Thistle Suites Royal Garden Edinburgh Exterior photoThistle Suites Royal Garden Edinburgh Exterior photoThistle Suites Royal Garden Edinburgh Exterior photo

Thistle Suites Royal Garden – A Favorite for Families in Edinburgh

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Check rooms and rates
From$112 /night
Check-in
10Aug
Check-out
11Aug
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

2 York Buildings, Edinburgh, EH21HY
-
Close to the Royal Mile
Great
8.7
9.1
/10
4.7
/5

Apartment hotel with private garden access in Edinburgh city centre

Amenities & Services

Guests at Thistle Suites Royal Garden have complimentary access to the private Queen Street Gardens through a courtyard gate. The hotel offers an electric vehicle charging station in the accessible parking area and free luggage storage lockers for early arrivals or late departures. Express check-in and check-out are available through a user-friendly online app, and CCTV operates in common areas for security.

Accommodations

Each apartment features a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, oven, and coffee maker, along with a private bathroom stocked with complimentary toiletries. Room types range from studio suites to Premium Three Bedroom Suites with Balcony & Marina View, many offering garden views. Family rooms can accommodate larger groups, and select units include a sofa bed and a washing machine for longer stays.

Location

The hotel sits 600 metres from Edinburgh Waverley station and a 2-minute walk from the Royal Mile, placing Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland within easy reach. Edinburgh Playhouse and Camera Obscura and World of Illusions are also walkable from the property. Guest reviews give the location a score of 9.6 out of 10, and St Andrew's Square tram stop is directly across the street for airport connections.

Family-Friendly Features

Spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchens allow families to prepare meals, and the property offers a picnic area and outdoor furniture in the garden courtyard. Luggage storage is free, giving families freedom to explore the city after check-out. The hotel's central location near Edinburgh Playhouse and Royal Mile provides easy access to child-friendly attractions.

Business & Convenience

Business travelers can take advantage of the express check-in/out process and the online app for room access and service requests. The property offers lockers for secure storage and provides public transport tickets for tram and bus travel. Accessible parking and an electric vehicle charging station add convenience for corporate guests arriving by car.

Highlights

Location: 2-minute walk to Royal Mile, 9.6 guest rating

Rooms: Studios to 3-bedroom suites with kitchens

Amenities: Private Queen Street Gardens, EV charging

Family: Family rooms, picnic area, free luggage storage

Business: Online check-in, lockers, public transport tickets

“Sonder's Royal Garden Apartments struck me as a clever adaptation of Edinburgh's historic architecture into something genuinely livable. The fully equipped kitchens and laundry felt like a real advantage for longer stays, a true home base in a prime location. Its appeal lies in blending independence with the city's vibrant pulse.”
Hotel logo
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
  • Studio Suite No View
    2 persons
    40 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Without view
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Studio Suite Garden View
    2 persons
    30 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Garden view
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • One Bedroom Suite Garden View
    2 persons
    39 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Garden view
    Bathtub
    Heating
Show all rooms

Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!
August 2026 - August 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
Facilities: Great
8.9/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Car park
  • Handicap parking
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Lift
  • Smoke detectors
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Fire extinguishers

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle
  • Dryer
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

  • Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

  • Picnic area/ Tables

Children

  • Cots

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Sitting area
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Washing machine
  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle
  • Dryer
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
Show more

