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The Grassmarket Hotel

4.0 (32 reviews)
ModerateHotels
Open Open 24 hours

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Recommended Reviews - The Grassmarket Hotel

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The little bed, perfect for ME!
Renee M.

I genuinely am glad I booked this hotel! Long review coming your way: I booked through hotels.com and it was super easy. I actually contacted the hotel through instagram about whether or not they had a hair dryer, and European/Us outlets, and they responded within a day, I was impressed! I love that they actually use their social media as a way to get more people to stay with them. I will admit, knowing that they posted pictures regularly showcasing their hotel helped me decide to book here, and because their price was unbeatable. I tell you, social media DOES work. I booked the basic room, and let me tell you, it is basic. I laughed because as I was arriving to room 312, I felt like Harry Potter heading to my closet under the stairs. This room is PERFECT for one person, and I was glad it was just me. A couple could make the room work, but I suggest getting a bigger room if that's the case. You are getting exactly what you pay for, a bed, shower, and the amenities for comfort. It had just what I needed, without any frills. I say that because it's true- is the place fancy? No, because I didn't need fancy. It was like a cute little eclectic hotel for people who just need a room. It's not a dump, mind you, but for the price, you will be happy with what you get! It's SO close to EVERYTHING. I was so grateful everything was within walking distance. Check in folk were all very friendly and helpful. The room I had didn't have a window that opened, which was okay. I'm not claustrophobic, but I was thinking how fresh air would have been nice. I had a little hot water kettle with tea which was an adorable touch, I totally used it each morning. The tea/chocolate/misc was refilled each day, along with towels. I plan on coming back to Scotland eventually, and I'll be sure to book with this hotel again. If anyone has questions, message me and I'll be happy to answer!

Bathroom of the nice upgraded room
Jade W.

I really, really wanted to love this place - but I'm afraid it just didn't live up to expectations. The first impressions weren't great. When we got in to our room it was filthy! The shower had scum in it that appeared to have been built up - not just lacking a good scrub after a traveller had left. The windowsill was dirty and the bed sheets stained. Even more so, the room was tiny. The double bed was butt up against the wall so one person would constantly be having to climb over the other to get out of bed. It felt more like a hostel than a hotel. I informed reception of the dirty room and they said they would move us. Luckily this was too a much nicer, bigger and cleaner room located on the first floor. We were much happier and pleased that things had been resolved. I'm a big believer that you can't complain without giving the hotel chance to resolve the issues. They did resolve this to my satisfaction. The housekeeping left a lot to be desired. Dirty bedsheets and towels left in corridors till 4pm (if not later), the quality of cleaning was too below standard. In the rooms as well as throughout the hotel. There were also many areas that needed touching up and repairing but nobody had put the love into it and bothered. The service was a bit lacking too. No pleasantries as you were coming or going - again something I'm not used to. Positives: - Great location - Quirky hotel/nice decor - Comfortable nights sleep - Nice rainfall shower - Good complimentary toiletries - Nice tea/coffee making facilities & free teacakes - Free WIFI - Amazing sound system - Box of chocolates on arrival (special occasion) Negatives: - Poor housekeeping - Lacking customer service - No telephone to call reception (expected to call from mobile - which would be very pricey for overseas travellers) - Some rooms are very pokey - Appalling air con and rooms too hot (had to get a fan for our stay) - Pub smell throughout hotel - Not disabled friendly This hotel has the potential to be great. It has all the right ingredients. The location is great, the building great - repair it, train your staff and hire better cleaners and I'm sure things would greatly improve here. Would I stay again if nothing changed... no probably not. But improve the above and I would. My long weekend was meant to feel romantic and special, but unfortunately the hotel aspect lacked the luxury that I had hoped for (and felt I paid for).

Room
Riham B.

I really loved this hotel, and thought it was cheap for the quality. The decor is pretty fun, there's a plasma tv in the room with a lot of channels. The location is pretty good, as everything is a short walk away. The room has coffees, chocolates and tea, as well as kettle. There's a hair dryer. However the room is a bit small, and we had asked for a room with two doubles and received one double, which was separated into two singles. There is no wifi or phone in the room. We didn't have any issues with noise in the street, even though the room looked over the street. But a lot of taxi drivers told us this might be an issue; there actually are a lot of bars in the area.

