Premier Inn Edinburgh - South Queensferry

This hotel offers a practical and budget-friendly base for exploring Edinburgh, distinguishing itself with its strategic location just outside the city center, which provides affordability without sacrificing accessibility. Many guests appreciate the comfortable beds and the convenience of the attached restaurant. The hotel is particularly well-suited for value-conscious travelers and sightseers looking for a more economical alternative to staying directly in Edinburgh, as well as business travelers and families seeking a functional and accessible lodging option. To make the most of your stay, consider utilizing the excellent public transport links to the city and be aware that daily room cleaning and fresh towels often need to be specifically requested at reception.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests find the hotel's facilities to be functional and convenient, typical of its brand. An on-site Brewers Fayre restaurant is a significant amenity, providing easy access to meals without leaving the premises. While the hotel itself is described as basic, it offers essential conveniences. Free Wi-Fi is available, though some guests noted it could be slow unless a premium package was purchased. The presence of a bar next to the hotel is also appreciated for evening relaxation. Additionally, the proximity to a McDonald's and an M&S Food Hall provides quick and easy access to snacks and other necessities, enhancing the overall convenience for guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed. Many guests reported clean rooms and found the beds comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep. The showers are often praised for good water pressure, and some rooms feature full-length windows offering pleasant views. However, a notable number of reviews highlighted significant issues, including dust on surfaces, dirty carpets, mould in bathrooms, hairs on towels or in the basin, and stained curtains. Some found the rooms generally tired or in need of refurbishment. Noise levels varied; while some rooms were quiet and well-insulated, others experienced disturbances from thin walls, neighbors, or external noise from restaurant fans or nearby roads.

Dining & Food Quality
The dining experience at the attached Brewers Fayre restaurant receives varied feedback. The breakfast is frequently mentioned, with many guests praising its good value and delicious offerings, often highlighting the buffet style and decent selection. However, some found the hot buffet items cold or reported issues with uncooked food like hash browns or sausages. The atmosphere during breakfast was occasionally criticized for loud radio music. Evening meals at the restaurant are generally well-regarded for their good quality and reasonable prices, though some guests experienced long wait times during busy periods, which impacted their overall satisfaction.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location approximately ten miles from central Edinburgh is a key feature, offering a more affordable alternative to city-center accommodations. It provides easy access to Edinburgh via public transport, with a bus stop just a five-minute walk away offering frequent services that take about 40-55 minutes to reach the city. Dalmeny train station is also nearby, providing a quicker 20-minute train journey. The hotel is considered a good base for those needing access to Edinburgh Airport. Free parking is a significant advantage, though guests frequently note that spaces can be limited, especially in the evenings, sometimes leading to challenges in finding a spot or requiring parking in the adjacent McDonald's car park, which has time restrictions.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and welcoming demeanor. Many guests highlighted specific instances where staff went "above and beyond" to assist with travel arrangements, provide local information, or address concerns. The reception staff are often commended for their politeness and professionalism. However, experiences with check-in were mixed, with some reporting quick processes while others encountered delays or unexpected early check-in charges. A recurring theme in reviews is the hotel's policy regarding housekeeping, where guests often had to explicitly request room cleaning, fresh towels, and replenishment of coffee/tea supplies, which some found inconvenient compared to standard hotel practices.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain operational aspects that differ from some other hotels. The hotel has a strict 3 PM check-in policy, and an early check-in before this time may incur an additional charge if the room is ready. Daily room cleaning and replenishment of supplies like towels and coffee/tea are not automatic; guests must request these services at reception, typically before noon. While free Wi-Fi is provided, many guests found the standard connection to be slow, with an option to purchase a faster service. The hotel building itself, particularly the exterior and some public areas, is often described as tired or in need of refurbishment, though many rooms offer appreciated views of the bridges.