Hilton Edinburgh Carlton

Edinburgh 55.95075300, -3.18765500 , 19 North Bridge (Show on Map)
7.6
Good


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1 room2 guests 1 room, 2 guests
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Summary of reviewsThe Hilton Edinburgh Carlton receives high praise for its exceptional location, strategically positioned in the heart of Edinburgh. Guests consistently highlight its proximity to major attractions such as the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. The convenience offered by its closeness to Waverley Railway Station and the ease of access to both the Old Town and New Town make it a top choice for exploring the city on foot.

Breakfast at the hotel generally garners positive feedback with many noting the extensive buffet offering a wide range of high-quality options, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices. However, some guests have flagged issues with the temperature of hot food and perceived the breakfast as overpriced.

Dining experiences at the hotel are mixed. The bar is well-received for its ambiance and reasonably priced drinks, especially noting the fish and chips. The Marco Pierre White Steakhouse has some fans for its steaks and seafood, but overall, it often falls short of expectations in terms of pricing and quality. The main restaurant receives both praise for its good food and service and criticism for inconsistent quality and operational frustrations like early closures and limited room service options.

Rooms at the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton offer a blend of positive and negative experiences. Many guests appreciate the spacious, comfortable and modern rooms with nice views of Edinburgh. However, some find the rooms smaller than expected or encounter issues with cleanliness and dated furnishings. Complaints about noise, temperature control and musty odors also surface in several reviews.

Cleanliness standards at the hotel are generally well-regarded but inconsistent. While many guests find the property well-maintained and spotless, others encounter issues with cleaning, particularly in the rooms and bathrooms.

The staff at the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton is frequently complimented for their friendliness, politeness and helpful nature, significantly enhancing the overall guest experience. Exceptions do exist with occasional reports of unresponsiveness or rudeness.

The free WiFi service receives mixed reviews; many guests find it reliable and easy to connect, while others experience difficulties with connection strength and usability.

The hotel gym is well-rated by many for being well-equipped and clean, though some guests mention periods of unavailability or limited facilities.

Families find the hotel accommodating with spacious and comfortable room configurations suitable for children and the staff is noted for being particularly attentive and warm. The central location and family-friendly services make it a popular choice for those traveling with children.

The hotel's location also makes it ideal for nightlife enthusiasts, providing easy access to Edinburgh's vibrant bars and nightclubs. However, some noise from nearby parties can intrude on the hotel's atmosphere.

In summary, the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton is lauded for its prime location, friendly staff and overall comfort, despite some inconsistencies in room quality, dining and cleanliness. Its central placement makes it perfect for exploring Edinburgh, whether for sightseeing or nightlife, creating an overall positive stay for most guests.
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Business Hotel
Offers versatile meeting and event spaces capable of hosting various business functions. The hotel provides a business center and is centrally located near Waverley station for easy transport access.

Accessible Hotel
This hotel provides an accessible front desk, assistive listening devices, and elevators. There is an accessible on-site restaurant. Accessible rooms are equipped with emergency bathroom cords and visual fire alarms, ensuring enhanced safety features.

Hotel with Gym
Offers a fitness center for guests to use. The gym provides a space for exercise and maintaining fitness levels.

Luxury Hotel

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Hotel for Honeymoon

Family Friendly Hotel

Romantic Hotel

Hotel near Nightlife Spots

4-Star Hotel

Room Types
Double Room with Two Double Beds This quadruple room has air conditioning and tea/coffee making facilities, as well as a laptop safe.

Deluxe Double Room with Two Double Beds This quadruple room features air conditioning and an electric kettle, as well as additional living space. There is a work area with tea/coffee making facilities, and an en-suite bathroom with a shower and towels.

King Guest Room This room has a king-size bed, a desk, free WiFi and a 40-inch flat-screen HDTV. Other amenities include air conditioning and a laptop safe.

Deluxe King Room This larger room has a king-size bed, a desk, free WiFi and a 40-inch flat-screen HDTV. Other amenities include air conditioning and a laptop safe.

Executive King Room This larger room offers exclusive access to the Executive Lounge with a range of benefits, including complimentary Continental breakfast, drinks and snacks. The room also has a desk, free WiFi and a 40-inch flat-screen HDTV. Other amenities include air conditioning, a laptop safe, upgraded bath products, bathrobes and slippers, fridge, coffee machine and complimentary mineral water.