Sudoku on the hotel room wall. Look away if you don't want the answers!
Joe G.

Great little hotel, with an even better location. Just a short walk to the Castle, shopping and the train station. The staff was super friendly and knowledgable of the neighborhood. We enjoyed going to Biddy's, the bar attached to the hotel. It was a great atmosphere, described as the best Irish Bar in Scotland. Although it was a little loud on Sunday night, as we had a floor 1 room. Our room came with a Sudoku puzzle on the wall. There were a lot of other cool features as well. The only thing that kept this hotel from a 5 Star Review was the bathroom door. It was a smoked glass door, with no latch or sound proofing. When walking behind it with the lights on, figures can be seen behind the glass. This was a bit awkward, as we were traveling with my mother. Over all, definitely a hotel I will book with next time in Edinburgh.

Becky M.

I would highly recommend this hotel. The room was small and quirky, but very clean and comfortable. The staff was nice and let us leave our bags at the desk even the day before we were due to check in. They gave me a free espresso, left chocolates in the room and we were able to check in early. The shower, AC, tv all worked great. My favorite part was there were gigantic plush white towels instead of the normal sub par hotel towels. The bath products were also fun and smelled great. The only disappointment was we did not get the daily puzzles on our wall. The street right outside IS LOUD but that's expected right in the heart of the city. The map of Edinburgh on the wall was awesome and extremely helpful! I would definitely go back if ever in Edinburgh again. Thanks Grassmarket hotel!

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4 years ago

Perfect location and remarkable hospitality. They made us feel at home! We would definitely choose the Grassmarket again!

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9 years ago

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5 years ago

I'd recommend staying elsewhere. If they don't tend to a leaky toilet in three days, what other maintenance are they neglecting?

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9 years ago

Nicest staff, great location, funny decorations and a great price. Loved staying here!!!

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The Grassmarket Hotel Reviews in Other Languages

Review Highlights - The Grassmarket Hotel

It is situated beneath the castle so offers beautiful views plus it is right in the heart of the city.

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The Balmoral - Breakfast

The Balmoral

(73 reviews)

££££

Old Town

Standing at the East End of Princes Street is the imposing building known today as The Balmoral…read moreHotel. Owned by Sir Rocco Forte since 1997, the building has been completely refurbished and now enjoys a worldwide reputation as a luxury hotel. The hotel is a well-loved landmark which has graced Edinburgh's skyline since 1902 when it began its life as a grand railway hotel. Of course the building has undergone many changes since then but even to this day it still holds a certain magic that has luckily been harnessed and maintained. The famous Balmoral hotel is an iconic feature in the Edinburgh city skyline. With its impressive architecture, famous clocktower, and Scottish flag flying patriotically - it's like a siren that makes you want to see what's inside its walls.

Bar Prince in the Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh is the perfect combination of luxury, quality and…read morecomfort. The Balmoral has been hosting royalty, celebrities, and cultural icons for 120 years, but the staff makes everyone feel special regardless who you are. We went back two days in a row because it is such a beautiful space with quality food and cocktails. The design is stylish modern classic with some of the most beautiful glassware I've seen. The cocktail menu hosts a nice variety of wonderful signature and classic recipes. I had the Nutty Professor (photo #2) which was a tasty blend of Bourbon, spiced rum, Cocchi Torino (sweet vermouth), Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur), and black walnut bitters with an orange garnish. It was so good I didn't change it up for my second. The cocktail menu is fun because of its local focus. They use fresh, locally sourced ingredients, reflecting a commitment to quality and a connection to the surrounding Scottish landscape. We loved everything about the experience for our first time visiting Scotland. The Balmoral Hotel and Bar Prince are a must when you visit beautiful Edinburgh. Go there!!! Salute

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian  - Bloody Mary Bar at Breakfast

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian

(103 reviews)

£££

West End

High tea at The Court, Edinburgh -- such a lovely experience overall…read more The ambiance is beautiful and really sets the tone. It's $65 per person, so definitely more of a treat, but it felt worth it. We started with sandwiches -- about six per person. They were fresh and decent (we skipped the ham options), nothing extraordinary but a good start. Then came the pastries... oh my god. Absolutely the highlight. Delicate flavors, beautifully presented -- they genuinely felt like little works of art. Tea and coffee were unlimited, which I really enjoyed, and the serving staff were incredibly sweet and attentive throughout. A really charming experience, especially for the ambiance and desserts.

