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Summary of reviewsBraid Hills Hotel consistently receives accolades for its exceptional location and the convenience it provides to guests. Positioned on the outskirts of Edinburgh, the hotel not only boasts beautiful city views, including the famous Edinburgh Castle, but also offers easy access to both the airport and city center via a nearby bus stop. Guests appreciate the peaceful environment, surrounded by greenery and close to a large, picturesque park, making it a tranquil retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. Local amenities such as cafes, restaurants and grocery stores, along with free on-site parking, further enhance the hotel's appeal, balancing convenience and calm for tourists and business travelers alike.
The breakfast at Braid Hills Hotel is largely praised for its hearty offerings and variety with guests enjoying a range of traditional English and Scottish dishes in a pleasant dining setting. However, there are occasional criticisms concerning the consistency of service and temperature of food, indicating room for improvement. Dinner experiences generally receive high marks for food quality and taste, along with friendly service, though there are some noted issues with order accuracy and limited menu options at times.
The hotel's rooms are recognized for their charm and historical ambiance with many guests appreciating the spacious, clean and comfortable accommodations, often featuring beautiful views. Deluxe rooms and those with terraces or patios are particularly favored. However, some areas are in need of updates and renovations with reports of outdated decor and maintenance issues. Cleanliness is generally well-regarded, though some specific areas could benefit from a deeper clean or refresh.
Staff at Braid Hills Hotel are frequently commended for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism, contributing positively to guests' stays. While there are occasional inconsistencies in service quality, the majority of interactions are pleasant and efficient with particular staff members notably enhancing the guest experience.
The hotel's free WiFi receives mixed feedback with some guests finding it reliable while others report weak and inconsistent connectivity, suggesting the need for improvements in this area. Parking facilities are highly praised with ample, secure and free on-site parking being a significant perk for guests.
For families, the hotel is lauded for its spacious family rooms, accommodating staff and overall family-friendly atmosphere. The location near parks and local attractions makes it a great choice for those traveling with children. Additionally, the proximity to the Braids Hill golf course and other outdoor activities is a bonus for golf enthusiasts and outdoor lovers.
Overall, Braid Hills Hotel is celebrated for its beautiful location, comfortable accommodations, friendly staff and excellent parking facilities, making it a well-regarded choice for visitors seeking a blend of convenience, tranquility and charm. Show more
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Hotel near Golf Courses
Located near Braid Hills Golf Course, this hotel provides easy access to a historic golfing venue with views of the city. Braid Hills Golf Course is known for its challenging layout and scenic views.
Historic Hotel
Built in 1886 in the Scots Baronial style, this hotel was originally conceived with the sport of golf in mind. It retains Victorian architectural features, including stained glass windows, reflecting its late 19th-century origins.
3-Star Hotel
This hotel is known for its excellent service and comfortable accommodations. It provides a pleasant and reliable experience for guests.
Family Friendly Hotel
Room Types
Classic Single Room - Non-SmokingOffering free toiletries, this single room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The single room offers a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Classic Twin RoomProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The double room provides a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 2 beds.
Classic Double Room - Non-SmokingOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The double room offers a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Family RoomThis triple room features a electric kettle.
Please note: Sofa beds will be made up on REQUEST only.
Deluxe Double RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Deluxe King Room - Non-SmokingFeaturing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Double Room with ViewFeaturing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Twin Room with ViewProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The double room provides a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.5
Good
Location
Braid Hills Hotel is highly praised for its exceptional location, blending convenient access and a peaceful setting. Strategically situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh, the hotel offers stunning elevated views of the city, including vistas of the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Guests appreciate its proximity to both the airport and Edinburgh's city center with easy bus access allowing for swift 15-20 minutes commutes into town. The bus stop's proximity—right next to the hotel—emphasizes the hotel's excellent connectivity.
Surrounded by greenery, the hotel stands near a large, picturesque park that offers a serene walking environment. This tranquil setting, coupled with the hotel's attractive historic structure and terraces, fosters an ideal retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. Despite being slightly removed from the city center, guests regularly laud the quiet and safety of the neighborhood, making it a preferred choice for travelers seeking both convenience and calm.
