endorse view that this is a good hotel for express. It is well located for the new town, although less so for the 'royal mile' (which is to waverley station + extra 5 minutes). note that the walk from the hotel to waverley station is quite short (c half a mile) but up a fairly steep hill. however there are buses outside the door to most parts of central Edinburgh one way, and leith the next + a taxi would be inexpensive. An alternative mode of travel to carnoustie would be car - there is an avis location next to the hotel.