"Our recent stay marked a noticeable improvement from our visit in May 2023. The enhancements to both the staff and the property were evident throughout the stay.
Check-In
The check-in process was smooth and efficient, and we were in our room by noon. We booked using points, which placed us in a standard two-double room. As all rooms in this category were fully booked, we did not receive a Diamond upgrade.
Room
The standard room was compact for a family of four. At approximately 265 square feet in total, space was tight: the entrance and bathroom take up about 100 square feet, leaving roughly 165 square feet for the bedroom area. Seating was limited to the desk chair and the beds. Storage is modest, with a small wardrobe, a few shelves (one containing the safe), and a cabinet under the TV—though there are no drawers. The mattress was quite firm, and the comforter was just barely wide enough for two adults. While extra pillows were provided upon request, additional blankets were not.
The room includes a desk and a small refrigerator. During our previous stay we were upgraded to a deluxe room, which offered ample space; by comparison, the standard room felt insufficient for two adults and two older children. I would not recommend the standard room for a family of four unless it’s for a very short stay.
Lifts
Two elevators were operational during our visit, with a third undergoing maintenance. Wait times were generally reasonable, though reaching the Executive Lounge on floor –1 could be slow since only one elevator services that level. We often opted to ride to the ground floor and take the stairs down.
Executive Lounge
Breakfast in the lounge was consistent, plentiful, and offered a solid variety—though the selection remained the same each day. Evening service included wine, beer, and a small selection of spirits. It was disappointing to find only Johnnie Walker Red Label offered in Scotland, where a local option would have been a welcome touch. A handful of hot bites were provided, though the spread was not sufficient to serve as a full dinner, despite some families attempting to use it as such.
Bar & Restaurant
The former Marco Pierre White Steakhouse has been replaced by Herbie More’s on the ground floor. The drinks were well made, and the food was enjoyable, though slightly on the pricier side. It was a pleasant spot to unwind with a drink or two in the evenings after the kids went to bed.
Staff
During our previous stay the staff experience was disappointing, but this visit was a complete turnaround. The team was friendly, knowledgeable, and consistently helpful. Every interaction left us feeling welcomed and valued.
Location
The hotel’s location remains one of its greatest strengths—situated in the heart of Old Town, a short walk to New Town, and close to numerous bus routes. The one drawback (outside the hotel’s control) is the aggressive homeless presence around North Bridge. We frequently observed public drug use, fights, and inappropriate behavior, which was challenging to navigate with children. We chose to support Social Bite to contribute positively to a city we love, but families with younger children should be aware of the area’s current conditions.
Construction
Construction on the bridge—also present during our stay two years ago—is ongoing. Scaffolding now surrounds parts of the hotel as well. There also appears to be interior renovation on the first floor. None of this directly affected our stay, but guests should know that crossing the street is required to access North Bridge.
Overall
We would consider staying here again, but the decision would depend on whether we were traveling with our children and whether we could book a deluxe two-double room with cash. We would not use points for a standard room again, as it does not offer sufficient value. For future trips as a couple on points, we would likely opt for the Caledonian, while the DoubleTree City Centre—which looks like it has larger two-double rooms—may be a better option for family travel."
