Edinburgh Marriott Holyrood: Your Royal Escape Awaits!

Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood United Kingdom

Edinburgh Marriott Holyrood: Your Royal Escape Awaits!

Edinburgh Marriott Holyrood: Your Royal Escape… Maybe? (A Rambling, Honest Review)

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from the Edinburgh Marriott Holyrood, and my brain is still a whirlwind of tartan and… well, let’s unpack this. "Royal Escape"? Okay, let's see if it lived up to the hype. (Spoiler alert: It’s complicated.)

First Impressions (and That Dreaded Car Park):

Okay, the location? Spectacular. Seriously. Right at the foot of Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat. Stunning. You feel the history. The castle is right there, beckoning, promising adventures and, you know, maybe a ghost or two.

But before we get to the ghosts, let's talk practicalities – the car park. Yep, it has one. Car park [free of charge] – score! Except… navigating it felt like a treasure hunt. Tight spaces, confusing signage… I’m pretty sure I aged a decade just trying to park the rental. Car park [on-site] – yes, but prepare for a wee bit of stress.

Accessibility: A Mixed Bag

Now, I'm not using a wheelchair myself, but I always look for accessibility options. And here, it’s a mixed bag. They’ve clearly made an effort (Facilities for disabled guests), and that's appreciated. An Elevator is a must and they have it. But details on the website are sketchy. Need more info for fully Wheelchair accessible rooms or information. Better communication is crucial.

Checking In & Out (and Avoiding the Chaos)

The Check-in/out [express] option seemed tempting, but honestly? I went for the classic slow-and-steady. The staff were generally friendly and helpful. I’d give the Front desk [24-hour] staff a gold star for patience, especially after I, well, let's just say I had a minor luggage malfunction in the lobby… Let's just call it “enthusiastic unpacking.” Contactless check-in/out is available for the tech-savvy among us.

Rooms: Clean, but Not Exactly Royal…

The room? Clean. Very clean. Daily housekeeping was on point. Rooms sanitized between stays – important these days, and it seemed thorough. The Air conditioning worked like a charm, which was a godsend during the unexpected heatwave. Blackout curtains were a lifesaver for those notorious Scottish summer nights. Non-smoking rooms (thank goodness!).

However, "royal"? Not exactly. It's a Marriott, so you know what you're getting: functional, comfy, but perhaps lacking a certain je ne sais quoi. The decor felt a bit…beige. The Air conditioning, the Desk and the Coffee/tea maker were all very nice features to have. The Internet access – wireless worked flawlessly Wi-Fi [free] - huge bonus. I really loved that they had the extra long bed, perfect for relaxing after the day. Yes, the Bathrobes were luxurious.

Where the “Royalty” Shines (Maybe): Relaxation & Spa

Right, this is where things get interesting. They boast a Spa! And, honestly? I was hoping for a full-blown spa day, to be kneaded and pampered.

• Pool with view - very nice!
• Sauna, Steamroom and Swimming pool - all available to help you unwind.

It’s not quite the “royal escape” of my dreams, but hey, a girl can dream, right? There's also the Fitness center and Gym/fitness for people of the physically inclined.

Dining, Drinking, and Stuffing Your Face (My Favorite Part)

Okay, let's be real: Food. My criteria for a good hotel is, can I get some good food? The Restaurants looked decent.

• Breakfast [buffet] (Western, Asian, or even just a plain old one!) was plentiful.
• Coffee/tea in restaurant - always welcome!
• Room service [24-hour] - essential for those midnight snack attacks.

The Bar was a good place to relax. The Poolside bar was nice.

But here's where I had an "experience"…

I decided to try a Dessert in restaurant. And it was, honestly, amazing. I'm talking melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cake, perfectly whipped cream, the works. I kid you not, I almost licked the plate clean. I was in heaven. The experience made it a bit more royal in my book.

The Other Stuff (The Nitty Gritty)

• Anti-viral cleaning products – good to know.
• Cashless payment service – convenient.
• Doctor/nurse on call – important for peace of mind.
• Free bottled water – always appreciated.
• Ironing facilities – crucial for all those wrinkled travel clothes.
• Luggage storage – very handy.
• Safety/security feature - feel safe.

The Potential Downsides (Honest Confessions)

• The hallways felt a bit echoey. Noise can be an issue.
• While generally clean, the "royal" factor isn't always there.
• Some staff seemed a bit stretched, especially at peak times.

