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Summary of reviewsGrassmarket Hotel in Edinburgh is widely praised for its exceptional location, nestled in the vibrant Grassmarket area, providing easy access to iconic landmarks like the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Visitors appreciate the hotel's proximity to numerous pubs, restaurants and shops, making it an ideal base for those wanting to explore the city on foot.
Guests frequently commend the breakfast experience, particularly enjoying the hearty and delicious offerings at the adjacent pub, Biddy Mulligans. The variety and quality of food, including both continental and hot dishes, earn high marks, despite some critiques concerning organization and value for money.
The dinner at the hotel's pub is another highlight, featuring a lively atmosphere and live music every night. The diverse menu and quality of meals, combined with its central location among many dining options, make the dining experience a standout aspect of the hotel.
The rooms, though often described as small, are noted for their quirky, modern decor and essential amenities such as comfortable beds, modern furniture, rainfall showers and large TVs. The rooms' cleanliness and comfort are frequently mentioned, despite some occasional lapses in housekeeping and maintenance. Noise can be an issue for rooms near the pub, but overall, the unique and colorful room designs, some with lovely views of Grassmarket, add to the hotel's charm.
The level of cleanliness throughout the hotel is generally commendable with many guests describing their rooms as spotless with fresh linens and towels. However, there are some inconsistencies in housekeeping services with occasional reports of missed cleaning days and areas needing more attention.
The staff at Grassmarket Hotel are a standout feature, consistently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and attentiveness. Visitors appreciate the welcoming atmosphere created by the team, who go out of their way to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The staff's efficiency and readiness to assist with various needs contribute significantly to the positive guest experience.
Feedback on the WiFi is mixed with some guests pleased with the connection speed, while others report frequent disconnects and unreliable service, particularly in rooms. The hotel does not have on-site parking, which can present a challenge, though nearby options are available with assistance from the staff.
For families, the hotel offers spacious family rooms with modern decor and amenities that cater to both adults and children. Despite some noise issues, the hotel's location near major attractions makes it appealing for families wanting to explore the city.
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh's nightlife, the hotel is ideal for those looking to experience the local scene with numerous entertainment options just steps away. However, the lively atmosphere can lead to noise issues, which might be a drawback for those seeking a quieter environment.
Overall, Grassmarket Hotel's prime location, unique decor, comfortable rooms and exceptional staff make it a compelling choice for visitors to Edinburgh, particularly those looking to immerse themselves in the city's vibrant culture and nightlife. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Categories
Boutique-style Hotel
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Accessible Hotel
3-Star Hotel
Room Types
Cosy Single RoomA flat-screen plasma TV and an en suite bathroom with rain shower are featured in these rooms.
Snug Double RoomA flat-screen plasma TV, free Wi-Fi and an en suite bathroom with rain shower are featured in these rooms.
Comfy Twin or Double RoomA flat-screen plasma TV and an en suite bathroom with rain shower are featured in these rooms, along with additional living space.
Comfy TripleA flat-screen plasma TV and an en suite bathroom with rain shower are featured in these rooms, along with additional living space.
Comfy QuadA flat-screen plasma TV and an en suite bathroom with rain shower are featured in this room, along with additional living space.
Guest Reviews
7.9
Good
Location
The Grassmarket Hotel in Edinburgh boasts an enviable location, deeply appreciated by its guests. Nestled in the historic Grassmarket area, the hotel situates visitors in the heart of the city's old town, mere steps from iconic attractions like the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Guests consistently highlight the centrality as unbeatable, noting easy access to many pubs, restaurants, shops and key cultural sites. Its proximity to lively areas and tourist landmarks makes it a perfect base for exploring the city on foot. With bustling Grassmarket just outside the door and attractions within a short stroll, the hotel’s placement in the city is often described as ideal, central and incredibly convenient for both leisure and culture seekers.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at the Grassmarket Hotel evokes mixed reactions among guests with many appreciating the hearty and delicious offerings available at the adjacent pub, Biddy Mulligans. On the positive side, guests frequently highlight the breakfast's variety, ample servings and the opportunity to enjoy both continental and hot dishes. The food, whether freshly cooked or chosen from the buffet, often earns descriptions like delicious, excellent and top-notch, making it a standout feature for many.
