Barcelo Edinburgh Carlton Hotel

A very warm welcome was recieved when I arrived late, direct from the airport and this customer expeience continued through the weekend. The manager Sue, noticed we were amiring the wooden carved dog at the entrance and took the time to give us the history, as we had noticed one the same at the Lygon Arms (part of the chain) the weekend before this trip. The bar staff were exceptional and despite been busy with a prom night made you feel like a guest..rare in today's busy life schedule. The Spa, pool, sauna and steam room all worked fine and again friendly reception staff. The area does need a little work as it does look worn out! The location is excellent 100 meters from the Royal mile, 500 meters to Princes street. 10 Mins walk to the Castle..will stay their again.

Robert Wilson, Leamington UK
Mature Couple (36+)

My friend and I are a pair of 40-somethings who meet up once a year for a weekend and this year it was Edinburgh. We normally book through Alpharooms and this is the best place we have stayed in. Checked in early but room was ready, Easter Bank Holiday weekend was very cold but the room was very toasty, large with a view over Arthur's seat and the sea. High floor so no noise (except from the inevitable selfish b...'s that think it's fine to shriek in the corridors late at night (we were close to the lift too). Neverthe less, the room was spacious, well equipped, clean and the beds are so comfortable I almost never left mine! Breakfast was all you could want - varied, hot, fresh and plentiful. Staff helpful in the extreme. Ordered taxis for us, gave us good directions and were very polite and friendly. Hotel central to Royal Mile and Waverley Station, and also the shops. Could not fault this place. Want to go to Edinburgh again just so I can sleep in that bed again! Very reasonably priced too. Some 4-star hotels are really 3-star, but the Carlton lives up to its rating.

Mrs Leigh Brice, Bristol
Mature Couple (36+)

I thoroughly enjoyed my short stay in this hotel. All the staff were pleasant and helpful. The room was clean and pleasantly furnished. The breakfast was plentiful. Dinner was appetising and good value.The location was perfect for sight-seeing in the city, within walking distance of the castle, holyrood palace, the royal mile and shopping on Princes Street. I recommend this hotel.

Christine, Corby Northants
Solo Traveller

Arriving at the hotel early morning after an even earlier flight the staff wre most welcoming. I was able to obtain breakfast and charge although I had not yet checked in. the business centre is a very useful facility although a little expensive. The staff throughout my short stay were very helpful, taxis and local info easily obtained. I did use the gym facility...even attended an aerobics class which are free of charge...an excellent end to a very long day!My only criticism would be that I had a corner room which although spacious was dark due to the small window but great size. I will be staying here again next trip if the price is right.

Denise heywood, UK
Solo Traveller

ideal location for shops,theater.bars,food.Room very well equipt with all mod cons.Breakfast plenty of choice.ATM right outside hotel with small selection of shops incase you`ve forgotten something. Certainly recommend this hotel.

sam, stirling
Mature Couple (36+)

superb hotel 3 mins walk from airport bus drop off, train station,and city bus tour stop.1 minute to centre of royal mile and about four mins walk to centre of princes street for all major shops.only down point is rooms are very warm in winter and temp control is fixed. not great because windows are old style and only slightly open.everything else here is top class and is the ideal base for a stay. staff and beds are equally as brilliant.

pat, cork ireland.
Young Couple (18-35)

Short stay for the Edinburgh Fringe was made wonderful by our stay at the Carlton. The best hotel bed we have ever slept in, polite curteous staff, good food and a lovely (if small) pool/sauna complex. There were faults: the bath plug broke and we couldn't empty it. Concierge couldn't find a plunger so late at night, so we had to pull the plug out with a spoon, and staff tended to monopolise the lifts, which I found bad practice, but otherwise a delightful stay. Would thoroughly recommend this hotel.

Alex , London
Young Couple (18-35)

Disappointed to find the pool closed over the weekend of our stay. This was to be a relaxing  time with my daughter ,so not happy to have to walk outside in the rain on Sunday a.m as back door not opened despite a phone call from The Scotsman. Meal on Friday was great as were the cooked breakfasts.
Room needed more lighting over mirror and a stool at dressing table would be helpful.
Good location for 'doing' Edinburgh.

