I stayed one night only but that left me with a definite impression that I would stay there again without hesitation. The staff (like all the locals I met) were utterly charming and very easy and pleasant to talk with. This is a no frills type of place...the corridors are bare with strategic lighting. I felt a little like I was in one of those rent a storage space buildings! I didnt dislike it though. In the room it was clean, and comfortable, though in some respects (ie hairdryer) it was a little tired looking. I had a very comfortable and undisturbed nights sleep there.

Next door, and with a link-corridor via reception is a cocktail bar Monboddo, with a wide range of cocktails, wines, spirits and beers to tempt you, which I believe stays open until 3am for residents of the hotel. I liked the low-lighting and atmosphere in there.

The hotel's location is excellent. From right outside you can see the Castle above you, and to walk round to its entrance takes a comfortable 10 minutes. From there on you are on the Golden Mile and can enjoy the shops and sights as you head along, and maybe over one of the bridges above Waverley station to Princes Street and the Scott Monument. To walk that whole central area is easy from the Point hotel.

The hotel is not in the best place of Edinburgh, Reception was cold, corridors are dark painted in dark colours, the hotel is trying to be different but with not much success. The room was small and dark, creaking mattress. Will not recommend.

The reviewers who complained about the rooms being plain sorta missed the point--this was a prize-winning hotel in the minimalist style when it was introduced. As such, the rooms are not fussy, but they are quite comfortable and clean. Our twin room was spacious and we fortunate to be on the street side with a good view of the castle. The location can't be better--the hotel is within walking distance of the castle, Old Town, and Grassmarket. Or it's a short taxi ride if you don't walk the uphill climb to the castle.

Hotel staff could not have been more accommodating or helpful. And the bar is very good and not crowded. The buffet breakfast, including hot foods, was quite good in selection and quality except for the bacon on our fourth morning, when it tasted less than fresh.

Yes, the hotel does not feel sparkling new--it is showing some wear. But I would happily stay here again for the service, location, and value.

stayed at the point hotel from june 25-july 2, we absolutely love it. the staff is very friendly and helpful. the room we had, room 313 is absolutely wonderful, 2 single beds and a pull out couch, very large (wheel chair accessible) washroom, tons of room in the room. Over looks Edinburgh Castle. We absolutely loved everything about the hotel. We had bed and breakfast and the breakfast was really good. eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, hash browns, cereals, fruits, yogurt, different breads, coffee/tea and orange juice. all available from 7-10 a.m. The teenagers loved that an internet cafe - the Ministry of Gaming is just a few doors down. We walked everywhere in Edinburgh, bring your walking shoes. Really great town, lots of shopping and sites to see. Everything about the trip was excellent. Was also able to buy an international cell phone for 4.95 and 20.00 airtime from the carphone warehouse on princes street, a must for everyone to keep in touch, we were in edinburgh for 7 days and only used 4 pounds of airtime. All in all the Mercure Point is a wonderful hotel, just minutes from the castle, royal mile, grassmarket, princes street. absolutely wonderful place to stay