Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge

The Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge is low on frills, but attractive and contemporary. On-site amenities are limited and more functional than impressive, but the few things available offer good value. Interiors are fresh and modern, with bright pops of color, Nordic-style wooden furniture throughout, and stylish touches such as large black-and-white photos of Edinburgh landmarks, strategically placed LED lights, and exposed brick accent walls. Service is casual and friendly, with no proper front desk (guests are checked in on a tablet by young staff dressed in red polo shirts and sneakers) and just a bench for guests to wait while being assisted instead of a lobby with seating. Socializing takes place in the lounge, which offers lots of comfortable seating and a bar with a decent selection of beer and wine. 

While contemporary interiors and an excellent location down the street from the Royal Mile make this Ibis a more attractive option than many of the other budget hotels in the area, the icing on top is its rates, which are some of the lowest in the Old Town for a non-hostel property. Still, travelers seeking something a tad cheaper may want to compare prices at the Cairn Hotel Edinburgh or The Place -- both within walking distance of many major attractions -- or the B+B Edinburgh, a fashionable boutique offering freebies such as breakfast and loaner bikes. The Principal Edinburgh George Street is an excellent alternative for those wanting something more upscale without breaking the bank, while Hotel Indigo Edinburgh has modern rooms with more amenities for just a little bit more money than the Ibis. 

The hotel is located on South Bridge, the street that connects the Old and New Towns. This location is ideal for travelers wanting to explore the city’s main sights, as most major attractions are just a short walk away. The Royal Mile -- home to St Giles’ Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle, among other popular tourist sights -- and the National Museum of Scotland are each just a three-minute walk away, while Princes Street, the Scottish National Gallery, and Calton Hill are all within a 15-minute walk of the hotel. Waverley Station, Edinburgh’s main public transportation hub, is also an easy six-minute stroll away, and airport buses and trams are nearby. The drive to the airport from the hotel takes about half an hour, or 35 to 45 minutes via public transportation. 

The hotel has 259 rooms, all decorated in a simple, contemporary style that is somewhere between Nordic and generic. The combination of blond-wood furniture and baby-blue armchairs is a tad bland, but laminate floors, dark-gray accent walls, and big chalk-like paintings above the beds lend rooms a fresh, modern feel. Signature pillow-top beds are comfortable and big, and feature soft cotton sheets and duvets. Some rooms are a tad compact, but big windows and open closets with shelves instead of drawers add some visual space. Our room overlooked a wall and got little natural light, but most rooms have more expansive views of the city. Soundproofing is poor (we could hear doors slamming in hallways, and conversations in neighboring rooms), and it’s particularly lacking in rooms directly above the nightclub next door.

In-room amenities are good for the price, and include individually controlled AC, free Wi-Fi, large LCD TVs with international channels, electric kettles, and free tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and shortbread (all replenished daily). Mini-fridges and safes are not available in any room type. Premium Rooms are a bit more spacious than Standard units, and come with a few extras, such as robes and slippers. Bathrooms are tiny but spotless, with three-in-one shampoo, shower gel, and conditioner, and hand soap in large wall-mounted containers. Hairdryers are also provided.

Breakfast is served every morning (for a fee) in a large, cozy space with lots of seating, plus there's a patio with additional seating and umbrellas. The spread is tasty and varied, and includes continental options -- think warm pastries, yogurt, ham, cheese, juices, and cereal -- and full Scottish breakfast, with eggs, beans, and hash browns, among other items. The restaurant remains open throughout the day, and offers a good (albeit rather short) international menu of pasta, meat, vegetables, and soups. Prices are standard for a city-center hotel restaurant. Dotted with comfortable seating and warm lights, the bar is open 24/7, and has a small selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. 

Pets are allowed for a daily fee, but accessories such as bowls and treats are not provided. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.