We stayed at Channings for a two night break after Christmas gaving booked it based upon reviews on Trip Advisor. I was aware that their rating was going downwards but decided to try it anyway.

There are so many ways this hotel could be very special but it is just missing the mark in quite a number of areas.

The bed is indeed extremely comfortable but why supply two single duvets on a double bed? The room was small but that was OK. The carpet in the room and on the stairs and landings of the hotel is truly awful and needs immediate replacement - it is old, dated and what you would expect to find in a Travel Lodge. There is no mini bar and while the Molton Brown toiletries are a nice touch - being bolted to the wall in dispensers is a wee bit cheap especially when only shower gel and shampoo are available - no conditioner! The TV remote didn't work properly and there were a lot of scuff marks on the wall. These may seem small but they take from the 'specialness' of a hotel especially at their prices.

The lobby is very pleasant and pretty and the bar is nice too but was in need of a good polish on the woodwork, glass and brass!

I have just sent the following feedback directly to Channings via their online survey but I don't think they know what Trip Advisor is as it was not listed as one of the options for the ways I could have heard about them - hope they wise up soon before their Trip Advisor rating falls much further.

I had one of their suites which was frankly tired and bore little relationship to the photograph on the hotel's website. Bathroom was the worse for wear and could have been cleaner. Windows did not properly shut and there was scaffolding outside. A hotel of this sort needs a more money spent on it to sustain the standards to which it aspires, particularly as its location is a bit off the beaten track. The restaurant menu looked too adventurous but when it appeared the food was surprisingly palatable. I reckon this is 3 not 4 stars.

We stayed at Channings at the end of November for a romantic getaway and it certainly didnt dissapoint!!

We were met at the front door by the friendly concierge upon arrival which was a nice surprise. The receptionist was also very helpful as well when we checked in. We stayed in one of the recently refurbished 3rd floor Shakleton suites which have fantastic views and amazing large bathrooms with roll top baths and under floor heating!!

We had dinner in the restaurant on both nights we were there and it was some of the best food we have experienced ina long time. The Breakfast was also good as well with a plentiful buffet and cooked food to order.

Its also in a great we location in a quiet cobbled street away from main roads so there is worrying about noisy traffic. As well as only being a 10 minute walk from Princes Street and the centre of the city.

The big assest to the hotel though is the staff, with nothing being to much trouble for them and always giving a friendly "Hello" when passing. They are a credit to the hotel!!

We got a good deal for our two nights stay at this hotel.......should have known that it was too good to be true!
Our room was tiny although nicely furnished! But we couldn't walk around the bed without difficulty and there was nowhere for our two suitcases.
The bathroom was VERY ordinary and the door wouldn't close.
There were no fluffy robes etc that others have mentioned.

I was very disappointed after the rave reviews and the gorgeous photos on the hotel's website!

But on a positive note, all the staff were very friendly and helpful!

The restaurant was OK. Not fabulous though.

But breakfast was good!