Motel One Edinburgh-Princes

This hotel is highly regarded for its unbeatable central location, situated directly opposite Waverley Train Station, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, alongside the hotel's impressive cleanliness. While many appreciate the comfortable beds, feedback on room size and noise levels can be mixed. The hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and tourists who wish to explore Edinburgh on foot, as well as business travelers and those relying on public transport due to its immediate proximity to key transit hubs. Couples and families will find the convenient access to attractions beneficial for their visits. To ensure a restful stay, it is advisable to request a room away from the main street if sensitive to urban sounds, and guests should note that room dimensions can vary.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a bar and lounge area that is frequently praised for its pleasant atmosphere, stylish decor, and comfortable seating, often offering attractive city views. This area is a popular spot for guests to relax and enjoy a drink, with some noting its convenient 24/7 availability. Most guests find the Wi-Fi connection reliable and strong throughout the property, though a few experienced occasional instability. Rooms are equipped with kettle and tea/coffee making facilities, which are appreciated, but some guests express disappointment with the use of paper cups and the sometimes awkward placement of the kettle. Many reviews mention the absence of a mini-fridge in the rooms, which some find inconvenient for longer stays. Additionally, the lack of laundry facilities, a gym, and an in-room safe or telephone is noted by several guests, indicating a more basic amenity offering. Some also point out the limited availability of USB charging ports in certain rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel for its exceptional cleanliness, describing rooms and bathrooms as spotless and well-maintained. The beds are widely reported as very comfortable, often featuring firm mattresses and quality linens that contribute to a restful night's sleep, though a few guests found the pillows to be less comfortable. Room size receives mixed feedback; while some find them compact or small, others describe them as spacious and well-arranged, especially for short stays. The bathrooms are generally clean and feature good showers with strong water pressure, though some minor issues like non-working fans, slow drains, or early signs of mold in newly refurbished rooms have been noted. Noise levels are a recurring theme; some rooms are remarkably quiet despite the central location, benefiting from good soundproofing, while others experience street noise, sounds from water pipes, or disturbances from neighboring rooms and corridor activity, particularly in rooms facing busy areas. Many guests mention the basic nature of in-room amenities, including a lack of closet or drawer space, and the absence of a mini-fridge or safe.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a continental breakfast that most guests find to be good, plentiful, and varied, featuring options such as meats, cheeses, fruits, cereals, and pastries. Many appreciate the availability of healthy choices and good quality coffee. However, some guests express disappointment that a cooked breakfast option is not available, and a few find the overall selection somewhat limited for the price. The breakfast area itself is often described as having a pleasant atmosphere, with some sections offering attractive views. The hotel also features a bar area that is well-regarded for its relaxed ambiance and good vibe, serving a selection of cocktails and light snacks like toasties. While the bar is a popular spot for evening relaxation, a few guests have noted mixed opinions on the quality of the drinks or the value for money.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly praised as its strongest asset, placing guests within immediate reach of Edinburgh's key attractions and transport links. It is situated directly across from Waverley Train Station, making arrivals and departures incredibly convenient, especially for those traveling by rail. Guests also highlight its close proximity to tram and bus stops, including the airport bus, ensuring easy access to and from the airport and other parts of the city. Many popular landmarks such as the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and various art galleries and museums are within easy walking distance. The hotel is also conveniently located near major shopping areas like Princes Street and the St. James Quarter, offering abundant dining and retail options. While the hotel does not have its own dedicated parking, guests note the availability of nearby parking garages, though these can be expensive, and some mention challenges with drop-off and loading due to the central, busy area.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Many reviews highlight their welcoming demeanor and professional approach from arrival to departure. The check-in process is frequently described as quick and efficient, with staff often accommodating requests for early check-in when rooms are available, which is greatly appreciated by guests arriving on early flights. Similarly, the check-out process is smooth, and the hotel offers convenient luggage storage for guests with later travel plans. Specific instances of staff going "above and beyond" are often mentioned, such as assisting with technical issues, providing local recommendations, or even offering room upgrades. Guests also appreciate the presence of security staff, particularly in the evenings, which adds to a sense of safety. Overall, the dedication of the team to providing excellent customer service is a recurring theme in guest feedback.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel has been undergoing refurbishment and construction work, which some reviews mention as noticeable, with scaffolding on the building and occasional noise during the day. While efforts are made to minimize disruption, this ongoing work can impact the aesthetic and quietness for some guests. The hotel offers a late check-out option, which is appreciated by many, though it typically incurs an hourly fee. It is important to note that while early check-in is often accommodated based on availability, it is not guaranteed. Some guests also mention that the hotel's entrance can be somewhat inconspicuous, located on a side street rather than directly on the main thoroughfare, which might require a moment to locate upon first arrival. The hotel also provides umbrellas in the rooms, a thoughtful touch for Edinburgh's weather.