Edinburgh Thistle Hotel

Positive: it was a good location and the staff, when they were about, all seemed very pleasant.
Negatives: my room was on the top floor. Up 4 storeys and no lift or any assistance offered. The TV had no signal and was utterly unwatchable. Thankfully I had a good book with me. There was no one on reception when I went out for dinner or when I returned so I couldn’t let anyone know.
The bed was adequate but the pillows were weird, cheap and lumpy. Bathroom style was 1970s hostel chic and the shower was more of a light drizzle than an actual shower. Temperature highly variable.
Fixtures and fittings were all just a bit tatty, and I did wonder if the hotel had an up to date electrical safety certificate (elderly sockets, light switches, lamps etc).
Breakfast is unappealing unless you like cold ham, cheese and boiled eggs. It was all edible but it just felt cheap and a bit begrudged.
But overall it was wind and watertight, and nothing seemed to bite me when I was asleep so that met the basic criteria. I don’t think I’d rush to return though.

I really don’t like giving poor reviews to businesses, but I have to be fair and honest. This was the worst hotel room I have stayed in in many years. Quite probably the other rooms were better but without seeing them I can’t comment. I stayed for two nights with my adult son midweek in November (low season) we had booked a twin room probably a fortnight in advance. The room we were given was in the basement. Which obviously isn’t going to be the best location but not a problem in itself. But I really got a sense that this room was used as a last resort. No towels in the room on arrival, although supplied when requested. The bathroom wasn’t cleaned properly. Neither the bath /shower or sink drained freely. Inadequate soap supplied for handwashing. No reception on the TV. A trailing electrical extension on the floor was the prime electrical source to plug in kettle, phone charger etc. both bedside lamps didn’t work and one of the bulbs in the bathroom wasn’t faulty. It pains me to post a review like this but most of these issues in my opinion are inexcusable and clearly recurring. I did ask for a different room and was told that we may be able to move after the first night, but I didn’t follow that offer up. As I say it’s not a judgement on the whole hotel I don’t feel I spent enough time to judge it.

The age of this hotel gives it its charm . We were at the top room at the back with a lovely view of the castle . The host Andrew was very well mannered ,polite and friendly. Two things I may pull up ,there were no fruit juices available in the continental breakfast and our room tea & coffee ingredients were not replenished during the day . That apart quiet location made for a good night's sleep and easy access into Edinburgh by train ,bus ,tram or on foot

Stayed here two nights in a single room. Had some concerns after reading some reviews but I needn't have worried. Yes it's an old building and it's dated and worn and needs some TLC. But it's clean, a great location for the city centre and for a short stay it's ideal. Room had a TV, tea/coffee making facilities, a hair dryer, ironing board (can't recall if there was an iron I didn't use it). The toilet/shower room was a a little cramped, not much room for manoeuvre. However I just needed a room for two nights and this fit the bill perfectly. No complaints I would definitely use again.

The hotel was close enough to enable us to walk wherever we needed to go but far enough away to be away from the noise of the main touristy area especially at night. The staff at the hotel were all very friendly and helpful. The room was comfortable.

I stayed here for two nights and really loved my stay. It’s within walking distance from the city center, Water of Leith path, and other places I wanted to go, but is on a quiet street away from the rumbling busses and crowds, so it’s very quiet at night for sleeping. The staff was super helpful, personable, and accommodating, and was able to help me figure out the bus route to go visit a few places outside the city. Delicious breakfast available at the hotel, and plenty of good restaurants within walking distance, too. Would definitely stay here again!

From the entrance and all the way to our bedroom the place was unwelcoming and VERY run down. Not sure how they pass inspection. Would not recommend. Staff are friendly.

The shower room needed a good clean and freshen up. The silicon all needs replaced and the toilet was wobbly

Thistle Hotel has a great location within walking distance to everything in Edingburg. The staff was so friendly and made our trip exstra pleasent.

Staff where friendly and accommodating. The breakfast was basic but nice. Staff member set us up at a clean table and made us feel comfortable. The room was impressive but in need of a few repairs. The kettle didn't work and the mattress was a little lumpy but that didn't bother us too much as we only stayed for one night. That being said, I would consider staying again. Our stay was decent considering the age of the building and it's location. Nice old school feel to the hotel.

It’s a nice place but but his best times are over

The bathroom was terrible - the shower didn't drain - you were standing in dirty water. Caulking was needed everywhere. I know it's a very old building but charging people to stay should result in applying more funds for upkeep.

The staff were very friendly and helpful. One of the young men even used his phone to order dinner for us! They were helpful with guiding us to restaurants and helping take up our luggage. The only issue that was not great was the stairs and having to go up two flights. Otherwise, the hotel was good.

This was a gem in Edinburgh. we had a beautiful suite overlooking the street. The staff was warm and friendly... lots of good tips on visiting in the area.

Location is good
Rooms need serious attention and are rather expensive for what you get.
The bathroom was lacking towels and the toilet was broken.

I like the proximity to downtown Edinburgh and the castle. Walking everywhere was easy. The staff were friendly and helpful and the hotel was lovely.

Aside from two of the staff being very kind and welcoming, the hotel itself needs a lot of attention. There was a lot of dust, carpets in need of hoovering, towel on my bed ragged and falling apart. Lacking attention to detail and care.

Parking was a challenge the first night. Had to park on the street. Edinburgh parking is expensive!

Bed was comfortable but everything could definitely use some fresh paint & TLC. Wouldn’t stay there again especially for the $$$
Staff were ok but definitely not what I would call friendly. There was no TP in the bathroom when we got there so we had to go up & ask for it. He brought it but with no apology.

There wasn’t any cold water in the shower so water was scalding hot also when we turned the water on in the sink the water leaked under the toilet! we reported these issues and told they would be addressed but they were not!!!!!!! Bed was comfortable but room was in really bad shape! Front desk check person was super friendly but doesn’t make up for not being able to shower! I’m a budget traveler and I don’t mind an older hotel but this one is in serious need of repairs and a good cleaning! The location was pretty far from any stores or food when I asked the night person where we could get a bite to eat In the area he said he didn’t know!! It was pretty rough good thing we only booked for 2 nights and found another hotel for the rest of our trip