Old Waverley Classic Hotel Edinburgh

This is a great location, but as noted it can be noisy since you are right on Princes Street (take ear plugs!). The hotel staff were exceptionally polite and helpful. Do note that it is difficult getting your luggage upstairs to reception so make use of that "ring for assistance" bell.

We had a very nice and spacious room on the 4th floor overlooking Princes Street. I had gotten what I thought was a pretty good Internet rate on our room thru the hotel's website, but right before our trip I saw a much better rate thru laterooms.com. I emailed the hotel to see if they would honor the lower rate and they did. Great customer service!

I would have no problem staying again at the Old Waverley.

Pros: Unbelievably great location in city centre--walked to everything, cordial staff-Ian was FANTASTIC--very nice young man, cozy rooms with very high ceilings,lucked out with fantastic view of Prince's street action and gardens ( I was in a 4th floor, single bed suite) lovely hotel--believe me, had worse..don't know what previous reviewers meant by dingy rooms..it';s not the Ritz Carlton, but if you want a very decent place to stay with your own bathroom--(think of those quaint guest houses now-yeah right.!!), it's really good! Cons: entering hotel with luggage..didn't see "ring porter bell" so attempted to lug my luggage upstairs to concierge, just don't miss that bell when you need help, slow cleaning service at times ( went out for breakfast 2x that week and came back at lunch time and room was still not tidied up yet), loud, loud, loud local drunks out on Princes street some nights, so even if windows are shut, you will hear them sounding like idiots screaming at 3 am....limited room service menu, limited tv stations, no real radio/alarm clock on desk..Will defintely stay there again when I am in Edinburgh in the future..

Good location but it doesn't make up for the street noise, small dingy rooms, rude and unhelpful staff. Be prepared to carry your cases up two flights of stairs before you can find the reception and porter staff!!

Visited The Old Waverely in March 2004 and found the staff very helpful and friendly. Cosy rooms and a great Scottish Breakfast. Views from the restaurant suberb and hotel central for almost everything. Parking is always a problem in Edinburgh but there is a discount of 50% from standard rates at the Waverely Station Car park. Found it relatively easy to park near the hotel by meter and it gave enough time to get luggage into reception before locating the car park. Would definitely come back. John Clark Dumfries

I made a booking to stay here in March 2002. Car parking is a problem (as with many hotels in the Edinburgh city Centre). When we went to our allocated room I was really disappointed. The view was horrible as we were at the back of the hotel rather than on Princes Street and the room hadn't been properly cleaned, was grotty and in dire need of a complete overhaul. The bathroom was mouldy and we were given a twin room rather than the double that we requested. I found the room so disgusting that I knew I couldn't stay there so I spoke to the Duty Manager and asked him for our money back as we had paid in advance - to be fair the Duty Manager was excellent and very sympathetic to our complaints and transferred us to their sister Hotel, The Carlton at no additional cost.

Firstly, the position cannot be beaten, but it is a big problem if you arrive by car (the car park is half a mile away). Our rooms were OK but the bathrooms were dingy and in need of renovation. There was incessant noise from the vast building works next door (it won't be completed until 2005!).

We stayed for 2 nights DB&B. Breakfast was adequate, but our meal on the first night was really not very nice at all and certainly not what we expected in a 3 star hotel. We ate out on night two!

Top marks for the very efficient and courteous porter!

Best bits? Views over Princes Street and very friendly staff. Worst bits? Street noise and no adjacent parking.

I stayed on the 3rd floor. I chose the hotel for the views and they were worth it, but the windows were old and single-glazed. This meant that street noise was a real problem (especially early-morning carousellers!) plus the first night was cold - previous user had turned the heating to minimum, not a good idea with thin windows! Parents note - the windows could be easily opened upwards, allowing you (or kids) to stick your head out.

The parking is a good 10 minute walk away. Ok for a single suitcase, but a real pain for those with baggage that requires 2 or more trips.

Bring parking ticket back to hotel (i.e. don't leave in car) for discount.

Although a porter helped lug my case onto the street when I was leaving, on my arrival I had to lug it upstairs to the reception. Again a problem for those with lots of luggage, as you can't park at all in the street outside. There is a lift (tatty) from reception to all upper floors.

The restuarant was fine for breakfast, but despite the views, the bar and lounge areas were dull and quiet and not very inviting for the single guest. There was a party of tourists in there on night one and they seemed to find it "cosy", and the prices aren't too expensive.

Bedroom and bathroom were fine and there is a very nice selection of artwork in the corridors. TV was basic non-digital, there is an ironing service available, and also a trouser press in the room. The central location means that lots of bars, restuarants, theatres and cinemas are within easy walking distance.

I visited Scotland and stayed at three different hotels the Old Waverly was the best of all. It offered availability, nice rooms and best of all a great view.

Great food Large rooms Friendly staff

Had a wonderful time with my family

Dirty, grungy rooms and uncaring staff.