Got to the hotel about 14:45 to find my room wouldn't be ready for an hour or so which wasn't a good start. But, when I eventually did get back, my room (213) was huge - 2 king size beds (which were very comfortable) and a large bathroom with good quality toiletries. Coffee machine, iron and ironing board in the wardrobe. TV with some satellite channels.

I've stayed at the hotel before, albeit many years ago and it had been the beneficiary of a facelift since which was done tastefully.

The location of the hotel is first rate - George Street is a great location, lively (although not to the detriment of being a guest - my room faced George Street) and 100 yards to Princes Street shops and Harvey Nichols on George Square.

Had a big night out, and wanted to carry on the alcohol when I got back to the hotel, but the night porter wouldn't provide even as much as a sandwich. We got crisps..... Arose too late to taste the fare of breakfast, so cannot comment.

the hotel is quite large and sprawling and set over a couple of wings, one being the original, and one being a more modern addition; the lobby is large and the staff were friendly.

Would I stay there again. Yes. The location is fantastic, but the price is a little on the steep side.

I have just returned from a Hogmanay trip to Edinburgh and stayed for 4 nights in the George Hotel following a recommendation from a friend who rates Principal Hayley hotels. As it was fully booked, I spent New Year's Eve at the Hilton Caledonian. The latter professes to be a 5 star but paled in comparison to the George. The room I stayed in at the George was much larger, more comfortable, more up to date and well serviced. The staff were pleasant and professional. Moreover the George Hotel bar (Tempus?) was excellent with good cocktails, a contemporary yet sophisticated feel and attracted customers from off the street as well as the hotel itself. The adjoining restaurant provided a fantastic setting for some decent food which was pretty good value for money. That said the music filtering in from the bar was probably a little too modern for the potential older restaurant clientele and the food could be more upmarket for the rather grand room. George Street itself was fab with reliable shops (White Company, Whistles, Hobbs etc), bars (Living Room) and restaurants (Browns). A quiet, altogether sophisticated and pleasant location. In comparison the Hilton room was miniscule, the location, noisy, the staff, a little standoffish, and the food, average. I'd stay again in the George any day....
Abigail Tarren, London

We have stayed at this hotel a few times over the past couple of years ...it was always a pleasure to visit...Beautiful old hotel ..very traditionally decorated..warm friendly Scottish staff...it had a real charm of its own...and was almost like coming home!! However, this time we were very disappointed! It seems the hotel has been bought out and had a massive re-furbishment. Unfortunately in the quest to turn it into more of a 'boutique' hotel, they have totally stripped the hotel of all its 'soul' and character. The rooms are cold and bland...felt like we were in an Ikea showroom..Breakfast is served in a dimmly lit room more suitable for late night cocktails and the serving staff (all fully clothed in black outfits) shuffle around like zombies, walk past your table and ignore the used dishes. It was difficult to have a conversation with any member of staff as English was not their first language. ...All in all it was a sad stay...The new owners have sacrificed such a lot in the name of 'progress'... True Scottish warmth and hospitality doesn't exist at this hotel anymore. Sadly we won't be returning again.

We had a Christmas Package which included a superior room,bottle of wine and free big wheel tickets and thought it was good value.We found every member of staff that we met to be very friendly and helpful.The room was very comfortable and being midweek we had no problem with noise.Breakfast was fine and we ate in one evening,and although the hotel was very busy with Christmas parties when we said we were residents we were found a table straight away and had excellent service,all with a smile.

Having read some of the negative reports we were pleasantly surprised with the hotel and ,of course, the location is unbeatable and we enjoyed our visit to Edinburgh very much.