Edinburgh Marriott Hotel

Located halfway between the airport and city center, the Edinburgh Marriott Hotel draws a mix of couples, families, and business travelers with a short layover in town. Though interiors were updated in the 2010s, the building is older, and there is a mix of old and new that will either feel dated or homey. In the lobby, leather Chesterfield couches and buttoned chairs tie in well with the more dated wood paneling and generic red-and-yellow carpet, while big windows make common spaces feel inviting. The hotel follows the Marriott standards to the last detail, which makes it a bit lacking in character, but its many convenient on-site amenities and convenient public transport connections to both the city center and airport make it a good pick for all types of traveler. Rates, however, are comparable to similar hotels in central Edinburgh. 

For leisure visits in this price range, the Novotel Edinburgh Centre offers easy walking access to most major attractions and has comparable amenities, including on-site parking and a heated indoor pool. Travelers wanting to stay a bit away from the hustle and bustle of the city center may want to check out the Village Hotel Edinburgh, which has excellent fitness and wellness facilities, cozy rooms, and a lively atmosphere. Budget-conscious business travelers who need to stay in the Edinburgh Park area may want to compare rates at the Premier Inn Edinburgh Park (The Gyle) Hotel or the Ibis Budget Hotel Edinburgh Park, both of which are low on frills but comfortable and cheaper.  

Edinburgh Marriott Hotel is located right on Glasgow Road, the road that connects the city center and the airport. This location is convenient for business travelers attending meetings in the Edinburgh Park/Gyle area, and for travelers with a short layover in Edinburgh. Those wanting to explore Edinburgh’s main sights can take the Airlink 100 bus to the city center, or take the tram at either Edinburgh Gateway or Gyle Centre, each located about a 10-minute walk away. The bus ride into the New and Old Towns takes about half an hour, as does the drive there. Edinburgh Airport is a five-minute drive away, or 10 minutes by bus. Free outdoor parking is provided at the hotel. 

The hotel has 245 rooms ranging in size between 235 square feet (22 square meters) and 560 square feet (56 square meters). The mix of old and new elements found in common spaces continues in rooms, which have only been partially refurbished in the last few years. The overall style is generic and a tad dated, with worn embroidered armchairs in golden hues, classic wooden furniture with black-granite tops, and chain-like beige carpets with geometric patterns. More modern touches include lamps with silver finishes, textured wallpaper, and slim reading lights on either side of the bed. Though interiors are nothing to write home about, rooms are comfortable and in good shape, and big, pillow-top mattresses were added in 2017. Most rooms are big enough to fit a sofa bed or a small seating area, and all have individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. Double windows are meant to offer some soundproofing, but we could clearly hear the train from our room.

Amenities are good for a hotel of this caliber, consisting of large flat-screen TVs with many international channels, mini-fridges, and electric kettles stocked with free tea, instant coffee, and shortbread. In-room Wi-Fi, however, is only free for Marriott Rewards members. Superior Rooms are outfitted with Nespresso machines, free water, bathrobes, and slippers. Bathrooms are older but spotless, with shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and an array of toiletries, including conditioner, shower caps, and body lotion. 

Cast Iron Grill opens for breakfast and dinner and has a solid international menu with lots of local options at reasonable rates. Breakfast (not included in the standard rate) offers full Scottish and continental options, both tasty and varied. The dining room gets busy in the morning, and we had to wait in line to be seated and then again for the hot buffet. The lobby lounge serves tasty pub food in a spacious area with comfortable seating and lots of tables. Rooms service is available 24/7.

The fitness center is outfitted with a wide array of cardio and strength-training machines, and group classes and private sessions with a personal trainer are both available for a fee. Wellness facilities, which include a heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and several massage rooms, are simple but pleasant. There is also extensive event space at this Marriott, including 11 meeting rooms and a 250-person hall. Wi-Fi is only free in the lobby area.