Thistle Suites Royal Garden Location

2 York Buildings, Edinburgh, EH21HY
Explore Edinburgh
Local Experience Near Sonder Royal Garden Apartments
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Scott Monument
Scott Monument
5 minutes' walk
Scott Monument, an iconic Victorian Gothic tower honoring Sir Walter Scott, offers stunning views of Edinburgh from its 287 steps.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
11 minutes' walk
Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress, boasts captivating exhibits and panoramic city views, portraying Scotland's royal history.
National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
11 minutes' walk
National Museum of Scotland features diverse exhibitions from art to natural history. Entry is free, with occasional guided tours.
The Real Mary King's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
11 minutes' walk
The Real Mary King's Close offers guided tours of Edinburgh's hidden underground streets, revealing stories of the city's past.
Arthur's Seat Hike
25 minutes walking
Arthur's Seat hike provides breathtaking views over the city. Accessible via public transport, it's a must for outdoor enthusiasts.
Yoga at The Meadows
25 minutes walking
Yoga sessions at The Meadows encourage relaxation amidst nature. Classes vary seasonally; check local listings for times.
Cafe Portrait
1 minute' walk
Cafe Portrait offers a cozy atmosphere with a focus on local ingredients. Enjoy brunch or tea, catering to various dietary needs.
Zest Restaurant
3 minutes' walk
Zest Restaurant specializes in contemporary Scottish cuisine. Signature dishes highlight seasonal produce; reservations recommended.
Karen's Unicorn
4 minutes' walk
Karen's Unicorn is known for its casual vibe and hearty Scottish fare, making it perfect for families and groups.
The Stand Comedy Club
10 minutes' walk
The Stand Comedy Club offers a lively atmosphere with local and touring comedians, hosting shows almost every night of the week.
Usher Hall
15 minutes' walk
Usher Hall, a historic concert venue, presents a variety of performances, including live music and theater, for all ages.
Tips on navigating the city
  • City Centre
    Edinburgh 10 min  ·  2700 ft
  • Airports
    Edinburgh (EDI) 20 min  ·  8.3 mi
    Glasgow (GLA) 134 min  ·  55.4 mi
  • Train
    Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station 8 min  ·  2000 ft
  • Bus
    Bus stop 3 min  ·  700 ft
Get access to exclusive early booking discounts for your family’s upcoming getaway
Book now and enjoy exclusive rates on your family vacation!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:30
Check-out
from 03:00-11:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, Spanish, Catalan
Number of rooms:
41
Former name
sonder by marriott bonvoy royal garden apartments new town

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Thistle Suites Royal Garden provides spacious apartments in a convenient location for exploring Edinburgh, with many attractions and transport options like the tourist bus stop in St Andrews Square within walking distance. The apartments are noted for their kitchen facilities, including washing machines and sometimes full kitchens with everything needed for an extended stay. Some guests have mentioned issues with heat and limited air circulation in certain apartments. However, the proximity to Queen's Garden, with a private garden, is a bonus for many.
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Review score
Based on 1020 verified reviews
8.6 /10
Great
90 %
Recommend
Location
9.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
9.3/10
Breakfast
7.4/10
Value for money
8.4/10
Pros
Excellent location
Comfortable bed
Clean apartment
Cons
Noisy bathroom fan
Guest reviews
based on 1020 reviews
8.6/10
based on 1802 reviews
8.7/10
Henry from United Kingdom
Couple
One Bedroom Suite Queen Street View
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 02, 2026
7/10
clean apartment washing machine central location cheap linen broken lock filthy blanket
the apartment was clean and bright. it had a washing machine. the location was near the city centre and tram stop.
the bed linen felt cheap and was not comfortable. the lock on the front door of the apartment was broken. the blanket on the bed was filthy.
0 Helpful
Evelyn from United Kingdom
Family with children
Two Bedroom Suite Garden View
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 27, 2026
9.6/10

amazing rooms, location and everything! wow!

spacious apartment good facilities comfortable bedrooms friendly staff
I found the apartment was very clean and spacious for my family. it had good kitchen and washing facilities , made everything easier. the bedrooms are comfortable and large. We all slept very well. the staff was friendly too and i liked that they had tea and coffee available.
i noticed the building had no elevator, i had to carry my luggage by the stairs.
Location
9/10
The location offers great access to st andrews square. I used it to catch a tram to the airport. there were many buses nearby for going local or city-to-city. waverly train station is also very close, very useful.
Dining
10/10
The kitchen was spacious. It had a cooktop, oven, and microwave that i used a lot. there was also a dishwasher and washer and dryer combo unit which was very practical. i cooked several meals there!
Facilities
9/10
i found the washing facilities really useful, especially with kids. the apartment had everything i needed for a longer stay. i liked that everything i needed was there.
Rooms
10/10
The rooms were very comfortable and well appointed. My family had plenty of space. the garden view one bedroom apartment has north light. it made the room quiet during the day and at night.
Service
10/10
The staff was really cute. They helped me with a couple of questions i had. i really appreciated their quick responses.
0 Helpful
|
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joshua l from canada
Family with children
one bedroom suite queen street view
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 26, 2026
8.8/10

