Novotel Edinburgh Park

Housed in a plain gray building, the Novotel Edinburgh Park is more stylish than it may suggest from the outside. The big, sunny lobby is sparsely decorated, but touches such as black floors, high ceilings, and recessed mood lighting give it a modern feel, while the small sitting area with teal and gray couches is cozy and inviting. The lobby bar has an even sexier feel, with a dark-gray palette throughout, comfortable tufted benches, dim lighting, and a big bookcase. Pineapple-shaped lamps with red shades are fun touches. The decor style in other areas, however, is a tad more chain-like, with beige carpets on hallways, and simple furniture with clean lines in rooms.

The hotel is generally quiet during the day, but school vacation periods tend to be busy at the Novotel, and some areas can feel crowded, especially the pool and the gym. There were only a couple of people in each when we visited in the off-peak season, but some guests have complained that it can feel cramped when there are many families staying at the same time. Still, most guests are here to visit the city center and so the majority of them leave the premises after breakfast. The atmosphere in the lobby bar was lively and friendly in the afternoon, when guests came back from exploring the town. 

While this Novotel offers great perks and easy access to Edinburgh and the airport, rates can be a little high for a hotel that’s outside of the city center. All rooms are outfitted with a double sofa bed, which is great for families, but budget-conscious couples wanting to stay in the Edinburgh Park area may want to compare rates at the Premier Inn Edinburgh Park (The Gyle) Hotel, which lacks a pool and a gym but offers free outdoor parking and comfortable rooms. Of the many options in this price range in the city center, Twelve Picardy Place is one of the most charming. The slightly more expensive Crowne Plaza Edinburgh - Royal Terrace is one of the few hotels in the center of town that also has an indoor pool, but old-fashioned interiors may not appeal to everyone. 

The hotel is located in Edinburgh Park, a business area located between the airport and the city center. There is a big shopping mall and a gas station across the street, but little else of general interest can be found in the immediate vicinity. While this location may not sound convenient for those planning to explore the city center, the hotel is right across from the Edinburgh Park train and tram stations, which allows for easy, cheap access to central Edinburgh. Waverley Station, Edinburgh’s main transportation hub, is just a 10-minute train ride away, which puts guests within easy walking distance of shopping along Princes Street and major attraction such as the Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, among many others. This location is also convenient for the airport, located a 20-minute tram ride (or 10-minute drive) away. Outdoor parking is available for a fee.

Rooms at the Novotel Edinburgh Park are contemporary but simple, with clean lines throughout, and a neutral palette with a few crimson accents in chairs and baggage racks. Though the style is a tad bland overall, rooms are functional and have spacious desks and enough storage space for a long weekend stay. Wall-to-wall carpets help muffle the sound of footsteps and suitcases, though some guests have still reported noise from traffic. As such, light sleepers may want to request a room away from the highway. Each room is equipped with a small smart TV, free safe, and an electric kettle with free tea and coffee. Standard Wi-Fi is free throughout, and upgrades to high-speed internet access are available for a fee. Executive Rooms and Suites are outfitted with a few great extras, such as Nespresso machines, Bose iPod docks, robes, and slippers. Mini-fridges in all rooms come stocked with two bottles of water, but they’re only free for Executive and Suite guests. 

Even lower-category units feature a double sofa bed, but families wanting a bit more privacy and comfort may want to book a Suite, which has a separate living area with a sofa bed, and two TVs. Cribs are available for a fee. White-tiled bathrooms have a couple of pleasant aquamarine accents, big sinks with sufficient counters, and shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads. Shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and hand soap are provided in all rooms, and higher-category units are stocked with additional toiletries. 

The Novotel Edinburgh Park has a lovely restaurant, serving good international cuisine for breakfast (not included in the standard rate), lunch, and dinner in a pleasant, sun-filled space off the lobby. The adjacent bar, separated by a half-wall from the main dining room, offers a great selection of hot and cold drinks, from lattes served in tall glasses to cocktails. Both the restaurant and the bar are quiet during the day, but become livelier in the evening. Room service is also available 24/7.

The heated indoor pool is located in the basement, but gets some natural light through a small skylight. There are a few loungers and a whirlpool on the small deck around it, and towels are available free of charge. The atmosphere at the pool ranges from quiet and relaxing to crowded, especially during school vacation periods. The adjacent gym is small but modern, with a good array of cardio and strength-training machines, plus a steam room. 

Five meeting rooms are on-site, all outfitted with modern audiovisual equipment and air-conditioning.