For the Kids (A Quick Note)

Family/child friendly – yes. Babysitting service is available.

Cleanliness & Safety (These Guys Are Trying!)

They’re clearly taking cleanliness seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas, Staff trained in safety protocol, and everything feels…sanitized. It genuinely felt safe.

The Offer – Let's Get You Booked (Before I Book Another Dessert)

Okay, here's the deal: the Edinburgh Marriott Holyrood is a solid choice. You get location, comfort, and generally good service. It's not a fairy tale, but it's a reliable, well-placed escape.

Here's my pitch (and a little bit of me):

Escape to Edinburgh, Your Royal Adventure Awaits! Book Your Stay at the Edinburgh Marriott Holyrood Today!

Why You Should Book Now:

• Unbeatable Location: Step outside and breathe the history! Holyrood Palace, Arthur's Seat, and the Royal Mile are all a stone's throw away.
• Relax & Recharge: Unwind in our spa, take a dip in the pool, or just chill out in the comfort of your perfectly cleaned room.
• Delicious Dining: From hearty breakfasts to decadent desserts (yes, PLEASE!), we have something for every craving.
• Peace of Mind: Our commitment to cleanliness and safety means you can relax and enjoy your stay worry-free.
• Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected, share your adventures, and post those epic dessert pics!

Special Offer:

Book your stay before [Insert a date] and receive a complimentary upgrade to a room with a view (subject to availability) and a delicious welcome treat! Don’t miss out. Book Now!

Final verdict: Go. Expect a good time, not a fairy tale. And definitely, definitely order the chocolate cake. You'll thank me later.

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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, perfectly polished travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the chaotic beauty that is my trip to Edinburgh, specifically with the Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood as our anchor. Prepare for meltdowns (probably mine), moments of pure joy, and the occasional existential crisis fueled by a particularly good Scotch.

Day 1: Arrival & the Holyrood Hustle (or, "Please, Let Me Just Breathe")

• 10:00 AM: Land at Edinburgh Airport. Okay, so far, so good. The flight was thankfully uneventful, which is a win in my book. Baggage claim? A nightmare reminiscent of a particularly aggressive game of Tetris. Found my bag (miraculously!).
• 11:30 AM: Taxi to Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood. The driver was charming, a proper Scottish gentleman, regaling me with tales of the "haggis-eating hordes" that descend upon the city. I felt a strange mix of anticipation and "Oh god, what have I gotten myself into?"
• 12:30 PM: Check-in. The lobby is fancy. Like, "I hope I don't spill coffee on this plush rug" fancy. My room? Glorious. Views of Arthur's Seat! I briefly considered just staying there forever.
• 1:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant, "The Townhouse." I intended to be all sophisticated and order something locally sourced. Instead, I ordered a burger. And it was glorious. No regrets. (Okay, maybe a tiny one about the lack of local flavour.)
• 2:00 PM: Attempted stroll around Holyrood Park, the vast open area surrounding the hotel. Let's just say the wind nearly blew me off my feet. Arthur's Seat looked imposing, and I chickened out. Decided to walk around the lower levels instead, which was amazing.
• 4:00 PM: Holyrood Palace. Okay, this was incredible. Totally worth braving the wind. Seeing Mary, Queen of Scots' chambers? Goosebumps. The audio guide kept skipping and I missed some of the nuances in the story but the thought of the history and political drama of the past in those rooms just blew my mind. I lingered way too long, got lost in the maze of corridors, and slightly freaked out when I thought I was alone in the throne room. (Spoiler: I wasn't.)
• 6:00 PM: Dinner at a pub, "The Sheep Held Inn." I chose it because of the name. And the beer selection. Brilliant food, brilliant beer. People told stories and laughter was all over the place. The haggis? Delicious, in a way I can’t explain.
• 8:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Exhausted but thrilled. A long, hot bath and the softest robe EVER.

