TikToker's £49.50 Edinburgh Hotel Stay Leaves Viewers in Disbelief
Edinburgh, one of the United Kingdom's premier tourist cities, draws millions of international visitors each year, making accommodation prices notoriously steep. During peak events like Hogmanay or the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, nightly rates can soar into the hundreds of pounds, placing a significant strain on travellers' budgets. Against this backdrop of exorbitant costs, a TikToker's recent video revealing a hotel stay for just £49.50 has sparked widespread amazement and debate online.
The Viral Discovery: A Budget Hotel Near Edinburgh's Landmarks
Spencer Lyon, a TikTok content creator with 135,000 followers known for sharing money-saving tips, documented his experience at the Edinburgh House Hotel on Pilrig Street. In his video, he approaches the building, humorously comparing it to Fawlty Towers before checking in. The process required a £100 refundable security deposit, which immediately caught viewers' attention. Upon entering his room, Spencer found it equipped with two beds—a double and a single—prompting him to joke about feeling like the three little bears.
He then inspected the amenities, noting the proximity of the tea and coffee facilities to the pillow and the absence of shortbread biscuits. The view from the window revealed overcast skies, while the television was described as the teeniest TV in the game. Spencer also examined the bathroom, where the toilet was tucked around a corner, and tested the bed's bounce after removing his shoes. He highlighted a modest clothes rail on the wall, observing there was no wardrobe, before concluding that the stay cost £49.50, booked last-minute.
Mixed Reactions From Viewers on Social Media
The video elicited a range of responses in the comments section. Some viewers praised the price as very cheap for Edinburgh and ridiculously cheap for Edinburgh rates, with one noting it looked perfectly acceptable for the cost. Others, however, questioned the £100 deposit for a £50 hotel, comparing it to more modern establishments with lower deposits. One commenter argued that the deposit was reasonable given potential damage from guests, emphasizing it was refundable and provided peace of mind for the owner.
Hotel Ratings and Guest Feedback: A Divided Picture
The Edinburgh House Hotel currently holds a 2.5 out of five rating on Tripadvisor, with rooms starting as low as £38 per night. Its description promotes a budget-friendly setting with amenities tailored for travellers, located within a 1.3-mile walk of the Royal Mile and other key attractions. Guest reviews reflect this middling score, with one visitor criticizing the room as run-down and poorly maintained, citing an endless list of faults and damages. In contrast, another guest praised it as clean and tidy with comfortable beds, stating they would stay again despite its dated appearance.
This viral story underscores the broader issue of accommodation affordability in popular tourist cities like Edinburgh, where even basic lodging can command high prices. Spencer Lyon's find serves as a reminder that budget options exist, though they often come with compromises in amenities and mixed reviews. As travel costs continue to rise, such discoveries resonate with cost-conscious tourists seeking value without breaking the bank.
