Novotel Edinburgh Centre

Lovely breakfast, something for everyone.. don’t understand the reviews that complain about breakfast when you are spoilt for choice, even vegan options! Lovely staff really helpful and friendly- especially on reception. There was also a pool and a gym which yes they were small but it has everything you need to have a good workout, maybe not a full gym but don’t forget this is a hotel, many hotels don’t have a gym or a pool at all! Overall would stay here again!

Only slight problem we found was that the room was very cold with no heating system and more of an air cooler that we couldn’t switch off, but the lovely staff helped us with this problem and provided us with another duvet, so it’s not much of an issue.

Staff were fantastic throughout our stay. We got to check in a little early when we arrived and because we had told staff it was a special occasion they put a lovely card and chocolate dessert in our room for our arrival! Such a lovely touch. The pool and jacuzzi/sauna area was small but a clean and relaxing environment. Liked the addition of the ice machine in the landing for when we were having drinks in our room.

Not the hotel or staffs fault at all but a lot of guests didn't wear masks in the hotel and tried to enter a small lift multiple times with us while not wearing a mask, even though there are clear signs everywhere stating the covid rules. Someone to enforce these rules around the hotel for the safety of everyone would be a great addition.

The hotel's location was excellent, just a short distance from the castle and surrounded by plenty of dining and drinking options. The spacious rooms and excellent facilities were a highlight of our stay.

Our experience was slightly marred by a delayed check-in for one of our rooms, which took over an hour past the designated time. Additionally, one of our rooms was not as clean as we would have liked.

Our overall stay was good. There was a swimming pool and a hot tub which was free to use. We also liked the stylish bar that was part of the hotel. The rooms were clean and there were tea making facilities. There is also a hairdryer and an iron and ironing board in the rooms which is handy. There is a taxi button at the front desk which you press and a taxi arrives within minutes. The hotel is very central and in a great location.

You did not have your room made up daily unless you asked at reception. You therefore have to ask for clean towels, toilet roll and coffee or tea bags/milk. The layout of the room was strange and there was a tiny toilet room and separate shower room. There was not enough storage in the room leaving us with only one small wardrobe.

Breakfast was amazing. Great quality, highly recommended. We decided to eat in at the bar each evening as it was great value and good food. Swimming pool is a bonus for young kids, just have to go when quiet, mid afternoon.

Did NOT expect dogs in a hotel!! My young kids are scared of dogs and going outside the main door to do their business wasn’t very clean. Pool is too small for number of residents. Sticky residue on room carpet from previous guests. One odd sock was found in room from previous residents. Hair band was from previous ones. DO NOT think the room was cleaned half before our arrival

location was great not too far to walk to the royal mile, Sainsbury's local just down the road was handy, easy walking distance to 4/5 best trip advisor steak houses in Edinburgh. Room was a decent size, mini fridge, kettle, etc as you would expect, it was also clean, surprisingly quiet, shower was excellent. Room was very secure, elevators only work with key card, safe provided in room. swimming pool was great and was quiet when we used it around 7pm but no privacy in the changing room other than one for girls and one for boys. breakfast was great, lots of choices both hot and cold, decent coffee machines, waffle station, etc excellent staff on hand for help, high chairs available, plates cleaned away promptly when empty staff were excellent, polite and helpful

The bed was a little too firm for my liking so didnt get the best of sleep, but could just be my own preference The TV in the room is nice but rather naff, so so slow to change channel or tv guide not working. Would have been nice if you could access YouTube on it as we have an autistic son with sensory needs and Freeview just doesn't cut it. Maybe smart TV are too expensive to expect in every room or tv was just locked to hospitality mode, but we managed with a tablet we took.

Staff were lovely, very helpful. Room very clean and had some beautiful welcome chocolates and a note on arrival. Pool was fun. Evening entertainment in the bar. The walk to grass Market from the hotel has stunning views of the castle.

The bathroom/shower room door was see through and it made the kids in particular very concerned to the point if not wanting to enter it. I did look at reviews before going and some said the whole room was cornered off by one way glass that was actually see through. Thankfully an actual wall was up in our room and it was just the door that was see through. It still compromised privacy and dignity though. That was the only fault overall.

The room was comfortable and plenty of space for me, my daughter and two young granddaughters. The beds were comfortable and big, with one being a sofa bed. The room was very clean and maintained throughout our stay. Luxury toiletries were provided in the bathroom with clean, large soft towels. The leisure facilities were great, although the ladies changing area was very small, my granddaughters loved the pool. Breakfast was excellent, lots of choice and plenty of food available. The bar food in the evening was very good and the live music a bonus. The location was in a quiet area, walk to major attractions and old town was about 15 to 20 mins; no problem with good walking shoes.

The ladies changing area at the pool was very small.

The facilities on offer were great a gym , pool hot tub. The breakfast was brilliant there was something for everyone from cooked food to fruit , cereal a great range. The staff were great friendly and helpful and made us feel very comfortable.

I wouldn’t say it is something I didn’t like about the property more an oversight on my part but As a family of four staying in a room with a sofa bed and double bed it was a bit small for four of us in the one room. But after our stay I realised they have a queen suite that looks more suited for four people altogether in a room I will be booking this in future as I will definitely be returning.

The top floor had awesome views of the castle...a highlight waking up to that view and watching the sun set. Bar was great, meals were great and kids loved the pool (but let kids in hot tub too!)

Car park was way too tight and they discourage you from parking there (even though there were spots available ...) directing you to another lot 5 min away for 50% off. I told them I was parking in empty spot 4 and they could not say no as i went down and checked. Pull out for kids sucked! Needs to be way more like traditional pull out with a mattress not an ikea old pull down board bed. There is room for better pull out sofa.