Fresh
contemporary hotel with quirky youthful vibe
Set overlooking
historic square in city center
Most tourist
attractions within walking distance
In-room amenities
include iPod docks and Tunnock's teacakes
Blackout blinds
and double-glazing in guest rooms
Bicycle hire and
packed lunches available
Free Wi-Fi
throughout
Not all floors
have lift access
Some rooms are
very small
No telephones in
rooms
External noise
can be an issue
The Grassmarket
Hotel is a mid-range, 42-room property brimming with quirky character and fun
contemporary style. Its Grassmarket square setting is both picturesque and
super-convenient for exploring the city, with almost everything well within
walking distance. While some rooms are tiny and can have issues with noise, Tunnock's
teacakes and bathroom speakers are pleasing signature touches. While it's
possible to bag a real bargain -- especially considering the location -- rates
and vibe are similar to the Stay Central Hotel, which is also worth checking out.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Fresh and youthful ambience with style and quirk in equal measures
Although
occupying a slightly dour-looking period building, the Grassmarket Hotel
is a very different story inside. Stepping
into the relatively small reception area, it becomes immediately apparent that every effort has been made to create a fun and friendly ambience. The interior
design couldn't be any less stuffy, while still being very stylish in a
fresh, contemporary fashion. The chatty signage and quirky
flourishes seem designed to appeal to the younger -- or at least younger-at-heart -- end
of the market. There are chalkboard walls, unfinished wood shelving lined with graphic novels and coffee mugs (guests can help themselves to a fresh cup), and minimalist gray-cushioned and metallic stools set against a street-facing window. Being an old property, however, means hallways can feel a little labyrinthine, and the elevator doesn't service every floor, though huge signs do offer
assistance in locating the rooms.
Location
Overlooking popular and lively Grassmarket square in center of Edinburgh
The hotel is
located on corner of the ancient Grassmarket square in the heart of the city
center, and just around the corner from Edinburgh's famous castle (about five minutes' walk). The
neighborhood is particularly lively, with plenty of cozy pubs, bars, and
restaurants that make it popular with tourists during the day and the local student
population by night. All of the capital's main attractions are well within
walking distance, with the city's historic cobbled streets of the Royal Mile
just five minutes' walk away, while Princes Street shopping district is 10
minutes on foot. Edinburgh's main Waverly train station is also just a
10-minute walk from the hotel.
Rooms
Simple and playful decor with iPod docks and real teapots -- though some rooms are tiny
All 42 of the
hotel's rooms have been outfitted with simple wood floors and walls, with their
signature decor of Dandy comic wallpaper, sudoku wall puzzles, and magnetic wall
maps of the city to help plan sightseeing. Rooms range from Cosy (tiny, but fit for one), Snug (small, for two guests), Comfy (larger, though not spacious) and Comfy+ (for three or four guests). Amenities are good, and include flat-screen TVs, iPod
docks with bedroom and bathroom speakers, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee
facilities with local favorite Tunnock's teacakes and a real teapot. Bathrooms are simple and modern, with textured brown walls and white-tiled walk-in rainfall
showers -- though most are very small. Windows have blackout blinds and
double-glazing, which is particularly important given the lively location, but
lower-floor rooms can still suffer from noise. There are no telephones in rooms.
Features
Bicycle rental and packed lunches provided
A door in the lobby
connects directly to to Biddy Mulligan’s bar, where a full Scottish breakfast
with continental buffet is served each morning -- though not generally included
in the rates. Food can also be ordered up to the room, and reception can
arrange bicycle hire, and provide packed lunches for when guests want to go out exploring the
city. Coffee and tea are available free in the lobby.
