Channings Hotel Edinburgh

We stayed at Channings for 6 nights in September. It's not like other hotels I've stayed at in European cities, it's relatively small, fancier than I usually book (I'm usually a budget traveler but this was very affordable), and off by itself in a quiet suburb of Edinburgh. You have to walk about 15 minutes past the end of the New Town to get there, but the walk is on a street with enough traffic and in a nice enough neighborhood that I never felt unsafe, even late at night. There was good bus service nearby once we figured out how to use it. And as we discovered over the trip, although at first this seems out on an edge, and isn't close to the Castle and Old Town (probably a thirty to forty minute walk), it's surprisingly convenient to other Edinburgh sites like the lovely little in-city villages of Dean and Stockbridge, the Royal Botanical Garden, and the Royal Yacht Britannia. The hotel was lovely, a row of old houses that were decorated in a way that made you feel like you were at the gentleman adventurer's club, as fits a former house of Ernest Shackleton. The room was comfy, great high ceilings, a good shower and bath with plentiful hot water and pressure, and big beds. The only thing I would have wished for was a safe in the room. We were right off the lobby but never heard a sound from other guests from in our room. We had the full Scottish breakfast, in which all the components were well done, although even the continental breakfast was better than at some of the places I've stayed. The hotel restaurant had some very reasonable options if you just needed a tide-me-over and the dinner menu looked lovely, although we never took advantage of it. We dealt with the concierge and front desk three times, and they were always helpful, prompt, and enthusiastic. If you don't mind being a little bit away from the usual tourist path in Edinburgh (and it really isn't that far), then I highly recommend Channings. I would stay here again anytime.

Cleanliness excellent. Location couldnt be better. Very tranquil environment. Do not agree with the advertising slogan as the friendliest hotel in Edinburgh however.

Stunning attic bedroom with a huge bathroom, free standing bath and wet room area filled with Molton Brown goodies! The room was beautiful, warm, comfortable and well kitted out. The hotel was ideally located in a quiet street easy 10mins walk away from the start of Princes Street - perfect distance to avoid taxis and noise! the staff were polite, friendly and really helpful. A lovely bar was to be found downstairs, along with the breakfast conservatory which provided a really good meal each morning. Loved Channings and the pricings from xxxxxx - thought it was too good to be true, it was just so brilliant!

Stayed only one night . Staff very helpful and friendly. Would stay again definietly.

Excellent breakfast, comfortable room except it was very hot and airless in the room and the windows did not open wide. Could have done with a fan or air conditioning on such a day. Was happy to get the room for the price (about £67) but in our opinion it would not have been worth the going rate of over £150 a night. Location quiet - about 10 mins walk into the centre.

Absolute Gem of a hotel, look forward to finding another excuse for a trip to edinburgh!

A bit difficult to find, but a great room. Just outside the city centre and not too far off the main bus routes.

Only stayed at the Channings hotel one night. Staff were friendly and helpful. Rooms were a good size and decorated nicely. Bed in my room specifically could have been replaced (mattress sag). Entire building had style and charm. Very nice adjoining restaurant and bar. Perfect distance to amenities - 10 to 15 minute walk or 2 blocks to main bus routes. Hotel is off the beaten path, which permitted open windows without noise disruption. Would book again, with a request for a better bed.

Particularly comfortable bed. Excellent bar meal but disappointing cooked breakfast (pre-cooked bacon reheated in microwave, very dry). Very pleasant staff and an easy bus ride or walk to centre. Great view, tastefully decorated room, dining and sitting rooms comfortable. Would stay there again and would recommend it for a quiet break.

I thought with the amount we paid for the night that the newspaper should have been complementary. Also, an arrival coffee was charged and that may well have been free too. As a gesture of goodwill, the evening dining room meal was SUPERB and they fitted us in at the last minute. We did have a lovely stay at this hotel and thought the staff MOST helpful and friendly.

Believe the other reviews - Channings is a delightful place. It's a quiet, charming and intimate hotel. The staff are superb - friendly, knowledgable and helpful - nothing is too much trouble. The room was spacious and comfortable. The lift was out of order during my stay and it's a little way out of the city centre, otherwise I'd have given 'very good' for all five rating scales. Very very highly recommended. I shall definitely stay at Channings again.

Excelent traditional hotel, warm and friendly, nothing was too much trouble for the attentive and knowledgeable staff. Good food and service. I would reccomend this hotel to anyone and would definitely use this hotel again. One of those exceptional hotels you come across very rarely.

Although I stayed for only one night , the staff were absolutely first class , My opinion of any hotel is based on the people who work there and this is without doubt one of the best hotels in Edinburgh , I can see how they earned their "best hotel in Edinburgh" award. I will certainly stay there whenever I visit Edinburgh in future.

Very welcoming, friendly atmosphere. Staff so helpful.

I may be repeating what a lot of other people have said, but the staff at Channings are really friendly. They have got the balance just right and are helpful and friendly without coming across as robots! They really do seem to want to make sure guests are looked after properly and have a great time at their hotel. My sister has already booked to stay at this hotel on my recommendation, and I haven't been back home a week yet. Will definitely stay in this hotel again when I next travel to Edinburgh.

Very welcoming boutique hotel within walking distance of the centre of Edinburgh. It was previously the home of a polar explorer. The public areas are an interior designers dream. The food in the restuarant is excellent. The wine list is short but well chosen.

The deputy manager at check in was a bit vague but all other staff were attentive and friendly. The Bistro meals were excellent as were the breakfasts. We had a Standard room on the ground floor which was to a high standard

Great hotel!

The staff are fantastic. They can't do enough to help without being intrusive or overbearing. We were lost in the car on the way to the hotel and a member of staff stayed on the phone with us for 10 minutes while we got to the hotel. The recommendation they made to us for dinner was wonderful and I look forward to returning in the very near future.

I enjoyed my stay at Channing, the staff made me most welcome, the room and food were great and the next time I'm in Edinburgh it will be my first choice.