Grassmarket Hotel

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.