Clean and central accomodations in Edinburgh

I just returned from a three day stay at the Holiday Inn Express, City Center in Edinburgh (May 28-31). Having never stayed in a Holiday Inn Express, I was not sure what to expect in the way of services, though I was encouraged by the glowing reviews. Overall, I found the place above average, though there were minor inconveniences.

On a very positive note, the location is quite convenient for shopping on Princes Street and a quick hop across a bridge to the Royal Mile. It is also within walking distance (ten-fifteen minutes) to the tour and airport bus stations, as well as the train station. Major public bus routes pass in front of the hotel that take you to Leith (the port) or into the new. town The hotel is also across from cinemas and the Playhouse Theater. In the immediate vicinity are small restaurants, pubs and bars for refreshment. The castle is out of sight (up the hill and around the corner), so stay elsewhere (Grassmarket, for instance) if that is important to you.

Also on the plus side, the hotel must have been recently renovated, because the rooms were spotless and showed no signs of wear. They were also quiet (I was in the front, to boot), with good light and a decent television, with built in wake up function (no personal call).

However - and this is where the "express" comes in - some conveniences that might be available in other hotels were unavailable. There was no mini bar, so any eating or drinking of note was done outside of the room. Self service machines included free ice, plus candy bars and soft drinks/water. Breakfast was basic and continental. Hotel guests were given trays to self serve, with an average selection of cereals, some yoghurt, orange juice, tea or coffee (machine), a small selection of pastry and toast. Tables were not frequently cleaned, so finding a pleasant and uncluttered area to eat was a bit of a challenge. Newspapers were provided in the breakfast area (above the bar) but not at the room. The bathroom was super clean, but the soap and shampoo were dispensed from a wall attachment by the sink, so one had to lean out of the shower to squeeze the soap bottle - a bit of a challenge when wet.

Service personnel were all young, inexperienced and not particularly volunteering of information. When I arrived at noon, I was told I could not check in until two (the posted time), but I had to prod a bit to get information on whether I could stash my luggage (I could and did). Staff were also not well versed on tourism (I encountered only non-Scots). There was no concierge, nor ability to change travellers' checks. When I asked if I could buy a beer at the bar and pay in a 100 pound note travellers' check (bought in Edinburgh, no less), i was told no. I found this somewhat surprising, since I had never encountered a situation where I couldn't use a travellers' check as cash, particularly in the local currency. Perhaps it was the inexperience of the night staff, but I found it strange practice.

Would I stay there again for the 95 pound rate? Probably. For atmosphere and convenience to museums and the castle, though, I think I would have preferred Grassmarket with its more concentrated selection of restaurants and shops and views of that spectacular main attraction - the castle.

Fantastic hotel

Fantastic hotel. good location. Would definately stay here again.. We got a good rate on the hotel website. The hotel was spotless, breakfast was filling and offered nice choices. Rooms were clean, beds were madeup for 3 in our room. The entire stay was a great experience. We even got parking right in the hotels private lot. Wonderful location.

Great hotel, comfortable stay, good location and decent price

This hotel is recently redone in a kind of modern style - looks to be appealing to younger people, but very comfortable for any traveler. This hotel is very popular and was completely full. We arrived before check in time, but the staff took time to help us stow our luggage for the day. The room was fairly clean and the beds comfortable. The continental breakfast was great. We used the business center in the hotel, and though it was pricy, it was convenient. There was a taxi phone which was convenient for calling a cab. The location was great and a nice walk to Princes Street. We would definitely stay here again. The staff was friendly though very busy with so many guests.

Fantastic hotel and a bargain at the price

I have just returned from a 2 night break in Edinburgh. Booked and prepaid the room on the internet. Nearly walked past the building as the signage is so discreet (listed building). Situated at one end of Princes St within walking distance of everything, and restaurants, cinemas all around. Thanks to this site I requested a room at the back of the hotel which I was given and glad of as it is on a busy street. I also asked for the name of a hairdresser which was provided and the manager even remembered my email when I checked in. How's that for 5 star service!

Rooms are compact, modern and spotless. Nice white sheets, duvet and towels! Cute little bathroom (with no bath!). Couldn't fault a thing.

Great continental breakfast included in the price. Help yourself and eat all you want!

Would highly recommend this hotel especially if you are looking for a budget city-break.

