Frederick House Hotel

I’d happily stay here again. I booked at the very last minute after a stay at what had been the worst hotel I’d ever visited. The price is expensive, but not too bad for Edinburgh. Even though bars and restaurants surround the hotel, I couldn’t hear them from my fourth-floor room. Reception staff were polite and gave me the information I needed, including directions to the room. Unlike other boutique hotels in Edinburgh where I’ve stayed, this one has a lift. The whole place felt clean and fresh, with lush carpets that made me think it had been recently upgraded. My room was generous in size with high ceilings and a very comfortable bed. It had an iron and ironing board, plus a kettle, tea and coffee, as you’d expect.

The room was far too warm, even in November, and opening the windows for ventilation brought significant noise, probably from the internal plumbing or drainage when toilets were flushed. The location was fantastic, about a ten-minute walk from Waverley Station and close to a tram stop.

There’s a luggage room and an elevator, and nearby you’ll find a convenience store and restaurants in this quiet neighborhood. The room was spacious and clean, and staff were accommodating and always available. The luggage room was useful, though anyone with a key, including both staff and guests, could access it. The bathtub was a bit high to climb in and out of.

The location is brilliant, just a short walk to the Castle and other sights, but our room was poor. The bed was small and there was mould in the bathroom. After we complained, they cleaned it off the ceiling but left the floor alone, where water was leaking from the shower and bath. The hotel is listed as four-star, which it sadly doesn’t live up to. There’s no kitchen, so breakfast comes from a nearby restaurant. The food was okay, but the menu was limited.