Day 2: Chasing Castles & Chocolate Dreams (and Existential Dread)

• 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet struggle is real. Waffles? Yes. Bacon? Absolutely. I briefly considered a third helping… and then remembered the hike I was foolishly planning.
• 10:00 AM: Hike up Arthur's Seat. Okay, so this was supposed to be the highlight. The climb was brutal, the wind was relentless, and I think I cursed under my breath approximately a thousand times. The views from the top? Phenomenal. Utterly breathtaking. Completely worth the near cardiac arrest. I nearly cried, not because of the altitude, but because of the sheer, raw beauty of it all.
• 12:00 PM: Reward myself with a visit to a small chocolate shop, one I saw on the way to the top of the mountain called "The Chocolate Tree." This was a life-changing experience. The aromas alone were intoxicating. The chocolates? Divine. I bought a whole box. I think I blacked out briefly. Don't judge me.
• 1:30 PM: Lunch at a café. (I was still recovering from the hike.) I ordered a sandwich and a coffee, and proceeded to people-watch. Edinburgh is full of such unique people. I love how open-minded the Scots are.
• 3:00 PM: Edinburgh Castle. The castle? Majestic. Overwhelming. But I felt like I needed more time to take it all in. The Crown Jewels? Sparkly. The history? Mind-blowing. I got slightly claustrophobic in one of the dungeons, and almost got trampled by a tour group who also seemed to hate the fact that there were so many people.
• 5:00 PM: Royal Mile. This street is pure chaos, in the best possible way. Street performers, souvenir shops galore, and the overpowering scent of… well, everything. I bought a kilt (don't ask).
• 6:00 PM: Dinner, another restaurant "The Witchery by the Castle." The atmosphere in this restaurant was so incredibly luxurious, a beautiful spot to celebrate.
• 8:00 PM: Back to my hotel. The wind was almost a friend as I walked. Fell into bed, completely useless after a day filled with physical and mental overload.

Day 3: Whispers of History & a Fond Farewell (and a Desperate Plea for More Time)

• 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Coffee. Lots of coffee. Considering moving into the hotel permanently.
• 10:00 AM: A final stroll around Holyrood Park. I can’t leave without going back! This time, I was armed with a new respect for the wind.
• 12:00 PM: Check-out. Heartbreak. I didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay, to breathe in the Edinburgh air every day, to learn so much more about history.
• 12:30 PM: Taxi to the airport, and the taxi driver was also very entertaining.
• 1:30 PM: Goodbye Edinburgh (for now). I'm already planning my return. Be warned, Edinburgh, I'll be back!

Important Notes & Ramblings:

• Impromptu shopping sessions: Prepare to buy things. Kilts, scarves, books, chocolate. You WILL need extra suitcase space. I do.
• The Scottish weather: Pack layers. Waterproof layers. Windproof layers. Acceptance.
• Food: Eat EVERYTHING. Especially the locally sourced stuff. And the burgers, of course.
• Emotional rollercoaster: Expect it. Embrace it. Laugh at yourself. Cry a little (but not too much).
• The people: The Scots are the best. Helpful, witty, and utterly charming.
• The Marriott Hotel Holyrood: Fantastic basecamp. Clean, comfortable, and that view… swoon.

This is just a snapshot, a messy, chaotic glimpse into my Edinburgh adventure. It's a memory I'll treasure, imperfections and all, and I hope it inspires your own. Now go forth, explore, and let your own Edinburgh story unfold! And maybe take a photo of the chocolates you buy. I may live vicariously in your delicious experience.

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Edinburgh Marriott Holyrood: Your Royal Escape Awaits! ... Right? Let's See!

So, is Edinburgh Marriott Holyrood actually *royal*? Like, did the Queen sleep there?

Royal? Okay, let's not get carried away. I mean, it's *Holyrood*… next to the Palace, practically. So, geographically, yeah, royalty-adjacent. But did the Queen pop in for a cheeky nightcap? Doubtful. More like, you're *near* where royalty hangs out. Think of it as the friend-of-a-friend-who-knew-a-royal kinda deal. My room? Beautiful. Definitely felt fancier than my flat back home, which mainly boasts a collection of dust bunnies and a lonely houseplant. Let's just say I channeled my inner Queen for the duration of my stay, even though the biggest royal audience I had was the reflection in the mirror. (And, frankly, I looked a bit disheveled after that ridiculously long flight.)

What's the vibe inside the hotel? Is it stuffy or relaxed?

Ah, the vibe. This is crucial. You don't want to be stuck in a hotel where a dropped fork elicits gasps and pearl-clutching. Thankfully, the Holyrood Marriott strikes a pretty good balance. It's *nicer* than your average airport hotel, but not so fancy that you're afraid to breathe. Think… sophisticated, but not snobby. A bit like a friendly librarian who knows how to throw a decent cocktail party. There was this one guy in the lobby, though, who looked perpetually grumpy. I'm guessing he was on a business trip and hadn't had his morning Scottish sausage roll. I felt for him, I really did. Breakfast is important, people! Absolutely important.

