Travelodge Edinburgh Central Waterloo Place

This hotel is a popular choice for its exceptional central location, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. Its signature feature is its unparalleled proximity to Waverley Station and Princes Street, placing guests at the heart of Edinburgh's attractions and transport links. The staff consistently receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing significantly to a positive stay. While generally noted for its cleanliness and comfortable beds, some guests find the room size to be quite compact. This hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and business travelers seeking a convenient, no-frills base, as well as couples and friends on short city breaks. To ensure a more restful experience, guests sensitive to noise should consider requesting a room away from the street, and it is advisable to bring your own toiletries as some standard amenities may be lacking.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a basic range of facilities, with a notable point of feedback being the Wi-Fi policy; guests receive only 30 minutes of complimentary access per day, with additional usage requiring a purchase, which many find restrictive. While a vending machine is available, some guests reported it to be temperamental. A significant and recurring concern is the complete lack of on-site luggage storage facilities, both for early arrivals and post-checkout, forcing guests to use expensive off-site services at the train station or other locations, which causes considerable inconvenience and frustration. In-room amenities include a TV, though its size is often described as small, and its quality and channel selection can be limited. Some rooms also feature USB charging points, though not all are consistently functional, and the number of traditional plug sockets can be sparse, prompting some to suggest bringing an extension bar.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is mixed but generally leans positive for basic upkeep. Most guests find the rooms to be clean, with many praising the comfortable beds and hot showers, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, some reviews highlight issues such as dirty carpets, stains on walls, and mould in bathrooms, indicating inconsistencies in maintenance. Rooms are frequently described as small or tiny, with limited space for luggage and movement, which can feel claustrophobic to some. A major recurring issue is noise levels, both from outside (traffic, street activity, bottle bins, construction) and inside the hotel (creaky floorboards, hallway noise, adjacent rooms), significantly impacting sleep quality for light sleepers. Bathrooms are often noted as basic and small, with some guests finding the toilet unusually low and the shower pressure inconsistent. Other common complaints include the absence of a bath mat, leading to slippery floors, and a general lack of standard amenities like hand towels or sufficient shelving.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not feature a traditional restaurant or a full breakfast buffet, instead offering a breakfast box or "picnic breakfast" service. While some guests find this option convenient and sufficient for a quick start to the day, providing items like cereal, fruit, and a pastry, others express disappointment with the limited choices. There is a notable lack of variety and specific dietary options, such as vegan or lactose-free alternatives, which can be a significant drawback for guests with particular needs. The coffee from the in-house machine is generally well-regarded by those who opt for the breakfast box. Given the hotel's central location, guests have abundant nearby dining options, including numerous pubs, cafes, and eateries within easy walking distance, which many choose to utilize for their meals. This setup aligns with the hotel's "no-frills" approach, catering to guests who prefer to explore local culinary offerings rather than dine on-site, making it suitable for those who prioritize external dining experiences.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, making it exceptionally convenient for exploring Edinburgh. It is situated just minutes away from Waverley Station and directly off Princes Street, providing immediate access to major shopping areas and public transport. Guests appreciate its proximity to key attractions such as the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and the Playhouse Theatre, all within easy walking distance. The hotel is also well-served by bus stops directly outside, including those for hop-on-hop-off tours, and is close to the tram network. While the location is ideal for pedestrians, parking is not available on-site; guests are directed to nearby multi-story car parks like the Omni Centre, which can be expensive. Some guests note that the walk to the Royal Mile/Old Town involves an uphill incline, which is worth considering for those with mobility concerns.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Guests frequently commend the reception team for their warm welcome, efficiency during check-in, and willingness to go above and beyond to assist with requests, such as providing extra amenities or local advice. Many reviews highlight specific staff members for their outstanding customer service, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. However, a notable point of contention regarding service is the hotel's luggage storage policy. The hotel explicitly states it does not have facilities to store luggage, either for early arrivals or after check-out, which forces guests to use paid off-site services. This policy, often not clearly communicated prior to arrival, causes considerable inconvenience and frustration for many travelers, despite the staff's efforts to direct them to alternative solutions.

Additional Information
This hotel is widely described as a basic, no-frills accommodation, offering a straightforward stay primarily valued for its excellent location. While some rooms have undergone recent refurbishment, the building itself is an older structure, leading to common complaints about creaky floors and a generally dated interior in some areas. Guests frequently note the absence of certain standard amenities, such as hand towels, tumblers, or comprehensive toiletries like shower gel, which guests are advised to bring themselves. The in-room televisions are often described as very small, resembling monitors, with limited channels and occasional signal issues. Furthermore, controlling the room temperature can be challenging as heaters are sometimes locked, leading to overly warm rooms. Some guests have also reported persistent musty or damp smells in their rooms, detracting from the overall comfort.