Old Waverley Hotel

Old Waverley Hotel descritpion

On Edinburgh's famous Princes Street, Old Waverley Hotel offers elegant accommodations in the New Town area. Waverley train station is a one minute walk away.
Many of the spacious rooms offer stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. Features include an interactive entertainment system and 24-hour room service.
Bar lunches are available in the hotel lounge, while Cranston’s Restaurant offers fine dining with castle views.
Many galleries and museums are a short walk from Old Waverley.
New Town is a great choice for travelers interested in Restaurants, Shopping and Food.

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Facilities of Old Waverley Hotel

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar | Breakfast in the Room

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：No parking available.

General ：Safe | Non-smoking Rooms | Elevator | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)

Reviews for Old Waverley Hotel

Review 1：very good location right at the heart of everything. Rooms very clean and comfortable although a little dated. Staff couldn't be nicer very helpful and friendly. Would stay again.

Review 2：The food for dinner was a little bit expensive and there was no option to have one or two snack-sized courses instead of three for about £21.

Review 3：I think the size of the bedroom was the best bit. It is very seldom that one gets a reasonably priced room with a triple bed with a nice view over Princes Street in Edinburgh at most times of the year!

Review 4：matress on the bed was well past it sell by date,very uncomfortable.

Review 5：excellent location,friendly staff,great architecture,nice dining room with stunning views.would definite stay againl.

Review 6：No elevator to get to the reception. For traveling with a stroler not a good option of hotel. There is a construction and my view was that some noise came and the window did close perfect and some cold air was coming inside the room, normaly i would care but with a baby things change.. The wifi didnt work properly in the room.

Review 7：The bar didnt have much options in beer but its price is ok. Clean, warm and nice staff. Nice for a fast stay.

Review 8：Very creaky floor boards inside and outside room. Woke us up 5-6 am as people walking by.

Review 9：Great location. Staff were very pleasant and happy to help.we were given free upgrade overlooking princes street.excellent breakfast

Review 10：The only complain is that the room we were allocated has no window and no fresh air. To have extractors and A/C in the room is not enough. Dont know if this is legal or not?

Review 11：The location is perfect for one and all. Hotel is clean, food is good and staff helpful.

Review 12：The Burger and Coffee served in the bar were very poor and in no way value for money. Breakfast buffet was very sparse and the bacon and sausages were not good quality.

Review 13：Room was practical if a little dated.

Review 14：could not fault it at all,

Review 15：We had a fabulous stay at the Old Waverly. The location was excellent. staff lovely and the food was delicious. We were celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary and the management event left an anniversary card in the room for us which we thought was a lovely touch.

Review 16：There was nothing to complain about. We would come again.

Review 17：Very welcoming and comfortable. Staff extremely helpful. We were travelling by train so location excellent.

Review 18：I would have loved a light over the mirror as I had difficulty putting on my makeup. My eyes just aren't what they used to be.

Review 19：We loved the location and the friendly staff. Being able to leave our luggage at the hotel after checking out allowed us to tour more of the city before boarding our train. How wonderfully accommodating!

Review 20：Was disappointed that only Christmas menu was available so ate out. Thought normal menu would still be available for those not there for Christmas celebration.

Review 21：Good breakfast choice and although with friends were not rushed. Comfortable room even although in lane was quiet. Comfortable bed.

Review 22：peeling paint in bathroom some light bulbs not working,and window didn't close properly and couldn't get the TV in English for some reason.

Review 23：Right on the main street in Edinburgh. No complaints because we knew what were paying for.

Review 24：Minuses: Unable to check in even 30 minutes early. It's well-worn - could use new rugs, new towels, new paint. Our room's windows were painted black all over, so that was weird.

Review 25：Pluses: Very close to Edinburgh Waverley, the main train station - a 2 minute walk. Easy to lug your stuff to the hotel, even if you have a lot. Central to everything. You can walk to the Royal Mile, Princes Street shops, Lothian Bus information, Scottish museum, and many other sights.

Review 26：I asked the receptionist if there was a vending machine within the hotel because I was dying for a cold drink. All I was told there was a shop outside that opened at 7am.. (It was around 6am when I asked). It was a bit disappointing, I would expect to receive so more help with that..

Review 27：Great location. Good last minute deal!

