OLD WAVERLEY HOTEL, Edinburgh

The location is a major draw, with a score of 9.7. Travelers consistently find it central to all major attractions: the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, the EICC, and the financial district are all within a short walk. Airport access is seamless - the tram and airport buses stop directly across the street. The hotel is also close to Waverley Station for regional trains. While the central setting puts everything within walking distance for most, it also means street noise from trams, buses, and nightlife can be significant, especially in front-facing rooms. Construction work is happening on a neighbouring building, adding early morning noise. For those driving, parking is not at the hotel but via a partnership with Q-Park Omni on Greenside Row (about 5 minutes walk), validated to £12 for 24 hours.

Accommodation ranges from cosy single rooms (1 single bed, en-suite, tea/coffee, ironing board) to spacious superior double rooms with a king-size bed and stunning Edinburgh Castle views - the latter includes a complimentary VIP pack with a bottle of prosecco, bathrobes, slippers, and luxury toiletries. Triple rooms are available (3 single beds, 19 m2), and some twin/double rooms with Princes Street views come with a voucher for a free bottle of house wine. All rooms have a private bathroom, with most featuring a bathtub and a shower over it. Certain rooms are internal with frosted windows and no natural daylight; these are quieter but significantly darker. The property is an old listed building: floorboards are often uneven and creaky, rooms vary widely in size, and some are compact. Noise from neighbouring rooms and the street is common due to single-pane windows. There is no air conditioning, and heating is via electric radiators. Work desks and tea/coffee facilities are standard. Some rooms have small TVs, and the furniture can be dated. For a restful stay, rooms facing the back courtyard are quieter, but can be disturbed by early morning bin collection.

Breakfast is an extra-cost option (£11.95 if paid on arrival or £15 for the full breakfast) offering a full Scottish cooked breakfast including haggis, black pudding, poached eggs upon request, porridge, and gluten-free bread. A continental buffet with pastries, fruit, cereals, and juices is also available. The Abbotford Room Bar & Lounge is open for bar snacks, light lunches, and dinner, focusing on Scottish produce and local whiskies. It has panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens. Afternoon tea is served, priced at £18 per person, with a prosecco upgrade for £35. Diners report that food quality can be variable, with some meals being excellent and others less impressive. Staff helpfulness at meal times also varies. There are many restaurants and cafes within a 1-minute walk, including Dishoom, Vapiano, The Abbotsford pub, and The Witchery by the Castle.

Wellness and leisure options on property are minimal - there is no pool, spa, or fitness centre. The social hub is the Abbotsford Room bar, which provides a comfortable setting with views of the castle. For leisure activities, the hotel's central location places guests within easy reach of Edinburgh's many attractions: Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Calton Hill, Arthur's Seat, and numerous walking tours, museums, and galleries. The hotel can arrange discounted tickets for local tours and attractions.

The hotel offers 24-hour reception and security, with a 24-hour front desk service. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Luggage storage is provided free of charge before check-in and after check-out - this is a popular service. The hotel does not have on-site laundry, but partners with an external company: laundry left at reception by 8 AM is returned the same afternoon/evening. A safety deposit box is available at reception. Meeting and banquet facilities are available for an additional charge. The property has a lift but only from the first floor upwards; there are 27 stairs from street level to the reception. The 24-hour business facilities include fax/photocopying. All rooms include ironing facilities. The hotel accepts American Express, Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro (no cash). Check-in is at 15:00, check-out at 11:00. No early check-in is available. The hotel offers an opt-out towel and linen change programme as part of its sustainability efforts.