5 nights at the Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket

Lovely location for a hotel, just a 10 minutes walk from the castle and the royal mile. Very scenic buildings in the vicinity. Staff very polite and helpful, looked after the bags on the day of checking out so we could make the most out of our last day. Modern, clean room with good temperature control. A very good stay and perfect hotel for a couple.

After reading recent reviews, I was particularly worried there would be problems during my stay especially concerning heating, however, the room was pleasant and warm with no heating issues. Staff were wonderful and a good location close to public transport and ample facilities nearby. However, regarding rooms on the lower level, it is worth mentioning that there can be slight noise from what I imagine is laundry/washing machine? Slight thumping noises especially at nighttime but this did not bother me much as it wasn't that loud. From what I can see here, treatment for visitors has seemed to vary from people getting excellent service from staff versus others who got recieved bare minimum.

No heating so we changed room No heating in second room either informed reception but still the same when we returned after a day out. Safe didn't work. Room was nice and practical staff at reception were very nice but if im honest i wouldn't stay here again. A pity as its well located close to both the old and new parts of the city.

Considering this hotel is rated 4 star we were very disappointed with our 4 night stay. Day 1..no heat in room,we were informed that the reception staff control this!!! They provided a portable heater! The safe didn't work so asked the housekeeping member of staff who didn't know how to help, I was unable to ring down to reception and then realised the phone wasn't even plugged in. The duvet was very thin and lumpy so we asked for another which seemed to be problematic for the reception to understand. The hotel had a water leak which I know is not their fault but communication was poor, no one rang to room to explain, was without water for 2 hours, no-one rang to inform us despite we had gone ourselves to reception to get water to fill kettle for a drink. The hot water in the room is so hot there should be a warning notice. There is no heated towel rail or anywhere to hang towels other than the shower wall so due to little heat in the room these stay damp. The reception desk is opposite the lift, the staff dont smile, say good morning when going to breakfast or didn't even bother to ask if I was happy with my stay as I checked out...didn't even say goodbye or thanks! On my 3rd day I came back to the hotel at 3pm to find the room had not been tended to. I went myself to the reception desk to ask for tea,water..Unbelievably the guy could not supply any. He rang for housekeeping who knocked over 35mins later but did not speak good English so did not understand my requests for items. Wouldn't stay here again. Only plus point is Haymarket tram stop is 10min walk.

Hotel didn't take cash- something we were not aware of before. This policy is discriminatory, particularly to overseas tourists who have plenty of G.B.P currently and their bank cards charge foreign exchange fees. Could not even get a drink at the bar using the Kings legal currency. The 'premier' (or privilege) room only had a double bed. For a executive/premier or privilege room one would expect a bigger (i.e king size) bed. The heating system was not working it was very cold January in Scotland. However when I raised this, it was immediately rectified by very quick provision of a plug in heater for the room. Did not have breakfast so cannot comment on that. Shower/bathroom fine & hot water ample.