Junior Suite This larger room offers exclusive access to the Executive Lounge with a range of benefits, including complimentary Continental breakfast, drinks and snacks. The room also has a king-size bed, a sofa bed, a desk, free WiFi and a 40-inch flat-screen HDTV. Other amenities include air conditioning, a laptop safe, upgraded bath products, bathrobes and slippers, fridge, coffee machine, complimentary mineral water and a separate seating area.

Queen Room This room has a double bed, a desk, free WiFi and a 40-inch flat-screen HDTV. Other amenities include air conditioning and a laptop safe.

Executive Queen Room This larger room offers exclusive access to the Executive Lounge with a range of benefits, including complimentary Continental breakfast, drinks and snacks. The room also has a desk, free WiFi and a 40-inch flat-screen HDTV. Other amenities include air conditioning, a laptop safe, upgraded bath products, bathrobes and slippers, fridge, coffee machine and complimentary mineral water.

Double Room with Two Double Beds - Mobility Accessible The quadruple room provides air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom featuring a hairdryer. This quadruple room features a safe deposit box, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 2 beds.

Queen Room - Mobility Access The double room provides air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom featuring a hairdryer. This double room features a safe deposit box, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.

Double Room The double room provides air conditioning and a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom featuring a hairdryer. The unit offers 1 bed.

King Room - Mobility Access The double room features air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom boasting a hairdryer. This double room has a safe deposit box, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.

King Room with Two King Beds The quadruple room features air conditioning and a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom boasting a hairdryer. The unit has 2 beds.

Guest Reviews
7.6
Good
Location
The Hilton Edinburgh Carlton is consistently praised for its exceptional location, right in the heart of Edinburgh. Guests love its proximity to major attractions like the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and various historic sites, all within walking distance. The convenience to Waverley Railway Station and ease of access to both the Old Town and New Town make it an ideal base for exploring the city.

The central placement of the hotel allows visitors to easily reach a variety of restaurants, pubs, shops and theatres, creating an outstanding experience for those wanting to delve into the local culture. Many guests appreciate the strategic position for sightseeing, highlighting that everything can be reached on foot, from St. Giles Cathedral to the bustling Princes Street.

In addition to its prime location, the hotel also receives accolades for its cleanliness, spacious rooms, helpful staff and overall facilities, which contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Whether visiting for leisure or business, the convenience of being situated in such a central spot cannot be overstated. The Hilton Edinburgh Carlton is lauded as one of the best options for those looking to immerse themselves in the charm and history of this captivating city.

Breakfast
The Hilton Edinburgh Carlton receives generally positive feedback about its breakfast offerings, though there are some mixed opinions. Many guests praised the breakfast as excellent, high-quality and delicious, noting the extensive buffet with a wide variety of choices. Some reviews described the breakfast as one of the best they've ever seen with options catering to varied tastes, including good vegetarian options and gluten-free choices.

Several guests appreciated the inclusion of breakfast with their stay and the plentiful selection that included both hot and cold items. The breakfast was frequently described as amazing with lots of choice and a highlight of their stay. The friendly and helpful staff during breakfast service also contributed positively to the overall experience.

However, there were also some criticisms. A recurring issue was the temperature of the hot food with several guests mentioning that items were often cold or lukewarm. Others felt that the breakfast was overpriced and that the quality and variety did not justify the cost. Some found the breakfast to be basic or disappointing with a few noting the lack of vegetables and limited options for continental breakfast. Additionally, some guests faced long queues and slow service, which impacted their dining experience.

Overall, while the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton's breakfast is generally well-received for its variety and quality, there are areas for improvement, particularly concerning food temperature and value for money.

Dinner
At the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton, dining experiences have mixed feedback with several positive remarks, particularly highlighting the bar and certain restaurant dishes. The bar received praise for its lunch, drinks and excellent fish and chips. Guests also enjoyed nice pies and drinks and remarked on the lovely bar area and reasonably priced drinks. The signature restaurant, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, had a few fans who appreciated its steaks and seafood starters, though it was often described as disappointing and overpriced with several patrons noting that it didn't meet their expectations.

The main hotel restaurant saw mixed reviews. Some guests enjoyed good food and there were mentions of excellent meals and attentive, hospitable staff. Specific dishes, including sweet and savory options at breakfast, were highlighted positively by some. Conversely, others experienced poor food quality, issues with undercooked meals and unremarkable service. The restaurant's inconsistency extended to room service, which was often critiqued for being cold and bland.

Operational details caused frustration for some guests, such as the bar closing early and the restaurant's occasional unavailability or early refusal of service. The dining options were sparse, particularly noted in in-room dining and certain traditional Scottish foods were lacking. Despite these issues, the location's overall ambiance, great food in the restaurant and bar and welcoming staff left a positive impression on many visitors. Overall, while the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton offers some dining highlights, potential guests may want to manage their expectations and be prepared for a few inconsistencies.

