Premier Inn Edinburgh Airport - M9 Jct1

This hotel serves as a practical and often comfortable stopover, particularly for airport travelers seeking convenience before or after flights. Its signature feature is its proximity to the airport coupled with ample parking, though guests should note this comes with a fee. Many guests highlight the friendly and helpful staff as a significant positive, alongside the comfortable beds and the quality of the breakfast. While generally clean, some rooms show signs of age. The hotel is also well-suited for business travelers due to its motorway access and for festival/event attendees given its location near venues. For families, the hotel offers suitable accommodations and dining options. To ensure a smooth experience, it is advisable to book dinner reservations in advance, as the restaurant can experience capacity issues, and be prepared for the additional parking charge.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides various facilities to enhance guest convenience, though some come with caveats. Parking is readily available on-site, which is a significant advantage for those traveling by car, but it incurs a daily fee and can become quite busy, sometimes leading to difficulty finding a space. While free Wi-Fi is offered, many guests find its performance insufficient for streaming or more demanding tasks, often necessitating an upgrade to a premium, paid service for better connectivity. Rooms are equipped with basic tea and coffee facilities, providing a simple refreshment option. The hotel also features a bar area, typically integrated with the restaurant, offering a place for guests to relax and enjoy drinks. However, there is no dedicated luggage storage area, which can be inconvenient for guests with early arrivals or late departures.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is mixed but detailed. Most guests find the rooms to be clean and appreciate the comfortable beds, which contribute to a restful night's sleep. Many also note the spacious rooms, providing ample space for relaxation. The power shower is frequently highlighted as a positive feature, offering a refreshing experience. However, some guests report that rooms can appear run-down or shabby, with visible marks on walls or stained carpets, indicating a need for refurbishment. A recurring complaint is that windows do not open, leading to stuffy or warm conditions, compounded by inconsistent air conditioning that may blow cold air or fail to heat the room adequately. While some guests experience quiet stays, others mention noise levels from other guests or early morning flights. Additionally, the TV in the rooms is often described as small.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives varied feedback, with breakfast being a consistent highlight. Guests frequently praise the breakfast variety, noting options from full cooked meals to continental selections, and describe the food as tasty, fresh, and of good quality. However, the restaurant for dinner often faces significant challenges. Many guests report capacity issues, leading to long waits or being turned away, even when tables appear empty, making advance booking essential. The kitchen also has early closing times, typically by 9 PM, which can be problematic for late arrivals. While the overall food quality in the restaurant is generally considered decent, some find it mediocre, bland, or overpriced for what is offered, with limited vegetarian options. The bar area, often integrated with the restaurant, can also experience understaffing, impacting service speed.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is primarily advantageous for airport travelers due to its close proximity, typically a 5-10 minute drive. It also offers easy access to major motorways, making it convenient for those traveling by car. However, despite its name, the hotel is not within walking distance of the airport, and guests frequently highlight the high cost of taxis to and from the airport. There is no shuttle bus service provided by the hotel, which adds to the transportation challenge. The hotel is situated in an isolated area, surrounded by car dealerships and an industrial estate, meaning there are no nearby shops, restaurants, or amenities within walking distance. While there are bus stops close by offering regular services to the city center, Murrayfield, and the Royal Highland Centre, guests without a car will find their options limited to the hotel's facilities or public transport.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel receive predominantly positive feedback, with many guests commending the friendly and helpful staff who are often described as attentive and professional. They are frequently praised for going above and beyond, offering directions, local tips, and assistance with various requests. However, the check-in process can be inconsistent; while some experience a quick check-in, others encounter issues with broken self-service machines, leading to long waits or a lack of staff presence at reception. Some guests have reported instances of impersonal or rude staff during check-in or other interactions, which detracts from the overall experience. A recurring theme is understaffing, particularly in the bar and restaurant areas, which can lead to slower service and staff appearing rushed, despite their best efforts to remain accommodating.

Additional Information
A crucial piece of information for prospective guests is the paid parking policy, which is a frequent point of contention. Despite ample space, guests are charged a daily fee for on-site parking, a change from previous free arrangements that often surprises and frustrates visitors. While some areas of the hotel, such as the lobby, appear to have undergone recent renovation, many guest rooms are described as showing signs of age and wear, suggesting a need for further updates. Despite its close proximity to the airport and being under a flight path, the hotel generally boasts effective soundproofing, with many guests reporting minimal disturbance from aircraft noise, allowing for a relatively quiet stay. This feature is particularly beneficial for those seeking a peaceful night's rest before or after a flight.