The Clarendon Hotel, Edinburgh

25-33 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh, EH2 4RG
3 star

A renovated hotel situated in the city centre, near Princes Street, the hotel is an ideal choice for business and leisure travellers. Located on Shandwick Plac...

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Rooms from £45 (≈ $89) per night
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8/10 Overall rating

Category Average Rating
8/10 Check-in process
8/10 Your room
8/10 Working order of facilities / equipment
8/10 Order and cleanliness of the hotel
7/10 Performance of staff
8/10 Overall experience
8/10 Overall value for money
  • 9/10 Anonymous (Mature couple) 

    on  June 13, 2008

    "Very clean and friendly. Good central location." (97115126)

    Looks as though it has been recently refurbished.

    Furnishings a bit 'old-fashioned'.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 7/10 Anonymous (Other) 

    on  June 13, 2008

    "Generally quite good " (97786111)

    good price, good location and good breakfast

    The carpet was a bit smelly

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 7/10 Robert (Mature couple) 

    from Cary, nc , US on  June 8, 2008

    "Hotel was convenient location and reasonable accomodattion; staff addressed the normal things they were comfortable doing, but made no effort to resolve the parking issue. Parking cost undermined the good value of the hotel price. " (97232724)

    --room was clean --good mattress --good breakfast; on time --hotel close to downtown; easy access to downtown area --Free Internet

    --no parking provided by hotel; closest available parking was at car park about 5 min away. Cost of parking was 18 pounds per 24 hour period. Hotel claimed an arrangement for 20% discount (they punch a parking voucher in the hotel office with a machine provided by the car park company which is supposed to reduce the fee when checking out of the parking lot). The system didn't work; had to pay full parking fee. Hotel made no effort to resolve the problem; no attendants on duty at the parking deck when we checked out so no opportunity to resolve the issue. --Hotel is in an area of town that is under construction--main street in front of hotel entrance in long term project that will take several years to complete. Neither the directions at booking nor hotel staff (when called them on phone) made any mention of this issue. This was a difficult problem when arriving at night as we did. --shower very hard to adjust the water temperature; --Room quite small to handle luggage for two people

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 7/10 Brian (Solo business traveller) 

    from Birkenhead, merseyside , GB on  June 6, 2008

    Convenient Location - it is suffering at present from the proximity of the major works for the new tram system in the city

    room was a bit 'tired' and only just qualified as a double!but the bed was comfortable

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Anonymous (Solo leisure traveller) 

    on  April 11, 2008

    Good hotel. Near of the center of the town.

    3 of 3 people found this review helpful:

  • 7/10 Karen (Solo business traveller) 

    from Lincoln , GB on  April 16, 2008

    "Good central location within walking distance for Waverley Station and on bus routes. Clean and comfortable. Dining room very spacious and aesthetically pleasing. Loved the high ceilings." (97065800)

    It was very clean and comfortable and spacious for a single room. I liked the high ceiling.

    The outlook from the room was poor (? typical for a single room) and it was unsafe to have the window open as it opened directly onto a flat roof and fire escape access. The bathroom floor became dangerous slippery with the slightest drop of water and the surfacing needs urgent consideration.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 Robert gary (Mature couple) 

    from Bothwell , GB on  June 3, 2008

    "Most enjoyable weekend. Would recommend to others." (97872301)

    Great location, no fuss check-in, pleasant staff, enjoyable short stay.

    Breakfast reasonable.

  • 6/10 Anonymous (Young couple) 

    on  April 14, 2008

    "Nice staff. Good central location. Noisy road works and closed road in front of the hotel, nobody told us before our arrival. Dirty laundry and stinky trash bags in the corridor of our room until evening." (97686883)

    Staff at check in. Good central location.

    Until evening lot of dirty laundry and stinky trash bags in the corridor of our room. Noisy road works in front of the hotel- street closed and nobody informed us before our arrival.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 7/10 Anonymous (Solo leisure traveller) 

    on  May 24, 2008

    Quick check-in. Nice welcome and goodbye. Good service and quality of food at breakfast.

    Walls were a bit too thin and could hear my neighbors just when they were going to their door. There could have been more of a choice for the cold part of breakfast.

