. You can walk from your room to the zoo entrance in around two minutes, while still having access to an indoor pool, restaurant, fitness centre, Wi, Fi and other hotel facilities. For a family weekend, you can stay close to the zoo on one day and use Edinburgh’s bus network to explore the city centre on another. For visitors arriving by air, the location is also practical because the 100 bus provides a connection between Edinburgh Airport and the hotel/zoo area. If convenience around Edinburgh Zoo is your priority, this hotel is particularly worth considering
