Travelodge Edinburgh Haymarket

This hotel, housed within a beautiful old building with high ceilings and wood-panelled interiors, offers a distinctive stay that sets it apart from typical modern accommodations. Its prime location near public transport hubs makes it an excellent choice for sightseers and explorers looking to navigate the city easily, while its budget-friendly nature appeals to cost-conscious travelers. The staff are frequently commended for their welcoming and helpful demeanor, contributing positively to the guest experience. However, guests should be aware that noise can be an issue due to the building's older construction, and Wi-Fi is not complimentary. For those seeking a quiet retreat, requesting a room away from the lift or on a higher floor is advisable, and it's wise to confirm room conditions upon arrival due to varied feedback on cleanliness.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides basic but functional amenities, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. Wi-Fi is available, but it comes at an additional cost and some guests report poor signal, especially in lower ground rooms, which can be problematic for those needing to work. The lift is present, but its reliability is a recurring concern, with reports of it breaking down, requiring guests to use stairs, which can be challenging for those with heavy luggage or mobility issues. An on-site cafe/bar offers convenience, though it is described as small with limited atmosphere and sometimes understaffed, leading to delays in service. Basic in-room amenities like a kettle are provided, but some guests note they can be dusty. Luggage storage is available and appreciated by guests for early arrivals or late departures.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest experiences regarding room comfort and cleanliness are notably varied. While some rooms are praised for being spacious with high ceilings and comfortable beds, others are described as small, stuffy, or below standard, with issues like uncomfortable mattresses. Noise levels are a significant concern, with many guests reporting disturbances from creaky floorboards, hallway noise (including doors banging and people talking), street noise due to single-glazed windows, and the lift. Cleanliness also receives mixed reviews; some rooms are found to be spotless, while others are reported to have dirt, hair, mold, cobwebs, or unpleasant smells. Bathrooms are frequently criticized for being tiny, having low shower pressure, inconsistent hot water, and lacking basic amenities like sufficient towels or bath mats. Some guests also note issues with drainage and general maintenance, such as curtains being off track or broken locks.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options, primarily breakfast, receive mixed reviews. Most guests find the breakfast to be of a decent standard, offering a good variety of cooked options and continental breakfast items, and is considered good value, especially since children often eat free. However, some guests report that the dining room can become overcrowded during peak times, leading to queues, and that the food quality can be inconsistent, with items being cold or not replenished frequently enough. The cooked options are sometimes described as limited, and some guests express dissatisfaction with the taste or selection. The staff in the restaurant area are occasionally perceived as disinterested. The on-site bar and cafe offer limited menus, with some guests finding the food to be of poor quality, such as microwaved meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage. It is conveniently situated just a few minutes' walk from Haymarket station, providing excellent access to tram stops and bus stops for easy travel to the city center and the airport. Many popular attractions, including Dean Village and Murrayfield, are within walking distance or a short public transport ride away. The surrounding area is described as a quiet and pleasant neighborhood, offering a peaceful retreat from the city's bustle. However, parking is a significant drawback; there is no on-site parking, and nearby options are expensive, often requiring a considerable walk or involving complex city zone charges, which can be frustrating for guests arriving by car.

Staff & Service
The friendly staff at the hotel are frequently praised for their helpful and welcoming demeanor, contributing positively to the guest experience. Many guests highlight their attentiveness and willingness to assist with various requests, such as providing extra teabags, hairdryers, or helping with printing needs. The quick check-in process is also a common point of appreciation. While the majority of interactions are positive, some guests have reported isolated instances of unwelcoming or unhelpful attitudes from specific staff members, particularly regarding issues like room changes or Wi-Fi connectivity. Despite these few exceptions, the overall sentiment is that the staff strive to provide attentive service and make guests feel comfortable.

Additional Information
This hotel is housed in a historic building, offering a unique charm that deviates from the typical modern hotel design, featuring elements like creaky floorboards and traditional key access instead of key cards. While this adds character, it also contributes to some noise insulation challenges between rooms. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is a significant draw for guests traveling with animals. However, the Wi-Fi policy requires payment after a short complimentary period, which many guests find outdated. Housekeeping policy is generally by request, meaning rooms are not cleaned daily unless specifically arranged, and some guests report issues with amenities not being replenished. Despite some maintenance concerns and varied room experiences, many guests consider the hotel to offer good value for money given its excellent location, though some find it overpriced for the quality received. Guests with disabled access needs should be aware that some rooms are located in the basement, requiring navigation of stairs.