Park Inn by Radisson Aberdeen

Situated in one of Aberdeen’s largest buildings, the 12-story Park Inn’s bland but modern look makes it stand out among the ancient stone buildings that surround it. The hotel's all-glass entrance leads to a sterile lobby with large, shiny square-tile floors and walls. But purple booths lining one wall, subtle polka-dot upholstered arm chairs, and blue-and-purple hanging light fixtures give the place some much-needed color. The brightly colored accents continue in Innov8 Bar, which has one especially vibrant corner featuring a bright-red couch and a wall of colorful oil paintings. The bar is part of the open lobby and leads to RBG, a huge open-plan restaurant full of small tables, artistic light fixtures, and a wall of windows. There's also an Astroturf-covered courtyard with several clusters of wicker armchairs and glass tables that surround a huge rectangular centerpiece planter full of small trees and plants. A pair of stainless-steel elevators lead to the upper floors. The property primarily attracts a business clientele, though its location in the city center does bring in some tourist traffic, too. 

The hotel is located on a side street off the famous Union Street, a busy thoroughfare with many restaurants and bars. The immediate area surrounding the hotel is quiet and residential, with a lovely park a block away. However, just around the corner -- a three-minute walk away -- there's plenty of action. The Aberdeen Train Station is a 10-minute walk away, as is the Union Square Shopping area. The Malt Whiskey Trail is accessible on foot in less than 20 minutes. Aberdeen Airport is about 17 minutes away by car, while Balmoral Castle takes around 70 minutes to reach. 

There are 185 rooms at the Park Inn and those on higher floors up on the northern side of the building have fantastic views of the city. The Standard and Business Rooms are basic looking, but the sizable beds are comfortable. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi and an electric kettle for coffee and tea. The bathrooms in most rooms are small and sterile and have tiny sinks and narrow walk-in glass showers. 

The single-room Suites are considerably larger than the guest rooms and have lounge areas, meeting spaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows. They also come equipped with Nespresso coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and Bluetooth speakers, and their bathrooms have bigger showers and separate tubs.

A buffet breakfast is included in Business Room and Suite rates, and Scottish fare is available at lunch and dinner a la carte. There's also a cocktail bar on-site with a good selection of drinks and spirits. Guests looking for a healthier activity get free access to the hotel's spacious, high-ceilinged gym, which has a nice variety of weight and exercise equipment as well as ample floor space and mats. A handful of meeting rooms outfitted with presentation equipment are available for special events. There is a parking garage attached to the hotel, but parking costs extra.