Stay at the Sheraton Hotel
How Good Is This Luxury Hotel with Spa in Edinburgh?
Are you considering a stay at the Sheraton Hotel in Edinburgh? The hotel is a tempting choice as the Sheraton Grand offers breathtaking views of beautiful Edinburgh Castle and is home to the world-class One Spa with its unique roof-top hydro pool and state-of-the-art treatment rooms. But how does it compare to other 5-star hotels in the centre of Edinburgh in terms of service and value for money?
I've read hundreds of reviews from guests who have stayed at the Balmoral over the years and the following is a clear and unbiased summary of what these guests really thought of their stay at this hotel.
What's special about the Sheraton Hotel?
- The outstanding One Spa, one of the most advanced city spas in the world, incorporates a high-tech gym, indoor swimming pool, 17 treatment rooms and a thermal suite, as well as a stainless steel rooftop hydro pool offering spectacular views over Edinburgh.
- The service is excellent and the staff are friendly and willing to assist guests.
- There are stunning views of Edinburgh Castle from the public rooms and many of the guest rooms.
- Location: The hotel is located a 10 to 15 minute walk from both Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle. As it's also close to the Convention Centre it is convenient for both leisure and business travellers.
Read Sheraton Hotel reviews or check for discounted room rates.
What do guests really think?
Unfortunately, a large percentage of the reviews were average or negative and most of these comments centred around the opinion that the hotel is in urgent need of refurbishment. However, the hotel has commenced a multi-million pound refurbishment programme which is due to be completed in July 2010.
- Many guests felt that the guest rooms were not up to the standard of a 5-star hotel, as they are out-dated and tired and that the hotel has a somewhat impersonal and uninspiring atmosphere.
- Some business travellers however reviewed the Sheraton favourably, as the Sheraton brand is one that they know and can trust.
- Many guests did not make use of the spa facilities either because of lack of time or they felt that they were too expensive but most of those who did, reported excellent quality and a really relaxing experience.
- On the whole though, many guests did not believe that the Sheraton Grand was good value for money compared to other hotels and indeed to other Sheraton Hotels that they had stayed in.
My Recommendation
With so many average or negative reviews of the Sheraton, it is difficult to recommend it before the current refurbishment programme has been completed, with two exceptions.
- Business travellers may find it very convenient in terms of locations and facilities, with its proximity to the financial centre and the Convention centre.
- Some spa lovers might choose to visit the Sheraton for its excellent One Spa.
Some travellers recommended upgrading to a club room, as some have castle views, and guests can make use of the Club Room for free breakfast and hor d'oeuvres, but please note that the Club Room is closed during the refurbishment.
Based on the reviews, I would not recommend it especially to families with children, as the hours that they can use the swimming pool are strictly limited, and they are not allowed access to the roof-top hydropool.
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In Depth Review of the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh
Luxury hotel with world-class spa. Next to the Convention Centre and business district in West End.
Average room price per night: £90-£269 ($141-$423)
What is the Sheraton Hotel like?
The Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh is part of the Sheraton chain of hotels, its main features being the stunning views of Edinburgh Castle from its rooms and the world-class One Spa, with its thermal suite, Hammam and Aroma Grotto, an outdoor hydropool and extensive leisure facilities and spa treatments.
Building and room design
- As previously mentioned, there were many negative comments on the jaded state of the guest rooms. On a positive note though, many guests liked the excellent views from some of the guest rooms of Edinburgh Castle.
- Many guests did say that the rooms, whilst in need of refurbishment, were extremely clean. They also rated the comfort of the beds very highly.
- A couple of reviewers mentioned that the rooms overlooking the street are very noisy.
- The One Spa was rated as excellent by the vast majority of those who had used it. The treatments are very popular and it is recommended to book in advance.
Staff and level of service
- On the whole, most reviewers felt that the shortcomings in the guest rooms were partly made up for by the friendliness of the staff and the efficient service.
- The concierge department, in particular, was mentioned several times as being extremely helpful and willing to organise tours and restaurants, as well as services beyond and above their normal remit.
- There were however a few comments on lack of attention to detail in the service, such as dirty plates being left outside rooms, or holes in the bathrobes.
Food and drink
- The Sheraton has two restaurants, the Terrace, and also the Santini, which is part of the One Spa complex. There were not enough reviews on them to form an opinion on the food and level of service.
- The breakfast was considered by most to be good, but expensive, especially given the wide choice of other eating places in the area.
- There is a bar area with a piano player serving afternoon tea and this was highly rated by some guests.
Location and parking
- The Sheraton Grand Hotel is located fairly close to the city centre and is a 10 to 15-minute walk to Edinburgh Castle and also to Princes Street. Most guests felt that the hotel was well situated, although some felt that it was too far, particularly due to the steep walk uphill.
- The Hotel is located in the financial district, close to the Convention Centre, and is popular with business travellers.
- There is discounted car parking nearby, which some guests were not aware of.
Book the Sheraton Hotel or find other four and five star hotels in Edinburgh.
Staying at the Sheraton, Edinburgh - Web links
- Great Places to Stay - Sheraton Grand Hotel, Edinburgh - RampantScotland.com
- One Spa - Sheraton's Spa
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