Traditional building with historic tower
Nice restaurant and cozy sports bar on-site
Free car parking for guests
Pleasant rooms with simple decor
A five-minute drive from the Royal Botanic
Gardens
Conference room and business facilities
available
Has an outdoor terrace
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Located away from Edinburgh’s center and
main attractions
Minor maintenance issues in the rooms
No fitness center
Built in 1897, this traditional
Edinburgh-stone house has an imposing tower on the side, which was originally
used as a lookout for merchant ships coming in to the Port of Leith. Today, the
property is a 10-room, mid-range hotel which offers basic rooms and facilities
but is good value all around. There’s a good restaurant and bar on-site, and
free car parking for guests. Those staying here are likely to need a car as
it’s not near any of Edinburgh’s attractions and there’s nothing to see in the
immediate vicinity.
Scene
Light and bright with a simple decor
On entering the Victoria Park hotel, the
reception area and corridors are noticeably well-lit and clean. White walls and
light wooden flooring make the spaces feel airy. There are leather club chairs,
display racks with tourist leaflets, and an eclectic mix of artwork on the
walls. At the top of the stairs there's a stunning, huge stained-glass window.
The restaurant has similar decor to the lobby area, with white walls and light
wood furnishings. There are comfortable, black leather chairs and an
attractive, ornate wrought iron banister. The recommended cask ales are written
up on a blackboard on the wall. The sports bar is a darker space with a cozy
feel. A deep red color scheme compliments the dark wood chairs and tables.
Location
A short drive to the Royal Botanic Gardens
Victoria Park Hotel sits at the end of
Ferry Road, a busy, main road which connects Leith with the north of Edinburgh.
It is around two and a half miles outside of Edinburgh city center, so the
tourist attractions are not easily accessible from here unless traveling by car.
The closest attraction is the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens, just a
five-minute drive away. A 10-minute drive will get you to Prince's Street
Gardens and the Scottish National Gallery; and in 15 minutes, Edinburgh Castle,
Holyrood Park, and Arthur's Seat can be reached. In the local area, there is a
shopping center which is a five-minute drive or 20-minute walk away. There are
plenty of bars and restaurants in that neighborhood too.
Rooms
Basic rooms but with decent facilities
The guest rooms are plain and traditional,
with simple furniture and neutral colors. They are adequately-equipped with a small flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, hairdryer,
radio, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Bathrooms are plain and simple
too, although some have small signs of needing a refresh -- such as discolored
grouting. Cots and triple rooms are available on request, so this would be a
good option for families. And despite being located on a busy road, the traffic
noise cannot be heard from the guest rooms.
Features
Conference room, sports bar, a good restaurant, and free parking
Unlike hotels in the city center, this
property has a car park which is free for guests to use, so it’s well-suited to
those who are happy to take a drive to see the sights. Victoria Park is well
set up for business travelers too. There’s a conference room where projectors,
flip charts, note pads, and other items can be provided, as well as
refreshments for attending delegates. Special room rates are also offered for
those attending a conference on-site. The hotel’s Gosford Bar is a traditional
setting where guests can sample real ales and some of Scotland’s best malt
whiskies. Bar snacks are also available and there’s a flat-screen TV showing
live sports. There’s also a restaurant on-site -- the Otterstone Bar &
Grill. This serves hearty dinners, including some Scottish favorites like
haggis and black pudding. There’s also an outdoor terrace, room service during
certain hours, free Wi-Fi in public areas, and an airport shuttle service for
an extra fee.