BRAID HILLS HOTEL, Edinburgh

The Braid Hills Hotel sits on a hill, providing panoramic views across Edinburgh. The city centre and Waverley Station are a 10-minute drive or a quick bus ride away. Bus stops for routes 11 and 15 are located directly outside the hotel, with buses running every 10 minutes. A single fare is £1.70 and a day pass is £4.00. The nearest train station is Waverley. Edinburgh Airport is a 20-minute drive; there is no hotel shuttle, but an airport bus goes into the city centre where you can connect to the hotel buses. For drivers, the hotel is within 5 minutes of four golf courses and Napier University. The surrounding Morningside area offers shops, cafés, and restaurants within a short walk. The location is quiet at night, though the bus stop is down a steep set of steps, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Rooms are traditionally furnished and vary in size, with some described as spacious and others as small. All are en suite with a bath or shower and hairdryer. Classic double rooms are on the ground floor, while Deluxe rooms offer views of Edinburgh Castle or Braidburn Valley. Superior Double rooms guarantee a view. The hotel has interconnecting rooms and family rooms (Clan rooms with a sofa bed). Most rooms have a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee facilities, and a work desk. Some rooms include a fridge. There is no air conditioning; electric heaters may be provided in winter. Bed comfort receives mixed reports, with some finding mattresses firm. Noise can be an issue in rooms near reception or stairs. The annex building (separate from the main hotel) is noted as more dated, with some rooms lacking Wi-Fi and having limited views. Windows can be opened in all rooms.

Breakfast is served from 07:00 to 10:00 and costs £14.95 per person. The full Scottish breakfast includes hot options (sausages, eggs, haggis, black pudding) and a continental buffet with toast, croissants, and cereals. It can be added at check-in. The on-site restaurant, 1886, serves fine Scottish dining with a table d'hôte menu for dinner (17:00-21:00, Monday to Sunday). The menu includes vegetarian and gluten-free options and can cater for allergies. The bar offers a selection of drinks and a children's menu. There is a conservatory and a summer terrace with scenic views for drinks or lighter meals. Nearby dining options include Leaf & Bean, Pie Not? Bistro, and New Xi'an within a 5-minute walk, and several more within 1 km.

The hotel does not have a spa or swimming pool. For leisure, there is a garden, a sun terrace, and outdoor furniture. Board games and puzzles are available for entertainment. Braid Hills and Blackford Hill parks are a short walk away, offering walking trails and city views. The hotel is within a 5-minute drive of four golf courses. The quiet, scenic location is ideal for walkers and those wanting a peaceful retreat, though those seeking extensive on-site leisure facilities will not find them here.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Parking is free and on-site (first-come, first-served, no reservation) and includes accessible spaces and an electric vehicle charging point. The 24-hour front desk can assist with express check-in/out and luggage storage (free). Daily housekeeping is provided. Meeting/banquet facilities and fax/photocopying are available for an additional charge. Laundry service is not available. Safety features include 24-hour security, CCTV, key card access, and smoke alarms. The hotel is a non-smoking property. There is no lift; staff can help with luggage. Wheelchair access is via a ramp to the main entrance and a flat rear door, and ground-floor rooms are available. The hotel does not accept pets.