For a city break we wanted to find a hotel offering good quality accommodation at a reasonable price, near the city centre and attractions , but in a quiet location. As our planned break was in Scotland's busy and sometimes expensive capital city Edinburgh, we wondered if all this would be possible. After some searching online, we found the Macdonald Holyrood Hotel. This hotel not only met our expectations, it exceeded them.
After noticing a Spring Break Offer on the hotel's website we booked our break online on a bed and breakfast basis..
The Macdonald Holyrood Hotel, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh is superbly located beside attractions such as: The Palace of Holyrood, The Scottish Parliament, Arthurs Seat, Dynamic Earth and within a short walking distance (about five minutes) from museums, cafes, restaurants and interesting shops set on the historical streets of Edinburgh's old town. Despite so many attractions we found this part of the town to be quiet, although it was through the week when we stayed, it could be different at a weekend.
The hotel is within walking distance from Edinburgh's Waverley Station (around half a mile) where we arrived. We got a taxi from the station taxi rank at a cost of £5.00.. There is also a taxi rank directly outside the hotel. For those travelling by road the hotel offers a 24 hour secure valet parking space for £20 per day. Edinburgh airport is eight miles away.
When we entered the hotel we were immediately greeted by staff. We noticed the Reception area to be neat, clean and tidy, there was a relaxed friendly atmosphere. Check in went smoothly and our bags were taken to the room for us.
There are a variety of rooms available from Executive Suite to Classic. We were booked a Classic Room which is basically a standard type room. Our room was on the first floor to which there was lift and stair access.
Our room had a good size double wardrobe, the usual armchairs, desk, bedside tables, mini fridge, safe, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, the usual features of a standard room.
There was good shaded overhead lighting. Bedside tables contained large brass bedside lamps with good shading, all of which provided good lighting without glare. The heating and air conditioning controls in the room were easy to use and worked well. The room was triple glazed.
The bed was comfortable, we enjoyed a good nights sleep.
The bathroom had a standard bath and shower with complimentary toiletries, plenty of towels, a marbled floor.
Shortly after arriving we enjoyed afternoon tea in the bar lounge. This area is oak panelled, had a piano, subdued lighting, pleasant relaxing, subtle,low volume piped music. Service was good. At other times we had a drink at the bar, we found the prices to be average city centre prices.
For breakfast there is table service for hot food, cooked to order, then you can help yourself from the buffet containing a large variety of cereals, fruit, cold meats, cheeses, breads juices etc. Table service was excellent, our order was swiftly taken, the food was delicious and served with a smile!. There were plenty of staff on duty at breakfast time and this really helps, there was no frantic dashing around by staff and customers received the full attention of the staff.
On our last night at the hotel we decided to eat at their Steak/Grill restaurant and what a lovely meal we had, the atmosphere again was relaxed and friendly. The food amazing, by far the best hotel evening meal I have had for a long time. I chose Gammon, my husband chose Beef, the price was in my opinion, competitive.
The hotel has a heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room which can be used by guests free of charge. We did not have the time to use these facilities but will do so when we return. The Hotel also has a luxury Spa offering a variety of treatments.
Wi fi is available..
The staff in this hotel are fantastic, they are friendly, welcoming and go out of their way to make sure guests enjoy their stay. They are a true asset to the hotel.
I would not hesitate to recommend this hotel.