  • 8/10 Anonymous (Solo leisure traveller) 

    on  May 21, 2008

    " For my purpose this hotel had an excellent location, and did the job in hand at the right price. " (97453247)

    I am of the opinion that for the West End of Edinburgh this is a well-serviceable provision, at a realistic price.

    Room qiute small, and, in general the inside of the proeprty is becoming tacky and could benefit from a 'face-lift'.

  • 9/10 Anonymous (Solo business traveller) 

    on  May 18, 2008

    location

    not much,rooms sl older but new bathroom so for money excellent value

  • 8/10 Ankush (Young couple) 

    from Pune , IN on  May 14, 2008

    "I think the room is one of the most important factors in a stay at a hotel. It should brighten up your mood when you enter it. Apart from the room, our overall experience in the hotel was good." (97180827)

    The room was very clean, service was good, staff were friendly, complimentary breakfast was excellent

    The view from the room was very bad. The window opened out to a roof terrace full of bird droppings. I understand every guest may not get the best view but for 100Uk pounds room,I expected better. You can at least make a garden terrace in the roof so that guests can look out of the window.

  • 10/10 Joanne (Young couple) 

    from Airdrie , GB on  May 14, 2008

    "Overall the hotel was excellent, the room was modernised and the bathroom was immaculate. The breakfast was lovley and overall the hotel was excellent value for money." (97969414)

    The hotel was perfectly located in the centre of town and close to the bars and restaurants.

    Because the hotel was old the floorboards were very sqeaky and the walls were thin and could therefore heard people in the next rooom.

  • 10/10 Anonymous (Mature couple) 

    on  May 10, 2008

    "Overall very good and very well run. Service overall very good and we both enjoyed the stay." (97320610)

    Easy access and very near to the principal area of Edinburgh, i.e Princess Street. Pity about the works for the new Tram situ, but nevertheless it was very easy to get to.

  • 8/10 Anonymous (Solo business traveller) 

    on  May 9, 2008

    "No issues with accommodation or staff.Breakfast was good and the location was ideal for my onward journey." (97174122)

    Clean and good location.

  • 8/10 Kate (Solo leisure traveller) 

    from London , GB on  May 9, 2008

    "Very nice and clean and in a fantastic location." (97862180)

    Location

    There was also a terrible smell in the room and hallway. It was like a room air freshener but it was so sweet and horrible - I had to have the window open as it was very overpowering and sickly.

  • 9/10 Anonymous (Young couple) 

    on  May 8, 2008

    "Excellent standard of cleanliness and good breakfast. Good range of information on events and dining etc. Overall good value for money and very close to Princess Street." (97303364)

    Cleanliness, good breakfast, good range of information on events and dining etc. Very close to Princess Street.

  • 9/10 Kathryn (Other) 

    from Newton aycliffe , GB on  May 2, 2008

    "The first impression of the external of the Hotel was not very good. The doorway appeared dirty and uninviting. Apart from this, once inside everything was spotlessly clean. The Staff were welcoming and, at breakfast, extremely efficient. When making our booking there was no mention that the Hotel did not provide Evening Meals, however, this was really not a problem due to it's close proximity to a large variety of cafes and restaurants." (97286141)

    The room provided the basic essentias of TV, Kettle and Hairdryer and was impeccably clean with Housekeeping visiting daily to clean and change bedding and towels.

  • 9/10 Donald (Other) 

    from Wigan , GB on  April 20, 2008

    good location,close to Princes Street. Very reasonably priced. Clean and tidy room. Efficient staff

    Nothing except the heavy bed clothes,duvets would be much better.

  • 8/10 Chatree (Mature couple) 

    from Bangkok , TH on  April 19, 2008

    "Would stay here again and recommend to friends." (97626960)

    Good location. Clean room. Value for money.

    Construction in front of the hotel (actually on the whole street), but it isn't a problem if you wake up early.

  • 5/10 Anonymous (Mature couple) 

    on  April 9, 2008

    It was clean. It was very centrally located

    Very cramped and limited facilities. Smelled of smoke (especially corridor). Didn't have breakfast there.