Rooms
The Hilton Edinburgh Carlton offers a mixed bag of experiences when it comes to its rooms. Many guests have praised the hotel for its spacious, comfortable and clean rooms, noting features like high ceilings, modern furnishings and nice views of Edinburgh. Several reviews highlight the rooms as bright, airy and well-equipped with amenities like good-sized televisions, hair dryers and iron facilities. Some guests mentioned receiving upgrades to larger rooms or suites, which added to their positive stay.

However, there are numerous comments on room size with several guests finding their rooms smaller than expected or cramped, despite the hotel's room descriptions and photos. Cleanliness varied significantly between reviews; while some guests found their rooms spotless and well-maintained, others noted issues like dirty carpets, mold and leftover items from previous guests. The bathroom conditions also drew mixed reactions—some were pleased with new shower facilities and ample towels, while others criticized outdated fixtures, stained tiles and inadequate cleaning.

Certain rooms had problems with noise, temperature control and odors. Complaints included rooms being too cold or too hot, thin walls leading to poor sound insulation and musty or smoky smells. The hotel’s older style was both a charm and a drawback; some appreciated the classic feel, while others felt the rooms were outdated and in need of refurbishment.

Service inconsistencies were also evident. Some guests experienced delays in getting their rooms ready, even past the check-in time and intermittent housekeeping services. Guests also highlighted missing amenities such as fridges, bathrobes, slippers and basic toiletries, which detracted from the overall standard expected of a Hilton.

In summary, while many guests enjoyed spacious, comfortable rooms with great views and modern touches, others encountered issues with size, cleanliness, outdated facilities and service lapses. The Hilton Edinburgh Carlton seems to offer a variable experience heavily dependent on room allocation and individual expectations.

Beds
Travelers visiting the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton have varied experiences with the beds in their rooms. Many guests highlight the comfort of the beds with several praising them as very comfortable and some even calling them the comfiest beds they've ever slept on. The bedding quality also receives commendations for being top-notch with clean, crisp white linen further enhancing the sleep experience.

However, not all guests share this favorable view. Some comments point out issues such as beds being too soft or hard, narrow double beds that some found restrictive and discomfort with the softness of pillows. In family rooms, bed configurations sometimes fell short with pull-out couches and spare beds not meeting comfort expectations. A few guests also mentioned smaller-sized beds that did not suit all parties and occasional instances of beds being unstable or not properly made up.

Overall, while many guests find the beds at Hilton Edinburgh Carlton to be exceptionally comfortable, there are mixed experiences with some guests finding room for improvement in terms of bed size, firmness and pillow quality.

Cleanliness
The Hilton Edinburgh Carlton has received mixed reviews regarding cleanliness from its guests. Many visitors were pleased, noting that the hotel was generally clean and well-maintained. They highlighted clean and comfortable rooms, modern decor and spotless bathrooms. The public areas of the hotel, including reception and corridors, were often described as immaculate. Guests frequently mentioned a top-class standard of cleanliness with some calling the property super clean and tastefully decorated.

However, there were notable criticisms. Some guests found their rooms not properly cleaned upon arrival with issues like dust, dirty carpets, mould in bathrooms and leftover items from previous guests. Others pointed out that the housekeeping service did not meet expectations consistently and the cleanliness of the common areas like the bar and hallways also received some negative comments. The overall feedback suggests that while the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton can offer a clean environment and comfortable stay, there are inconsistencies in maintaining these standards that potential guests should be aware of.

Staff
At the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton, guests frequently highlight their positive experiences with the hotel staff. Words like friendly, helpful and polite repeatedly appear in reviews, painting a picture of a welcoming environment. Many guests found the staff to be exceptionally kind, knowledgeable and attentive, making their stay more enjoyable. Particularly appreciated were the reception and bar staff with some names like Kym and Ciara being mentioned for their outstanding service.

However, it wasn't all smooth sailing, as a few reviews pointed out instances of rudeness and unresponsiveness. Some guests mentioned that the front desk occasionally failed to answer calls or address complaints effectively and a handful of interactions were described as blunt or disinterested.

Overall, the positive feedback significantly outweighs the negative with the majority of guests praising the staff's professionalism and warmth, which often enhanced their stay at the hotel.

Wi-Fi
Travelers visiting the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton have varied experiences with the hotel's WiFi services. Many guests found the WiFi to be fast, reliable and easy to connect to, reporting strong and consistent signals throughout the property. There were several mentions of excellent and free WiFi access with some describing it as dependable and working well even during their entire stay.

