Novotel Edinburgh Centre

This five-story, red-brick hotel feels modern and trendy, with hip interiors that blend industrial-chic elements, such as exposed pipes, dark accent walls, and untreated wood, with cozy seating and music references. The lobby is big but sparsely decorated, aside from a living room-style corner with rugs, plush armchairs, lanterns with candles, and walls hung with mirrors, photos, and maps. The space is rather compact, with just enough seating for a handful of guests, which keeps the adjacent bar busy during the day and into the evening. The hotel underwent renovations in the mid-2010s, but some older elements remain, including the bland off-white tiles in the lobby, and the plain blond-wood doors lining the hallways. With a pool, a music-themed bar, and kid-friendly amenities such as board games and stroller rentals, the Novotel draws a mixed crowd of families and couples of all ages, but its central location, gym, and comfortable rooms also attract many business travelers. The property is contemporary and offers good value for money, but those seeking something with more local charm may prefer the historic Parliament House, though it is generally more expensive. Travelers who would rather save some cash and forgo the pool and gym may want to compare rates at the Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, which features a solid restaurant, simple yet contemporary rooms, and a great location in the Old Town. 

The Novotel Edinburgh Centre is located in a quiet area on the southwestern edge of the Old Town. The neighborhood is home to the University of Edinburgh, and the atmosphere is young and lively (but not loud), with small cafes and shops, and good public transport connections. Though not in the heart of the city center or the main tourist areas, this location is convenient for leisure travelers, as it is within a 15-minute walk of all major attractions in the Old Town -- including St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, and the Royal Mile -- as well as of many in the New Town, such as Scott Monument, Princes Street, and the Scottish National Gallery. Waverley Station, Edinburgh’s main transportation hub, can be reached on foot in about 20 minutes, but there are also several buses nearby that make the trip easier when carrying luggage. The hotel is about a 25-minute drive from the airport.

The hotel has 180 rooms, including a number of suites with separate living rooms. Decor varies between room categories, ranging from simple yet mostly contemporary in Standard units to sleek and modern in Executive Rooms. Although some guests have reported seeing some wear and tear in entry-level rooms, ours was clean and in good shape. Granted, the brown-patterned carpets are a tad bland and the blond-wood furniture can feel generic and outdated, but the soft lines, gray accents, and smart design -- think work desks on wheels and separate toilet cabins outside of the bathroom to maximize the space -- make them appealing and comfortable. Superior and Executive Rooms are more stylish, with a white-and-gray color scheme, big mural photos, and bright splashes of red or yellow. Across the board, rooms feature quality beds (with plush pillow tops in Executive units), free Wi-Fi, safes, and electric kettles with free tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and biscuits. Mini-fridges come stocked with small pods of milk and free water, and all rooms feature sofa beds. Executive Rooms are outfitted with great extras such as espresso machines, Bose stereos, robes, and slippers. All, however, have limited storage space. Bathrooms are compact in Standard Rooms, but all have showers and separate half bathtubs, as well as hairdryers and fair-trade toiletries. 

One of the main draws at this Novotel is its small, heated indoor pool. It is located in the basement and has no natural light, but the water is warm and there is a small whirlpool that guests can use free of charge. The adjacent gym is small but has enough equipment for a quick workout, including a treadmill, a stationary bike, an elliptical, and a rowing machine. There are also a sauna and steam room. Breakfast is not included in the standard rate, but it offers a wide selection of continental options, as well as eggs, toast, beans, sausage, and bacon. The restaurant opens again for dinner, with a tasty international menu that is also served at the adjacent bar throughout the day. Six meeting rooms outfitted with audiovisual equipment and free Wi-Fi are available, as well as a few underground parking spots, for a fee.