BRITANNIA EDINBURGH HOTEL, Edinburgh

The hotel sits on the banks of the Water of Leith in a quiet, secluded area with pleasant riverside walks and nearby parkland. Princes Street is about 15 minutes away on foot, while Edinburgh's main tourist attractions, including the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, are around 3 km (30 minutes walk) from the hotel. Haymarket train station is the nearest rail stop (approx 10 minutes walk). The tram stop is also a short walk away, offering direct service to the airport in about 40 minutes. A taxi to the airport costs approximately £25. Edinburgh Playhouse is a 12-minute drive, and Murrayfield Stadium is about a 9-minute drive. The hotel is convenient for accessing the city centre and West End, but due to the distance from Princes Street and limited nearby public transport (the nearest bus stop is a 10-minute walk), a taxi or car can be more practical for those with mobility issues.

All rooms include a private bathroom (with bath or shower), carpeted floors, a seating area with a TV, wardrobe, tea and coffee maker, hairdryer, and ironing equipment. Some rooms offer views of the Water of Leith, the museum of modern art, or the main road, while others are windowless basement rooms that can feel stuffy and have a strong emergency exit light. Room sizes vary; family rooms sleep up to 3, twin rooms have two single beds, and double rooms have one double. There are also small double rooms without windows. The property does not have air conditioning. The building is dated and decor is basic; some rooms may have worn furniture, carpet stains, or signs of damp. Noise from neighbouring rooms and hallways is common due to thin walls. For a quieter stay, request a room away from the main road and on a lower floor if stairs are a concern (a lift is available).

Breakfast is a buffet-style continental and full Scottish/Irish spread, with gluten-free and vegetarian options available on request. It is served in a room with limited space and can feel crowded when large groups arrive. The hotel does not have a proper restaurant for evening meals, but there is a bar, snack bar, and a vending machine for snacks and drinks. Several independent cafés and restaurants are located within a 5-10 minute walk, offering alternatives for lunch and dinner. Special diet menus (including gluten-free) can be requested in advance, and soy milk is available on request. The breakfast offering is basic; those seeking a wider selection may consider eating out.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Parking costs £7.50 per 24 hours on a first-come first-served basis (60 spaces, no reservation, CCTV covered). Blue badge holders park free. Luggage storage is free before check-in and after checkout. The 24-hour front desk can assist with taxi bookings, tourist leaflets (hop-on hop-off bus tours), and storing bikes. The hotel has a lift and accessible rooms with wet rooms for disabled guests. Pets are allowed on request (£10 per night) and pet bowls and baskets are provided. Travel cots are available on request. The property is entirely non-smoking. Room cleaning is not provided for stays under 4 nights; guests can request fresh towels and toiletries at reception. Safety deposit boxes are available for a fee. The shared lounge/TV area with seating and a vending machine offers a space to relax. Fax/photocopying services are available for an extra charge.