Premier Inn Edinburgh - Princes Street

The hotel's prime central location on Princes Street, offering frequent stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, is a consistent highlight. Guests frequently commend the spacious and clean rooms, the comfortable beds, and the friendly and helpful staff. The excellent breakfast served at the adjoining restaurant also receives high praise. This hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and families due to its convenient access to major attractions. Business travelers and those on short city breaks will also find it ideal, especially if relying on public transport. To maximize your experience, consider requesting a room with a castle view, though be aware that front-facing rooms can experience street noise. Utilizing the excellent public transport links, including the tram from the airport, is highly recommended for seamless travel around the city.

Facilities & Amenities
Most guests find the hotel's facilities generally good, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. Wi-Fi connectivity is a recurring point, with many guests reporting it to be poor or unreliable, often requiring an upgrade to a premium service for basic use. The air conditioning system also garners varied comments; while some find it effective, others describe it as weak or insufficient, leading to stuffy rooms, especially as windows are sealed shut. For those booking Premier Plus rooms, amenities like a Nespresso machine and a mini-fridge are appreciated additions. However, a common complaint across room types is the lack of adequate storage space, with many guests noting the absence of cupboards or case racks, forcing them to keep belongings in suitcases on the floor or chairs. Vending machines are available in the lobby for convenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives positive remarks for its cleanliness and room comfort, with many guests describing rooms as spacious and well-maintained. The beds are consistently praised for being exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a restful sleep. However, feedback on noise levels is mixed and can significantly impact the stay; rooms facing Princes Street are often affected by street noise from trams and buses, particularly early in the morning, while some internal rooms experience noise from staff areas or adjacent rooms. Specific issues noted include occasional mould in bathrooms, stained carpets, and dirty exterior windows, particularly in castle-view rooms. Some guests also mention the absence of a bath mat, a glass or cup in the bathroom, or a toilet brush, and some report issues with shower pressure or drainage.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options, primarily the adjoining restaurant, receive largely positive reviews. The breakfast is frequently highlighted as exceptional, generous, and delicious, offering a wide variety of hot and cold options, often described as an "unlimited" buffet that provides excellent value for money. Guests appreciate the quality and freshness of the food, with many stating it sets them up well for the day. While most experiences are positive, some guests occasionally note that certain items may run out or that the service can be short-staffed during busy periods. The attached restaurant is also recommended for dinner, with guests finding the menu well-priced and the dishes flavorful. The bar service, however, sometimes receives comments about being slow or closing earlier than expected.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently lauded as one of its strongest assets, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. It is situated directly on Princes Street, offering immediate access to shops, restaurants, and major attractions. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance of landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Waverley Railway Station. The hotel also benefits from excellent public transport links, with bus stops and a tram stop conveniently located right outside, providing direct routes to the airport and other parts of the city. For guests arriving by car, parking is available off-site at a nearby council car park, often at a discounted rate, though some guests report issues with the discount application.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Many guests highlight their attentiveness and willingness to go above and beyond, contributing significantly to a positive stay. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient, though some guests experienced delays or issues with self-service machines. The hotel offers convenient luggage storage both before check-in and after check-out, which is greatly appreciated by guests. A notable policy is that room cleaning must be specifically requested daily by guests, often by hanging a tag on the door, a practice some find unusual or that is not always consistently followed. While most interactions are positive, a few isolated comments mention instances of perceived rudeness or unresponsiveness from some staff members.

Additional Information
Guests frequently highlight the benefits of booking a Premier Plus room, which often includes a more spacious layout, a Nespresso machine for in-room coffee, and a mini-fridge, enhancing the overall comfort and convenience. These upgraded rooms are also more likely to offer stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, a highly sought-after feature. The hotel demonstrates a thoughtful approach to guest experience, particularly for families, by providing unique touches such as a teddy bear for children upon arrival, which is consistently well-received. It is important for guests to be aware of the hotel's specific policy regarding daily room cleaning, which requires a direct request at reception and often the use of a door tag; otherwise, rooms will not be serviced. While generally positive, some reviews specifically advise avoiding certain room numbers due to potential issues like excessive noise or lack of natural light, suggesting that guests with specific preferences might benefit from inquiring about room location upon booking.