Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - City West By Ihg

The hotel is widely praised for its exceptionally friendly and helpful staff, who consistently go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay for all guests. Many visitors highlight the excellent breakfast, clean and comfortable rooms, and a convenient location with easy access to the city center as key strengths. This hotel is an ideal choice for sightseers and couples looking for a comfortable base to explore the city, as well as families who appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and amenities. Business travelers also find it suitable for short stays due to its functional design and accessibility. To enhance your visit, guests recommend utilizing the public transport options directly outside the hotel for seamless city access. Be aware that parking incurs a fee, and for families, it's advisable to inquire about room configurations to ensure sufficient space and comfortable sofa beds.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the convenience of having a supermarket and other retail stores located nearby, making it easy to pick up essentials. The hotel features an on-site bar and restaurant where guests can enjoy meals, though some reviews mention a limited food menu and occasional staffing issues at the bar. For families, a dedicated book corner and an outdoor play area are available, adding to the hotel's appeal. Rooms are generally equipped with useful amenities such as an iron and ironing board, and free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property, ensuring connectivity. While the hotel offers air conditioning, some guests have reported issues with its functionality or control from the room, though staff are generally responsive. A common point of feedback is the absence of a fridge or microwave in guest rooms, which some travelers would find beneficial for longer stays or self-catering needs.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests commend the hotel for its clean rooms and comfortable beds, often highlighting the quality of sleep achieved. Many rooms offer appealing city views, and amenities like blackout shades are appreciated. However, feedback on room comfort is mixed. Some guests found the rooms, particularly for families, to be quite small, lacking sufficient storage like shelves or drawers, and often providing only one chair. Recurring concerns include visible carpet stains, a slippery bath, and issues with noise levels from elevators, air conditioning units, or adjacent rooms due to thin walls. Some older rooms show signs of wear, with peeling paint, worn down fixtures, and tiny bathrooms that may have issues like clogged shower drains, mould, or non-functional extractor fans. A few guests also noted a strong paint smell or general humidity, and some reported initial cleanliness issues such as dirty cups or sticky floors.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast consistently receives high praise, with guests often describing it as excellent and a highlight of their stay. It typically features a comprehensive selection of hot food options, including scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausages, alongside a cold buffet with croissants and cereals. Many appreciate the quick restocking of items, even during busy periods. However, some guests note that the breakfast variety can become monotonous for longer stays, and specific dietary needs, such as vegetarian options or halal meats, are sometimes limited. The breakfast area can become very crowded, leading to queues and occasional shortages of items like forks or coffee. While the hotel's restaurant and bar offer a dinner menu, feedback on food quality is mixed, with some finding dishes like fish, pie, or burgers to be overcooked or of poor quality, and the menu itself somewhat basic.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered very convenient, primarily due to the bus stop situated directly outside, offering frequent and easy access to the city center within 10 to 20 minutes. This makes it an excellent base for exploring without needing a car. Guests also appreciate the proximity to a large supermarket and a retail park, providing convenient shopping options. While the hotel offers car parking, it is a paid service, which some guests find inconvenient, especially given the slightly out-of-center location. Despite being a few miles from the absolute heart of the city, the excellent public transportation links, including connections to the airport, mitigate this distance effectively. Some guests mention a 30-40 minute walk to the city center as an alternative, and the area is well-served by taxis and ride-sharing services.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive high praise for their friendly staff, helpful staff, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to go above and beyond, from assisting with quick check-in and early arrivals to promptly addressing issues like room change requests, sink repairs, crib delivery, or AC issues. Many reviews commend the overall customer service as excellent, describing staff as professional, caring, and knowledgeable, particularly regarding local transport and attractions. Housekeeping is generally noted for keeping rooms clean and well-maintained. However, some guests have reported instances where staff appeared understaffed, leading to slower service, or seemed dismissive of complaints. There were also isolated reports of housekeeping missing daily tasks or staff entering rooms unannounced, which caused discomfort for some.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel operates a pet-friendly policy, though finding suitable outdoor areas for pets might be a minor challenge. While some amenities are covered by a potential destination fee, this is not universally mentioned. Loyal guests appreciate the rewards program benefits offered. It's worth noting that rooms typically no fridge or no microwave, which could be a consideration for longer stays or those preferring to store food. Additionally, there is no safe deposit box in rooms for valuables. A unique and unusual policy mentioned by a few guests is an early departure fee if checking out before a specific time, which can be confusing. The hotel generally does no cash payment for food and bar services. For families, the presence of a book corner and outdoor play area adds value beyond standard room amenities.