Mrs C. Rannie, Dundee
Other

First impressions excellent, staff very helpful, room was nice enough.  However it took two phone calls to reception to get someone to fix the lights.  After returning from a night out with friends the staff on the lounge bar were once again attentive.  My biggest disappointment considering The Carlton is a four star Hotel...was waiting for fifteen mins for breakfast on Sunday morning, along with about 30 other guests.  I have never encountered this in my life, refreshments were put on for us while we waited and staff once again were helpful.  I did however speak to the head waiter about the situation and he told me that this happened regularly which I was even more shocked at.  I would say resolving this issue should be a high priority for the management team.  My friends that I stayed in the Hotel with who travelled from England are already planning there next trip to Edinburgh and The Carlton Hotel is not short listed for accommodation.

ann mclean, perth
Group of Young Friends/Couples

Fabulous hotel, fantastic full buffet breakfast, excellent central position in Edinburgh. Staff were very friendly, room was very big, modern, clean and quiet. Would definitely recommend anyone to stay here, Will be staying again ourselves.

Karl, Ennis, Ireland
Family with Children 11 and Under

I must say that my first impressions of this hotel upon arrival, far exceeded the photograghs displayed on the internet, so I was pleasantly surprised!  The location of the hotel was ideal if you are without a car, as it is conveniently located for bars, restaurants, shopping and local tourist attractions, so no complaints there!  However... I was dissappointed with the standard of this hotel as it appears very luxurious but infact I felt cheated considering the prices they charge! I spent 5 days in this hotel over the christmas period which was supposed to be a treat for myself and my family, but my son took ill after visiting the pool which was supposed to be heated but it was freezing!  Therefore, we ended up spending more time in the hotel than planned!  The hotel itself and our room was very cold, general hygiene of the hotel was certainly not up to standard (visable dust in the dining area, behind the bed etc!) and lastly the presentation and quality of the food was certainly not of a 4 star standard but the prices were!!! I will definitely return to Edinburgh to see all the attractions we missed out on with this trip, but I'm afraid I will not be spending my next trip at the Carlton Hotel!

Mrs Salmon, Edinburgh
Family with Children 11 and Under

Great location with excellent views from our room. Leisure facilities tickity boo, steam room, sauna and small but adequate pool - oh and a whirl pool too. Hotel even organised a win for Scotland at Murrayfield - such service !!
Breakfast - fill your boots time - no haggis only negative observation. Having read some of the other critiques before stay but after having booked was a little wary. All concerns were unfounded. We adopt the policy of smile and the world smiles with you and I guess Mr Carlton George had his smiley face on for us during our stay.

S Anderson, Carlisle
Family with Children 11 and Under

This is a high quality hotel in a most superb location if you want to be in the centre of Edinburgh. Close to Waverley Station (just above it really- apparently there is a lift to the hotel, from Market St, essential if you have luggage). Almost on the Royal Mile and just across the bridge from Princes St. you couldn't be in a better situation. The service was friendly, my room was palatial, the breakfast was excellent and I had use of the spa/sauna/small swimming pool.

Anne Farrall, Chester/England
Solo Traveller

Arrived early afternoon, no-one available to park car for at least 45mins & as you cannot park outside the hotel had to park at the nearby sister hotel.This was rather incovenient especially as I have difficulty walking. The room was for the disabled (not requested)& had no towels available when we arrived. The breakfast was a bit scarce & we had to wait 10mins for more sausages then when we went to get them they had all gone again, eventually a waiter brought them to our table but obviously by this time the rest of our plate was finished. I have stayed in many hotels all over the world & unfortunately felt the service in the Carlton was well below par & I would not recommend it for comfort or friendliness however I would definitely say the location was perfect.

anne calder, Rutherglen/ Glasgow
Other

The staff were friendly, professional and curtious.  The Hotel building is amazing, the breakfast left you feeling good all day. The room and its furnishing were generous which made staying in it a treat to look forward to after walk through the city all day.  Would we go back ? Oh yes!