The hotel's vicinity to local amenities, such as cafes, restaurants, grocery stores and the Morningside area, further enhances its appeal. Additionally, free on-site parking and smooth access to main roads add to the convenience for guests with vehicles.
Overall, Braid Hills Hotel is commended for its well-balanced location, combining scenic beauty, ease of access to Edinburgh’s attractions and tranquil surroundings, making it a superb choice for both tourists and those visiting for business.
Breakfast
The breakfast at Braid Hills Hotel has garnered mixed but predominantly positive feedback from guests. Many visitors have praised the hearty and delicious offerings, highlighting the "lovely," "excellent," and "sensational" breakfasts. The buffet style appears to be popular with guests noting a good variety of hot and cold food options, including traditional English and Scottish favorites. The self-serve aspect of the buffet was appreciated by some for its convenience and comprehensive selection.
Several reviews emphasized the freshness and quality of the breakfast items with particular mentions of freshly cooked dishes, good value for money and vegetarian and vegan options. The breakfast setting, including the dining room and view, was also positively noted by guests.
However, some critiques emerged, mainly around the consistency and organization of the breakfast service. Issues like cold or tepid food, items running out and not being replenished and chaotic service on busy days were raised. A few guests felt that the breakfast was overpriced or lacking in variety, especially for vegetarians. Additionally, there were sporadic complaints about the quality of specific items like coffee and certain cooked dishes being underwhelming or not served hot enough.
Overall, while the breakfast experience at Braid Hills Hotel seems to delight many, it could benefit from addressing some organizational and quality consistency issues to enhance guest satisfaction.
Dinner
Braid Hills Hotel is often praised for its dining experience with numerous guests highlighting the quality and taste of the food served at the hotel's restaurant and bar. Many reviews commend the evening meals, describing them as excellent, delicious and reasonably priced. The hotel restaurant offers a good menu variety, featuring both local and international cuisine and the staff receive high marks for their gracious and welcoming service.
However, some guests experienced issues, such as meal order mix-ups and limited food options, especially when the main restaurant was closed or due to pricing concerns. A few reviews mentioned the restaurant's early closing times and occasional unavailability of draft beers and spirits at the bar. Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment leans towards positive dining experiences with the food often described as hot, tasty and of good quality.
The setting of the restaurant also adds to the dining experience with guests appreciating its modern and comfortable decor. The bar area garners mixed feedback with some guests enjoying the nice atmosphere while others faced high prices and limited choices.
In summary, the Braid Hills Hotel generally offers an enjoyable dining experience with quality food and friendly service, though it could benefit from more variety and consistency in its offerings.
Rooms
Braid Hills Hotel offers a mix of room experiences that highlight its unique charm and historical ambiance but also show a need for updates in certain areas. On the positive side, many guests appreciated the large, spacious rooms that were clean and comfortable. The views from the rooms, often overlooking the city or the countryside, received considerable praise. Comfortable beds and well-maintained rooms were frequently mentioned, contributing to a cozy stay.
Certain rooms came with delightful extras such as terraces, patios and even small kitchen areas, enhancing the comfort and convenience for long-term stays. Guests who stayed in upgraded or deluxe rooms often found them to be exceptionally spacious and well-equipped with clean and functional bathrooms. The quiet atmosphere of the hotel was another plus, contributing to a restful sleep.
However, some guests found their rooms to be small, outdated and necessitating renovations. Issues like outdated decor, broken fittings, peeling wallpaper, stained carpets and insufficient heating or ventilation were mentioned. The hotel’s old-fashioned charm sometimes translated into maintenance challenges, such as faulty radiators, non-working air conditioners and thin walls that compromise privacy.
Attic and annex rooms, in particular, were noted for their cramped spaces and inconvenient access, often involving stairs without lifts. Despite the charm of the setting, the rooms sometimes felt stuffy and dark with furniture that felt aged and in need of repair.
While the rooms varied in quality and size, the Braid Hills Hotel maintains an appeal for those looking for spacious and comfortable accommodations with great views, though it could benefit from modern updates to enhance the overall guest experience.