However, there are notable drawbacks. Some guests have found the breakfast system peculiar and disorganized with reports of long waits, cold dishes and a lack of vegetarian and gluten-free options. The quality of service at breakfast has been inconsistent with some guests experiencing slow delivery and inattentive staff. Cost concerns also arise with several guests deeming the £15 price tag too steep for what is offered, especially when items like cappuccinos incur additional charges.
Despite the mixed feedback, the convenience of having breakfast next door and the generally positive remarks about the food quality keep it a favored choice for many staying at the Grassmarket Hotel. Many appreciate the pub’s generous portions and the ability to customize breakfast to their tastes, ensuring a satisfying start to their day.
Dinner
Grassmarket Hotel boasts a well-regarded, atmospheric pub that enhances the dining experience for its guests. The pub, Biddy Mulligans, adjacent to the hotel, impresses with its fun atmosphere, live music every night and a diverse menu. Guests often note the quality of the meals from the pub and the hotel's central location in the old town places it amongst a plethora of bars, restaurants and cafes. The hotel's own bar and restaurant also receive good marks and its cleanliness and helpful staff are appreciated. While service may sometimes be slow and some meals are skipped on Mondays, the overall dining experience remains a highlight with many excellent food and entertainment options right on the doorstep.
Rooms
Grassmarket Hotel boasts a prime location and quirky, modern decor that many guests appreciate. The rooms, although often described as small and even tiny, are generally well-equipped with comfortable beds, modern furniture and essential amenities such as a rainfall shower, large TV, fridge and tea facilities. Guests frequently noted the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, although some mentioned occasional lapses in cleanliness and maintenance, such as dusty areas, cobwebs and grime in bathrooms.
The soundproofing in some rooms appears effective, contributing to a quiet stay, especially in rooms that don't face the street. However, noise can be an issue for rooms located above or near the pub with sounds from festivities and other guests being a common complaint. The addition of a white noise machine in some rooms helps mitigate this issue.
Several reviews highlighted the creative and individual room designs, describing them as cozy, cute and well-utilized despite their small size. Some rooms have lovely views of Grassmarket, adding to the hotel's charm. Modern touches like comic wallpaper and retro accessories contribute to a fun and colorful atmosphere.
Practicality in terms of accessing the rooms can be a challenge with many stairs and complex layouts making some areas less accessible, especially for those with mobility issues. The lack of air conditioning and issues with room temperature were mentioned with some rooms being too hot or too cold.
Overall, while the small size of the rooms is a recurring theme, the hotel's excellent location, unique decor and comfortable beds make it a good choice for those visiting Edinburgh wanting a cozy and vibrantly decorated place to stay.
Beds
Guest reviews for the Grassmarket Hotel's beds reveal a mixed yet generally positive reception with many highlighting the comfort and coziness of the bedding. Several reviewers found the beds to be very comfortable with numerous mentions of "super comfy" and "incredibly comfortable" experiences. The presence of fluffy pillows and well-made beds featuring soft, fresh linens also received positive feedback.
However, there were a few notable exceptions with some guests commenting on the beds being too firm or hard, leading to discomfort for some. The use of double beds created by pushing two single beds together was mentioned, occasionally resulting in an uneven sleeping surface. Additionally, some reviews pointed out issues with the mattress quality, describing them as "too soft" or "hard" and in some cases, causing back pain.
Despite these concerns, the consensus seems to be that the hotel offers generally comfortable bedding with many guests appreciating the spaciousness and the overall cozy feel of their accommodations. Lumpy pillows were a recurring minor issue, but replacements were reportedly provided upon request. In summary, the Grassmarket Hotel delivers a largely satisfactory sleeping experience, though those with specific needs regarding mattress firmness may want to inquire further before booking.
