Braid Hills Hotel

Nestled atop a hill, this hotel offers a charming, old-world feel with stunning views of the city and its iconic castle, making it a memorable choice for visitors. Guests frequently commend the friendly and attentive staff who contribute significantly to a positive experience. Its location, while not in the immediate city center, is highly convenient due to excellent bus connections and ample free parking, appealing to sightseers, couples, and families exploring the area. The hotel's historic charm and generally good food quality, particularly breakfast, are often highlighted. While many appreciate the spacious rooms, some note that the decor is tired and could benefit from updating. For a more comfortable stay, guests should be aware that the hotel lacks an elevator, which can be challenging for those with heavy luggage or mobility concerns.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides spacious parking that is both free and easily accessible, a significant advantage for guests traveling by car. While the hotel boasts a pleasant bar area, some guests experienced chaotic service and found the drink selection limited or expensive. A recurring point of concern is the absence of air conditioning in rooms, which can lead to uncomfortably warm conditions, especially during warmer periods. Furthermore, the lack of an elevator is a frequent complaint, requiring guests to carry luggage up multiple flights of stairs. On a unique note, the presence of a friendly hotel cat adds a distinctive and charming touch that many guests enjoy. However, some guests reported issues with Wi-Fi connectivity, particularly in rooms located in the annex building.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, with many appreciating the spacious rooms and high ceilings that contribute to a comfortable stay. However, feedback on room condition is mixed, with numerous mentions of the decor being tired, dated, or shabby, including instances of peeling wallpaper and ripped headboards. While some guests found the beds comfortable, others reported them as stiff, hard, lumpy, or even wobbly, impacting sleep quality. Bathrooms are often described as clean and some feature modern shower rooms, though issues like weak shower pressure, lack of consistent hot water, and non-functional bathroom fans were noted. Noise levels are generally low, but some guests experienced disturbances from other guests or hotel events. The absence of blackout curtains and reliable TVs in some rooms also affected comfort.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at the hotel consistently receives positive feedback, described as a good buffet spread with fresh and well-cooked options, offering a satisfying start to the day. However, some guests noted issues such as lukewarm coffee, limited pastries, and occasional shortages of items. The restaurant and bar also offer dinner service, with many praising the food quality as delicious and well-prepared, though some found portions small or prices high. Service in the dining areas is generally commended as excellent and attentive. Conversely, a few guests experienced chaotic service during busy periods, with mixed-up orders or overcooked burgers. Overall, the dining experience is largely positive, with the breakfast variety being a particular highlight for many.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant advantage, situated on a hill with panoramic views of the city, including Edinburgh Castle. While not in the immediate city center, it offers excellent accessibility via public transport. A bus stop is conveniently located directly outside the hotel, providing frequent and easy connections to the city center within 20-30 minutes. The availability of free parking is also highly valued by guests traveling by car. For those who prefer walking, the hotel is within reasonable distance of the Morningside area, offering shops and restaurants. However, guests should be aware of the stairs leading to the bus stop and the uphill walk back to the hotel from the city, which can be challenging for some.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and welcoming demeanor, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Many reviews highlight their attentive service and willingness to assist with various requests, from providing directions to arranging taxis. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and efficient. However, some guests reported instances of unhelpful or inattentive staff, particularly during busy periods or when addressing specific room issues. While housekeeping is noted for being cheerful and providing daily service, the lack of luggage assistance due to the absence of an elevator was a point of frustration for some. Problem resolution varied, with some issues quickly addressed while others, like hot water or booking errors, were not satisfactorily resolved.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is an older building with significant historic charm, which some find appealing, but it also means there is no elevator, requiring guests to use stairs to access rooms. There are refurbishment plans for the hotel in 2025, which may address some of the noted wear and tear. Some guests experienced key card issues that required multiple trips to reception for re-activation. While the water pressure in showers is generally adequate, some reported instances of low pressure or intermittent hot water. The standard check-out time is 11 AM, which some guests found early. The hotel's unique feature of having a resident hotel cat is often mentioned positively by guests, adding to its distinctive character.