As newly-weds we chose Edinburgh for our "mini-moon" for the Hogmanay celebrations and chose the MacDonald Hotel as my sister got married in the MacDonald in Tarporley, Cheshire and we were very impressed with the hotel and service received there. Sadly this obviously isn't reflecting across all the hotels. The hotel is in an ideal location for visiting Edinburgh, especially at this time of year, we were close enough to the city that we could access all the tourist attractions but far enough away that we were not disturbed by the revelry that continued long into the early hours 2013 after we had left the street party. Our room was lovely, spacious and spotless and very comfortable. However we were very disappointed with the leisure facilities. For one, I don't understand a venue that offers relaxing spa treatments yet does not have a jacuzzi, who wants to spoil a lovely aromatherapy massage by sweating in a sauna or steam room or freezing their backsides off in the icy swimming pool?? The whole leisure area is also in need of a lot of TLC. Signs of damp and mould on the ceiling tiles, ridiculously dated tiling on the walls, a poor attempt at mood lighting all meant we spent very little time in there which was a huge shame as it was one element of our stay that we had really looked forward to. The other massive disappointment was the awful service, or lack of rather, provided by the waiting staff at breakfast. Firstly, there was only one morning out of four that we did not have to wait for a table for two. Clearly the dining area is not large eough for the demands of the hotel. Secondly, though the choice of food on offer was good, trying to order it was a job and a half. We were sat in the same area and waited on by the same female member of staff two mornings in a row, The first morning she walked past us to serve a couple who had just walked in, despite the fact we had been sat there waiting a good ten minutes. The second time, and our last morning in the hotel, we sat waiting for almost twenty minutes and eventually, after we had watched her clear three tables without so much as glancing in our direction, we had to ask another member of staff if we could place our order for tea, coffee and toast. We then received a very dirty look from the female member of staff when she returned to find we had had our order taken from someone else. The wait for the hot food was also ridiculous. A couple next to us were also complaining of the wait and were told, without a word of apology, that "the kitchen was very busy". The dining room was less than half full as it was getting to the end of serving time. If the kitchen can not cope with the demand for hot food then the hotel should not offer it to order and should provide a buffet instead. The portions got smaller as each morning went on and we were not sorry to see the back of the place. We have every intention of returning to Edinburgh many more times in the future, however we will not be returning to this hotel. I suggest MacDonald get their assessors and training managers in there pronto as I have noticed mine is not the only negative review of the service and staff. Such a shame.

This was one of the hotels shortlisted by my girlfriend as she is in the NTU and receives discount on certain hotels. It certainly didn't dissapoint.

Ideally situated at the foothills of Arthur's seat you are a 10 minute walk from the High Street and about a 15 minute walk from prince street.

The hotel itself had very clean rooms, friendly staff, and the inclusive scottish breakfast was good even with the rubbery mushrooms. We also had acess to the swimming pools and gym which again were very clean and modern facilities.

Only criticism was the overly eager maids who started cleaning rooms at 9am, but other than that a good hotel for the money.

This was our 6th stay here from 17th-19th Dec. This year we were allocated a room on the executive floor 6 which we expected to be wonderful. It was a perfectly adequate room but did not appear to be any different to rooms on lower floors that we had stayed in previously. In fact there was a huge water mark and water damage to the ceiling. But the room was perfectly comfortable if as others have said quite dated.

Service was excellent throughout the hotel. The breakfast was delicious with a vast choice of hot and cold. We ate dinner here on one eveing and it was absolutely wonderful. Our steaks were cooked to perfection- both of us requesting it be cooked differently, and the service quick , friendly and efficient. When we stayed last year the staff said they were expecting the restaurant to be refurbished during 2012 but this obviously had not happened and it is now crying out for an update. One of the chairs we sat on was ripped and torn and all look like they have seen better days.

One down side is as we found last year and reading other reviews from this year is that they hold christmas parties on Thursday-Sat nights so if you stay then you can-not eat in the hotel restaurant. Also the bar area is then full of the party guests so you are forced to go out to eat and drink in all weathers which we find extremely annoying, especially as there are function rooms on higher floors.

Location is ideal in a very quiet part of the city but less than 5 mins walk from the royal mile.

From the airport take the aircoach express for £6 return. It only takes half an hour and then a 10min walk from Waverley Bridge- the bus driver will give you directions.

Not too far from the city centre, lovely comfortable rooms, welcoming staff. Will certainly stay here again next visit to the city. Did not try the food but menu looked good, bar comfortable with quick service.