  • 9/10 Heather (Solo business traveller) 

    from Clevedon , GB on  January 19, 2008

    "The Clarendon is in the West End of Edinburgh so the first thing you're greeted by, coming off the airport bus (which stops just in front of the hotel) is the Edinburgh Smell. It's lovely and indescribable. The Clarendon is at the end of Princes St which couldn't be a better location. The breakfast's good and they book you a nifty taxi. My only complaint is the TV - a nice flat screen model, but only the 4-and-a-half channels through the aerial and a poor picture. Get Freeview quick, after all you'll have to in a few short years, so better start phasing it in now." (97963092)

    Good location, good price.

    Poor choice of TV channels - get Freeview!

    3 of 3 people found this review helpful:

  • 7/10 Alasdair (Mature couple) 

    from Deal , GB on  April 7, 2008

    Central to Edinburgh. On the shuttle route from the airport

    Small room for the price, no internet access unless you have your laptop with you

  • 7/10 Anonymous (Group of adult friends) 

    on  April 7, 2008

    "check-in times - I called the hotel the day before my visit to ask what time I could check-in, the man who answered the phone was unable to confirm what time I could check-in from and then promptly told me he was busy as he had people to check-in." (97384337)

    great location & quiet (due to the road outside being closed to traffic for Tram works)

    some parts of the hotel and rooms need re-decorating. looked a bit shabby for a 3 star

  • 5/10 Anonymous (Solo business traveller) 

    on  April 4, 2008

    Suitable location, easy access late at night.

    Poor small room, not worth the cost. And had to pay separately for breakfast that I thought was included.

  • 10/10 Anonymous (Group of adult friends) 

    on  January 20, 2008

    friendly and very good location to shops and things to see and do! would stay again!

    no car parking in the hotel! only a NCP with hotel discount still £26 for two days parking

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful:

  • 10/10 Brian (Solo leisure traveller) 

    from Mercerville , US on  January 14, 2008

    "A clean hotel with friendly staff in a convenient location. The bonuses were having a bar/restaurant in the hotel, having an elevator, and being located next to the bus stop for the airport shuttle." (97388112)

    The location was very convenient for downtown Edinburgh.

    The bed was a single, which is a little smaller than I am used to.

    3 of 3 people found this review helpful:

  • 6/10 Derek (Mature couple) 

    from Peterborough , GB on  March 30, 2008

    "The room was small but adequate for an overnight stop. If staying for longer then looking for a larger room would be essential. Breakfast was good and served on hot plates, the staff were very helpfull and the hotel provided a luggage room so that guests did not need to carry thier luggage round through the day. (Over all it was excellent value for money considering I only paid £50+Breakfast)" (97939945)

    Close to city centre

    Room was very cramped

  • 9/10 Anonymous (Other) 

    on  January 19, 2008

    best value for money in uk

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 J (Solo leisure traveller) 

    from Northwood , GB on  March 29, 2008

    "Would definitely stay again." (97098396)

    Staff was excellent. Easy in, easy out. Very helpful with needing to keep luggage in hotel before/after checkin/checkout.

    Minor issues with the shower.

  • 8/10 Anonymous (Young couple) 

    on  March 29, 2008

    "The hotel is great in terms of access to attractions and stations." (97317820)

    It was close to city centre and it had a great access to both stations. And of course the price was great since we booked so late.

    We had problem with the heater so it was a bit cold during night. Also we had issue with breakfast as at the beginning we had pay but the invoice was for bed and breakfast, but later when we mentioned it the fixed it for us.

  • 10/10 Mary (Other) 

    from Port glasgow , GB on  January 15, 2008

    "Great hotel, with good quality breakfast. It was clean and nicely decorated and exactly the way I expected it to be. It really is a treat for the price you pay. Central location just off of Princes street at the castle end around the corner from Fraser superstore" (97481092)

    It was central just off princes street

    Room was cold on arrival although this was because someone had turned off the room radiators and it took ages for room to heat up but apart from that it was good

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful:

  • 5/10 Anonymous (Group of adult friends) 

    on  March 28, 2008

    old bed not comfortable smell throughout the hotel

  • 10/10 Anonymous (Mature couple) 

    on  March 23, 2008

    "neat, clean, plain & simple - very handy to town centre and sights" (97926936)

    neat, clean, plain & simple - very handy to town centre and sights

  • 6/10 Anonymous (Group of adult friends) 

    on  March 18, 2008

    Location

    Overpowering smell of air freshner everywhere

  • 7/10 Anonymous (Solo business traveller) 

    on  March 18, 2008

    Room was quite small for a double room

  • 6/10 Anonymous (Solo leisure traveller) 

    on  June 11, 2008

    "Not enjoyable because of the hot stuffy room." (99280573)