excellent new town stay

new town garden view spacious kitchen spacious bath
The location is excellent near st andrews square, transport is easy. the garden view one bedroom apartment was very quiet. I appreciated that. the kitchen had a cooktop, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and a washer and dryer combo unit. the bath was spacious too.
the room could be cleaner. i found dust in several places, like on the lampshade and near the baseboards.
Rooms
9/10
The room had good soundproofing. the bed had premium bedding and many pillows. the bathroom featured a rainfall shower and complimentary toiletries. This was useful.
Facilities
8/10
the hotel offers complimentary wifi throughout the hotel. there is a fitness center with cardio machines and weights. i saw a business center available needing to do work.
Location
10/10
The hotel is a short walk from waverley train station. the scottish national portrait gallery is just across the street. nearby are many restaurants and shops. Everything is conveniently located.
Service
9/10
the reception staff arranged a taxi to the airport for me. i found them to be very helpful with directions and local information. they stored my luggage after check-out too.
Dining
8/10
i bought groceries at a tesco express, a 5-minute walk away. the kitchen in the suite allowed for easy meal preparation. i found many nearby restaurants for dining out too.
0 Helpful
|
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Dominic from Australia
Couple
One Bedroom Suite Queen Street View
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 19, 2025
9.3/10

a serene haven amidst city

amazing location comfortable beds very nice view
the apartment location created easy access to many attractions within a short walk. its safe neighborhood added an extra sense of security. i found the apartment clean and the beds provided superior comfort. the windows framed an very nice view, that was a pure delight.
the wifi signal was not consistent enough for streaming services like netflix. i reported the issue through online channels. unfortunately this remained unresolved , it slightly impacted our ability to relax in the evening.
Rooms
9/10
the room had north light and a quiet ambiance, a real sanctuary after a long day. the kitchen provided a cooktop, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and washer and dryer combo. the bathroom offered ample space that added to the comfort.
Service
10/10
the reception staff was kind and always ready to help with anything we needed. the front desk staff supported us throughout our stay with grace. the option for a later checkout assisted us greatly.
Location
9/10
this spot is close to st andrews square, where the airport tram is available. many opportunities allowed us to catch local and city-to-city buses. waverly train station is close and supports further travel easily.
0 Helpful
|
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Mia from Italy
Couple
Deluxe Two Bedroom Suite Balcony
5 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 29, 2025
9.5/10

beautiful apartment

spacious feel clean bedding
the apartment had spacious, airy feel. bedding was clean. staff were cute. it was a fantastic position to explore by foot. there was easy access to the tram, as well.
Dining
9/10
the kitchen was well appointed with a cooktop. an oven, a microwave, a dishwasher, and a washer and dryer combo unit exist. unlimited coffee capsules and tea bags were accessible from the front lobby.
Service
10/10
the staff was very helpful and kind. they were informative and friendly. i was able to leave my luggage in a free storage locker. reception also booked a taxi to the airport for me.
Location
10/10
the location was excellent. saint andrews square exist within a two minute walk. princes street exist a five minute walk away. a bus station exist right on the doorstep.
Facilities
9/10
the building itself was beautiful and modern. it had great character. the apartment boast high ceilings with spacious rooms. the bath was spacious, too, i found.
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About Thistle Suites Royal Garden
What is the distance from the 4-star Thistle Suites Royal Garden hotel to Edinburgh city centre?
Edinburgh city centre is reachable within a 10-minute walk from the 4-star Thistle Suites Royal Garden hotel.
Does Thistle Suites Royal Garden hotel have a car parking on site?
Guests of Thistle Suites Royal Garden hotel can take advantage of parking.
At what time can I check-in at the aparthotel?
At the aparthotel, you can check in from 16:00 till 23:30.
At what time can I check-out at the Edinburgh aparthotel?
You can check out of the Edinburgh aparthotel from 03:00 till 11:00.
What are the booking prices at the 4-star Thistle Suites Royal Garden hotel?
The prices at the 4-star Thistle Suites Royal Garden hotel start from £112.
What payment methods are available in the Thistle Suites Royal Garden hotel?
At the Thistle Suites Royal Garden hotel, you can pay using Visa and American Express.
What room types does the 4-star Thistle Suites Royal Garden hotel comprise?
The 4-star Thistle Suites Royal Garden hotel provides such room types as Two-Bedroom King Suite, One-Bedroom Queen Suite, and Studio Suite.
Does the 4-star Thistle Suites Royal Garden hotel staff speak foreign languages?
Yes, the staff of the 4-star Thistle Suites Royal Garden hotel can help you in Catalan, Spanish, and English.
Which facilities does the 4-star Thistle Suites Royal Garden hotel provide?
Top locations of the 4-star Thistle Suites Royal Garden hotel include a luggage room, whereas guests' safety will be ensured with luggage storage.

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