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Summary of reviewsFrederick House Hotel stands as a highly regarded accommodation in Edinburgh, largely praised for its prime location between the historic Old Town and the vibrant New Town, allowing guests to conveniently explore top attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Princes Street. Guests appreciate its central yet tranquil setting, which also ensures easy access to public transport and the festive Christmas markets during the holiday season.
The hotel’s breakfast arrangement, though unconventional, is a hit for many. Served at the nearby Rabble Tap House & Grill, the traditional Scottish breakfast and a la carte options receive frequent compliments for their quality and variety. The vouchers provided for breakfast are considered great value, despite a few mentions of inconvenience and limited choices in cold weather.
In terms of dining, the absence of an on-site restaurant is mitigated by a variety of nearby options including the highly recommended Rabble and Rosa's Thai. Guests enjoy the 20% discount provided at Rabble, highlighting the excellent meals and diverse menu it offers.
Frederick House Hotel’s rooms are celebrated for their cleanliness, spaciousness and comfort. Guests often mention the modern amenities, tasteful decor and well-renovated bathrooms. While the rooms facing the street can be noisy due to the bustling nightlife, many are peaceful and offer beautiful city views. Some minor drawbacks include occasionally warm rooms, dated furnishings and minor maintenance issues.
Impeccable cleanliness is a standout feature of the hotel. Guests consistently highlight the standard of hygiene and the attentive housekeeping staff. Though some note minor issues like dated furnishings, the overwhelming sentiment is one of satisfaction with the hotel’s pristine condition.
The staff at Frederick House Hotel are frequently praised for their friendliness, professionalism and helpfulness with specific mentions of receptionists who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The positive demeanor of both the reception and housekeeping teams contributes significantly to the welcoming atmosphere.
The Wi-Fi service, although free, receives mixed reviews. While some guests report a strong connection in common areas, many find the Wi-Fi in rooms particularly unreliable, indicating room for improvement.
The hotel proves to be a family-friendly choice, offering spacious rooms equipped with amenities like small fridges and providing services like grab-and-go breakfast bags and luggage storage. Despite minor issues like street noise and some needed maintenance improvements, families generally find their stays enjoyable.
The hotel's nightlife proximity is a double-edged sword—excellent for guests keen on exploring the local social scene, but potentially noisy for those in street-facing rooms.
Beds at the hotel garner mixed feedback with many guests finding them comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, while others criticize the firmness and size, especially for doubles. Despite these variations, extra pillows are appreciated.
Feedback on the hotel's four-star rating is mixed. While it offers great value, excellent service and a prime location, some guests feel it doesn’t fully meet the four-star standard due to dated decor and certain amenities falling short.
Overall, Frederick House Hotel excels in providing a comfortable, clean and centrally located stay with excellent service and close proximity to dining and nightlife, making it a solid choice for both individual travellers and families visiting Edinburgh. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Categories
Boutique-style Hotel
Luxury Hotel
Historic Hotel
Family Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
4-Star Hotel
Room Types
Single RoomEach of the 4-star rooms features a flat-screen TV and fridge. Guests can also make use of free Wi-Fi access, tea/coffee-making facilities, and local information guides.
Double RoomEach of the 4-star rooms features a flat-screen TV and fridge. Guests can also make use of free Wi-Fi access, tea/coffee-making facilities, and local information guides.
There is one double bed in this room type.
Twin RoomEach of the 4-star rooms features a flat-screen TV and fridge. Guests can also make use of free Wi-Fi access, tea/coffee-making facilities, and local information guides.
There are 2 single beds in this room type.
Triple RoomEach of the 4-star rooms features a flat-screen TV and fridge. Guests can also make use of free Wi-Fi access, tea/coffee-making facilities, and local information guides.
This room has 1 double and 1 single bed.
Quadruple RoomEach of the 4-star rooms features a flat-screen TV and fridge. Guests can also make use of free Wi-Fi access, tea/coffee-making facilities, and local information guides.
This room has 1 double, 1 single and 1 fold-up bed.
Guest Reviews
8.3
Very Good
Location
Frederick House Hotel enjoys a stellar reputation for its outstanding location, placing guests at the heart of Edinburgh's vibrant city life. Positioned perfectly between the historic Old Town and the more modern New Town, the hotel provides easy access to top attractions and essential amenities. Guests highlight its proximity to notable landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Princes Street, all within comfortable walking distance. The hotel’s central placement makes it a convenient base for exploring shops, restaurants, bars and public transport links, including bus and tram stops.
The hotel's location is particularly praised for its safety and tranquility, being situated on quieter streets while still keeping the lively city center within reach. Additionally, its closeness to Waverley Train Station ensures seamless connectivity for travelers.
Those staying during the festive season have noted its excellent access to Christmas markets, adding a special charm to their visit. Overall, Frederick House Hotel stands out as an ideal choice for travelers looking to experience the best of Edinburgh’s historic and modern appeals with ease and comfort.
