DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport

First opened in 1998, this DoubleTree has a distinctive business hotel feel, with a busy lobby where guests in suits hold casual meetings, extensive meeting facilities, and pleasant (if generic) decor in neutral hues. Details such as black-and-white photos of old airplanes, laminate floors, Chesterfield couches, and shelves with ornaments and books make common spaces inviting and cozy, but the property caters mostly to the business crowd, and the vibe is corporate. Those familiar with the brand will recognize many of the on-site elements, from the delicious warm chocolate chip cookies given on check-in to the decor style. But this lack of surprises is what keeps travelers who spend a big part of the year on the road coming back, as it provides a comfortable, familiar experience.

While this DoubleTree is a solid option for business travelers and those who need to be near the airport, rates are rather high, especially as breakfast is not included and the pool is closed until further notice. The Edinburgh Marriott Hotel is another good pick near the airport, with a heated indoor pool, solid restaurant, and free on-site parking. Travelers seeking something with more charm and style may prefer the Norton House Hotel & Spa, an upscale property housed in a Victorian mansion surrounded by gardens. Travelers on a tighter budget may want to compare rates at the Ibis Budget Hotel Edinburgh Park, which can sometimes be about a third of the price of the DoubleTree, though it lacks most of the amenities available there. 

The hotel is located within the airport grounds, about a 10-minute walk through the outdoor car park from the terminal. There is also free shuttle service 24/7 to the airport. While this location is more convenient for those who need to be near the airport than for travelers wanting to explore the main attractions, both the Airlink 100 bus and the tram to the city center have stops nearby, and the ride takes between 25 and 35 minutes, depending on traffic. From Waverley Station, where both the bus and the tram stop in the city center, it is about a five- to 10-minute walk to all major attractions. The hotel offers on-site parking for a fee, including the option to leave the car there while on trips of up to two weeks away from Edinburgh. 

The hotel's 150 rooms feel fresh from a 2016 refurbishment, but decor is generic overall, consisting of a subdued earth palette, simple wooden furniture, and wall-to-wall carpet with geometric patterns. Warm lights, quality beds, and big desks with ergonomic chairs make them comfortable, and thick windows can be opened in all rooms, allowing fresh air in while keeping noise out when closed. Soundproofing from hallways, however, seems to be poor, and slamming doors can be heard from inside the rooms. Some rooms have been renovated since 2016, and feature a stylish combination of dark-brown accent walls, burgundy curtains, and brown carpet that make them cozier. 

Rooms are outfitted with a number of great amenities, including USB charging points, laptop-size safes, big LCD TVs with international channels, and electric kettles with tea and instant coffee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and fans can be rented for a fee, but air-conditioning is not available in any room type. Deluxe Rooms come with a few nice extras, such as robes, slippers, and free bottled water. Clean bathrooms are straightforward across the board, with basic shower/tub combos, plain white tiles throughout, and quality Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries. 

The Space is a three-in-one lobby lounge where guests can relax, have a bite from the restaurant, or hold casual meetings. The all-day menu includes regional comfort food, pasta dishes, desserts, and steaks, while breakfast (not included in the standard rate) offers a wide variety of freshly made hot and cold options. The bar has a solid cocktail menu, along with a selection of beers, international wines, and coffee liqueurs, and there is a Starbucks corner serving up an array of seasonal coffee drinks, as well as all the chain’s standard fare. Room service is available 24/7.

The fitness center is one of the hotel highlights, with quality Precor equipment, personal trainers (for a fee), and about 20 group classes available weekly free of charge. The hotel also features a big heated indoor pool, complete with a whirlpool, a sauna, a stream room, and a cabin for spa treatments, but it's closed until further as of spring 2018.  

The DoubleTree has extensive, well-equipped event space, including 22 meeting rooms, all featuring natural light, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. There is also a large hall for weddings, along with a pleasant courtyard, a business center with printing facilities, and an indoor bar area. 

Pets up to 75 pounds are allowed for a fee.