This hotel upholds the standards one would expect of the Crowne Plaza name. However the Disney-esque scottish castle style of the building gives you a good impression of what is on offer.
It is situated very centrally on the Royal Mile. The advantage is that you can fall out of the hotel and immediately to hand are all the attractions that the Tourist Industry would like you visit, eg the Castle and Whisky Heritage Centre. The disadvantage if you're looking for a quiet life is that the streets are thronged with tourists during the day and 'revellers' at night, however in the hotel its serene. The Royal Mile has a lot of ancient buildings and sights but there are a fair sprinkling of tourist tat shops, chain pubs and restaurants, and a few licences taken with history, eg John Knox never actually lived in 'John Knox's House' opposite the hotel. All the sightseeing open-top buses pass the hotel.
Back in the hotel, all the rooms I have been in are well appointed.
Staff are efficient and courteous. Children are well catered for without being a intrusive to other guests. There is an indoor pool. The hotel is big enough to swallow functions such as Weddings and business Conferences with ease.
The Crowne Plaza has its own taxi rank, but if you are travelling to/from the main train station at Waveley (4 hours from London), you are unlikely to get a smile from the driver as its 2-3 minutes away max. Walking should only take you 10 minutes but to the hotel its uphill.
This is an upmarket hotel and is not going to appeal to backpackers and students. However sometimes you can get bargain rates and you can a lot more luxury for maybe only 50% more than the bog standard Travellodge round the corner.
This is one of the more consistent hotels I have been in and its a safe choice if you are on an expense account, have 24 hours to check off the main tourist sights or can negotiate a deal for a family room.