We had very good customer service and experience until the last hour of our visit. At checkout,…read morecalled front desk for help with luggage, promised to send someone 'right up'. 15 min later called again because they never came right up. Bell desk proceeded to tell us should have left our stuff in room and just come down. As if we would know that after speaking with front desk. Finally bellhop brings our stuff down on the luggage cart, loses control, and dumped all our stuff on the wet filthy Edinburgh sidewalk. Brand new coats, my wife's toiletries rolling across the street. Of course, No accountability, immediately blamed it on 'colleagues' for loading it 'incorrectly'. picked everything up, got car loaded. I decided to tip him anyways because I worked service once upon a time and handed him a five. Instead of saying 'thank you', he said 'yeah'. Needless to say, his attitude and ungratefulness was unexpected after dumping our possessions into the middle of the sidewalk. My wife went back in to see if they could find a glove the same bell desk lost when they brought our items in for check-in. Same bellhop was completely flippant - "it's Edinburgh, we don't have your glove, anyone could have picked it up". very beautiful hotel, breakfast is excellent, fitness/spa very nice, customer service we received from everyone else was top notch. Will give them benefit of doubt, & probably come again, but might not ask for any more 'help' from bell desk.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City Centre - Guest room

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City Centre

(31 reviews)

££

Old Town

After a 4 hour bus trip through Scotland, this was a welcoming hotel. Warm chocolate chip cookies…read moreupon check in. We ate several meals here and the food was better than almost every other hotel. Great variety, made to order. Huge selection of foods.

I love this hotel, and I say that after just the first night of a 3 night stay here! Well, there's…read morealways their famous warm and delectable chocolate cookie presented upon check-in, but that's just the tip of the iceberg for this particular location. This hotel has the major advantage of a supreme location as it's only a 10 minute walk from a host of famous Edinburgh attractions and highlights. Just some of those very nearby attractions are the Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, the Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery, the Royal Mile, and the Grassmarket Market commercial district. Besides that and more, there are a ton of pubs and other eateries of all sorts of cuisines close by. Then there are their normal hotel amenities. It's a spacious hotel housed in a historic building built in 1892. The room we have is cozy and comfortable and we even have a nice 2nd floor view of Edinburgh Castle. Their breakfast buffet is a delicious and large spread of classic British goodies. All of the staffers we have met are helpful and wonderful. The Hilton chain staffers are also always able to look up my Hilton Honors member number for points even though I never remember it. I can't give this Doubletree a bigger thumbs up. Thank you!

Hilton Edinburgh Carlton - Guest room

Hilton Edinburgh Carlton

(50 reviews)

£££

Old Town, Royal Mile

During our stay in December, we liked the location of the hotel to the main attractions and…read moreproximity to various points in the city within walking distance. Once you check in, the staff does not really interact much with you. We barely got any insights to the city and the hotel, making it feel less welcoming. We were told to look at a paper for the restaurant hours and there was some remodeling going on that made it a bit inconvenient with only 2 elevators. The rooms were spacious and clean, but a bit outdated and stuffy. It was comfortable but you could definitely feel the old room. Edinburgh was welcoming and everything around it made worthwhile the stay.