Review 28：A bit un-cosy. Close to the railway station, which reflects on the atmosphere. Not very inviting restaurant area and overall a bit run down.

Review 29：Great location. Fantastic shower and towels. Helpful staff.

Review 30：I only had breakfast once in the hotel on Christmas Day, but I was not too impressed with the buffet arrangement for the English Breakfast. Even though I got in early, there were no covers on the tureens or heat from above and if you wanted a fried egg, it had to be ordered from the kitchen separately. You were then in a dilemma. Do you start your breakfast or wait for the eggs and then take the food from the tureens ?

Review 31：The hotel's central location was a very big plus and having a room with views of the Castle was also an advantage. My room was very warm, clean and comfortable. The TV control was easy to use and I was pleased that the shower was a separate unit from the bath.

Review 32：The dining room far to small for the number of rooms, not able to book dinner on our first night which was bad. The bar was not pleasant and relaxing to sit in

Review 33：It's central location

Review 34：Although, none of my party were disabled. We were planning to come backwith my gradmother and father, however the hotel's lack of disabledaccess means my grandmother who is in a wheelchair Would be unable tocome. An excellent hotel bersides this :)

Review 35：Really nice !!! Staff were incredibly helpful!

Review 36：Our Junior double room was very small for the money it cost us very disappointed cooked breakfast was ok not enough fruit for people who didn't want cooked

Review 37：Location was good

Review 38：The only minus was the totally under-powered hair drier!!!!

Review 39：We just love the location with the great views over Princes Street, and all the way from Arthur's Seat and the Crags in the east to Edinburgh Castle in the west!

Review 40：No fridge in room to chill refreshments. Basic TV channels. Having to pay refundable £25 security deposit on arrival although the room was paid for in advance.

Review 41：Comfortable bed. Brilliant shower. Very clean room. Nice views over the Christmas Market and PSG.

Review 42：Close to the train station and great location base for sightseeing. Good breakfast options to set you up for the day. Lucky enough to get a 4th floor room overlooking Princes Street (outside noise wasn't a problem despite Xmas fair opposite). If we returned to the city we'd stay here again.

Review 43：No lift from entrance area to reception. Not good when lugging cases. Open hanger area for clothes - wardrobe would be much better.

Review 44：Location. All staff very friendly. Room ok but a little small.

Review 45：With a room at the front of the hotel you get marvellous views across Princes Street gardens up to the castle. There is a good bar menu if you don't feel like a full meal in the restaurant. The hotel is within easy walking distance of most of Edinburgh's tourist attractions

Review 46：room was a bit cold

Review 47：we love the ambiance of this hotel the staff are so nice and the room spacious with lovely views over princess street-----.excellent

Review 48：Not enough seating in bar area. Lift small and slow could be better, more than one would be good. Decor could do with a little update.

Review 49：Great location, meal in restaurant excellent, and good value. Staff very friendly

Review 50：Hearing guests talking in rooms at either side. Restaurant menu quite expensive

Review 51：Staff very mannerly and helpful. Offered to carry my case downstairs. Excellent location and good breakfast with a view!

Review 52：This hotel staff for the price you are paying was fairly unfriendly, except one gal who was very nice and got some food to me late at night. The room for $200 dollars a night was just the location you are paying for. It was a twin bed in a tiny room. The windows are old so they rattled with the bad wind, I had to put pieces of tissue in the cracks to hold it still (go Mcguyver!) The questions I asked the staff just seemed like an inconvenience.

Review 53：The location was the only thing I really liked about this. I had to book this hotel last minute because the hostel I was staying in wasn't ok. Oh and the roast beef/horseradish sandwich is DELISH!

Review 54：The manager was extremely rude and made what would have been a nice stay into an unpleasant one . Not worth spending the money ti be humiliated by him

Review 55：Location that is all

Review 56：Superb location for visiting the city, especially if travelling by train, right next to Waverley station. Spacious room (514), with fantastic view past Scott Memorial to the Castle. Massive bed!

Review 57：Rooms could do with an update quite dated and windows rattled and we're cold. Floors creaky and noisy from upstairs.

Review 58：Location was excellent. Breakfast also excellent

Review 59：Somehow the hotel left our payment as a pending transaction, causing trouble with our debit cards further in our holiday. This was obviously unintended but caused a lot of distress when we couldn't get to our money!

