We were less than impressed by this place from the minute we saw the small tatty room , but the things only got worse when we attempted to sleep but were met with noise on all sides due to no soundproofing between rooms what so ever. Whilst this place was cheap, and therefore we couldn't expect much, I would recommend somewhere better if you actually hope to get any sleep.

My wife and I stayed here during a recent trip to Edinburgh. Staff were very good and the facilities were great. We also liked the restaurant downstairs. The waiter was nice enough to put a radiator close to our table as we had dinner. The morning we left to catch the bus back to the airport was very easy. We could just walk to the bus stop because the Hotel location was so central.

Why do some reviewers write phrases like "this is definitely not 5 star" when they are reviewing a 2 star hotel? So unfair and plain stupid. The Cairn is a very good 2 star in a great location and great value. It has a spacious lobby/ lounge area with a small bar. There is a good TV there with Sky etc. The rooms have flat screen TVs with good reception on multiple channels. One reviewer says that no WIFI password is available. Nonsense! An easy password is available from the reception and works perfectly throughout both parts of the hotel and the basement restaurant and is free. So many hotels charge crazy amounts for this service. There are no lifts here, so if you can't manage stairs, ask for a ground floor room or don't stay. The rooms are what you'd expect from a conversion job on an old Georgian terrace. High ceilings, varied sizes, some huge, some tiny. From what I saw in both parts of the hotel, all areas have been recently painted and all is clean by any reasonable definition of the word. Keys are not electronic, one per room, leave at desk when out. Tea, coffee and shortbread in the room as you'd expect in Scotland. The annexe on the opposite side of the quiet street is the same standard but without a lounge area. You must cross the street for breakfast. As the hotel contains some very large rooms with 3, 4 and 5 beds in some, it's good for cheap sharing. Groups also use this hotel so that can mean noise on occasion but that can be said about anywhere. The restaurant can be underused at night but is very good, especially if you want to arrange a group meal or celebration. Run by Erikson in a friendly manner. Some reviews complained about slow heating. Mine went from stone cold to too hot to touch in 3 minutes. Not bad!
Take this place for what it is and not the 5 star you'd like it to be and you won't be unhappy!

i stayed 2 nights in a single room in the cairn hotel.
the room was perfectly fine, clean with a shower, and toiletries,towels
supplied.
tea and coffee and shortcake too!
a flat screen tv at the end of the bed.
The staff on the front desk were friendly at all times.
the hotel is about 15 mins walk right in to the city centre,
and has bars and shops just mins away.
I only paid £46.00 for two nights over Christmas.
i would definitely recommend this to those looking for clean affordable accommodation.