Original Raj - certainly original but not for the right reasons!

I booked this hotel for my parents as they were through in Edinburgh at the Playhouse and this was a treat for them as my father is recovering from cancer. I booked this because of its originality and assumed it would be a different experience for them as opposed to the Hilton etc. - it was different but for all the wrong reasons!

When they arrived they first noted how shabby the exterior looked and had the following comments to make:

* Room had no theme as described on the website and looked more like a hostel room

* Bedlinen was torn and shabby

* Bath had somone else's hair all around it

* Remote control didn't work and no replacement was found

The only good thing my parents said was that the continental breakfast was good.

Disappointing

Just stayed here last night (9.7.04) in the "Bollywood Room" at £80 per night. Agree with other reviews, the decoration is tired. More worrying was that after retiring to bed, we found that there was an extremely loud generator/water boiler type noise which prevented sleep. The hapless night porter dismissed the complaint and as there were no spare rooms, we took his advice and attempted to sleep on the sofas in the suite!

A complaint to the manager in the morning, Stuart, resulted in an apology and an acknowdgement that this was something that had previosuly been complained about - but no refund/rebate could be offered - he suggested that we wrote in and complain -we shall see how that goes, as he could not authorise compensation (odd)! We then went for breakfast (a buffet of cereals - even the toaster wasn't working). Also the TV in the room had no remote control.

Overall a real shame - nice idea - but better off in a Travelodge. Basically an expensive B&B. Avoid.

A lovely liitle hotel with lots of atmosphere!

To be honest, when we booked this hotel for valentines weekend we weren't expecting much as it was so cheap but we were very pleasantly surprised when we arrived. Our room was very clean with lots of indian rosewood furniture and a lovely canopy bed draped in indian fabrics. There were little brass lanterns on the wall which gave out an atmospheric and romantic light. The bathroom was of a decent size and very clean. The breakfasts were nice with lots to choose from ( I was pregnant at the time and breakfast was about the only thing I could keep down!). The location is good with a 15 min walk into town or a bus stop just outside with buses every 10 minutes to Princes street. Previous reviews have complained about the attitude of the staff but we didn't bother them and they didn't bother us! I will definately be staying again!

Very suspect hotel. Avoid.

I stayed in the Original Raj Hotel and had my discman stolen from my room. Enquiries at reception were met with outright hostility from the surly staff. I pursued the matter with the Police who were powerless to do anything (I suspect a staff member stole it). I promptly received a threatening letter from the management when I returned home - I would be sued if I mentioned anything about the theft to the tourist authority. I agree with the other review likening the hotel to Fawlty Towers. The place is a joke. One that leaves a nasty taste.

Pukka!

Fantastic - literally. Rooms are lavishly furnished with beautiful Indian furniture and sumptous velvet fabrics, woven rugs, jewelled brass lights. Breakfast has a refreshingly oriental theme. The only slight disadvantage is the location, a 10 minute walk westwards from Haymarket station, but I doubt I will ever stay in a more charming hotel in Britain for the price. Definitely worth a look.

The Original Fawlty Towers

This is without doubt the most unusual hotel I've stayed in to date.

The hotel is ideally located in a quiet residential area and a mere 5 minute bus journey from Princes Street. Rooms are comfortable and pleasantly decorated with an Indian theme, although slightly faded around the edges. However for the duration of our stay we could not shake the feeling that we were living out an episode of Fawlty Towers.

The staff ranged from an extremely rude Basil-like waiter/night porter to a pleasant, helpful Sybil-esque receptionist. We experienced a number of minor catastrophes, mostly involving a dodgy shower, but overall we enjoyed a pleasant, if somewhat surreal weekend at the Original Raj.

Weekend in Edinburgh

More of a backpackers hostel than a hotel, housekeeping poor, decoration tired, we paid £20.00 per night not worth anymore. popular with stag parties

Nice hotel, staff helpful when asked, but not very friendly

Our room was nice with some brightly coloured indian materials scattered around, although we felt the room was now in need of a uplift. The bathroom had a slight damp smell to it and the surrounding tiles and shower screen could have been a bit cleaner. The staff were helpful when asked, but lacked in general friendliness. We thoroughly enjoyed Edinburgh and the hotel was in a convenient place with a bus stop just outside with plentiful buses into the city. The breakfast was very nice with plenty to chose from (continental breakfast).

A delicious taste of India

We were lucky enough to actually find a Hotel during the festival, and were very very pleased with our choice. All the rooms have an Indian theme and are kept very clean with comfortable beds. Breakfast is served in a buffet style with samosa's and onion badji's if you really want that authentic feel. The bus service was excellent, but generally we walked into town as it only took 15 minutes and was a pleasant route.