Decided to go to Edinburgh for a break between Christmas and New Year and wanted a central hotel with good services and facilties for the four of us (two adults and two kids (15 and 12)). Also decided to take the train to save on driving and as the Carlton was a very short walk from the station, offered adjoining rooms with an interconnecting door (at a premium) and included a full Scottish breakfast it seemd like an ideal choice.

On arrival we asked for directions at the station (up which hill at the junction!) and were told by a very friendly guy to 'follow me as I work there'! Great. He actually took us in the back way which was closer but really worried the kids because the entrance was extremely 'tradesman'!

Anyway it was a help so we went to check in and were told it was too early (which we knew) and that our rooms would not be ready for an hour. No problem, we went for a short wander, leaving our bags at the hotel, and returned just over an hour later - anxious to unpack. No such luck! We were then told that one of our rooms had now been extended to the previous occupiers and it would not be ready for another couple of hours. So after some complaining we checked in to one and 'made do' until 'our' other room was made ready. After complaining again we were told that the duty manager woud contact us to discuss the problem and to have a complimentary drink at the bar. We did - he didn't.

However the rooms were good and spacious and, apart from the sensitive fridges that charge your bill with drinks that are moved (wierd) and the need to bring to the hotel's attention that one enterprising individual had (or so it appeared) managed to open a drink and (presumably) consume some without it being noticed, everything seemed ok.

At about 1am the lunatics appear to roam the back streets of the hotel singing, chanting and attracting the inevitable attention of the police who arrive sirens blazing - not conducive to a good nights sleep.

Breakfast was subject to a long wait both days as the restaurant clearly was incapable of satisfying the needs of a full hotel - a 20 minute wait for breakfast each day is not, in my view, four star treatment.

The swimming pool was well past its best and looked extremely shabby although the squash courts (one of the reasons we chose the hotel) were ok.

The staff were extremely friendly (our initial guide attended our room to remove the opened drink from the fridge and to replace blown light bulbs) apart from the receptionist who could not seem to accept that keeping us waiting for our rooms was unacceptable.

The hotel did however give us a delayed check out time - hopefully not at someone elses expense - but forgot to extend the electronic door 'keys' meaning we had to trek all the way back to reception to get them reset!

We left with a promise that the manager would contact us and 'sort something out' for our dissappointment - we are still waiting two months later.

Just returned from a weekend in Edinburgh, stayed at Carlton hotel, Bridge Street. All was acceptable, except if you stay in the front of the hotel overlooking Bridge Street you will not sleep a wink..............even after an excellent meal and bottle a of wine at the Tower and the same again the following night at the Dome !!
Soundproofing is a must ASAP

Spent 2 days over the New Year period at the Carlton and have had a very pleasant stay despite the weather been so bad that all the New Years Eve celebrations were cancelled. The 2 day New Year package was very good value for money The hotel was very nice and the staff very helpful. The room was spacious and no noise heard at all. A very good idea from the hotel was the games room they had set up for the children over the New Year Period. Must say i have to disagree with alot of the poor comments i have read about this hotel.

I stayed her for 3 nights and had to change rooms 3 times because of noise. If you look at reviews for any Paramount hotel you will notice that the upkeep of their hotels is low down in their priority list. They are all in need of refurbishment and repair.This is a city centre hotel on the corner of 2 busy roads and it does not have double glazing. Not acceptable in 2006. The food is poor quality and overpriced.I paid £7.50 for a tastless plastic chicken sandwich. The staff however are excellent and Paramount do not deserve them. They are continually sorting out problems, particularly with regard to noisy rooms. They are pleasant and helpfull but they are working with low quality and they have a hard job. Paramount should be ashamed that they are putting their staff in this position. All of their hotels seem to have been great at one time and Paramount have allowed them to become poor. The Carlton has great potential in the hands of a superior hotel group. While it is with Paramount stay elsewhere.