Breakfast
Breakfast at the Frederick House Hotel offers a unique and generally well-received experience, as it’s served in the nearby restaurant, the Rabble Tap House & Grill, located just across the street. Guests frequently praised the quality of food, describing it as delicious, fantastic and even exceptional. Traditional Scottish breakfast options are available and the overall variety caters to different dietary preferences, providing both hearty meals and a la carte choices.
Although the breakfast isn’t served on-site, many guests felt that the cozy atmosphere and excellent service at Rabble made up for this inconvenience. The restaurant’s friendly staff received numerous compliments for their attentiveness. Vouchers for breakfast at Rabble are often included with the room, which many found to be a great value.
However, a few guests mentioned downsides such as longer wait times for food, limited breakfast choices and the inconvenience of having to leave the hotel to eat, especially in cold weather. Some felt the breakfast lacked cold options like fruit and cereal, which didn't quite meet their expectations.
Overall, the breakfast arrangement at the Frederick House Hotel, while unconventional, often leaves a positive impression due to the high-quality food and nearby Rabble restaurant's charming ambiance.
Dinner
Frederick House Hotel, though lacking its own dining facilities, offers guests a delightful array of nearby dining options. Guests frequently dined at Rabble, located just across the street, which is highly recommended for its excellent meals and diverse menu. The hotel provides a 20% discount for meals at this establishment, a gesture that guests deeply appreciate. Additionally, Rosa's Thai is another favored venue for dinner.
Not having a restaurant onsite is mitigated by the availability of multiple good restaurants and cafés in close proximity, making it convenient for guests to enjoy a variety of dining experiences. The breakfast at Rabble is also notable with many guests crossing the street to start their day with a satisfying meal. Overall, the surrounding area offers numerous good-quality dining options, ensuring that guests have plenty of excellent choices for their meals.
Rooms
Frederick House Hotel offers rooms that cater to a variety of tastes and needs. Guests frequently highlight the cleanliness, comfort and spaciousness of the rooms. Many reviews praise the rooms for being larger than expected with some being exceptionally roomy with high ceilings and large windows that let in ample natural light. Modern amenities such as fridges, tea and coffee-making facilities and comfortable beds often enhance the stay.
Several guests appreciate the tasteful, contemporary decor and the recently renovated bathrooms, which include excellent showers. Rooms facing the street can be noisy due to the vibrant nightlife, but other rooms are notably quiet and peaceful, making it easy for guests to rest. However, some guests mention that certain rooms can be too warm with a couple lacking proper air conditioning.
The hotel's central location is another frequently mentioned perk, making it convenient for exploring local attractions, bars and restaurants. While some rooms are in the basement and might feel a bit dark, others boast beautiful views across the city or even the sea.
Despite the praise, there are areas where the hotel could improve. A few rooms are described as small or slightly dated with some minor maintenance issues such as peeling wallpaper or older furnishings. Some guests also note that additional hooks for towels and plugs near the bed would be beneficial.
Overall, Frederick House Hotel offers clean, comfortable and spacious rooms that meet diverse expectations, making it a solid choice for visitors looking for a reliable and centrally located accommodation option.
Beds
The reviews of the beds at Frederick House Hotel reflect a range of experiences. Many guests found the beds to be comfortable, cozy and conducive to a good night's rest, often mentioning that they were able to sleep well. The terms "very comfortable," "comfy," and "super comfy" were frequently used, suggesting that the hotel succeeds in providing a largely positive sleeping experience. The availability of extra pillows was also appreciated by some guests.
However, there were notable criticisms focusing on the firmness and size of the beds. Several guests found the beds too firm or hard, which negatively impacted their comfort. Some reviews specifically mentioned beds being small with double beds particularly noted as too small for two people or too short for taller guests. Mattresses were sometimes described as spongy, lumpy or sagging with a few guests indicating a need for replacements due to discomfort.
In summary, while Frederick House Hotel often delivers comfortable and cozy beds that many guests praise, there are recurring issues with bed firmness and size that affect the overall sleep quality for some visitors.
Cleanliness
The Frederick House Hotel consistently impresses guests with its impeccable cleanliness and well-maintained surroundings. The reviews highlight the high standards of hygiene, noting that rooms are frequently described as spotless, super clean and immaculately maintained. Travelers appreciate the fresh, clean linens and towels and many mention that the rooms are cleaned daily with great attention to detail. The spaciousness and comfort of the rooms add to the pleasant stay, along with the hotel's central and quiet location. The hotel is noted for being functional yet cozy with clean bathrooms and simple but effective decor, which contributes to an overall good value for money. Although some reviews mention dated furnishings and occasional issues with carpet cleanliness, the overwhelming sentiment is that of satisfaction with the pristine condition of the hotel. Cleanliness and comfort are frequently highlighted as top features, making the Frederick House Hotel a reliable choice for those prioritizing tidiness and comfort in their accommodation.
Staff
The staff at Frederick House Hotel have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests, praising their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Several guests noted the warm and welcoming receptionists, mentioning names like Karina, Sutu and Katerina for their exceptional service and hospitality. The staff consistently made great first impressions, greeted with smiles and were always ready to assist, whether it was providing directions, helping with luggage or granting room upgrades.