Everything could improve. The hotel is being renovated and the rooms that are being rented out…read moreare far below a four star property. There is no concierge to take luggage up to the room as advertised. There was no sheer curtain on the window so I could see directly into the hotel across the street which means they can see in to mine unless the blackout curtains are closed. There was no remote for the TV in the room. The bar provides ice for the rooms, however it is brought to your room with no lid on the public elevator so any sneeze or cough and your ice is contaminated. I called for ice and after waiting an hour I went to get it myself and saw the bartender pick said "Ice bucket" (a bucket without a lid is a wine bucket, not an ice bucket) off the floor from under the glass washing sink (unhygienic). Four days into my stay I brought my concerns and frustration to the assistant manager. She said the curtain would be hung and for my inconvenience I would get free breakfast for the rest of my stay (I was booked for two weeks and had mentioned I could have stayed at Premier Inn and gotten better service and free breakfast (as stated earlier breakfast was added along with executive club benefits which I wasn't interested in). I did go for breakfast which is served buffet style (£27 normally) and while the plates were hot, the food was not. I never ate there again. I spoke to the General Manager regarding my concerns and stated I thought I should receive a discount for the state of my stay (I was booked for two weeks). This did not happen. Instead he tried to insist I move rooms; a suite. I wasn't interested after unpacking and being there for five days already. I did request a discount for part of my stay. Hilton Honors was made aware, however they added 20,000 points to my account; after this experience why would I want to stay in a Hilton property again? To date, I've received no financial compensation for this deplorable stay. I'd avoid this hotel at all costs. The Scotsman is across the street, Radisson Blu around the corner and Marriott has properties also in Old Town. BTW, the General Manager told me he charged £7 for a cider in the bar "because he could"! Hardly the attitude a customer who has issues with their stay wants or needs to hear. Overall, I'd avoid this place like the plague...my stay was Jan 15-29, 2026.

Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh - A dining area

Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh

(69 reviews)

£££

West End, Old Town

We enjoyed our stay at the Sheraton Grand in Kraków so much that we decided to stick with this…read morebrand when staying in Edinburgh. I'm happy to say that it was a great decision. First of all, the location was perfect for us. It's right on Festival Square. Just look at the view that we had from our window on the 7th floor. The castle view is amazing! If you're a fan of concerts, then you'll also be happy that Usher Hall is right across the street from the hotel. The Edinburgh Farmers Market (every Saturday) is just behind the auditorium on Castle Terrace. There are many great restaurants all along Lothian, Fountainbridge, and everywhere in between as you walk up to Grassmarket. The great service started immediately with Ryan. He checked us in and made sure we had everything we needed. He was a great resource throughout our stay. The lobby was always neat as a pin. There's infused water available. The club is also accessed from this 1st floor area. We chose the Castle Suite which was very comfortable and spacious. The lighting and AC controls are modern and easy to figure out. There were plenty of electrical outlets (adaptable), and all were where we needed them to be. The bed was comfy, and house cleaning was great in getting the room ready in a timely matter on each day. I enjoyed the chocolate that was left for us each day at turn down. It was always a different flavor. The shower pressure and bath amenities were also great. We were also happy that our room included club access. It was great to be able to use their coffee machines throughout the day. I especially loved the fresh orange juice machine. Just insert a couple of whole oranges at the top and it produces a full glass of juice. Loved it! You'll also get access to the breakfast buffet at One Square on the 2nd floor. We did try it out on our last full day there. It had a larger variety of buffet items with table service. I especially liked the stuffed croissants. I think the one I had was filled with rhubarb. All the pastries were fresh daily. You can order an egg any way you like it, but you need to ask for it. It doesn't have the same open kitchen concept like the one in Kraków. I thought the breakfast buffet in Kraków was better. Although, I did get to try some unique Scottish items such as haggis and tattie scones. It was still well-done. I would most definitely stay here again. It made quite an impression on us for its comfortable amenities, good value, and location. Marriott Bonvoy members should be very happy here.

Rooms. Beds cozy. I sank into them and slept soundly. 5…read moreStars. Very clean room, classy upscale I love the shower control and the hot water Red nightlight around the beds is a nice touch Their breakfast buffet was pretty good by most standards, but I couldn't find some things like fat-free or low sugar yogurt Their omelette and eggs Benedict were nothing to write home about.

The Grassmarket Hotel - hotels - Updated May 2026

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