Thomas, Monaghan / Ireland
Mature Couple (36+)

What can I say this hotel was amazing, we enjoying staying in hotels in the uk but this I have to say is one of the best by far.  Lovely hotel, rooms spotlessly clean but the main thing for us was the friendly service, the conceirge were superb could not do enough for you. The food was amazing too considering it was self service for breakfast it was all so fresh. Cant wait to go back! Highly recommend to anyone of any age. So central for everything too.

Mrs Jane Leslie , Dumfries, Scotland
Young Couple (18-35)

Beautiful hotel with friendly staff in excellent location.  What a pity it was let down by small but important inadequacies.  I arrived on a hot sticky day in a hot sticky room. The air conditioning promised in every room was absent in mine.  I'll open the curtains, I thought and let in the beautiful sunshine.  The curtains were open; the room was simply dark and drab, although the bed was large and comfortable.  I'll switch on the light and read for a little before I have my shower.  The lighting was so poor, I could not see to read.  I'll move the desk lamp, I thought.  The flex was too short and the lamp was wired in.  I'll ask for a lamp.  'Sorry, madam, we have fashion lighting'  'Can I borrow a lamp?' 'Sorry Madam.  The only plug in the room is for the computer on the desk anyway.' 'Oh dear, I should have brought an extension flex.'  'Yes Madam'
Bad night, no air, no light and nothing worth watching on the telly!
Breakfast.  'I am allergic to wheat.  Have you any ryvita.  'Sorry madam, no ryvita, no crispbreads, no oatcakes and no gluten free bread.  We do try our best to cater for special diets.  'Will you have anything tomorrow?' 'Sorry madam, but you could buy some and bring it in.  We're right in the middle of Edinburgh.'  
I think I'll try a B&B next time!

Mairi Christie, Isle of Arran/Scotland
Solo Traveller

Very nice hotel with friendly staff. Ideal location for theatres and sightseeing. Will definately go again.

Kim Ford, Glasgow, Scotland
Family with teenagers 12+

I would recommend the Carlton Hotel to anyone booking a trip to Edinburgh.  We got an airlink 100 bus(every 10 minutes) from the airport to waverly station and then it was a short walk to the hotel.  The walk from the station is up a steep hill, but we were able to access the hotel from the bodysense gym on the lower floor and get the lift up to reception.  The staff at the hotel could not have been more helpful.  I was travelling with my grandmother and they offered us extra assistance.  The rooms are spacious and well equipped with tv, mini bar, tea and coffee facilities, internet connection and hairdrier.  Guests are able to use the bodysense leisure club below the hotel which has a lovely swimming pool and jacquzzi.  Breakfast is served until 10 and offered a wide range of food.  We ate in the hotel restaurant on our first night, the food was delicious, but on our second night we went to Garfunkels for a more low-key meal, which is just around the corner on the High Street.  Princes Street, Waverly Station and the Castle are all within walking distance from the hotel and there are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.  The service at the Carlton was amazing and we plan to return.

Rachel Evans, Belfast
Other

Luxury hotel, with excellent service and friendly staff. Car valet reasonable price.  Excellent city location.Breakfast buffet had lots of choice. Would definately recommend!

Miss C Riddell, Loughborough
Young Couple (18-35)

This hotel was so fancy. The staff were so friendly and willing to help you with anything. The concierge located in the lobby knew everything there was to know about edinburgh and he made our trip a great success. If you decide to go then be sure to take a ghost tour late at night. Also if your looking to go out make sure to visit the Grassmarket. Overall it was a very clean hotel with lovely clean rooms, great views and excellent hotel facilities all included in the price.

Anthony Strawbridge, N.Ireland
Young Couple (18-35)

This is the second time we have been to the carlton and everything about it is first class.It is handy for the theatre,shops and allthe tourist attractions.Wwould always book here any time in Edinburgh.

james brown, alexandria scotland
Mature Couple (36+)

The Carlton has a most convenient location.  Waverley station,Princes Street, and the Royal Mile are all only 2 or 3 minutes' walk away.  The rooms are large and comfortable.  The service is both friendly and efficient. If I had any criticism it would be about the decor - but that may be a matter of personal taste. We had value for our money.

Eric Rowland, Ely, Cambridgeshire
Mature Couple (36+)