Best Western Plus Edinburgh City Centre Bruntsfield Hotel

Housed in a refurbished 1862 building surrounded by landscaping and gardens, the Best Western, while not overly luxurious, shows a  a bit of style and elegance. It offers attentive service and a relaxing vibe in keeping with its small size and location across from a park. A mix of business and leisure travelers congregate in the guest parlor, which has soft seating, classical art, a fireplace, and large Georgian windows that let in lots of natural light. The brasserie and bar have a modern feel, with low ceilings, hardwood floors, leather banquettes, and modern art. The garden terrace is a nice spot for a drink in warm weather. 

The Best Western is on Bruntsfield Place just north of Morningside, in a pleasant residential area near cafes, restaurants, and trendy shops. Across the street are the Leamington Walk and the vast green expanse of the Bruntsfield Links. To the northeast of the Links is the Meadows park, one of the most popular open spaces in Edinburgh, featuring large grassy areas, walking paths, tennis courts, and a cafe. There are also several golf courses within a five-mile radius of the hotel. The south end of the city center is about a 10-minute walk or two-minute drive north of the hotel. Attractions in the Old Town area, such as Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and Princes Street, are about a five-minute drive or 20-minute walk north. There's also a bus stop within a two-minute walk southwest of the hotel, where guests can catch a bus that goes straight to the city center -- the trip takes about 15 minutes. The University of Edinburgh and National Museum of Scotland are about a five-minute drive northeast. Edinburgh Airport is a 20-minute drive west of the Best Western. 

The 67 non-smoking rooms are on two floors with elevator access. Since the hotel is situated in an older building, the hallways have a maze-like quality, so it's sometimes difficult to find the rooms without the aid of the direction signs. Rooms are contemporary in feel, and include artwork and wood paneling. The plush white beds have thick mattresses, soft mattress toppers, high thread count linens, soft duvets, and a choice of pillows. Rooms have a largely muted color palette, with whites, grays, browns, beiges, and light greens predominating. Some rooms splash in dashes of red in the bed throws. Some of the larger rooms might feel somewhat spare and underdecorated. Rooms range from 195 square feet to 375 square feet, excluding bathrooms. A handful of Petite Rooms are 129 square feet. All rooms come with safes, coffee/tea makers, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Rooms do not have minibars or mini-fridges. Some rooms have some combination of four-poster beds, bathrobes and slippers, Bluetooth alarm docking stations, and hospitality trays with items like soft drinks, biscuits, oat bars, hot chocolate, and fresh seasonal fruit. Views are of the back gardens, Bruntsfield Links, or the city and Edinburgh Castle. Rooms are clean and quiet, but rooms facing the street might receive noise. Rooms do not have air-conditioning, but it rarely gets stifling hot in Edinburgh. Room windows open, and the hotel will provide fans when needed. Bathrooms have recessed lights, and include bath products, shower/tub combos, with adequate counter space in most of them. 

The Best Western Plus Bruntsfield has a brasserie restaurant with high-quality cuisine and a good wine list. The breakfast (for a fee) includes a continental buffet and cooked-to-order items, including Scottish fare. The lunch menu is largely burgers and sandwiches, while the dinner menu includes innovative Scottish and European cuisine that relies on locally sourced ingredients and fish. Garden terrace seating is available. The bar has a wide selection of high-quality liquors, beer, and wine, and prepares cocktails. Free coffee, tea, and shortbread are available in the lobby. The hotel also has a 24-hour front desk, concierge service, two meeting rooms, and a small business corner with one PC and printer. Free parking with in/out privileges is available on a first come-first served basis.