Review 60：The most beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle and the old town from our windows! Great bathroom & breakfast buffet in the dining room.

Review 61：Location was dead central & we had a great view of Princess Street from our room! Staff were friendly and very helpful - we left our bags at the hotel prior to checking in to go and explore. Breakfast was lovely (not a vast choice but i had everything i needed). Me & my sister had a great time and will be back!

Review 62：I was sat enjoying the view onto Princes Street, evening time...Head chef and barman swearing during a conversation at bar.....very bad language!

Review 63：Excellent location, fabulous breakfast, lovely staff, bedrooms very comfortable.

Review 64：Nothing.

Review 65：Room was excellent. Had control over own heating of the room. Excellent situation over road from station and all shops and getting to rose street and George street.

Review 66：We are not good at walking, so we could see the Christmas Market form our room. We went by train so that was just up the road. The room was very cosy and warm. Will go there again.

Review 67：Although the breakfast room gives excellent views, in certain seats the sun was beaming in through the windows during breakfast... a few light blinds would have been helpful..

Review 68：I loved the fact that the Hotel was across the road from the train station..Even though the hotel is on the main high street, there was very little noise from the street and we had a room at the front. The views were amazing of city, the castle and the Christmas market in the Princess gardens, This was my first trip to Edinburgh, we managed to get 4 tours in and would love to come back soon, especially at christmas time, best market ever XX

Review 69：The hotel has some strange policies, 25 pound deposit for breakages, very odd. No problem getting money back at end of stay etc, but I have never encountered this before.

Review 70：The staff couldn't. Have been more helpful. Our room had a fantastic view as we were upgraded without charge. We arrived too early for check in 10am, had called and emailed in advance asking for somewhere to get ready for a wedding we were attending. Thankfully we were given a room we were staying in that night, small, window facing a back alley and the next building so close you could almost touch it. We were so tired from our travelling we didn't mind. Next morning we were told to leave our bags packed as we were being upgraded (I had asked ) arrived back to the hotel that night after a day sightseeing and we had a beautiful room at the front of the hotel overlooking princess street, just beautiful. I had emails and spoken to the desk staff about an upgrade in advance, they had said they were full on the first night(sat) but would move us for the remainder of the nights, I was expecting to pay, but was given it free, well done Old Waverley!

Review 71：Was in a fantastic location, rooms were clean and warm with tea and coffee facilities. Cosy bar area and very reasonable prices, 24 hour room service again very reasonable . We had room 209 and it looked onto the Scott monument with views towards the old town .

Review 72：Lift access is a bit limited. Not a serious problem but enough of one to worry me when recovering from surgery No lift access from street level and even access on the ground floor (reception level) involved four steps. Having said all of that, this is a fine old building and I'd hate to see it ripped apart for better elevator service.

Review 73：Very efficient staff, frendly and welcoming. There was a slight hiccup in that my breakfast was prepaid but the maitre d' didn't know and was quite forceful in his denial. However it was sorted out eventually, and breakfast was fab.

Review 74：The hotel was very central for all of activities in Edinburgh - we were in room 411 which was lovely with plenty of space and excellent views - had everything we needed - staff were very friendly and helpful - good breakfast which was included in the price in a beautiful dining room - cant fault this hotel in any way.

Review 75：We were able to store our luggage on the first day, before booking in. We could also leave it on the last day, after booking out. The meal was excellent and we could watch the world go by outside.

Review 76：A number of stairs to reach reception. Very small (and rather high) bathroom sink, but this is a minor gripe.

Review 77：Location and amenities. Good, clean, comfortable room and bathroom. Hotel throughout is nicely decorated in traditional style. Good bar/lounge with a decent menu.

Review 78：The Buffet Beakfast at £11.95 per head was very poor value for money - we stayed 3 nights, and the food offer was a limited and identical one every day, featuring unheated croissants, tepid hot food and on one day cold plates as well. The breakfast would have been overpriced even at £8.95. Between us, we paid out in excess of £70 for these breakfasts over the 3 days we stayed - a pretty incredible total for such a mediocre offer. It was a very disappointing aspect to what was otherwise a good hotel experience.

Review 79：Location is perfect for train travellers and everywhere is within easy reach. This hotel is traditional in style,but our room was well appointed and the bed comfortable.We had a fabulous view of the castle. The hot breakfast buffet was good, choice more limited if you prefer cold breakfast - but why would you?!