However, not all experiences were positive. Some guests faced challenges with the WiFi, noting that it was not user-friendly and occasionally required multiple log-ins. In some cases, the internet connection was reported to be weak, slow or even nonexistent, particularly in rooms located further from the center of the hotel. A few guests mentioned the need for stronger signals and better availability.

Despite these mixed reviews, the general consensus reflects that when the WiFi worked, it worked very well, providing reliable internet access to guests during their stay.

Gym
The Hilton Edinburgh Carlton garners a mixture of feedback regarding its gym facilities. On the positive side, many guests appreciated the well-equipped, clean and spacious gym, noting it had a good variety of equipment and was sufficient for their needs. The gym was often described as modern, convenient and well-maintained with some reviews highlighting it as a significant asset of the hotel. Several guests found the fitness center facilities excellent, contributing to their overall positive experience.

However, there were some negative remarks with a few guests pointing out that the gym facilities were either out of use, under construction or not present despite being advertised. Some found the gym to be small or had limited facilities, although still adequate for basic needs. There were also mentions of poor service in relation to the gym facilities.

Overall, while many guests found the gym to be a valuable and enjoyable part of their stay, there were inconsistencies that affected some visitors' experiences.

Family
The Hilton Edinburgh Carlton offers a commendable experience for families visiting the historic city. The hotel is notably family-friendly with spacious accommodations tailored for guests with children, such as the well-appointed family room which many found roomy and comfortable. Families particularly appreciated having enough space in the rooms, equipped with multiple double beds and thoughtful amenities aimed at ensuring a comfortable stay for both adults and children.

The hotel staff garnered high praise for their exceptional service and attentiveness towards families, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The family-oriented services and facilities received considerable accolades, making it an ideal choice for family vacations. Children seemed to enjoy their stay as well and the hotel's kid-friendly environment added to the overall positive experience.

Location-wise, the hotel is conveniently situated within walking distance to various attractions, making it easy for families to explore Edinburgh. Additionally, the breakfast offerings were appreciated for their variety and taste, although there were some concerns about the timing not being optimal for families with very early schedules.

While most feedback was positive, some guests noted that navigating the hotel with large suitcases or managing certain room configurations presented minor inconveniences. Despite this, the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton remains highly recommended for families seeking a comfortable and welcoming stay in Edinburgh with many expressing intentions to return and recommending it to others.

Nightlife
Hilton Edinburgh Carlton boasts a prime location for those eager to soak up Edinburgh's vibrant nightlife. Situated centrally, guests have easy walking access to an array of fantastic bars, super restaurants and pulsating nightclubs. The lively scene offers abundant pubs and nightlife options just a stone's throw away, making it an ideal spot for evening entertainment.

While the location is a dream for nightlife enthusiasts, some have noted the potential for noise, particularly from nearby parties and clubs, which can permeate the hotel's atmosphere. Nevertheless, its strategic position right amidst the excitement is perfect for those seeking to experience the best of Edinburgh's nightlife. The convenience of having so many evening hotspots close by can enhance the overall stay for those who thrive in a lively urban environment.

4 Star
The Hilton Edinburgh Carlton offers a comfortable and centrally located four-star stay with excellent transportation links and clean rooms. Guests appreciated the good-sized, clean family rooms and the very comfortable beds, which contributed to a generally pleasant experience. The staff were frequently described as fabulous, enhancing the overall atmosphere with their service.

Despite these positive aspects, some reviews indicated that the hotel did not consistently meet the high standards expected of a Hilton four-star property. Criticisms included a lack of certain facilities and variety, notably during breakfast, which was found lacking in options and variety even though the breakfast itself was generally deemed good.

Some guests felt that the quality and amenities provided fell short of typical four-star expectations, highlighting issues such as musty rooms, mouldy shower seals and thin walls. The overall sentiment suggested a disparity between the hotel's four-star rating and the actual experience with several guests hoping for more from a Hilton-branded establishment given the high prices charged.

Nevertheless, the comfort of the beds, the central location and the cleanliness of the rooms were consistent strong points, making it a reasonable choice for those looking for a centrally located stay with dependable, if not exceptional, four-star amenities.

Business
The Hilton Edinburgh Carlton emerges as a reliable option for business travelers, though there are areas that could use attention. Boasting a prime location, the hotel ensures easy access to local business destinations, making it particularly suitable for work-related stays and meetings. The range of business-centric amenities, including meeting rooms, a business center and high-standard conference facilities, has been highlighted as excellent and useful for various professional needs.

