Corstorphine Lodge Hotel

This establishment is strategically located, offering convenient public transport access that makes it an ideal base for exploring the city and reaching the airport with ease. Its signature feature is the provision of spacious rooms, particularly well-suited for families and groups, ensuring a comfortable stay. Guests frequently highlight the friendly and helpful staff who contribute positively to the overall experience. While the hotel's dated appearance is a common observation, many find it offers good value for money, especially for budget-conscious travelers and those needing a practical stopover. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to manage expectations regarding modern amenities and be prepared for potential noise from corridors or traffic, though the excellent transport links directly outside the property are a significant advantage.

Facilities & Amenities
Guest feedback on the hotel's facilities is mixed, with many noting a general sense of being dated and in need of refurbishment. The advertised lounge and bar areas are often described as minimal or non-existent, with the bar sometimes reduced to just a fridge in the reception area. A significant point of concern for many is the absence of an elevator, making the narrow and sometimes spiral stairs challenging for guests with heavy luggage or mobility issues. While some guests reported functional Wi-Fi, others experienced connectivity problems throughout their stay, particularly in rooms further from the main building. Parking is another area of varied feedback; some guests found free street parking nearby, while others noted its scarcity or difficulty, especially during peak times.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The room size is consistently praised, with many guests finding the accommodations, especially family rooms, to be very spacious. However, opinions on cleanliness and comfort vary significantly. While some guests reported clean rooms and comfortable beds, others described issues such as dust, mold in the bathroom, sticky floors, and mattresses with protruding springs or being too soft. Noise levels are a frequent complaint, with guests reporting disturbances from thin walls, corridor activity, and street traffic, particularly in rooms facing the main road. The bathroom condition often receives criticism, with mentions of awkward layouts, small sinks, shower temperature fluctuations (from scalding hot to freezing cold), poor drainage, and even leaking toilets. Some rooms were noted as being cold, lacking air conditioning, or having heating issues. Basic amenities like tea and coffee facilities are provided, though some found kettles to be dirty, and TVs were sometimes reported as small or non-functional.

Dining & Food Quality
Breakfast is a topic of varied opinion among guests. Many reviews praise the breakfast as excellent, very good, or perfect, highlighting the quality and the friendliness of the chef. Some guests appreciated the availability of cooked options, often requiring pre-ordering. However, a notable number of reviews describe the breakfast as not good, poor quality, basic, or overpriced, with some guests suggesting it consisted of low-quality supermarket ingredients. The hotel's restaurant and bar facilities are frequently mentioned as being either closed, non-existent, or very minimal, leading some guests to seek dining options at nearby establishments.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major highlight for most guests, offering exceptional accessibility to key areas. It is particularly convenient for travelers needing access to the airport, with bus stops for the airport link bus just a short walk away, providing a quick 15-minute journey. Similarly, the city center is easily reachable, with frequent bus stops directly outside the hotel, allowing for a 20-30 minute ride into the heart of the city. The surrounding area is well-equipped with local amenities, including various shops, cafes, restaurants, and a supermarket. The Edinburgh Zoo is also within walking distance. While some guests found parking challenging, others noted the availability of free street parking nearby.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and welcoming demeanor. Many guests highlighted their attentiveness and willingness to assist with requests, contributing to a positive experience. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient, with clear instructions provided for late arrivals. However, there are some isolated reports of unhelpful management and staff not being present during check-out. While some guests noted regular housekeeping and fresh towels, others experienced issues such as rooms being hardly cleaned or "do not disturb" signs being ignored. Overall, the positive interactions with the staff are a recurring theme, often compensating for other aspects of the hotel.

Additional Information
A significant and frequently mentioned aspect of the hotel is its dated decor and overall appearance, with many guests noting that the property is in need of considerable refurbishment needs and general "TLC." This includes observations of ancient furnishings, peeling wallpaper, and a general sense of being tired. Some guests reported unusual smells in certain areas, ranging from a curry-like scent in the entrance to strong perfume or incense in rooms. There were also isolated security concerns raised, including reports of an unlocked front door. The hotel operates with a traditional key system, providing guests with a physical key for both their room and the main access door. Despite the dated aspects, some guests appreciated the historic character of the old building.