Edinburgh

Unfortunately, the décor of the room followed the theme of the corridors, not the entrance area. The wallpaper, carpets and paintwork all looked as though they could do with a bit of tlc, or failing that, a complete overhaul!

There was asmall unit in the corner by the window, containing tea and coffee making facilities, a chair, dressing table, and bed with a canopy over it. Given the age of everything, I wasnt overly keen on that canopy thing.

Grouches aside, the bedlinen was clean, and the bathroom, whilst small and pretty basic, had clean towels, and a few freebie toiletries. Other room facilities included a hairdryer, iron and ironing board (no thanks!), modem connection, internet access and satellite tv and movie channel.

The view from the bedroom window was impressive- straight over the Firth of Forth and since it was a clear day, it was fantastic.

The entrance to the hotel is very modern- all brown and cream, very clean, with sofas and tables dotted around. Handy if you have lots of cases, there is an automatic door, so no fighting with bags and the pushing and pulling of doors. At one side of the entrance area is a small bar with bar stools round the bar area, and three or four small tables with comfy chairs. We were to discover later that this serves food.

Near the door are the toilets which again are clean and modern.

We checked in quickly at the long checking in area, and the staff were very helpful and quickly gave us directions to our room. I say directions and I mean directions. The place is like a tardis!

After the modern and obviously newly refurbished entrance hall, the walk to the bedroom was very disappointing. The corridors were very gloomy, with wall paper peeling off the walls, lots of steps to negotiate as the corridors changed level, and no signs. I think we stumbled on the room by change; we had apparently been upgraded, so it wasnt on the main drag.

The hotel also offers very tastefully done leisure facilities including a sauna, and a swimming pool, although using them wasnt high on my list of priorities.

There is a restaurant, where breakfast and evening meals are served and a bar, where more snack like food can be eaten. We chose the latter, because we were going out for the night, and in usual disorganised fashion, had forgotten to book a table in a restaurant, and didnt fancy our chances on a Saturday night.

The bar has a good menu,serving light sandwich type meals, and these came quickly, nicely presented, and cost about £15 for two plentiful stomach fillers.

Guests can also eat al fresco in the private gardens, but we decided not to chance it when it was cold and dark.

The hotel itself is located on a beautiful tree lined street of Georgian terraces- very stately. Our one problem when we first arrived is that there is a hotel with a similar name. We tried to get in (it was locked) and even buzzed for the porter- too late we noticed the sign telling us that this was not the Royal Terrace Hotel.

We found our hotel a bit further down the street, and after parking the car, went in. I have to mention that a down side to this hotel is that it doesnt have a car park, and the car has to be parked on the street. We arent precious about the car, but didnt fancy having it towed a way, although the man assured us that over the weekend it would be fineit was!