Malmaison Edinburgh

The hotel, a historic building situated directly on the vibrant Leith waterfront, offers a memorable stay, distinguished by its unique blend of traditional charm and modern convenience. Its prime location provides easy access to local attractions and seamless tram connections to Edinburgh's city center, making it an ideal choice for sightseers, couples seeking a romantic getaway, and business travelers valuing accessibility. Guests consistently highlight the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff and the convenience of free on-site parking. While many rooms are praised for their comfort and spaciousness, some guests note that certain areas are beginning to show signs of age. To enhance your visit, consider exploring the diverse array of high-quality restaurants and bars within walking distance along the Shore, and take full advantage of the efficient tram system for exploring the wider city.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally appreciate the range of facilities available, contributing to a comfortable stay. The hotel features a welcoming bar area that many find a pleasant place to relax, offering a good selection of drinks and cocktails, though some found bar prices high. A small gym is available for those wishing to maintain their fitness routine, though some felt it needed improvement. Rooms are equipped with useful amenities such as a coffee machine, mini-fridge, and safe, with some guests also noting the provision of chocolates and massage soap. While free Wi-Fi is available, some reviews suggest it can be unreliable. The lift system, particularly in older sections, is sometimes described as slow or in need of maintenance, and some guests noted issues with USB chargers by the bed or a lack of power points near the bed.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is generally positive, with many guests praising the spacious rooms and comfortable beds that ensure a restful night's sleep. However, a significant number of reviews indicate that rooms, particularly bathrooms, are tired and in need of updating or refurbishment. Specific issues mentioned include mould in bathrooms, chipped paintwork, stained carpets, and worn furniture. Some guests experienced problems with bathroom fans running continuously or not working, showers with inconsistent temperature or poor drainage, and sinks that drain slowly or are unusually low. Noise can be an issue, with reports of vibration noise, creaky floorboards, and sound transfer from corridors or adjacent rooms, though many found their rooms quiet overall. Heating can also be a concern, with some rooms being too warm due to limited control or lack of air conditioning, while others found them cold with inadequate heating.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive mixed but detailed feedback. Breakfast is a frequent topic, with many guests praising its variety, including cooked options and a good continental selection, and highlighting excellent service from staff. However, some guests found the cooked breakfast to be dry, overcooked, or of poor quality, with specific complaints about black pudding and eggs. The coffee machine at breakfast is often mentioned as temperamental or leading to queues, and some felt breakfast was overpriced for the value. Dinner at the restaurant or bar also garners varied opinions; some guests enjoyed delicious meals and good ambiance, while others described food as inedible, mediocre, or having a limited menu. Room service is available and generally described as prompt and tasty, though some found it expensive.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location on the Leith waterfront is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, offering a peaceful setting with scenic views and a vibrant local atmosphere. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance of numerous high-quality restaurants, bars, and cafes in the Shore area. Its accessibility to Edinburgh city center is excellent, with a tram stop just a few minutes' walk away, providing a convenient and quick journey into the heart of the city. This allows guests to explore central attractions while enjoying a quieter base. A significant benefit for many travelers is the availability of free on-site parking, though some noted that spaces can be limited, especially during busy periods. The hotel's position also offers good links to the airport and other parts of the city via public transport.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise, with guests frequently describing them as exceptionally friendly, helpful, and attentive. The check-in process is often noted as smooth, welcoming, and efficient, with reception staff going above and beyond to assist guests, including offering room upgrades or addressing concerns promptly. Restaurant and bar staff are also commended for their professionalism and warm demeanor, contributing positively to the dining experience. Guests appreciate the overall customer service, highlighting instances where staff demonstrated genuine interest and made their stay more enjoyable. Even when issues arose, such as room problems or dining concerns, the staff were generally responsive and made efforts to resolve them, reinforcing a strong commitment to guest satisfaction.

Additional Information
The hotel offers a notable pet-friendly policy, welcoming dogs with amenities such as bowls, a bed, and a special goodie bag, though some guests found the nightly fee for pets to be high. An eco-friendly option allows guests to forgo daily room cleaning in exchange for a drinks voucher, which is generally well-received. Several reviews mention instances of false fire alarms occurring, sometimes multiple times during the night, leading to temporary evacuations and disruption, though staff handled these situations professionally. Some guests noted that the hotel does not accept cash payments. While many rooms offer pleasant views, a few guests reported being allocated rooms with less desirable outlooks, such as towards service areas or noisy external structures, though staff were often accommodating in offering alternative rooms when available. The hotel also provides umbrellas in rooms, a thoughtful touch.