Hotel Indigo Edinburgh - Princes Street By Ihg

This hotel is celebrated for its prime central location on Princes Street, directly opposite Waverley Station, offering stunning views of the Old Town and Edinburgh Castle from many rooms and dining areas. Its boutique style and quirky, historic decor are frequently highlighted, blending modern design with the building's heritage. The hotel is an excellent fit for sightseers and tourists due to its walkable access to major attractions, and for business travelers who appreciate the proximity to the train station. Couples find it a romantic and comfortable base, while Fringe festival attendees and those visiting for Christmas markets find the location unbeatable. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for better views, and be aware that booking restaurant and bar reservations in advance is often recommended.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently praise the hotel's inviting common areas, including a popular cocktail bar and a stylish restaurant, both often offering impressive city views. The Juniper bar is particularly noted for its well-crafted drinks and vibrant atmosphere, though some guests advise making reservations as it can get busy. While the hotel provides free Wi-Fi to keep guests connected, a recurring issue mentioned by many is the unreliability of the elevator, which is often out of order. This means guests, especially those with heavy luggage or mobility challenges, frequently need to use the stairs to access their rooms or the reception area.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high marks for its spotless cleanliness and well-maintained rooms. Guests frequently commend the comfortable beds and high-quality linens, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Room sizes receive mixed feedback, with some finding them spacious and others describing them as compact, particularly for longer stays. The decor is widely appreciated for its beautiful, stylish, and quirky blend of modern and historic elements. In-room amenities like coffee makers, tea facilities, complimentary snacks, and water bottles are a welcome touch. Many bathrooms feature walk-in showers with good water pressure, though some guests have noted issues with noise from the street due to single-pane windows, and occasional internal noise from corridors or adjacent rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives glowing reviews, often described as excellent, amazing, and among the best in Edinburgh. Guests appreciate the wide variety of options, including a comprehensive full Scottish breakfast with quality ingredients, a generous continental buffet, and delicious hot cooked-to-order options like omelets and eggs Benedict. While most experiences are positive, a few guests have noted minor issues with specific items being cold or service being slow during peak times. The hotel's restaurant also earns high praise for its excellent dinner menu, delicious dishes, and attentive service, all enjoyed within a beautifully decorated setting that often provides scenic views. The bar is also noted for its quality cocktails and available snacks.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is universally lauded as perfect and unbeatable. It is situated directly opposite Waverley Station, providing immediate access to train services and being just minutes from tram stops and bus stops, including the airport link. This prime position places guests within easy walking distance of Edinburgh's most popular attractions, including the Royal Mile, Old Town, New Town, and extensive shopping on Princes Street and at St James Quarter. While the hotel does not offer on-site parking, guests can find off-site parking nearby, such as at the St James Quarter, though it can be expensive.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives exceptional praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight their welcoming and professional demeanor from check-in to check-out. The quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to accommodate requests, such as early check-in or luggage storage and delivery to rooms, contribute significantly to a positive guest experience. Many reviews commend the staff's responsiveness in resolving issues, whether it's changing rooms due to noise or addressing heating problems. The team's knowledge of local attractions and their ability to provide helpful recommendations are also frequently mentioned, making guests feel well-cared for throughout their stay.

Additional Information
A significant and frequently mentioned point is the hotel's elevator, which is often broken or out of service, requiring guests to use the stairs to access various floors, including reception. This can be particularly challenging for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage. The hotel's unique decor and architecture, blending historic elements with modern design, are a distinctive feature. Guests appreciate the complimentary in-room snacks and drinks provided in the mini-fridge, which are typically replenished daily. Some guests have noted minor issues with hotel policies, such as difficulties obtaining invoices or specific credit card acceptance, and the requirement for hotel guests to make reservations to use the bar during busy periods.