Novotel Edinburgh Centre

The bathroom setup was the awkward part for us: the toilet has its own room, but there’s no sink there, so handwashing means going through to the main bathroom. We arrived before check-in, left our bags, and went out. When we came back around 1pm, reception reminded us rooms were due at 3. We waited at the bar, but nobody let us know when one was ready, so we had to ask again ourselves. A quick update would have helped. The rest of the stay was very good: everything was clean, the furniture felt modern, and the beds had a really comfortable mattress. It compared well with some four-star London hotels we’ve stayed at. We enjoyed our visit and would come back.

Parking was the tricky bit. We’d chosen the hotel because we understood parking was available, but it was full when we got there, so we were sent to the nearby NCP public car park. The walk back uphill made it easier to unload luggage at the hotel first, if you can. They gave us a validation ticket that reduced the NCP charge, which helped. The hotel is quite central, too. Our room was on the small side, but the three of us managed fine with our luggage. Service was good throughout, and our laundry was done and returned the same day, which we really appreciated. Breakfast had a smaller selection, though enough choice to start the day.

Magda at the front desk made my birthday week feel special. When I arrived, there were chocolates and strawberries in my room with a card, such a lovely surprise. She looked after me personally and was warm and personable throughout. She’s a superstar, and I hope the hotel appreciates her and pays her well. The hotel is centrally located but still quiet, with lovely facilities and a breakfast buffet. I’d recommend it for business, families, or a leisure trip.

Breakfast was amazing, and the staff were really helpful. The hotel’s clean, modern and comfortable, with spacious rooms and a good layout. The bathroom is compact, and the pool is very small, though I see that as a nice extra rather than a must-have. A larger lounge seating area could be useful. It’s a great base for exploring Edinburgh, and I’d especially recommend it for families with young children.