Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh

This hotel is highly regarded for its prime location, offering unparalleled access to Edinburgh's key attractions and transport links. Its signature feature is its direct proximity to the Playhouse Theatre and the St. James Quarter, making it an ideal choice for theatre-goers and shoppers. Guests consistently praise the hotel's cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff. The hotel is well-suited for sightseers and families due to its central position and spacious rooms, while business travelers appreciate the convenient transport connections and good facilities. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor to avoid potential noise from lower levels or views of service areas, and be aware that bed firmness can vary, with some finding them quite soft.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed for guest comfort and convenience. Guests appreciate the presence of a fitness center or gym, described as small but efficient for workouts. The bar and lounge areas are noted for their modern ambiance and good cocktails, though service can sometimes be slow due to high demand. Rooms are equipped with coffee makers and tea facilities, including kettles, though some guests noted these were not always consistently replenished. Many rooms feature a safe and an iron with an ironing board. While some rooms include a mini-bar or refrigerator, this is not universal, and some guests missed having a dedicated refrigerator for personal use. The elevators can occasionally be slow or out of service, and the air conditioning system receives mixed feedback, with some finding it effective and others experiencing issues with temperature control.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally commend the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. The spacious rooms are often highlighted as a positive, though some guests found their assigned rooms to be smaller or darker than expected, with limited natural light. Feedback on bed comfort is mixed; many guests found the beds to be very comfortable and plush, ensuring a restful sleep, while a significant number reported them as too soft, bouncy, or having lumpy mattresses. Noise levels are generally low, especially in rooms facing away from the street, but some guests experienced disturbances from adjacent rooms due to thin walls, doors slamming, or noise from the dining area above. The modern bathrooms are appreciated, but their frosted glass doors often lead to privacy concerns, and some guests noted small sinks or issues with poor shower pressure, mold, or a lack of hooks and towel rails.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as excellent, amazing, and offering a wide breakfast variety. The hot buffet includes a full Scottish breakfast with options like haggis, and many appreciate the made-to-order eggs and pancakes. While the overall food quality is highly rated, some guests noted that buffet items could occasionally be lukewarm or slow to be replenished during busy periods. The hotel's restaurant receives mixed reviews; some guests enjoyed their meals, finding the food good, while others had less positive experiences, describing it as bland or disappointing. The bar also offers food, with some guests commending the quality of items like burgers.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major highlight, frequently described as ideal, perfect, and unbeatable for exploring Edinburgh. It offers excellent proximity to attractions such as the Playhouse Theatre (right next door), the St. James Quarter for shopping, Princes Street, the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Calton Hill, all within easy walking distance. For transit, a tram stop is conveniently located right outside the hotel, providing direct airport access, and the train station (Waverley) is just a short walk away. The surrounding area is vibrant, with an abundance of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shopping malls. While the hotel does not have its own dedicated parking, guests can utilize the nearby Q-Park Omni with a hotel discount, though drop-off and pick-up can be challenging on the busy street.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receive glowing reviews for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond to assist. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as smooth, fast, and easy. Many appreciate the staff's readiness to provide local recommendations, assist with luggage storage, and efficiently handle room changes or other requests. While most feedback on housekeeping is positive, with guests noting daily service and efficiency, some isolated concerns were raised regarding missed cleaning, inconsistent replenishment of amenities, or, in rare instances, perceived privacy violations. The restaurant staff are often commended for their cheerful and engaging service, contributing to a positive dining experience.

Additional Information
The hotel has undergone recent refurbishment and renovation work in common areas like the lobby, bar, and dining spaces. While some guests found this did not impact their stay, others noted temporary inconveniences such as noise, smells, or cramped spaces. Room views vary significantly; some guests enjoyed pleasant vistas of Calton Hill, while others faced less appealing sights like brick walls or service areas. The hotel's unique hotel layout, built on a hillside with reception on the fifth floor, can initially be confusing for guests. Feedback on value for money is mixed, with some finding it reasonable for the location and quality, while others felt it was expensive. A recurring point of feedback relates to bathroom privacy, specifically the use of frosted glass doors that may not fully close, and the often-mentioned poor shower pressure.