Review 80：Very small basic rooms . And watch out as you are required to pay a £25 fee for your room on check in . In case any damage which this was not stated anywhere when we booked . Staff miserable

Review 81：Had to keep asking for things bacon ran out so did sausages then had to wait longer than should have, staff were not on the ball keeping a eye out for shortages

Review 82：Location friendly staff very helpful

Review 83：We had to leave one day early and there was no deduction from price to be paid ie still had to pay for 4 nights when we only stayed 3. Left bcos of family illness emergency. Not happy.

Review 84：View from room.

Review 85：No lift from the main entrance on Princes Street up to Reception (lift starts from Reception which is on the 1st floor, even though it says floor 0) - so you have to drag your luggage up a flight of stairs which can be a bit hard with two small children, cases and a buggy.

Review 86：Friendly staff, lovely big room for a family of 4.

Review 87：I was in an inside junior suite and overlooked metal staircases and work areas

Review 88：The bedroom was very clean and the staff very helpful and friendly. As always the food was outstanding. Great location and lovely views of the castle from the dining room.

Review 89：The noise from outside. Our room was 616 on side of hotel and could hear all noises from people walking and talking. Noises were amplified so woke up a lot.

Review 90：Location to train station and sights

Review 91：We arrived early and were told by the lady on reception that "check in is at 3pm". This we knew but we were hoping she might check in case our room was ready early. She didn't and appeared begrudging when we asked if we could leave our bags. However the same lady two days later was more than happy to check early availability for other people. We did wonder if someone had complained about her manner in between. If so, it worked!

Review 92：Perfect location for Waverley station and sightseeing. All of staff, apart from one, very friendly and accomodating.

Review 93：Our room was the last room at the top it did not have a good view as there was building works outside at the same level.

Review 94：The room was clean and comfortable, breakfast was good and hotel was very pleasant and in a good location.

Review 95：The only thing I didn't like was there was not enough choice of vegetables when you had your meal in the evening

Review 96：Everything the staff were very friendly and helpful I also like the idea of tea facility's in your room the hotel was spotless. Would stay there again no problem.

Review 97：Shower was horrendous...6th floor...no pressure at all. Hot water either dribbled out or gushed in bursts Room ...stained and marked walls, black mildew on all windows, cracked walls ..decor was very tired and in desperate need of a thorough clean and decoration. TV could not pick up BBC signal. Complained to duty manager who visited the room, took photos of issues , agreed that we had genuine complaint BUT refused to offer another room etc. stated we had one of the best rooms!

Review 98：Location Helpful waiting staff Decent size bed

Review 99：The lift ought to be improved, although I recognise the difficulty in the nature of th building.

Review 100：The hotel could not have been more central and, as we travelled by rail, was very conveniently located. The room was comfortable with the bonus of a view straight into the restaurant in Jenner's!

Review 101：It is really noisy in the morning and at night because of the traffic outside. Also, while we were there, there was a large building being constructed right beside the hotel.

Review 102：The location was superb; only a few min walk to the royal mile and the hop on, hop off location

Review 103：Water pressure really low. Shower little more than a dribble

Review 104：Staff excellent and couldn't do enough for us. Excellent location. Spotlessly clean

Review 105：I liked the location, easy access to shops and tourist sites. We particularly enjoyed The Dungeons experience, and the tourist bus was good value. Lunches in the hotel were good and good value for money.

Review 106：We were made to pay a £25 deposit on arrival which we were not told about. Also, there was European plugs next to the bed which we obviously couldn't use. Seems a bit silly in a hotel room in Scotland? There was also construction work going on outside our room which was very noisy from about 9am in the morning. Hotel was quite noisy at night and the room was very warm so we didn't have the best sleep but thankfully it was only for 1 night.

Review 107：It was very central and close to Waverly Station. The rooms were good but a bit over priced.

Review 108：A charming hotel on a very central location. Ideally situated to discover Edinburgh. The room are decent and clean. Breakfast was adequate but limited in fresh products. Dinner was just fine and the service was pleasant.

Review 109：Breakfast was slightly chaotic. Occasionally had to wait for food from the buffet eg your egg was ready but they were waiting for more bacon to be cooked.

