Travel Tips

Getting to the hotel

The Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa is located 12.5km from Edinburgh Airport and 2km from Edinburgh Waverley train station.

Taxi

From the airport: Taxis are available from the airport to book ahead of time or upon arrival at the rank. They cost approximately £25 and transfer time is around 25 minutes.

Tram

From the airport: The tram leaves from the stop every 7 to 10 minutes. The stop can be found outside the main terminal next to the plaza and Edinburgh sign. Trams connect the terminal to Newhaven and pass through the city centre. Airport return tickets can be purchased in advance and their validity is open-ended. West End – Princes Street tram stop is nearest to the hotel, a 5-minute walk away.

Train

There are two train stations in Edinburgh. The nearest station to the hotel is Haymarket, 1km from the Sheraton with a taxi rank opposite. Waverley station is 2km from the Sheraton. Taxis are available on Market Street, 160m from the station.

Parking

The hotel has parking available at a daily rate of £17.50 with a discounted rate of £15.00 for guests staying in the conference hotel. Electric car charging stations are also available.

Visas, passports and other documents

A passport that is valid for the whole of your stay is required to travel to the UK. Please check the UK government website to see whether you require a Visa or any other supporting documents for your visit: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.

Currency

The currency in Scotland is the British pound sterling.

Weather

In April, expect average highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Adverse weather conditions are not uncommon in Scotland, therefore layers, jackets and umbrellas are advised.

Clothing

For IEC events, including the social programme, we suggest business-casual dress.

Safety and useful contacts

Edinburgh has a low crime rate and is considered safe, however, as in all cities you should never let your guard down and leave expensive items unattended. Pickpockets take advantage in airports, train stations and tourist sites.

Edinburgh emergency services: Call 999 from any mobile for life-threatening emergencies.

The nearest hospital, Western General Hospital, is a 10-minute drive (3km) from the hotel. The nearest pharmacy is Apple Pharmacy, located a 14-minute (1km) walk from the hotel. For directions, please check the IEC Connects app or speak to hotel concierge.

If you require a doctor during your stay, please contact the hotel concierge.

Electricity

Volts: The UK operates on a 230V supply voltage and the standard frequency is 50Hz.

Electric plug/adaptors: In the UK, sockets are compatible with plug type G. Plug type G has three rectangular prongs forming an isosceles triangle.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected in Scotland; however, it is quite common to tip around 10% in restaurants or taxis after receiving good service.

Restaurants & Bars

KORA by Tom Kitchin | KORA showcases a range of light, fresh, inventive and inspiring dishes, honouring the best of Scottish seasonal cooking. Open daily. 18 minute walk or 8 minute drive.

Kyloe | Enjoy the tender and complex flavours that Scottish beef has to offer at Kyloe Gourmet Steak Restaurant. A sensational gourmet journey awaits you. Open daily. 7 minute walk or 3 minute drive.

Amber Restaurant | Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar is the perfect place to discover Scotland’s larder. Seasonal dishes paired with the perfect dram. Open daily. 18 minute walk or 11 minute drive.

Luckenbooths | Offering mouth-watering dinners cooked to perfection. Family friendly restaurant and lounge with sun trap terrace overlooking the most famous landmarks in the city. Open daily. 20 minute walk or 11 minute drive.

Fishers in the City | Casual seafood bistro offering fish entrees & shellfish specialties in a polished environment. Open daily. 18 minute walk or 10 minute drive.

Ondine Restaurant | A creative menu presents sustainable fish dishes in light, modern, elegant space, with oyster bar. Open Tuesday to Saturday. 20 minute walk or 10 minute drive.

Locanda de Gusti | Stylish, contemporary dining room with rustic accents, serving traditional Naples-inspired cuisine. Open Monday to Saturday. 16 minute walk or 5 minute drive.

Contini George Street | Modern Italian dining in a stunning 19th century banking hall. Open daily. 14 minute walk or 6 minute drive.

Contini Cannonball | Historic 17th century three-storey building in the heart of the Old Town, with fabulous views of Edinburgh Castle, serving the very best of locally-sourced, seasonal produce. Open Tuesday to Saturday. 18 minute walk or 11 minute drive.

Witchery by the Castle | Enjoy legendary fine dining, an award winning wine list and atmospheric dining rooms. Step inside and be transported to a bygone era. Open daily. 18 minute walk or 11 minute drive.

Additional information

Royal Mile – 1.2km/18-minute walk/12-minute drive from hotel

Edinburgh Castle – 1.1km/18-minute walk/10-minute drive from hotel