Housekeeping staff were also frequently mentioned for their politeness and diligence. Guests highlighted their efficiency and attentiveness, ensuring rooms were well-maintained and clean. The overall customer service was deemed excellent with staff being described as amazing, fabulous and consistently supportive.
Despite a few isolated instances of unprofessional or unfriendly behavior, the general sentiment towards the hotel staff remains highly favorable. The consistent praise for their friendliness and competence underscores the hotel’s commitment to providing a pleasant stay for its guests, making Frederick House Hotel a recommended choice for travelers seeking a welcoming and supportive environment.
Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi at the Frederick House Hotel has received mixed reviews from guests. There have been positive remarks about the Wi-Fi connection with some users experiencing strong and flawless internet on their laptops and in the main lobby. However, many guests have reported issues with Wi-Fi in the rooms, describing the connection as consistently poor, slow and spotty. Specific complaints include frequent drops in service, difficulty connecting and weak signals, especially on the fourth floor. While the Wi-Fi is free, its inconsistent performance often left guests relying on their personal data. Overall, while there are instances of good connectivity, the prevailing sentiment points towards a need for improvement in the hotel's Wi-Fi service.
Family
The Frederick House Hotel stands out as an excellent choice for families looking for a comfortable and welcoming stay. Guests have consistently praised the hotel's family-friendly atmosphere and the exceptional hospitality provided by the staff. Families traveling with children, including babies, have noted the fantastic service and how well the staff catered to young inquisitive minds. The hotel offers substantial family rooms, some of which guests have found to be phenomenal, featuring ample space and convenient amenities like small fridges.
Family travelers appreciated the convenient grab-and-go breakfast bags and the free Luggage Room service, making their stays more manageable and enjoyable. The hotel’s suitability for road trips and family staycations was frequently highlighted with multiple reviews emphasizing how the entire family enjoyed their experience.
However, it is worth noting that some rooms might have maintenance issues, such as an uncomfortable bed or noise from the street. Additionally, safety features like handrails could be improved. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Frederick House Hotel remains a favorable option for family trips, offering a warm and accommodating environment for all members.
Nightlife
Frederick House Hotel is situated in a vibrant area, perfect for those looking to experience the lively nightlife of the city. Guests highlight that there are plenty of cool places, including bars, pubs and clubs, just steps away from the hotel. The area is bustling during the day with cafés and excellent bistros, making it an attractive spot for travelers who enjoy dining and social scenes.
However, it's important to note that the nightlife can be a bit noisy, especially at night with street noise and loud music being common disturbances for those in street-facing rooms. This includes noise from bars, live music venues and even rowdy guests returning late at night. Despite this, some guests mentioned that the noise did not affect their stay, indicating that the situation may vary depending on the location of the room within the hotel.
In summary, Frederick House Hotel offers close proximity to an energetic nightlife scene, which can be a huge plus for those looking to explore the city's social venues. For a more peaceful night's sleep, it might be worth requesting a room away from the bustling streets.
4 Star
Frederick House Hotel, rated as a four-star establishment by the Scottish Tourist Board, receives mixed feedback regarding its rating. While some guests appreciate the excellent facilities, good service and the great value for money, others find the four-star classification somewhat misleading. The hotel's location is frequently praised, contributing significantly to its four-star rating in the eyes of many visitors. Some guests highlight excellent stays, especially during the Edinburgh Festival and the tattoo events and commend the constant hot water and punctual valet service.
However, there are recurring comments about the hotel not quite meeting four-star standards. Some guests found the room decor dated and the ground floor rooms small. There's also a consensus that the price may not align with the experience offered with particular mentions of limited toiletries and the absence of a bar for a late-night drink. The lack of recent upgrades appears to be a common critique among those expecting more from a four-star hotel.
Despite some concerns over the rating, the hotel is lauded for its comfort, spacious rooms and overall charm with some even describing it as magical. The central location, surrounded by great pubs, adds to its allure, making it a reasonable choice for travelers looking to explore Edinburgh.
Historic
Frederick House Hotel is a charming destination that effortlessly marries the old-world charm of historical Edinburgh with modern convenience. As a beautiful Georgian building, it boasts large windows and an impressive Victorian courtyard, providing guests with a distinct historic feel. Located conveniently near the heart of the city, just off Princes Street, this period building allows easy access to the old and new towns, as well as other historic areas such as the historic block and New Town.
The hotel's proximity to key attractions like Edinburgh Castle, historical streets and pedestrian zones filled with restaurants and pubs make it an ideal spot for travelers eager to explore the city’s rich heritage. Guests appreciate the lovely decor that complements the historic architecture, lending a beautiful, timeless aesthetic to the interiors.
While some noted the decor is a bit dated with elements like roofed beams and peeling paint, many felt that these characteristics enhance its historical charm. The staff received praise for their friendliness and efficiency, adding to the overall positive experience. With its central location near parks, museums and historic sites, Frederick House Hotel stands out as a lovely historic place to stay in Edinburgh.
No, Frederick House Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Frederick House Hotel.
No, Frederick House Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Frederick House Hotel.