Mercure Aberdeen Caledonian Hotel

Designed to be a grand hotel, Mercure Aberdeen Caledonian Hotel is housed in a majestic, six-story old stone building and claims to be the oldest hotel in Aberdeen. The large arched windows bring in plenty of light in the modern lobby, and an old but well-preserved wooden staircase leads upstairs. There's also a modern steel elevator for those headed to higher floors. The Bistro and Terrace Lounge feature small but soft and comfortable purple and gray chairs and walls covered with hip silver wallpaper featuring tree patterns. The hotel attracts more solo travelers and couples than families, and gets its share of both business travelers and tourists. 

Surrounded by tall corporate buildings, the hotel is on a relatively quiet block that lacks restaurants and bars, across the street from Union Terrace Gardens. It's right around the corner from busy Union Street, Aberdeen's main strip known for its ample opportunities to eat, drink, shop, and engage in serious people-watching. The railway station takes five minutes to reach on foot while Union Square Shopping Centre is a seven-minute walk away. The Malt Whiskey Trail is accessible on foot in less than 15 minutes. Aberdeen Airport takes about 17 minutes to reach by car, while Balmoral Castle takes closer to 70 minutes. 

There are 83 guest rooms in total, and all but the Single Rooms are reasonably spacious. Rooms are modern and crisp with dark-red bedspreads and accents, black-and-white cityscape photography on the walls, large desks, armchairs, kettles, and mini-fridges. Rooms have large windows and many display lovely views of the park across the street. Bathrooms are immaculate and modern, with heated towel racks and glass walk-in showers. However, bathrooms in Standard and Deluxe Rooms are smallish.  

There's a large breakfast buffet included in some room rates, which features a variety of cold and cooked items. The spacious lounge bar serves afternoon tea, and Bistro, the on-site restaurant, serves sandwiches, salads and swanky versions of classic pub fare for lunch and dinner. The hotel also has free private outdoor parking (although the lot can fill up at times). There are four meeting rooms available, and free Wi-Fi throughout. The front desk is open 24/7.