Beds
The beds at Braid Hills Hotel generally receive positive feedback for their comfort with many guests highlighting the large, comfy and well-dressed beds as a standout feature. A significant number of reviews mentioned that the beds were very comfortable with some guests describing the mattresses as wonderful and the beds as some of the best they’ve ever slept on. Large and massive beds were frequently noted, adding to the comfort experience. Many guests found the four-poster beds and king-size beds particularly enjoyable.
However, not all experiences were favorable. Several reviews pointed out that some beds were uncomfortable with specific mentions of hard mattresses and lumpy or deformed beds. Some guests felt the beds were old, dusty or had noticeable issues like springs felt through the mattress, indicating a need for mattress toppers or replacements. The pillows also received mixed feedback, being described as either comfortable or hard and flat.
Overall, while many visitors found the beds to be clean, large and exceedingly comfortable, there were inconsistencies in comfort levels, suggesting that room improvements could enhance the overall experience.
Cleanliness
Braid Hills Hotel has been noted for its clean and tidy accommodations with many guests finding their rooms to be very clean and comfortable. The housekeeping staff are frequently praised for their efforts in maintaining cleanliness and the communal areas, including dining and reception, also receive high marks for their spotless condition. Despite overall compliments on cleanliness, some criticisms persist, pointing to specific issues like dusty surfaces, old and unclean carpets and areas that could benefit from a significant deep cleaning or renovation. The bathrooms, in particular, garnered mixed reviews – while some were deemed clean and well-maintained, others appeared small and outdated with occasional issues like mold, peeling wallpaper and worn fixtures. The hotel itself could use a refresh in certain places, as some areas and furnishings feel tired and dated. Nonetheless, guests appreciate the clean grounds and generally well-kept property, even if some parts require more meticulous attention.
Staff
The reviews for 'Braid Hills Hotel' highlight a generally positive experience with the staff, who are often described as friendly, helpful and professional. Reception and dining staff receive high marks for their welcoming demeanor and efficiency, making interactions pleasant and check-ins smooth. Many guests noted the exceptional service provided by different team members, such as Jake at reception and Monica, who was particularly helpful and courteous.
Guests appreciated the attentiveness and politeness of the staff with several mentioning their efforts to go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Instances of staff providing detailed assistance, like helping with luggage or offering directions, were frequently highlighted as standout moments.
However, the reviews also mention some inconsistencies. While many found the reception team friendly and engaging, a few guests encountered less courteous interactions, pointing to a need for more uniform training across the board. Some guests experienced slower service at times or noted that staff were occasionally less helpful or difficult to locate when needed.
Despite these occasional issues, the majority of the feedback reflects a positive image of the Braid Hills Hotel staff, emphasizing their friendliness, professionalism and dedication to maintaining a high standard of service. The staff's efforts in adhering to cleanliness and Covid-19 guidelines were also well regarded, contributing to a safe and welcoming environment.
Wi-Fi
The WiFi experience at Braid Hills Hotel has received mixed feedback from guests. On the positive side, some found the WiFi strong, reliable and adequately available throughout their stay. Free WiFi is offered and there were mentions of the speed being fine and no password being required for access. However, many guests faced significant issues with the connectivity. Several reviewers described the WiFi as poor, weak, unreliable and spotty with reports of the internet working better in some areas like the bar, but being nearly non-existent in certain rooms or floors. There were instances of slow speeds and interruptions, which impacted users who needed a stable connection for work. Overall, while some guests had a satisfactory WiFi experience, others felt it was an area needing substantial improvement.
Parking
Braid Hills Hotel offers a range of parking options that guests have found convenient and beneficial. The on-site parking is both plentiful and well-maintained with a dedicated car park providing ample space. Many reviewers appreciated the free parking service as a significant perk with plenty of spaces available, making it easy to park right outside the hotel. The location of the hotel, along a main road and close to a bus stop, adds to the convenience, making it easy for guests to explore the city while leaving their car securely parked at the hotel.
