Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh

The hotel is highly regarded for its exceptional spa facilities, particularly the hydro pool and thermal suite, which offer a memorable and relaxing escape. Its central location, coupled with spacious rooms, comfortable beds, attentive staff, and an excellent club lounge, makes it a popular choice. The hotel is well-suited for couples seeking a romantic getaway, sightseers and business travelers due to its convenient access to attractions, and families who appreciate the comfortable accommodations. To enhance your stay, consider booking a club level room for access to exclusive amenities, and be aware of the additional cost for full spa access.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's spa facilities are consistently highlighted as a major draw, featuring multiple saunas, an indoor/outdoor pool, and a popular hydro pool for a relaxing thermal experience. While many guests praise the spa, some note that certain facilities, like the salt room or cold showers, were occasionally out of order or in need of refurbishment. Access to the full thermal suite often incurs an additional charge, which some guests find surprising given the room rate. The club lounge is widely regarded as excellent value, offering complimentary drinks and canapés, though some guests found seating limited. A well-equipped fitness center is available, though some wish it were 24-hour. Free Wi-Fi is provided, but a few guests experienced slow or unstable connections. Parking is available on-site but is noted as expensive, and EV charging points were sometimes out of order. Rooms feature large TVs, though they are not smart TVs and lack streaming capabilities.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless and immaculate. The spacious rooms are frequently praised, offering ample space for relaxation. A standout feature is the comfortable beds, often described as huge and providing an excellent night's sleep with high-quality linen. While most rooms offer a quiet environment, some guests reported external noise from street activity, plant machinery, or air conditioning units, particularly in rooms without a castle view. The bathroom design, featuring glass partitions, receives mixed feedback; while some appreciate the modern aesthetic, many express concerns about a lack of privacy and soundproofing. In-room amenities typically include decent coffee, and while some find the provided toiletries basic, others appreciate their quality. Some minor maintenance issues, such as chipped bathtubs or loose fixtures, were occasionally noted.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast consistently receives high praise for its quality and variety, with many guests describing it as excellent and delicious. Options often include a full Scottish breakfast, pancakes, and eggs, though some found the hot food quality inconsistent, with occasional bland or undercooked items. The machine coffee is frequently mentioned as being of poor quality, but guests appreciate the availability of barista-made coffee. While the breakfast service is generally efficient, some guests experienced slow service or queues, especially during busy periods. The hotel's restaurant and bar offer a range of food, with popular items like steak and ale pie, haggis bonbons, and sticky toffee pudding receiving positive mentions. However, some guests found the overall food menu limited or the quality average, likening it to basic pub fare. The club lounge also provides highly-rated canapés in the evenings.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, placing guests within easy walking distance of Edinburgh's most popular attractions. Key landmarks such as Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and various theatres and shopping areas are all conveniently accessible on foot. Guests appreciate its proximity to a bus station and the light rail station, providing straightforward connections to the airport and other parts of the city. While the immediate area is generally considered safe, some guests noted it can be busy. Parking is available on-site, offering convenience for those traveling by car, though it is noted as being quite expensive. The hotel's position makes it an ideal base for exploring the city's vibrant cultural scene and historical sites.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Many guests highlight the attentive service provided across all departments, from reception to housekeeping and dining. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient, though some guests experienced delays due to rooms not being ready upon arrival. Staff are often commended for going above and beyond, such as acknowledging special occasions like birthdays with thoughtful gestures. The concierge team is particularly noted for their excellent advice and assistance with local recommendations and arrangements. While the majority of feedback is positive, a few guests reported isolated instances of unengaging or less friendly interactions, particularly with some bar staff or during specific service issues like fire alarms.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that a security deposit is typically required upon check-in, which some found unexpected and slow to be refunded. The hotel has specific and limited child swim times in the pool, which can be inconvenient for families. While the hotel aims for a luxurious experience, some guests noted that the minibar is not stocked as standard, requiring a request for items. The hotel's bar closes relatively early, which some guests found restrictive for evening relaxation. Despite its overall positive reputation, a recurring theme is that some guests feel the hotel, while comfortable and clean, does not fully meet the expectations of a true five-star establishment in terms of certain amenities or overall ambiance, particularly given the price point.