Holiday Inn Edinburgh By Ihg

This hotel is a popular choice, particularly for its unique proximity to the Edinburgh Zoo, allowing guests to enjoy the sounds of animals, especially in the mornings. Its location is highly convenient for sightseers and tourists due to excellent public transport links directly outside, offering easy access to the city center and airport. The staff generally receive high praise for their friendly and helpful demeanor. While many guests find the rooms clean and comfortable, there is mixed feedback regarding their overall condition and the quality of dining options. The hotel is also well-suited for families visiting the zoo, with amenities catering to younger guests. To make the most of your stay, consider utilizing the efficient bus system for city exploration and be aware of the varying room conditions reported by guests.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though some are noted as being dated. The lobby and public areas are often described as modern, bright, and recently renovated, providing a pleasant atmosphere. Guests have access to a swimming pool, jacuzzi, and sauna, though these are sometimes reported as small, busy, or in need of maintenance, with some instances of broken equipment or cleanliness issues in the changing rooms. A gym is also available, which some guests find small with older equipment. Free Wi-Fi is provided, but its reliability can be inconsistent. Parking is available on-site, though spaces are limited, often requiring guests to use the nearby zoo overflow parking, which may incur a fee. A Starbucks is conveniently located within the hotel, and some guests note the absence of mini-fridges or microwaves in the rooms, and that complimentary water bottles are not provided.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is varied. Many guests report their rooms as clean and comfortable, with some highlighting spacious layouts and comfortable beds. However, a significant number of reviews describe rooms as tired, dated, or in need of renovation, with issues such as chipped paint, old carpets, and various stains on bedding, carpets, or in bathrooms. Some guests noted unpleasant odors in bathrooms. Room amenities typically include tea and coffee making facilities and large televisions. Common complaints include a lack of complimentary water bottles, mini-fridges, or sufficient power outlets near beds. Bathrooms are frequently described as small, cramped, and dated, with issues like slow-draining sinks, moldy tiles, smelly shower curtains, and inconsistent water pressure. Noise levels are mixed, with some guests experiencing disturbances from zoo animals in the early morning, street noise, or sounds from neighboring rooms due to thin walls.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives mixed reviews. Breakfast is generally well-regarded, with guests appreciating the wide selection of cooked items, cereals, fruits, and pastries, often described as plentiful and tasty. However, some guests noted that hot food items could be cold or overcooked, and that certain selections might run out. The restaurant and bar food quality is a point of contention; many guests found it overpriced, bland, or uninspired, comparing it to basic pub fare. Specific dishes like fish and chips and burgers received negative comments, though some guests did praise the Caesar salad and other specific menu items. Room service is also mentioned as being overpriced with poor food quality. The availability of free kids' meals for children under 12 is a notable positive, despite some finding the children's menu limited. Drinks at the bar are frequently described as expensive.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant draw for many guests, primarily due to its direct adjacency to the Edinburgh Zoo, which offers a unique experience with animal sounds audible from some rooms and discounted entry for hotel guests. Its central location relative to public transport is highly praised, with bus stops directly outside the hotel providing frequent service to the city center, the airport, and Haymarket station. This makes it very convenient for guests to explore Edinburgh without needing a car. While the hotel is situated outside the immediate city center, the efficient bus network ensures easy access, typically within 15 to 30 minutes. Parking is available and free for guests, though spaces can be limited, sometimes requiring use of the zoo's overflow parking. Some guests noted that the approach to the hotel from the street involves many steps, which can be challenging for those with luggage or mobility concerns.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive high praise for their friendly, helpful, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight the professionalism and willingness of the front desk team, who are often commended for their quick check-in process and ability to accommodate requests, such as early check-ins or luggage storage. While the overall sentiment towards staff is positive, feedback on specific service areas like housekeeping and restaurant/bar service is more varied. Housekeeping is sometimes criticized for missed cleanings, not replenishing items, or entering rooms without permission. Similarly, service in the restaurant and bar can be inconsistent, with some guests experiencing disorganization or perceived rudeness, while others commend the staff's attentiveness. Despite these isolated issues, the staff's general commitment to providing a positive guest experience is a recurring theme in reviews, with many guests feeling well-cared for during their stay.

Additional Information
The hotel appears to be undergoing ongoing renovations, with the lobby and public spaces often described as modernized and stylish, contrasting with some rooms and corridors that guests still find tired or dated. The building itself is noted by many as being older, with some reviews mentioning its origins in the 1980s or 1990s. While not a universal feature, some guests have enjoyed unique amenities such as a craft table for kids in the bar area or a complimentary pancake machine during their stay. Guests should be aware that complimentary water bottles are not standard in rooms, and some reviews mention an automatic service charge applied in the restaurant. The hotel's views of the zoo, surrounding hills, or the city are often highlighted as a pleasant feature, enhancing the overall stay for many visitors.