Best Western Edinburgh South Braid Hills Hotel

The Best Western is housed in an 1897 Victorian building with corner towers, stained-glass windows, and the original ceiling cornices. Gardens and lawns surround the building. The hotel's interiors are modern with classic elements. A mix of business and leisure travelers mingle in public spaces like the library with its dark leather chairs, or the richly colored reception area with dark woods and brown, beige, and rust-colored soft chairs. The common areas have a restrained Scottish feel, with such decorative elements as dark woods, tartan plaids, antler chandeliers, stags-head wallpaper, and parquet floors. Paintings of kings and political figures line the hallways. A large outdoor deck is a good place to get some sun and take in superb views of the city. While not overly luxurious, the Best Western shows a dash of style and attention to detail. The hotel has been undergoing renovation in the past few years, and as of 2015 is still refurbishing some rooms and public spaces.

The Best Western is in the pleasant residential area of Braid Hills, a 10-minute drive south of Edinburgh city center, with attractions like Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, and Princes Street shopping. The hotel is also on the bus route to the city center. The immediate area around the hotel doesn't offer many activities, but there are five golf courses within a one-mile radius, including the Braid Hills Golf Course and Mortonhall Golf Club. Edinburgh Napier University is a three-minute drive northwest of the hotel. Located within a five-minute drive northeast, the Royal Observatory sits atop Blackford Hill, which offers spectacular views of the city, Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat mountain peak, and the Salisbury Crags. Because of this view, the hill is popular with local landscape photographers. Edinburgh Airport is a 20-minute drive northwest. 

Housed in a three-floor Victorian building, the hotel's 100 percent non-smoking rooms all come with irons, hairdryers, desks, coffee/tea makers, free mineral water, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Rooms do not have mini-fridges, mini-bars, or in-room safes. Many rooms have excellent views of Edinburgh city and the Firth of Forth. Rooms are individually decorated but are not overly luxurious or inspiring in their aesthetic, but they they're still stylish, with a mix of contemporary and classic elements. Most have white cotton bedding with a colorful bed throw and orange throw pillow, light-green carpets, and beige walls with striped wallpaper running along the bottom. Some rooms have four-poster beds and bright red bed skirts. Some of the Modern Single Rooms have a more monochromatic color palette. Most rooms are spacious, but the single rooms can be small, with small closets with few hangers. Most bathrooms are large, with a good amount of counter space and both tubs and showers, while smaller rooms have shower-only bathrooms. Many rooms have been refurbished, and some are still being updated. There is no elevator to the rooms, but baggage assistance is available.

The Best Western's Braid Hills stands out for its dining and drinking venues. One restaurant serves mostly Scottish fare, with menu items like traditional haggis, steak pie, fillet of salmon, braised lamb shank, and haunch of venison. The second restaurant serves upscale pub fare, including steaks, fish and chips, and burgers. It also serves an a la carte breakfast (for a fee). The hotel has a cocktail bar with snacks, light fare, beer, wine, cocktails, and whiskies. In good weather, a popular spot is the large outdoor deck with stellar views of the city and the surrounding area. The hotel offers ample space for banquets and large meetings, and is a popular wedding venue. Free parking is available on-site.