Regent House Hotel

For the price, it’s a comfortable hotel in a handy spot. You can get there from Waverley Station on foot or by tram and a short walk. Our first visit was with a small group and small suitcases, so getting around was easy. Bigger bags or a larger group could make it much harder: there’s no lift, and hauling luggage up to the third floor would be tough. Even the walk from the station feels more demanding when you’re pushing heavy luggage.

The location is good, near the old city, but that was the only positive for us. The place needs serious repairs: the washbasin is broken, there are ceiling leaks, and one central heating radiator doesn’t work. The WiFi kept cutting in and out. There’s no lift, and the stairs are frightening. I’d stay away from this “hotel”.

My aunt can’t manage the unsafe stairs with her luggage, and they’re not suitable for people with mobility issues. I’d called ahead to check the shower was low enough for her, since she struggles to lift her legs, but no one mentioned the stairs even then. She offered to pay extra for a lower-floor room and still hasn’t had a call back. Thankfully, we’re leaving for another hotel before I do, as we’re departing at different times and she couldn’t get her bags down those stairs. I booked hotels rather than an Airbnb because I wanted a desk person available if she needed help, but there hasn’t been anyone at the desk. The only staff member she’s seen has been one of the maids, who was nice. I hardly ever complain, but I can’t recommend this place to anyone. What a disappointment, and I can’t believe this is how it’s run.

The rooms are clean, and the location is fantastic. If you’re carrying lots of luggage, have trouble with uneven stairs, or expect hotel-style service, I’d look elsewhere. For a backpacker spending most of the day exploring Edinburgh and only needing somewhere to crash, it could work well.