Unite Students - Salisbury Court in Edinburgh stands out as a commendable accommodation choice primarily due to its prime location. Guests frequently highlight its proximity to Edinburgh's Old Town, New Town and major tourist attractions. Being within walking distance or a short bus ride from shops, restaurants, cafes and festival venues, the convenience is particularly noted during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Despite its central location, the area around Salisbury Court maintains a quiet and safe atmosphere, which enhances guest comfort.
Although breakfast is not provided, the well-equipped shared and individual kitchen facilities receive positive feedback. These kitchens are stocked with essential appliances and are kept clean, making them practical for preparing meals. Some guests do prefer to dine out and recommend The Abbey nearby for breakfast options.
The rooms, though small, are praised for their cleanliness, functionality and adequate amenities. Private bathrooms, ample storage and numerous plug sockets add to the convenience. Views of Arthur’s Seat from some rooms are a nice touch. However, the small size of the rooms and beds, coupled with occasionally uncomfortable mattresses, were noted drawbacks, particularly for guests sharing beds.
Cleanliness across the property garners high praise with both communal areas and individual rooms described as modern and well-maintained. Minor issues such as occasional missed cleaning details do not significantly detract from the overall positive impression of the facility’s upkeep.
The staff at Unite Students - Salisbury Court contribute significantly to guest satisfaction. Their friendliness, helpfulness and efficiency, especially evident during check-ins and handling of specific requests, are frequently highlighted. Guests feel well-cared for, further enhancing their positive experience.
Wi-Fi services at Salisbury Court are generally reliable and appreciated, despite occasional issues with Apple devices or spotty coverage in certain areas. Most guests found the internet service suitable for their needs.
Beds, while a point of mixed feedback, are acceptable for solo travelers but less so for pairs due to their smaller size and less comfortable mattresses. Despite this, the overall sentiment towards the accommodation remains positive, particularly for those staying in single rooms.
Accessibility is another strong suit of Salisbury Court with clean and comfortable rooms that cater well to guests with disabilities. Handicap-accessible bathrooms and nearby public transportation make it easier for all guests, despite some minor inconveniences like the lack of direct parking.
In summary, Unite Students - Salisbury Court offers clean, secure and well-located accommodation with friendly staff, good facilities and mostly satisfactory Wi-Fi—ideal for budget-conscious travelers exploring Edinburgh.
The Guards Hotel enjoys a prime location directly across from Haymarket Station, providing excellent access to trains, trams and buses, facilitating easy travel within Edinburgh and to the airport. Guests appreciate its proximity to attractions such as Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle, complemented by nearby dining and shopping options.
Room experiences vary significantly. Positive reviews highlight clean, spacious rooms—especially larger suites with ensuite bathrooms and antique furniture—equipped with amenities like tea and coffee facilities, hairdryers and TVs. However, the hotel struggles with inconsistent room quality with some guests reporting dated decor, maintenance issues and cleanliness concerns. While some rooms are quiet and comfortable, others suffer from inadequate heating and unpleasant odors, necessitating upgrades and more consistent housekeeping.
Cleanliness is another area of mixed reviews. Some guests find the rooms very clean and comfortable, while others cite issues like dust, dirty carpets, mold and neglected details. Despite these challenges, the linens and towels are noted to be clean. The building itself needs refurbishment to meet higher cleanliness standards.
Staff at The Guards Hotel consistently receive praise for their friendliness, helpfulness and accommodating nature. The owner and reception staff are particularly noted for their warm and engaging service, making the check-in process smooth and efficient. However, the lack of 24/7 reception can cause inconvenience when trying to reach staff during off-hours.
The Wi-Fi service is generally perceived as problematic with many guests experiencing weak signals, especially on the top floors. While some manage to get a decent connection, many report difficulties logging on or staying connected, indicating a need for improvement in this area.
For families, the hotel offers large family rooms with cribs, highchairs and sofabeds, making it suitable for those traveling with children. However, space may be limited for larger families. Ground-floor rooms offer added comfort and accessibility.
Bed quality receives mixed feedback. Many guests find the beds comfortable with clean linens and cozy quilts. However, a number of reviews mention old, saggy mattresses, broken frames and even insect bites, pointing towards the need for better bed maintenance and upgrades.
As a three-star hotel, The Guards Hotel offers basic, budget-friendly accommodations that reflect its rating. It is especially suitable for short stays focused on affordability and central location, though some guests note the need for refurbishment and improved cleanliness. The hotel provides functional and economical lodging for budget-conscious travelers.
Accessibility features include disabled-friendly rooms and convenient access from the airport, but the lack of elevators and drainage issues in some bathrooms can pose challenges for disabled and elderly guests.
In summary, The Guards Hotel provides a decent stay with significant room for improvement in consistency, cleanliness and Wi-Fi reliability, balanced by its excellent location, friendly staff and budget-friendly rates.