Stayed in a superior room recently for one night break away from children. Room was nice, though a wee bit smaller than I had expected. Bed was a weird size - lovely and wide but quite short; taller people (over 6 foot) might want to ask about this. Bathroom was lovely and big, though the shower was a bit weak probably because water pressure was not enough for the size of the shower head. Staff were very friendly. Had lovely dessert from room service from the restaurant. Breakfast was disappointing; my husband's coffee was undrinkable. We made an effort to get down early as had seen on other posts that food runs out quickly and I wish we'd just relaxed in our room or maybe ordered room service.

I have stayed in both a refurbished room and a non-refurbished room at the Channings. It is a handsome and excellently-run hotel, with lovely food and a great bar. Its a great base from which to enjoy a stay in Edinburgh.

The key issue to bear in mind is that if you are looking for a premium experience, for a special weekend away etc, then make sure you get a refurbished room,

If you can get one of these rooms - you'll have an amazing time (hence the 5*).

If you can't - go elsewhere or at least be clear that you won't be getting a roll top bath etc.

To my mind, the website doesn't clearly differentiate in its pricing structure or descriptions betwen refurbished and non-refurbished, so you'd be well advised to book over the phone.

Great hotel - nice rooms and very quiet - our room was next to the bar downstairs but we didnt hear a peep of noise.

Only thing to say is have breakfast in your room as opposed to going to the dining room. we turned up at 9.30 to a very tired buffet and our cooked breakfast looked pretty tired as well.

Next day we had room service at the same time and the breakfast was fantastic. really set us up for 1 day at the Rugby Sevens at Murrayfield.

Would definitely stay there again.

We arrived well before check in on a rainy Wednesday morning and were told (with a smile)that our room was not quite ready but that the staff could stow our bags and take them up if we wanted to start our day in Edinburgh. We took a moment to change and were off. On our late afternoon return, we were shown to our "twin" en suite room and given a brief tour on where things were and how they worked. The staff was professional but also friendly and willing to answer our questions. Beds were comfortable, the room was well-appointed, and the bath was almost as large as the bedroom. Lovely hot water and toiletries by Moulton Brown.
We found that getting to breakfast by 9AM was the best way to get a good choice from the buffet, although the servers were happy to take orders for anything from porridge to a full breakfast. There was a good selection of fruits, cold cereal, even yogurt, and the porridge arrived piping hot. We also ate dinner there our first evening, after having a drink in the adjoining bar, which had a neighborhood feel to it. The food choices were excellent, fresh and well prepared.
Everyone we saw, from the housekeeping staff to the concierge and the barman, was friendly, willing to chat and eager to help.
We would definitely stay there on our next trip to Edinburgh.