The parking areas are well-lit and maintained, adding to the sense of security. Although some guests noted that the car park could be challenging when full or due to the hillside's steepness, the overall sentiment is very positive. There are also options for underground and covered parking for those who prefer it. The convenience of having parking facilities on-site, combined with no extra fee for parking, has been highlighted as a huge bonus. Overall, the parking at Braid Hills Hotel is highly praised for its adequacy, security and the added convenience it provides for guests.
Family
Braid Hills Hotel prides itself on being a family-friendly establishment, offering a variety of amenities that cater specifically to families. The family rooms are a highlight, frequently described as large, spacious and well-suited for families of four. For those traveling with infants, the hotel thoughtfully provides cribs and larger rooms to accommodate the needs of newborns and their parents. The staff are praised for being accommodating with kids, ensuring a comfortable stay even when plans change unexpectedly.
The hotel exudes a welcoming, homey feeling, making it an ideal choice for family stays. Guests appreciate the family-style accommodations and the overall family-friendly atmosphere. The location of the hotel is often noted as excellent for those visiting family nearby or looking to explore the city with children.
Dining options, although not universally praised, offer family-friendly food, though some guests felt the evening meals lacked variety for kids. The family room amenities, including multiple beds and a sofa, ensure comfort during longer stays. Overall, the Braid Hills Hotel is seen as a great option for families seeking a comfortable and accommodating stay.
Golf
The Braid Hills Hotel boasts a wonderful location that is particularly appealing for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated near a large park and the Pentland Hills, the hotel offers an excellent opportunity for fresh air and exercise. Guests appreciate the short walk to Braid Hermitage woods and parkland paths, further adding to its charming locale. Golfers will find the proximity to the Braids Hill golf course a valuable bonus, combining a lovely stay with easy access to the sport. Overall, the hotel's closeness to nature and golf courses enhances the experience for those looking to enjoy the beautiful scenery and recreational activities.
3 Star
Braid Hills Hotel offers a quintessentially three-star experience characterized by historic charm and friendly service, although it is noticeably dated in many aspects. The building's architecture exudes vintage appeal and while the rooms are comfortable and spacious, the decor is old-fashioned and in need of modernization. There's no lift, which can be an inconvenience, particularly for those staying on the top floor where temperatures can become uncomfortably high.
Guests appreciate the reasonable pricing, which aligns well with the hotel's three-star rating, although some find certain amenities and food offerings to be overpriced. Despite the dated furnishings and outdated decor, the value for money is often noted as a plus for those seeking budget-friendly accommodations in a location close to good coffee shops and cafes.
Service at the hotel has received mixed feedback; while some find the staff to be friendly and helpful, others believe the service does not quite meet a three-star standard. The historic nature of the building adds a distinct charm, but the whole establishment would benefit greatly from a thorough refurbishment to update the worn areas and enhance guest comfort.
Overall, the Braid Hills Hotel provides a solid, if not spectacular, three-star lodging option that stands out for its character and reasonable rates, making it a suitable choice for budget-conscious travelers who appreciate historic buildings and can overlook the dated interiors.
Historic
Perched in a picturesque area, the Braid Hills Hotel stands as a testament to Scottish history. As a historic building adorned with original features, this lovely and traditional property exudes an old-fashioned charm that captivates visitors. The hotel’s Castellan architecture and beautiful old world design make it an iconic landmark in the area, full of character and historical ambiance.
Guests appreciate the historical aspect of the hotel, admiring its fascinating layout and old-style elegance. They enjoy the peaceful and cozy atmosphere, enriched by the hotel's vintage feel and historic charm. The property's stunning exteriors and interiors, combined with its old family-style hospitality, enhance its allure.
Conveniently situated, the Braid Hills Hotel allows for easy access to the town, courtesy of frequent bus routes. The hotel impresses with its beautiful Scottish style and traditional design, making each stay feel like a journey back in time. Despite its age, the place offers a lovely and serene experience, allowing guests to soak in the timeless luxury and historical significance it preserves so well.
No, Braid Hills Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Braid Hills Hotel.
No, Braid Hills Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Braid Hills Hotel.