Guests have noted the decor of the business rooms and the overall comfortable work environment as conducive to productivity. The hotel provides practical business traveler perks such as ironing boards and desks, enhancing the convenience for those on work trips. There is appreciation for the effort in managing the business facilities, which are generally labeled as reliable and well-suited for business purposes.

However, the hotel does have shortcomings that need addressing. The conference rooms, although excellent, have received criticism for not being cleaned adequately with complaints of dirty dishes and a lack of expected refreshments like fruit. Additionally, minor oversights such as missing items in the rooms (tea, milk, sugar) and the occasional lack of communication regarding inclusives (tickets, breakfast) have been mentioned.

Overall, the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton offers a strong suite of business-friendly services, making it an ideal destination for business travelers seeking a comfortable and productive stay.

Accessible
The Hilton Edinburgh Carlton receives generally positive feedback regarding its accessibility for guests with disabilities. Many patrons noted that the hotel is easily accessible and well-connected, especially by train. The location is convenient with a one-way system and ramp access throughout, making it easy for wheelchair users to navigate.

The hotel boasts accessible rooms, bathrooms and public areas, ensuring comfort and ease for disabled guests. The facilities are described as disabled-friendly with features thoughtfully designed for those with mobility issues and visual impairments. Lift access on every floor further enhances convenience.

Guests appreciated the disabled-friendly layout and the availability of mobility aids. The hotel staff received commendations for providing wonderful support to disabled guests, making their stay more comfortable.

However, a few concerns were raised. Some guests mentioned the lack of designated disabled parking, which posed challenges, especially when alternative parking options required a steep walk. Additionally, construction nearby occasionally caused inconvenience. Despite these minor issues, the general consensus is that Hilton Edinburgh Carlton offers impressive accessibility features, making it a viable option for travelers with disabilities.

Honeymoon
The Hilton Edinburgh Carlton is highly praised by guests as an exceptional destination for honeymooners. Reviewers frequently highlight its romantic honeymoon vibe and describe it as a great honeymoon spot and an ideal retreat for newlyweds. Many appreciated the honeymoon room upgrades and special decorations, noting the details and gift surprises that made their experience memorable. The positive feedback often mentions the perfect honeymoon location with amenities and services that cater specifically to couples. Guests who have celebrated their honeymoons here cherish the wonderful memories, citing extraordinary service that made their stay extra special. This hotel comes highly recommended for those seeking a perfect and romantic getaway.

Luxury
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton offers a stay marked by its elegance and luxury. Guests are greeted by a luxurious ambiance as they step into this centrally located, upmarket hotel. Accommodations are reported to be spacious with some rooms providing grand views of the iconic Royal Mile. The luxurious rooms are complemented by high-end fittings, premium bed linens and top-notch bath products, all contributing to a comfortable and opulent stay.

The breakfast experience at the hotel is another highlight with many guests praising the luxurious breakfast spread and friendly staff, although some felt the price for children was steep. Despite minor language barriers with some staff members, the service is generally described as helpful and attentive.

However, opinions about the hotel's luxury status vary slightly. While many regard it as a high-end luxury hotel with numerous luxury touches throughout, a few guests expected a higher level of opulence for the price. Nevertheless, the overall impression points to a sophisticated 4-star experience, perfect for travelers seeking comfort and elegance in a prime location.

Romantic
Hilton Edinburgh Carlton has received praise for being an ideal destination for a romantic getaway. The hotel is noted for its romantic atmosphere and ambiance, making it a perfect spot for couples and those celebrating special occasions like anniversaries or honeymoons. Guests have appreciated its romantic setting and theme with many highlighting the romanticized decor and lighting that helps create a romantic mood throughout. The hotel is referred to as a romantic place to celebrate and is considered perfect for a romantic retreat or escape.

Couples have enjoyed romantic dinner experiences and evening strolls nearby, which are aided by the hotel's close proximity to romantic scenery. The rooms are described as clean and modern, adding a touch of luxury to the romantic experience. Despite a few mentions of the bar closing early on a Saturday night, the overall romantic vibe of the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton has left guests with such an amazing stay, enriched by romantic surprises throughout their visit.


No, Hilton Edinburgh Carlton doesn't have any pool.

No, a spa isn't available at Hilton Edinburgh Carlton.

No, Hilton Edinburgh Carlton doesn't allow dogs.

No, parking facilities aren't available at Hilton Edinburgh Carlton.

Yes, Hilton Edinburgh Carlton has a gym.

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