Market Street

Market Street Hotel in Edinburgh, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise for its prime location, exceptional service, and sophisticated design, offering a memorable stay in the heart of the city.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Market Street Hotel garners a "superb" to "excellent" overall rating from guests, with exceptionally high scores for location (9.8/10), cleanliness (9.5/10), comfort (9.6/10), and staff (9.5/10). The general consensus highlights a highly positive experience, with many guests expressing a strong desire to return.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of the Market Street Hotel. The superb central location is a frequent highlight, offering immediate access to Edinburgh's key attractions. The attentive and friendly staff receive widespread commendation for their hospitality. The hotel's modern "Scandewegian" design is also much appreciated, blending Scottish elements with clean lines and natural materials. The complimentary mini-bar (in most rooms) and a welcoming glass of champagne on arrival or with breakfast are often cited as delightful touches. Finally, the Nor' Loft rooftop Champagne lounge stands out for its panoramic city views, creating a "wow factor" for guests.

Room Quality

The rooms at Market Street Hotel are designed with a "Scandewegian" aesthetic, featuring soft, soothing tones, white oak flooring, pale green headboards, and thistle-design-topped tables. Bathrooms are striking with black marble, solid stone basins, and industrial taps, often equipped with rainfall showers and organic bath products by Votary. Guests appreciate the thoughtful amenities, which include Dyson hairdryers, ghd straighteners, Nespresso machines with locally roasted coffee, Canton tea, and Chromecast and Apple TV for entertainment. Most rooms, excluding the 'Cozy' type, also feature a complimentary mini-bar. Rooms are generally reported to be quiet, aided by bespoke wooden shutters for effective blackout. The hotel offers various room types, including "Roomy" and "Vista" rooms, with some providing city views. Accessible rooms are also available, featuring specific aids like vibrating alarm pillows and roll-in showers.

Dining Experience

The hotel's dining experience is centered around the Nor' Loft, a rooftop Champagne lounge that serves breakfast and small plates. Breakfast is a highlight, offering a continental buffet with pastries, homemade granola, fresh fruits, artisan bread, cheese, cured meats, and smoked salmon. Guests can also order hot dishes from an à la carte menu, including a traditional Scottish breakfast or porridge. A glass of champagne is often included with breakfast. For other times of the day, Nor' Loft offers a selection of delectable small plates, such as charcuterie and cheese. There are 20 varieties of champagne available, many by the glass. While praised for its quality, it's noted that the hotel focuses on breakfast and small plates rather than a full-service lunch and dinner menu. A ground-floor coffee shop also serves locally roasted coffee.

Service & Staff

The service and staff at Market Street Hotel consistently receive glowing reviews. Guests describe them as "excellent," "super attentive," "friendly," "helpful," and "professional." Their warmth and willingness to assist, from arranging private tours to providing airport transfers, significantly contribute to the positive guest experience.

Location & Accessibility

The Market Street Hotel boasts an exceptional, central location in Edinburgh's Old Town. It is conveniently situated "two steps of a Highland fling" from Waverley train station, Princes Street, and the Royal Mile. Many of Edinburgh's major attractions, including Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, Edinburgh Castle, and the National Museum of Scotland, are within a short walking distance. Public transportation, including tram stops (St Andrew Square and Princes Street), is also easily accessible. Edinburgh Airport is approximately a 30-minute drive away or can be reached via the Airlink Tram. For guests arriving by car, an Apcoa car park is a short walk away, offering a discount if validated at the hotel reception. While the walk to the Royal Mile can be uphill, alternative routes are available.

Value & Pricing

Guests generally rate the Market Street Hotel well for its value for money, with a score of 8.7/10. While specific pricing varies greatly by season and room type, Kayak indicates prices can start from $72, with average weeknight prices around $341 and weekend nights around $370. January is noted as the cheapest month to stay, while August is typically the most expensive. Many guests feel the overall experience, including the amenities and prime location, justifies the cost.

Common Complaints

Despite overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few minor recurring issues have been mentioned. Some guests found certain design elements in the bathrooms to be less practical, such as an inconvenient toilet flush button or shower doors that could lead to floor flooding. A slanting floating shelf in the bathroom was also noted as being not very usable. One review highlighted a lack of effective soundproofing, reporting noise from the upstairs kitchen in the mornings. Additionally, guests seeking a full-service restaurant for lunch and dinner might be disappointed, as the hotel primarily focuses on breakfast and small plates.

Sources

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12. kayak.com