Great location, great staff

This location is excellent, located on the east end of Prnces Street. The staff was very helpful and plesant. The breakfast room was very nice and above average for your typical, free hotel breakfast. We were traveling with our kids and this was one of the few hotels that had a room for 4 without costing a mint. The bathroom was a nice size with good showers.

Parking limited, only 9 spaces located in the rear of the hotet at 5 pounds per 24 hours. Addition parking is close by at a public garage and is less then 3 pounds overnight if you pick your car by 9 am.

I'd certainly stay here again!

Excellent

I booked this hotel because it stated to be close to the Playhouse Theatre and it did not disappoint. It is a lovely hotel with clean/spacious rooms, friendly and helpful staff and a great location. The Playhouse is directly opposite as are loads of great pubs! The road is busy so ask for a room at the back if possible. Got a great rate on the hotel's own website. Fabulous. Will definately return.

Edinburgh

Just want to share the great weekend we have just had in Edinburgh. We stayed at 'Express' by Holiday Inn in central Edinburgh. Really friendly staff, buffet style breakfast, which was rather frantic on the Sunday morning. Hotel rooms very clean and modern. The hotel is on a really busy junction so ask for a room at the back if you want to sleep at night. Everything is on the door step - theatre, cinema and plenty of resturants. Our best meal was from a resturant called the Olive Branch on Broughton Street. Good food, lovely setting and attentive friendly staff. A good night for a quiet meal is on a Sunday evening.

Daytime entertainment consisted of a visit to the Royal Yacht Britainnia - a fascinating insight into Royal life and despite the guide saying it would take about one hour fifteen we were there for 2 1/2 hours! We also did lots of walking. A visit to Holyrood park, and I'm afraid to admit it but we didnt have enough time to go to the castle .....maybe on our next visit.

TOP LOCATION!! TOP BREAKFAST!! Lovely staff!

I stayed at the hotel Dec 17 - Dec 20! Hotel let us check in early! Room was perfect, bathroom was even better! Beds were comfy, 3 nights in the hotel was real nice, location was just perfect, right opposite a 5 star hotel, also the cinemas and a few mins walk to princes street! would definitely stay here again, especially the breakfast the next morning was real tasty, eat as much as u like! didnt get hungry until the evening! I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone! Only problem is, i feel like going back there again!!

Nice Hotel -but request a room at the back!

We stayed at this hotel whilst in Edinburgh for a friend's wedding in October 2004. This is a newly opened property (April 2004), and first impressions were very good. The night reception staff were very helpful (we checked in at 11pm) and we were given a room on the ground floor at the right hand side of the hotel. Upon opening the door, despite the very attractive modern decor, the first thing that struck us was the noise. Upon investigating further, we discovered that our room was at pavement level on Leith walk, and it was right next to a "talking" pedestrian crossing! We contacted reception to find out whether there were any other rooms available, however given the late hour we were told that there were no alternatives. Needless to say it took several hours of hearing the phrase "Traffic on the road has been signalled to stop" coming from the crossing outside to get used to the noise, and eventually drift off to sleep... Unfortunately we were awoken by a couple brawling right outside our window at 3.30am when the nightclub next door closed, and despite waiting 15 minutes for the rather drunken man and woman to disperse, the interruption continued. My wife knocked on the window to tell the couple to be quiet, but to no avail, and eventually she opened the window to tell the couple to politely ask them to move on. At this stage my wife was subjected to a barrage of unrepeatable comments from the "lady", whence we called reception for assistance. Needless to say that the staff in the hotel were excellent, and the police were swiftly called to deal with the problem. Next day we received an apology from the hotel for the sleepless night, a discount on the first night's stay, and we were moved to a smaller, but quieter room at the back of the hotel. No further problems were encountered during the remainder of our time there, and we would definitely stay in this hotel again on account of the helpful staff, modern decor, and great location, provided we could request a room at the back of the building!

Great Location

Just back from a two night stay during the Edinburgh Tattoo, 2004. Absolutely terrific location as you can walk to all the major attractions from the hotel. Rooms were very clean and more spacious than other Holiday Inn Express hotels in Scotland.

Staff at front desk, however, were not very helpful. We had hoped to get a late check-out of one hour, or, perhaps leave our luggage in the hotel for an or so on the day we left. Alas, no way would they accommodate us. Also, my nephew telephoned me and left me a message, but I'm afraid I never was given it. Apart from that, I'm vey pleased with the hotel. I'd go back there, as the location is superb.