Review 110：Central location. Friendly efficient staff. Food very good, nicely cooked including the bar meals.

Review 111：We travelled to Edinburgh by train so we were seeking an hotel within walking distance of Waverley Station. As you come out of the lift at Waverley you can see this hotel to the left in Princes Street opposite the Scott Monument. We booked a Junior Double Room and were allocated Room 617 on the top floor. To our surprise we had 2 'porthole' windows overlooking South St David Street, but we could see Princes Street, the Gardens and part of the Castle through one of them. The bathroom had been recently modernised. There are 22 steps to the reception but the staff responded quickly to the bell to carry our bags up the stairs for us. We booked on a room only basis (having both been seriously ill recently) so we took a light breakfast at Greggs in the shopping precinct above Waverley Station. We had dinner out every night. The nearest tram stop is 50 metres to the right in Princes Street as you leave the Hotel. 617 is a small room but a small drawer unit for our jumpers would have been useful to avoid living out of our suitcase.

Review 112：Not all rooms have a view. We didn't bother to pay for the view as we weren't going to spend much time in our room anyway, but if you want a view, make sure you don't book the cheapest rooms.

Review 113：The location of the hotel is excellent, right across the street from the Scott Monument in Princes Street. The Airlink buses to/from the airport departs/arrives about 300 metres away (Waverly Bridge). The staff was friendly, and offered to keep our bags until departure the day we were leaving. The room was clean, and the bathroom was big. The hotel is really "British" in sense of furnishing (carpets on the floor, patterned curtains, old doors that are not entirely sound proof, narrow staircases and floor that is creaking), but this is the wonderful charm of it. We absolutely loved this hotel!

Review 114：Bathroom is lovely but sink and bathtub are very high if you are under 5 and a half feet tall!

Review 115：Location and ease of access to train station and airport bus.

Review 116：On Princes St 3 mins walk from Waverley station Helpful staff and room facilities and cleanliness made our stay very comfortable. Excellent breakfast included in our price.

Review 117：The amount I had to pay was highway robber. I paid £89 pounds for one night in October (outside peak season). I usually get a four star room in other cities with a generous breakfast for that money during peak season. This place was only a three star room and this ridiculously high price did not include breakfast. I paid less to stay in the centre of Stockholm, Copenhagen and other cities in peak season that are much nicer than Edinburgh. I only stayed for one night because it cost so much. The hotels in Edinburgh are crippling the tourism industry in Scotland with their high prices. Also, I was on the sixth floor and I could hear all the screams and noise from the road below at 2am and 3am in the morning. Maybe with all the rudiculous amount of money they are getting in profit, they could invest it in sound proofing or just reduce the prices to what the rooms are really worth.

Review 118：The location was near Edinburgh Waverley Station.

Review 119：As soon as you exit the railway station you can see the Old Waverley and your expectations of a good stay are never disappointed. Its old fashioned style and modern comfort combine beautifully.

Review 120：No or very weak wifi services. Mentioned to staffs about that, but were asked to access to Internet downstairs. In the end, the problem hasn't been solved.

Review 121：Good location.

Review 122：Old, noisy as on Princes Street. Rooms old and tired. Beds uncomfortable. Drafty bathrooms & bedrooms.

Review 123：Location is good and convenient for railway station. Views of the castle. Breakfast. Traditional old hotel.

Review 124：The shower was like a dripping tap and totally inadequate. I feel I should have been given some sort of discount. Also there were pipes overhead which seems to start up early morning/late night

Review 125：The location is excellent. I come here twice a year

Review 126：Breakfast was additional and I did not think it was value for money. The hot food was quite cool so next day I had breakfast a la M & S

Review 127：Room was very comfortable though I had paid for an upgrade

Review 128：My mums mobilty was not good and she found the entrance stairs tricky but once in recepation it was more level

Review 129：Location was really good handy to trains annd buses good variety of food for breakfast and staff were very helpful

Review 130：Room had a window that opened to what I think is the main air conditioning unit for the hotel. Absolutely no light and continued noise .. All night. Got no sleep

Review 131：Location

Review 132：Everything.Hotel was ideally located.Everything you needed was on your doorstep.We had a very early start next morning so we did not include breakfast.

The Fine Print

Due to location, there are no ground floor rooms available at the property.