Cleanliness
The Grassmarket Hotel showcases a generally commendable level of cleanliness with many guests noting their rooms were clean, tidy and well-maintained. Rooms are frequently described as spotless with fresh linen and towels provided and a noticeable attention to both cleanliness and comfort.
However, there are inconsistencies in housekeeping services with some guests reporting missed cleaning days and areas that could benefit from more regular attention. Common areas such as corridors, lobbies and bathrooms receive mixed reviews; while some were found to be well-maintained and clean, others were noted to be dusty and in need of deeper cleaning. Additionally, some rooms experienced issues like mold in bathrooms, dirty floors and unemptied bins.
Despite these occasional lapses, the overall feedback points to a generally clean environment, making the hotel a comfortable stay for most guests. The friendly staff and good location also contribute positively to the overall guest experience.
Staff
The Grassmarket Hotel is noted for its exceptional staff who have repeatedly been praised for being friendly, helpful and very accommodating. Numerous guests highlighted the genuine warmth and attentiveness of the reception team, often mentioning by name individuals like Jamie and Steven, who left a notable positive impression. The staff's readiness to assist with luggage, provide local knowledge and respond to guests' needs promptly has consistently stood out in reviews.
Visitors appreciated the welcoming atmosphere created by the staff, who went out of their way to ensure guests felt at home, even leaving chocolates in rooms as welcome gifts. The efficiency and professionalism of the team were emphasized with guests noting how the staff were always available, courteous and attentive. Additionally, the hotel's excellent location in the vibrant Grassmarket area, surrounded by pubs and attractions, coupled with a delicious breakfast at a nearby bar, added to the overall positive experience.
Though there were minor occasional mentions of disorganization or a less helpful attitude, the overwhelming sentiment is that the staff at the Grassmarket Hotel play a pivotal role in providing an enjoyable and memorable stay. Their consistent friendliness, superb service and welcoming demeanor make the hotel highly recommended for anyone seeking not just a place to stay, but a genuinely hospitable environment amidst the lively cityscape.
Wi-Fi
Guests' feedback on the WiFi at Grassmarket Hotel is notably mixed. While some praised the ease of connection and good internet speed, a significant number of visitors experienced issues. The WiFi often appeared unreliable with frequent disconnects, slow speeds and in some cases, a complete lack of connectivity in the rooms. Guests mentioned that the WiFi worked better in public areas like the lobby with some even resorting to using neighboring networks. Despite providing free WiFi, the connection strength and reliability left many guests dissatisfied, suggesting a need for improvement across the property.
Parking
Nestled near the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, the Grassmarket Hotel charms with its prime location, perfect for those wanting to be close to the heart of the city. However, guests should be prepared for a bit of a trek when it comes to parking. The hotel itself does not provide on-site parking, leading many to use the nearby NCP car park, which can be a 15-minute walk away and is noted for being quite expensive.
Thankfully, the hotel does offer a significant discount to mitigate the cost of parking, though some international guests, particularly those with French registration numbers, have faced issues with the vouchers. Despite these logistical hiccups, the parking arrangements are praised for being secure and clear instructions from the staff make the process more manageable.
For those who don't mind a short journey, parking in the area can be convenient with some choosing to park on Grassmarket Street itself, which offers cheaper rates. The hotel staff are responsive and have assisted guests by providing partial refunds and clear guidance on parking options. In summary, while parking at Grassmarket Hotel presents a few challenges, the helpful staff and strategic location make it a worthwhile stay.
Family
Grassmarket Hotel offers a mix of experiences for families visiting Edinburgh. It boasts family rooms, spacious enough for a family of four, featuring modern decor and large bathrooms. The children especially enjoy the fun decor and PlayStation available in the room, which adds an extra layer of entertainment. Guests mention that it feels safe for families and has a good atmosphere for kids.
