Great Western Hotel Aberdeen

This hotel is widely recognized for its lively bar and restaurant, which serves as a popular gathering spot for both guests and locals, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Guests frequently highlight the friendly and helpful staff, the convenient location, and the generally good food available on-site. While many appreciate the hotel's cleanliness and value for money, some reviews indicate that certain areas and rooms appear dated or in need of refurbishment. The hotel is well-suited for couples seeking a night out, business travelers needing an overnight stay, and dog owners due to its pet-friendly policy. For those sensitive to noise, it is advisable to request a room away from the bar or smoking areas, and guests should be aware that on-site parking is limited, though ample street parking is available nearby.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities that contribute to the guest experience, including a popular bar and restaurant area that often hosts live entertainment. Guests appreciate the availability of Wi-Fi, which is generally reported to work well in rooms. Some rooms are equipped with a balcony, providing an outdoor space, though these can be subject to noise from the smoking area below. In-room amenities typically include tea and coffee making facilities. However, several guests noted the absence of an elevator, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues or heavy luggage, as well as a lack of storage options like drawers in some rooms. Additionally, some guests reported issues with non-functional extractor fans in bathrooms and the absence of hairdryers or irons in rooms, requiring requests from the reception.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is varied. Many guests found their rooms to be clean and comfortable, with some praising the spaciousness and good heating. However, a significant number of reviews describe rooms as dated, tired, or in need of refurbishment, with issues such as stained carpets, cracked window ledges, and unpleasant odors. The beds received mixed reviews, with some finding them comfortable while others described them as hard or having old spring mattresses. Bathroom conditions also varied, with some being new and well-designed, featuring good showers, while others were criticized for being small, having messy showers, broken shower heads, slack toilet seats, or visible mold around the shower area. Noise levels are a recurring concern, stemming from the lively bar, the outdoor smoking area, squeaky floorboards, and sound transfer from adjacent rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options, primarily centered around its bar and restaurant, receive widespread praise for their food quality and value. Many guests commend the excellent food, highlighting generous portions and tasty dishes such as the Sunday Roast, nachos, and various seafood options like halibut and haddock. The bar atmosphere is consistently described as lively, friendly, and popular with locals, making it a pleasant spot for a meal or drinks. While the food is generally well-regarded, a few guests expressed disappointment with certain dishes, describing them as overpriced or tasteless, and some noted slow service. It is important to note that breakfast is not offered at the hotel, a point frequently mentioned by guests, though nearby cafes are available.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a convenient location in the West End of Aberdeen, making it easily accessible for guests. Many reviews highlight its proximity to the city centre, with popular areas like Union Street and Aberdeen High Street being within a 10 to 25-minute walking distance. This central positioning is ideal for exploring the city's sights and attractions. For those relying on public transport, the hotel is well-served by buses. Parking is a notable aspect; while the hotel has limited on-site spaces, guests frequently mention the availability of free street parking in the surrounding residential area, which is generally considered safe. This combination of central location and accessible parking makes the hotel a practical choice for various travelers.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel consistently receive high praise from guests. Reviewers frequently describe the staff as friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional, often going "above and beyond" to ensure a positive experience. The bar staff and reception staff are particularly commended for their welcoming demeanor and efficiency. While many experienced a seamless check-in process, some noted instances where the reception desk was not consistently manned, requiring guests to ring a bell or seek assistance in the bar area. Housekeeping service received mixed feedback, with some guests reporting issues like rooms not being cleaned daily. Overall, the staff's commitment to providing excellent service is a strong positive, contributing significantly to guest satisfaction.

Additional Information
A key piece of information for potential guests is the absence of an elevator within the hotel, meaning all rooms are accessed via stairs. This is particularly relevant for older guests or those traveling with significant luggage. The hotel maintains a dog-friendly policy, which is highly appreciated by pet owners, allowing them to bring their companions into certain areas, including the bar. Some rooms are equipped with Roku TV, enabling guests to access their personal streaming services. While the hotel does not offer breakfast, staff are generally helpful in recommending nearby cafes. Guests should also be aware that some rooms, particularly those above the bar or smoking areas, may experience noise during the evening, though many rooms are reported to be well soundproofed.