It's a while since I stayed (2months ago during Easter) but I'm compelled to provide a review on this hotel to help others.

1. Bargain I had
I'm a seasoned traveller, but this hotel was something to really remember. It's not Ritz Carlton, but for what you pay, it's a definite 5*. The hotel's website offers various deals, I had this "Sunday Special" which included DINNER AND BREAKFAST for 99GBP on a Easter weekend. This is UK, where everything is expensive. 99GBP will probably get you a decent dinner in London, but here at Channings, I had a superb dinner AND a 5* room for this price. You can't beat that.

2. Location
It's not in the center of town. In fact, you would probably want to take a cab to center of town (8GBP I paid from Waverly Bridge, the main center). Yes you could walk in 15min. So if you are the type who fancy going in and out of the hotel room, this is not for you. But if you were like me, who spent the day in highland tour, and just coming back to the hotel in the evening, it's great. (Just catch a cab and you are there). It's located in a residential suburb. In fact, this hotel looks just like other Victorian style homes nearby.

3. Room
Picture says it all. But what i want to say, is that room has character. It is gorgeous - it's classy and boutique style room. No it's not Westin, so don't expect a boring typical 5* room, but it's got character, as you can see from the picture. It had a huge huge bathroom (bigger than my own bedroom in london) with a nice bathtub. I felt like an aristocrat staying here.

4. Food
The main dining, is absolute must. You may think restuarant at hotel is just an amenity, but this resturant, is something you definitely want to try even if you are not staying at the hotel. The french-british fusion cruisne was one of the best i had. My DINNER deal included 3-course menu for me and my wife. And I swear, for the quality of dinner and portion, I could have easily paid 80GBP if I had it at a restaurant. The bottomline is, food is excellent. Desert was excellend. it's better than some local restaurants I went.

Unfortunately, the dinner was so great that I had high expectation for breakfast. My hopes were shattered when I went for breakfast. Service was slow (possiblly because it's Easter Monday and short of staff), food buffet (continental selection) was poor and seldom replenished, and the dude next to us ordered some egg with smoked salmon, and he complained the egg was ice-cold and didn't eat a single bite!!!

5. Other Amenity
i didn't try the amenity of the hotel, but it has a very nice lounge area to relax.

6. Bottomline
If you want a quiet hide-out, this hotel is your top choice. Do yourself a favor, and eat at hotel restaurant. If you want to tour the city and back to room frequently, try elsewhere.

If you're looking for a hotel with warmth, class and great service, Channings Hotel is the place to book!

Staff: We stayed there for 5 nights, and the staff could not have been friendlier. Jennifer at reception is the type of individual all hotels should have! She has lots of recommendations for things to do and see in Edinburgh, and is very professionl and friendly. The bell boy (his name slips my mind - young Scot with dirty blondish hair) was just as friendly, helpful and informative.

I have to say there was another lady at reception (again, name slips my mind - but tall with brown hair) who wasn't as helpful or friendly, but I guess not everyone can be!

Cleanliness: First thing I look for in hotels is cleanliness, and this was not a problem at Channings.

Food: Continental/full Scottish breakfast is great. Fresh pastries, croissants, cheeses, fruit, meats, and juices! Great way to start the day. There is a French man that works in the dining area - really nice guy!

Location: Channings is about a 15-20 minute walk into the city centre (Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle, etc.). It's a nice walk, but we did hail a taxi a couple of times.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this hotel!

This small hotel is nicely settled in a quiet neighborhood outside of all of the hub-bub, yet, within comfortable walking distance to Edinburgh center. The staff is supburb with their graciousness and hospitality. We enjoyed the restuarant downstairs and found the food world class gourmet. We will return.

This is a quiet, historic hotel in a peaceful neighborhood in Edinburgh. The sights are just a 10-15 minute walk though and the stroll will take you through some formidable and imposing Victorian architecture, all meant to impress. The hotel itself is staid and hushed but the staff members are all warm, friendly and helpful. Rooms are clean and accommodating: the bed was piled high with bed linens and the view out the window was of the lovely, luminous Edinburgh sunrise and of Fettes, where Tony Blair was schooled. Breakfast is downstairs and is included in their B&B rate. It features a buffet as well as Scottish traditions such as the Scotsman's day's cornerstone: porridge. But not the US type of porridge, rather the Scottish kind, namely, fantastic. Everything about Channing's is dedicated to providing you with a home away from home. It will be your home in Edinburgh. Those who want noise, lights, action? This isn't for you. Free coupons for breakfast? Probably not your kind of hotel. Busloads of tourists? Maybe over at the Sheraton. This is for those who want the quintessential UK experience and a good night's sleep.