The hotel’s prime location, close to major attractions, makes it ideal for families looking to explore the city. Despite some guests mentioning noise issues that made it difficult for kids to fall asleep and a few not recommending it for family stays, others highlight the hotel as a perfect choice for family visits. Families with children, even as young as eight and ten, have had wonderful stays with some returning for a second visit.
The mix of positive feedback regarding its suitability for families, combined with a few detractors, suggests that while the hotel offers great amenities and a convenient location for families, it may not be the best fit for everyone, particularly those seeking a quieter environment.
Nightlife
The Grassmarket Hotel is situated at the heart of Edinburgh's vibrant Grassmarket area, making it a prime spot for those eager to immerse themselves in the local nightlife. The hotel is surrounded by an abundance of cafés, pubs and restaurants, providing guests with a plethora of dining and entertainment options just steps away from their accommodations. The area is known for its lively atmosphere, especially with the numerous pubs offering live music and entertainment until late into the night.
Guests generally appreciated the hotel's central location, which allows for easy access to key attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, in addition to the bustling nightlife scene. The hotel's own bar is highlighted for its great vibe, good music and pleasant service, attracting both guests and locals alike.
However, the liveliness does come with a downside — the noise. Many reviews mention the significant noise from nearby pubs with music and revelry often continuing until the early hours of the morning. This is particularly noticeable during events like the Fringe Festival and the Military Tattoo when the area becomes even more animated. Guests have noted that while the area feels safe at night, the noise can be bothersome for those seeking a quieter stay.
Despite the noise complaints, the hotel's location is ideal for nightlife enthusiasts looking to experience Edinburgh's vibrant evening scene. For those who prefer a peaceful night's sleep, it might be worth requesting a room away from the street or considering the potential for night noise before booking.
Accessible
The Grassmarket Hotel presents a mixed but generally favorable picture when it comes to accessibility for guests with disabilities. Many reviews highlight that the hotel offers good wheelchair access, including several handicap-accessible rooms situated in the basement. The presence of an elevator adds to the convenience, although it only services up to the first floor, which can be a limitation for some guests. Not all rooms are reachable by elevator, necessitating the use of stairs for access to higher floors. This could pose challenges, especially for those with mobility issues and makes it crucial to clarify room options when booking.
While the hotel's central location provides easy access to nearby bars and public facilities, navigating the building itself can be tricky due to the maze-like corridors and multiple staircases. This complex layout might be difficult for some guests, particularly when moving luggage or finding their way around. Positive aspects also include specific rooms designed with mobility needs in mind, featuring wheelchair-accessible bathrooms and the option to book rooms close to the elevator. Despite these positive points, the hotel's accessibility features may not fully meet the needs of all disabled guests, pointing to areas for potential improvement, such as adding ramps and enhancing elevator access to all floors.
Boutique-Style
Nestled in the traditional landscape of Edinburgh, Grassmarket Hotel exudes a charming boutique style that sets it apart from the rest. The hotel is lauded for its quirky vibes and personalized details, ensuring each themed room is unique and tastefully designed. The trendiness of the décor, coupled with stylish interiors, creates an Instagram-worthy atmosphere that guests find irresistibly funky.
Guests frequently mention the well-thought-out decorations and charming, lovingly curated details that give the hotel a delightful vintage boutique feel. With chic modern decor and cool, youthful touches like map walls and comic book themes, the interiors strike a perfect balance between modernity and retro charm.
Grassmarket Hotel is celebrated for its beautifully designed, soundproofed rooms, offering both comfort and an authentic boutique experience. The quirky room designs, decorated in vibrant, fun ways with a modern cheery vibe, make for an engaging stay that's both original and entertaining.
The hotel’s central location adds to its appeal, making it easy for guests to explore the city's quaint quarters. Furthermore, the friendly and warm staff enhance the overall experience, ensuring visitors feel right at home.
For those in search of something distinct and delightfully different, Grassmarket Hotel promises a stay that is both unique and memorable with its quirky, fun decor and boutique charm.
No, Grassmarket Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Grassmarket Hotel.
No, Grassmarket Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Grassmarket Hotel.