Premier Inn Edinburgh A1 - Newcraighall

This hotel is a popular choice for its excellent location, offering convenient access to Edinburgh and nearby attractions, making it ideal for sightseers, families, and couples looking to explore the area. Its signature feature is the direct proximity to a train station, providing a quick and easy commute into the city center. Guests frequently commend the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff, as well as the highly praised breakfast experience. While many appreciate the comfortable beds and overall cleanliness, some guests note that certain aspects of the hotel's decor and facilities appear dated and could benefit from refurbishment. To make the most of your stay, consider checking train schedules in advance, as services can vary, and if you are a light sleeper, bringing earplugs might be beneficial due to potential external noise.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers practical amenities that enhance guest convenience, including a free car park which is generally spacious, though some areas may have potholes. While the free Wi-Fi is available, many guests find its performance to be poor for streaming or larger downloads, often requiring an upgrade to a paid service for better connectivity. An on-site restaurant and a hotel bar provide dining and relaxation options, with the bar noted as a pleasant spot to unwind. Air conditioning is present in rooms, though some guests report issues with its functionality, such as being centrally controlled or not working effectively, and some windows do not open, impacting ventilation. An elevator is available, but there have been isolated reports of it being out of service.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort is generally positive, with many praising the comfortable beds and the provision of spare pillows, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Rooms are often described as spacious and clean upon arrival. However, there is mixed feedback regarding the overall condition and cleanliness of the rooms and bathrooms. Some guests report issues such as stained carpets, grubby headboards, dusty surfaces, and signs of damp or mold in bathrooms, with peeling paint and non-functional lights also mentioned. While the shower is consistently praised for its good pressure and hot water, some find the bath setup for showering to be dated. Noise levels can vary, with some rooms being quiet, while others experience disturbances from creaking floorboards, thin ceilings, or train track noise, particularly in rooms facing the railway line.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as "excellent," "delicious," and "amazing." The new breakfast room within the hotel is a significant improvement, offering a pleasant and clean environment. Guests appreciate the wide variety of options, including both cooked and continental choices, with food noted for being fresh and tasty. The breakfast staff are frequently highlighted for their exceptional helpfulness, attentiveness, and willingness to accommodate specific requests, such as preparing vegan options. While the breakfast room can be small and may require booking a time slot, the quality of the food and service makes it a highly recommended start to the day. Additionally, a pub/restaurant located next door is also mentioned for offering good food and drink options.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major advantage for guests, offering excellent accessibility to various points of interest. It is conveniently situated directly across from a train station, providing a quick 10 to 15-minute journey into Edinburgh city center. A bus stop is also just a short walk away, offering another public transport option. For shopping and dining, the Fort Kinnaird Retail Park is within a five-minute walk, featuring numerous shops, food establishments, and a cinema. The hotel is easily accessible by car, located just off major road networks. While the proximity to the train line offers convenience, some guests in rooms facing the tracks note that train noise can be a disturbance, especially for light sleepers.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests frequently describing them as friendly, helpful, attentive, and welcoming. Many reviews highlight specific instances of staff going "above and beyond" to assist guests, from providing local advice and accommodating early check-ins to ensuring specific dietary needs are met at breakfast. The check-in process is generally reported as smooth and efficient. While the majority of comments praise the staff's professionalism and positive demeanor, a small number of guests have reported isolated instances of less satisfactory interactions, suggesting a need for consistent training across all team members. Overall, the dedication of the staff significantly contributes to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
A recurring theme in guest feedback is the hotel's overall condition, with many noting that it appears tired and dated, suggesting a need for a comprehensive refurbishment. Specific issues mentioned include water damage and a general sense of wear and tear throughout the property. Guests have also highlighted persistent problems with the free Wi-Fi, which is often too slow for anything beyond basic browsing, requiring payment for a faster connection. Furthermore, some rooms have windows that do not open, impacting ventilation and comfort, and there have been reports of noise from other guests due to creaking floorboards or thin ceilings. Despite these concerns, many guests express a willingness to return due to the hotel's convenient location and the excellent service provided by the staff.