    The room was very stuffy and hot with no fresh air and no air conditioning. Even the corridors were stuffy. Seemed like the hotel did not have air conditioning. There was no shelf in the shower to put toiletries.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 4/10 Anonymous (Family with older children) 

    on  March 16, 2008

    *kettle facilities *location

    *cleanliness wasn't of high standard (e.g. bed sheets weren't clean) *high level of noise throughout (not including traffic)

  • 9/10 Anonymous (Mature couple) 

    on  March 13, 2008

    "We knew in advance that the road at the front of the hotel was closed off due tram lines being fitted, but some other guests had no idea about this.Lady at the receiption was a wealth of good info about Edinburgh. All in all enjoyed my stay at the hotel better than I expected." (97812746)

    Clean and very tidy good location

    No parking

  • 7/10 Aileen (Mature couple) 

    from Market rasen , GB on  March 12, 2008

    "ok but feel we were charged to much simply because of the rugby" (97786622)

    friendly service

    putting up the prices bacause of the rugby match

  • 9/10 Steven (Mature couple) 

    from Ayr , GB on  March 6, 2008

    everything was top grade

    The fact that there was no bath in the bathroom

  • 9/10 David (Young couple) 

    from Trowbridge , GB on  March 2, 2008

    "The room was a bit small and the decor average. Nevertheless, good value for money." (97779423)

    The cooked breakfast was very good and exceeded our expectations.

  • 10/10 James (Young couple) 

    from Methil,leven , GB on  February 28, 2008

    "Value for money is excellent, on the west end of princess st everthing you need is a 15mins max walk including the station. the hotel was clean but most of all there was no noise from the streetswhich is a very common fault in other hotels in the centre. This is not the state of the art hotel but the rooms are very clean and the staff very nice" (97622141)

    the hotel was clean but most of all there was no noise from the streetswhich is a very common fault in other hotels in the centre.

    This is not the state of the art hotel but the rooms are very clean and the staff very nice

  • 9/10 Anonymous (Young couple) 

    on  February 27, 2008

    "we were made to feel very welcome and i would not hesitate to stay there again the next time we are in edinburgh" (97306652)

    clean room friendly staff close to city centre

  • 8/10 Andrew (Mature couple) 

    from Wick , GB on  February 10, 2008

    "very clean comfortable although the beds was hard good value good staff" (97144069)

    clean freindly staff rooms was great near all facilities low cost stay in a prime location good polish scottish staff local beers in bar

    old fashioned bedding curtains and furniture recycled buffet breakfast

  • 10/10 Anonymous (Group of adult friends) 

    on  February 10, 2008

    "Nice and friendly staff, excellent situated for shopping and nightlife. Walking distanse to everything. Easy to get there from the airport. Clean and good size bedroom with a small, but nice bathroom." (97736539)

  • 6/10 Anonymous (Solo business traveller) 

    on  February 9, 2008

    Inexpensive

    Very poor soundproofing; damp smell

  • 8/10 Ilaria (Solo leisure traveller) 

    from Milan , IT on  January 22, 2008

    "My room was a bit small, but it didn't really matter." (97692318)

    Near the most important museums and galleries.

    Nothing

  • 6/10 Philip (Mature couple) 

    from Nottingham , GB on  April 27, 2008

    "A great location near to Princes Street. Hotel is tired and dated. The room we had was small and at the front so we had noise from the roadworks and if they hadn't been there it would have been the traffic. I don't know about the other doors leading to the stairs, but the one opposite our room banged loudly when closing. Also floor boards creak loudly. Make sure you take ear plugs." (97612335)

    Loaction

    Small and dated room opposite stairs door that banged loudly when closing.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 7/10 Anonymous (Solo business traveller) 

    on  January 15, 2008

    bad wireless internet

The views expressed on this page are the personal opinions of guests and therefore do not necessarily represent the views of Active Hotels, Active Reservations or our distribution partners (About our hotel reviews).

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