Last weekend, I had the pleasure of staying at Ten Hill Place Hotel. This was my second time visiting Scotland, but my first in Edinburgh, and chose to give this hotel a try after doing some research and reading numerous positive reviews. Now that I've experienced it myself, I'm thrilled to add my voice to those singing the praises of this lovely little hotel.

From the moment I arrived, everything went smoothly. I'd made my reservation through the hotel's website and upon my arrival, I was checked in and given my room key in a matter of minutes. I booked myself a standard room and while it was slightly smaller than I initially expected, it wasn't cramped by any stretch. Modern decor, but not at the expense of comfort, and immaculately clean. All kinds of amenities are offered: an LCD TV, free broadband internet (if you bring your own laptop), a tea/coffee and cookie tray, bottled water, plenty of storage space, big fluffy towels, and an airy bathroom with powerful shower and some good-quality soaps, shampoo, and the like.

The hotel staff was friendly and courteous as a general rule. Never too busy to answer a question, call you a taxi, or help out with anything you need. Cleaning staff was non-intrusive, efficient, and would leave you alone if the "do not disturb" sign was on your doorknob.

As far as location is concerned, the hotel is situated in the heart of the university area, just off the main campus of Edinburgh University. Nicholson Street, at the end of Hill Place, is fairly busy at all times of day and features a number of shops and places to eat (particularly if you just want to grab some take away). Nearly All of the city's major tourist attractions, shopping districts, restaurants/pubs, and nightlife are just a short walk away. The Royal Mile is only a few blocks down the road and Princes Street is a 10-15 minute walk, tops (sometimes slightly longer with Edinburgh's numerous hills). For those less inclined to walking, you're just around the corner from a bus stop and taking a taxi to Prince's Street costs only a few pounds. Waverly Station is about 10 minutes walk away, though I'd recommend taking a taxi to the hotel if you have large luggage with you or you're not entirely sure where you're going. While the hotel is slightly off the main drag, I found this to be a positive quality, as you had a bit of an Oasis in an otherwise busy city. Hill Place is generally a quiet street and even though my room was on the side overlooking the street, I had nothing to complain about as far as noise was concerned.

I did not go down to the dining area for breakfast, as I'm told it can get rather hectic (at least during the weekends) and wasn't into the idea of getting down there by 9:30 after late nights on the town, but you do have the option of having continental breakfast brought to your room at no extra charge. I tried it out the first morning I was there and it's good, but basic. Afterward, I generally took to getting breakfast at one of the local pubs for something a bit heartier.

And as a quick note for smoking travelers, Ten Hill Place does not offer any smoking bedrooms. I was already aware of this going in from reading some reviews, but the hotel doesn't mention this at all on their site and they probably should. But if you don't mind having to pop outside when you want to smoke, I found no problem in doing so. The area is generally rather safe and quiet, even late at night.

Overall, I would absolutely recommend this hotel to anyone traveling to Edinburgh. The five days I spent there were wonderful and I almost didn't want to leave. Great value in a phenomenal city with many genuinely warm people. I'll certainly be back!

We stayed at Ten Hill Place for the early long weekend in May. The hotel property is great, brand new and very trendy, but it doesn't live up to it's image.

The location is ok, it is a 10 minute walk south of Old Town, but I would probably try to find somewhere a bit closer next time, as the hotel didn't overwhelm me in any way.

The staff are friendly, the rooms were impeccably clean and the food was pretty good.

They seem to still be suffering teething problems (only opened in Nov 2006). We had to wait 10-15 minutes to sit down for a self-serve breakfast. Two of us ordered porridge one morning - mistake! It took forever and then the waiter gave one bowl to us and one bowl to another table. Then another 10 minute wait for microwaved porridge!

We also made a small request at reception one evening (more milk for tea), but no one ever came to drop some off. we tried calling reception after the shift change to ask again - and then no one answered the phone!

It seemed a little bit more expensive than other places in Edinburgh, but it would have been worth it if the service had been up to scratch.

I've also just found out that the check-in staff have charged my credit card three times (and three separate amounts, up to 2400 pounds!), so I have that to deal with now.

Previous to that, i thought I might give them another chance, but to be honest, I would rather skip the hassle next time.

So - the rooms were beautiful and the housekeeping staff were great.. everything else made the trip less of a getaway than I'd hoped for.

Edinburgh was a beautiful city and I can't wait to visit again.. and try somewhere else to stay!

We arrived an hour earlier than normal check-in time at 2.00pm, the room was ready and we were immediately given our keycards. We managed to get free parking at the hotel too, covering the whole of our stay, which was a great bonus.

We had booked a standard room, and I thought that it was a good size, not huge, but definately spacious enough for a couple of nights. The decor is lovely, very contemporary and high standard. We had an amazingly comfortable bed, an LCD tv, a powerful shower and all the usual offerings etc. tea/coffee making facilities, iron & ironing board, safe. The rooms, as does everywhere in the hotel, get really warm! There are airconditioning temperature panels in the rooms though, so you can set this to suit yourself.

Breakfast was a very straightforward affair, no problems getting a table at all, and the food was of good quality with lots of choice. Service at this hotel was excellent, from every single member of staff.

The hotel is situated about a 5-10 minute walk to the Royal Mile, which is ideal as it's nice and quiet in the evening/later at night. You are close enough to all the restaurants and bars, but can escape to the peace and quiet afterwards. The hotel provides a great magazine which lists out 100's of restaurants etc. - a big help in choosing where to eat.

Would definately stay at Ten Hill Place again if wanting to spend more time in Edinburgh.

We arrived to Ten Hill Place on the saturday of the easter bank holiday weekend, excited about our first visit to Edinburgh. Upon arrival we discovered that we were not in fact booked in as there had be a slip up with the website we booked through!!! And to make matters worse...the were fully booked!!!

Gary on reception was so helpful and calming! He rang around many hotels & guest houses and eventually got us one close by. He saw our disappointment with not been able to stay in the hotel so he booked us back in he hotel for the Sunday night for the same price as the guest house. What a gent!

The hotel rooms are large, modern and very welcoming. The bar and restaurant are small but you are mostly OUT on the town in this City!!

Location is great. its about a 10 minute walk (max) to the royal mile and if your feeling tired any bus that passes will take you there for a pound.