Holyrood Hotel Edinburgh

Not so good!

The hotel looks good, yes, but unfortunately, we also had to evacuate because of the fire alarm, which apparently triggers too easily.The room was smelly and did not reflect the highest house keeping standards.The food was definitely not worth the price: the kind of chain food lacking of flavour. Steak knifes were useless as not sharp at all. We had to get our glasses changed as they were dirty (finger prints) and dishes got stains of dried water or washing product.

Personel was friendly and cheerful tough, and I am affraid I have to say this is the only good thing about this hotel!NB: We actuall had delicious original scottish food in "Blonde Restaurant" for those who are interested.

Fire Alarm Again

We stayed at the hotel for 2 nights from 26th to 28th Debember. First impressions were pretty good and the room was a good size and nicely furnished if lacking in cleanliness in areas (stains on carpets and dusty towel rails).

Having read the previous review regarding the fire alarm I was not put off as I was sure it could not be a regular occurance.... I was wrong.

We were woken at approx. 2.30 am on Sunday morning by the fire alarm and had to make our way outside and stand on the street for 20 minutes in the freezing cold. Four fire engines turned up but there was no fire.

As this is the third incident of this type reported on this website, I would not risk it.

Really disappointing

After reading all the great reviews, a friend and I booked two rooms at the Holyrood for our trip to the UK in November 2003. We had heard such great things and we so excited! The lobby is impressive, and the front desk staff were fairly friendly. But the rooms are another story.

Stained carpeting, moldy (and smelly) shower curtains, stained chairs, dust all over the place. And I should know - I changed rooms three times (for other reasons) and all shared the same level of housekeeping (my friend's did too). But that's not even my biggest complaint. On our first night the fire alarm woke us up at 11:30. The building was evacuated, the firemen came and cleared it, and then we all went back inside. At 12:30 am, the same thing happened again. That time we met a woman outside who said she stayed at the Holyrood frequently and that the fire alarm went off all the time. I didn't believe her until it happened AGAIN on our third night there (at 1:30 am). The staff offered no explanation and no apologies. When asked the clerk simply said, "At least we know the fire alarm works." Breakfast was fine. Decent and standard. But the restaurant staff could use some serious customer service training. To sum it up, the Holyrood is a pretty tired hotel. I really can't recommend it.

Fantastic Experience

Stayed at the Holyrood in September 2003. We were booked at the Parliament House, but they overbooked and put us at the Holyrood. It was a wonderful experience. Walking the Royal Mile was easy, but the Hotel was just far enough away to be quiet. The rooms were spacious compared to all the others I have experienced in Europe, and the staff was very attentive. The business center with Internet access was very useful, and the restaurant was quite good. Most of all, everything was new and very clean. Great Stay!

Chris in Louisville, KY, USA

Holyrood Hotel - Happy Times!

I have been meaning to publish an update for 9 months now and have been way too tardy! Ooops.My husband and I had taken a few weekend breaks at the Holyrood Hotel for special occasions and were so impressed that we decided to hold our wedding there back on Friday 7th February 2003, the first civil ceremony ever to be held in the Hotel since Scottish laws changed. It was an absolute joy and if it was possible we'd choose the venue time after time to get married in (to each other, of course).Absolutely everything ran like clockwork, from the special guest rate supplied to our friends and family to the complimentary honeymoon suite (and what a suite it was!). First class. My bridesmaid and I spent the evening before the wedding at the hotel and enjoyed the pleasures of the fabulous Scottish butler on the top floor, chilled champagne and canapes to help soothe the nerves. He is an absolutely handsome character and quoted us some romantic Shakespeare (from his memory, not a book - and it was verbatim, I checked afterwards as I was so impressed!)We breakfasted in our room on the wedding morning then spent the late morning and early afternoon in the very safe and pleasurably professional hands of the beauty therapists, who eased away all our stresses - we didn't get out of our robes 'til 1/2 hour before the wedding, and yet more champagne..... eek.The ceremony was better than we could have hoped for and the meal and wine magnificent. We ended the day with a good old boogie, a few drinks, and a brilliant buffet (ooh the spicy haggis, yummy).I have left the best to last though - and that's THE STAFF - they truly make the hotel a pleasure to stay at and their preparations to ensure our day ran smoothly were second to none - THANK YOU ALL.If it's a good old-fashioned Scottish knees-up you're after - go get married at the Holyrood Hotel, you won't be disappointed.Thank you Holyrood Hotel,Annette & Phil Hetherington

Fantastic hotel

Absolutely no complaints! Location was perfect, food was amazing, staff went waaaay out of their way to make sure you have everything you need.

Nice rooms, nice lobby.....can't say enough great things about this hotel.

Wonderful

Stayed at the Holyrood Hotel 4 days in early October 2003. It's conveniently located to the Royal Mile, Edinburgh University, Salisbury Crag, and Holyrood Palace. It's a good uphill walk to Edinburgh Castle, but the excellent shopping makes it worth it. Princes Street is also a fairly decent walk from the hotel - be sure to wear comfortable shoes. The staff is excellent. Friendly, helpful and cheerful. The food in the hotel restaurant was out of this world. The first evening we had the salmone, new potatoes and spinach. The second time we had the steak. Both times a lemon tart with chantilly cream for dessert. The meal was perfect. Fresh, well presented, and worth every penny. Service was a bit off on the second visit. However, not so bad that I wouldn't look forward to dining there again. The rooms are well appointed, immaculately clean and pleasantly decorated. Room service was prompt and polite. If I'm fortunate enough to return to Edinburgh in the future, I'd most definitely stay at the Holyrood Hotel.

Great location but a chain hotel....

We stayed at the Holyrood Hotel in august. FRom a location point of view it was fantastic. Although, views were obscured by office blocks( the Scotsman newspaper premises are directly opposite) it is a five minute walk to Holy Rood park/Arthurs seat a volcanic hill range which provides fantastic views of the city. It sits next to the new scottish parliament devlopment at the foot of the Royal mile which is a plus because it meant we just had to look at the shops everyday en route!

The staff could not be faulted for their helpful approach. Facilities were clean and it probably represented value for money as a four star with pool etc. I always find huge chains so disappointing however in terms of bland, sameyness and I feel it is on this level( ie faux gold fittings and marble) the hotel falls down and as a newish hotel could have undergone a more contempary refurb . It was fit for purpose as a base but no more than that

Won a prize - what a nice prize!

Won a weekend break at this hotel in a competition. The hotel facilities were fantastic, great food, friendly service in all areas.

Very central location. Clean and child friendly. Would definitely re-visit.

Fantasic

Fantastic hotel and great staff loved staying there puts some 5 star hotels we have stayed in ie Hilton Glasgow and Scotsman Edinburgh to shame.