Destiny Student Shrubhill - Campus Accommodation

The noise was the worst part. Guests in the surrounding rooms seemed to compete over who could be loudest, with doors slamming, banging, and loud talking and laughter until nearly midnight. The same sounds woke me at 5:30 AM and carried on all morning. The walls seem very thin, and maybe I was just unlucky to be surrounded by people with no consideration for anyone else in a shared space. The receptionist from New Zealand was lovely and incredibly helpful. The shower was decent, though the drain must have been blocked because the cubicle filled with water. The mattress was uncomfortable, with springs and wires poking up and nearly digging into you. I didn't get a good night's sleep, though I can't put all of that on the hotel.

We booked at the last minute, and the location made this a good stay. The bus stop is only about a minute away and gets you to most places you might want to see in Edinburgh. There are also a few nice restaurants nearby, plus a convenience store. The room was a little small, but clean and tidy, and the toilet was well kept. It had the basic things we needed, including one towel per guest, shower gel and shampoo. Extra towels cost £5 each. If the room gets warm, you can borrow a fan with a deposit, which you only pay if it gets broken. The reception staff were friendly and helpful, and did their best when we asked for anything.

The room had that student accommodation feel, but it did the job for a visit to Edinburgh. The staff were really nice and the location was good. You can hear everything from the room next door because the walls are thin, and the mattress wasn't great. Still, given what we paid, I can't complain. A nice option for younger people, though anyone older looking for more comfort might not find it as suitable.

The hallway lights weren't even working, and the rooms were tiny, dirty and unbearably hot, with no air conditioning. The bathroom was filthy and there was no soap or shampoo unless you paid extra. This place is a complete rip-off, and we were treated like bums. I'd probably have been more comfortable in a tent in a park. It's crappy student housing being advertised as a hotel on Priceline.com. Save yourself the hassle and avoid it like the plague.