Best Western Kings Manor Hotel

The restaurant was hit or miss. One time I ordered a chicken burger and didn't eat any of it; when we came back another time, I finished my sea bass. Breakfast and the swimming pool were definite highlights, and the sauna, steam room and jacuzzi were all in good condition. Staff were polite and helpful, and I appreciated being able to pay by cash or card, for example for breakfast. We stayed five nights for £230, and for a three-star hotel with so much to offer, I was more than happy. After nearly 23 hours travelling without sleep, the manager kindly gave us early check-in free of charge. Our second-floor room was spacious and clean, with tea and coffee waiting for us, big windows and a nice view. I loved it. The bed was warm and comfortable, the best sleep I'd had after being awake so long. There was a TV, and we could open the windows for air. It's far from the centre. The station is a five-minute walk and trains are quite cheap. Walking takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, though the route through a big park and pretty suburbs is pleasant. If you're focused on the city centre, expect to take two trains, changing at Waverly to get into town.

After breakfast we tried the spa, pool and sauna and were pleasantly surprised by the facilities. Breakfast itself was decent, with options for our picky child, pescatarian and someone with a more usual diet. Staff were happy to help when something ran out, though they didn't always notice on their own. We didn't stay long enough to try the bistro, but the menu looked interesting and the prices seemed fairly reasonable. We'd booked online and worried when our plane was delayed, but checking in later wasn't an issue. The room was very clean, more than adequate for us, and had both a tub and shower. My child crawled under the bed and came out clean. The towel dryer can get hot enough to cause first-degree burns, so be careful. We chose not to use the kettle because there didn't seem to be an extractor fan for the steam. We mentioned a small room issue to the help desk, who were very helpful and tried hard to sort it out. We told them it wasn't necessary and we'd make a temporary fix, but they should get a plumber after we left. I also asked whether the room biscuits were complimentary because my partner had been eyeing them but didn't dare open them. Staff smiled and said of course, and offered more. My partner was very pleased. Kings manor will be on our list for future stays near Edinburgh.

Our room was really large, warm, dark and quiet overnight, and the staff were all polite and helpful. We stayed with our small dog after contacting the hotel directly to make sure a dog-friendly room was available. There's on-site parking with lots of spaces for an additional daily fee. The location worked really well, about five miles east of Edinburgh city centre, with a bus stop right outside for trips in. Portobello beach was a fantastic 25-minute walk away. We also enjoyed a fab meal at an Indian restaurant just off Portobello High Street and drinks at a place on the promenade. We didn't get to use the pool, though it looked good and the changing area was clean when we went to look. The self-service breakfast had a good selection, but some items were sparse when restocking was delayed. Coffee from the machines was good. We didn't eat at the restaurant. Some parts of the room and hotel could do with touching up, but we'd stay again for the location.

Rooms and bathrooms were spacious, and the beds very clean. Our rooms had an overpowering bad odour and broken windows that wouldn't close in the Scottish winter. Reception staff were helpful and courteous. The bus connection to the city centre was easy, and parking was good, though charged. The gym and pool were complimentary, which is a great offer, but I didn't use them. Wi-Fi was free. There was no drinking water in the rooms; coffee and tea, a kettle without water, an iron and an iron stand were provided.