The rooms! Spill the tea, what are they like? Spacious? Clean? (Crucially, good Wi-Fi?)

Okay, rooms. The make-or-break of any hotel stay. My room was… lovely. A decent size. Not a shoebox, thank goodness. The bed? Comfortable enough that I almost missed my evening plans because I got… *comfy*. (Don’t judge me! Jet lag is a beast). Cleanliness? Spot on! (I’m a clean freak, so I'm a hard critic.) Wi-Fi? Hallelujah, it worked! Praise be! I mean, it's not like I could survive *without* Instagramming every single cobblestone street I saw. The bathroom was… well, bathrooms are bathrooms. Standard issue. Functioning shower, which is the key requirement for me.

Let's talk food. What's the breakfast situation like? Decent full Scottish?

Breakfast. My *raison d'être* for staying in hotels, let's be honest. The Holyrood Marriott, thankfully, *delivered.* Decent full Scottish? Oh, my goodness, absolutely! The haggis, the black pudding, the sausage... all the things that would probably give my doctor a heart attack, but *taste so good*. Honestly, I nearly skipped my sightseeing that day because I was so stuffed. I think I may have even eaten two rounds of toast. Don't tell anyone. (Okay, I'm telling *you* now, but keep it between us). There were other options, of course (fruit, yogurt, the usual suspects), but why bother when there are gloriously greasy fried things waiting to be devoured?

What about the location? Super convenient for exploring Edinburgh?

Location, location, location! This is where the Marriott really shines. It's *right* next to, as in, practically *touching*, Holyrood Palace. So, hello, history and majestic views! Walking to the Royal Mile and the Old Town was super easy, even with my terrible sense of direction (I got lost *once*... okay, maybe twice...). However... (and there's always a "however"), it's not *right* in the thick of things. It's a tad quieter than some of the hotels smack-dab in the city center, which can be a BIG plus if you crave chill time after a day of non-stop sightseeing. I loved being able to retreat from the crowds and have a little oasis of calm. The walk back at night? Felt safe. Edinburgh in general felt pretty safe, actually. That's a real win!

Any downsides? Anything that left you feeling… less than thrilled?

Okay, let's get real. Nothing's *perfect*. Here's where things got a tiny bit… iffy. The gym. The gym was… minimal. Like, a treadmill, a couple of weights, and a lot of space. I’m a gym rat, so this was a bit of a bummer. I mean, I *could* have worked out, but it wasn't exactly inspiring – not exactly what I needed after all that black pudding! And the elevators… sometimes they got a bit crowded. Seriously, I had to share an elevator with a dude in a kilt the size of a small car. Not complaining, mind you. A kilt is always a win! But, yeah, queueing for lifts is never ideal.

Would you stay there again? Honestly!

Yes. Absolutely, unequivocally, *yes*. Despite the elevator situation and the slightly underwhelming gym, I'd absolutely stay at the Edinburgh Marriott Holyrood again. The location is *fantastic*. The rooms are comfortable, the staff were friendly, and the breakfast… oh, the breakfast! Look, it’s not the most luxurious hotel in the world. But it's a solid, reliable option. And in a city as magical as Edinburgh, that's more than enough to make it a fantastic base for exploring. So, if you're eyeing up the Royal Escape, well, book it. Just pack some comfortable shoes… and maybe a spare pair of stretchy trousers for breakfast. You'll thank me later.

Anything *really* memorable about the hotel, beyond the usual? A secret gem?

Okay, here’s the quirky bit. The view from my room… It wasn't the most Instagram-worthy, overlooking rooftops. But one evening, I was sitting there, jet-lagged and half-asleep, and I heard this… *bagpipe music*. Loud and clear. At first, I thought I was hallucinating from lack of sleep, you know? But then I poked my head out the window. Turns out, there was a street musician, right down below, serenading the world. It’s not a *big* detail, but in that moment, it felt… magical. Like this tiny piece of Edinburgh had come right into my room. That moment? That’s what I'll remember. The hotel was great, sure, but that spontaneous, unexpected burst of Scottish music? That’s the kind of thing that makes a trip memorable, and the HolyroHotel Hop Now

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