Edinburgh is one of those cities near enough for us to visit for a weekend, and with enough attractions and shops to keep us all busy. So, we tend to go a couple of times a year.
I usually book online, and because I don’t know the city well, it’s usually a bit of a feat finding the hotel. Last time we went, our hotel was very difficult to find, and because it was at the opposite side of the city to “our side” (Newcastle side), we had to negotiate the city centre- not good for anyone who doesn’t know the city.
This hotel, by contrast, was incredibly easy to find. Armed with my route finder directions, we set off, and it seemed that no sooner had we entered the city than we were there.
The hotel itself is located on a beautiful tree lined street of Georgian terraces- very stately. Our one problem when we first arrived is that there is a hotel with a similar name. We tried to get in (it was locked) and even buzzed for the porter- too late we noticed the sign telling
us that this was not the Royal Terrace Hotel.
We found our hotel a bit further down the street, and after parking the car, went in. I have to mention that a down side to this hotel is that it doesn’t have a car park, and the car has to be parked on the street. We aren’t “precious” about the car, but didn’t fancy having it towed a way, although the man assured us that over the weekend it would be fine…it was!
~~Address and Location~~
18 Royal Terrace Edinburgh EH7 5AQ
It is actually situated a very short walk from the city centre, so no need to get taxis or buses.
~~Entrance and checking in~~
The entrance to the hotel is very modern- all brown and cream, very clean, with sofas and tables dotted around. Handy if you have lots of cases, there is an automatic door, so no fighting with bags and the pushing and pulling of doors. At one side of the entrance area is a small bar with bar stools round the bar area, and three or four small tables with comfy chairs. We were to discover later that this serves food.
Near the door are the toilets which again are clean and modern.
We checked in quickly at the long checking in area, and the staff were very helpful and quickly gave us directions to our room. I say directions and I mean directions. The place is like a tardis!
After the modern and obviously newly refurbished entrance hall, the walk to the bedroom was very disappointing. The corridors were very gloomy, with wall paper peeling off the walls, lots of steps to negotiate as the corridors changed level, and no signs. I think we stumbled on the room by change; we had apparently been upgraded, so it wasn’t on the main drag.
~~The Room~~
Unfortunately, the décor of the room followed the theme of the corridors, not the entrance area. The wallpaper, carpets and paintwork all looked as though they could do with a bit of tlc, or failing that, a complete overhaul!
There was asmall unit in the corner by the window, containing tea and coffee making facilities, a chair, dressing table, and bed with a canopy over it. Given the age of everything, I wasn’t overly keen on that canopy thing.
Grouches aside, the bedlinen was clean, and the bathroom, whilst small and pretty basic, had clean towels, and a few freebie toiletries. Other room facilities included a hairdryer, iron and ironing board (no thanks!), modem connection, internet access and satellite tv and movie channel.
The view from the bedroom window was impressive- straight over the Firth of Forth and since it was a clear day, it was fantastic.
~~Restaurant, bar, dining~~
There is a restaurant, where breakfast and evening meals are served and a bar, where more snack like food can be eaten. We chose the latter, because we were going out for the night, and in usual disorganised fashion, had forgotten to book a table in a restaurant, and didn’t fancy our chances on a Saturday night.
The bar has a good menu,serving light sandwich type meals, and these came quickly, nicely presented, and cost about £15 for two plentiful stomach fillers.
Guests can also eat al fresco in the private gardens, but we decided not to chance it when it was cold and dark.
~~Other facilities~~
The hotel also offers very tastefully done leisure facilities including a sauna, and a swimming pool, although using them wasn’t high on my list of priorities.
~~Price~~
Expect to pay about £90 for a double room, and breakfast, although it’s always good to check out special offers.
~~What I thought of the hotel~~
Once we had established that the car wasn’t going to get towed away, first impressions were very promising. The entrance area is quite impressive, and certainly encourages you to think the rest of the hotel will live up to the same standards. However, as I said, the rest of the hotel was quite disappointing. It seems that once you are out of the areas which can be seen by people other than paying guests, then the state of repair or disrepair ceases to matter. The place really could do with an overhaul, not only of the downstairs, but everywhere. On the standard of the bedrooms, I can’t imagine people booking and re booking.
So, while everything was clean, not a lot of updating had gone on, apart from ion the more easily noticeable (ground floor level).
The bar area, which is apparently the cocktail bar is well stocked, comfortable and very pleasant to sit in to while away an hour or so. The staff are pleasant and helpful, food is good, breakfast plentiful. So, it begs the question- why not refurbish?
For a 4 star hotel, the corridors, bedrooms and general décor lets this place down badly. It has a great location, and I really think that if something was done to improve the whole place then people would return time and time again.
Thanks for reading
Daniela x
A difficult one one... to recommend or not to recommend. For a good location, and if you are not going to spend hours in your room, then yes. Otherwise no!
I'm lucky enough that when I've had to stay in Edinburgh in the past I always stayed with a friend but she no longer stays there so if I ever want to go again I will probably have to book a hotel....think I will give this one a miss though
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exceptional by (8%):
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