Premier Inn Edinburgh East

This hotel is often chosen for its comfortable beds and its convenient bus links to the city center, making it a practical base for sightseers and budget-conscious travelers looking to explore Edinburgh without staying directly in the more expensive central areas. While many guests appreciate the overall value, the hotel's age and need for modernization are frequently noted, impacting various aspects of the stay. The staff generally receives mixed feedback, with some individuals highlighted for their exceptional helpfulness, while others are described as less welcoming. For a more comfortable experience, guests might consider requesting a room away from noisy delivery areas and being prepared for the hotel's older aesthetic.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides essential facilities for a stay, though some are noted to be dated or have issues. Guests appreciate the availability of a fan in rooms, as there is no air conditioning, which can make rooms overly warm. While there is an elevator, several reviews mention it being out of order, requiring guests to use stairs, which can be inconvenient, especially with luggage. Wi-Fi is available, but some guests found it to be weak or intermittent. The hotel also features an attached restaurant and bar, offering convenience for dining and drinks on-site. A nearby Tesco Express is frequently mentioned as a useful amenity for purchasing snacks and other necessities.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably mixed, with many guests expressing significant concerns. While some rooms are described as clean and tidy with comfortable beds, a substantial number of reviews highlight issues such as grubby flooring, cobwebs, dust, and unhoovered carpets. More critically, several guests reported mold (including black mold) and dampness in rooms and bathrooms, leading to unpleasant smells. Rooms are often described as dated and in need of updating or refurbishment. Amenities like fridges, irons, phones, and sufficient plug sockets near beds are often missing. Noise can also be an issue, with reports of street noise, boiler noise, keg delivery disturbances, and thin walls allowing sounds from adjacent rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's attached restaurant, a Beefeater, receives varied feedback regarding its dining experience. While some guests found the dinner to be very good and reasonably priced, others reported limited menu options, items being unavailable, and the restaurant being cold. Breakfast is a frequent topic, with many guests finding it to be average or disappointing, citing issues like overcooked food, missing items, and a lack of variety in the continental selection, including no pastries or fresh orange juice. Service in the restaurant can also be inconsistent, with some staff being praised for their attentiveness, while others are described as unfriendly or overwhelmed, leading to long waits for seating and service.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered convenient for those looking to explore Edinburgh without staying in the bustling city center. It is situated on a main road and offers easy bus access to the city, with a bus stop just a few minutes' walk away. Bus journeys to central Edinburgh typically take around 15-25 minutes, making it accessible for sightseeing. The hotel also offers parking, which is a significant advantage, though it comes with a daily fee. Its proximity to Holyrood Park and Portobello Beach provides additional recreational options. While outside the city's Low Emission Zone (LEZ), its excellent public transport links make navigating the area straightforward.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel elicit a wide range of responses from guests. Many reviews commend individual staff members, particularly at reception, for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, and welcoming, going out of their way to assist guests with travel information and requests. The check-in process is often described as quick and simple. However, a notable number of guests reported negative interactions, describing some staff as rude, dismissive, or unhelpful, particularly during busy periods or when issues arose. There are also recurring comments about a perceived shortage of staff, leading to long waits at reception and in the restaurant, and inconsistencies in housekeeping service, such as beds not being made daily or amenities not being replenished without specific requests.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is an older building and its age is reflected in its decor and some of its facilities, which many feel are in desperate need of modernization. Some guests experienced significant issues with the hotel's website when trying to book, reporting difficulties with navigation and inconsistent pricing. There were also isolated but concerning incidents, such as a fire alarm evacuation where guests felt unguided by staff, and reports of staff attempting to enter rooms prematurely before check-out time. The hotel's bar sometimes closes earlier than expected, which can be an inconvenience for guests looking for late-night refreshments.