Voco Edinburgh Haymarket: Your Dream Edinburgh Stay Awaits!
Voco Edinburgh Haymarket: My Edinburgh Dream… Was It Really? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, deep breaths. So, Voco Edinburgh Haymarket. "Your Dream Edinburgh Stay Awaits!" they blare. Right, let's unpack that. My dream? Well, it involved a comfortable bed, decent coffee, and ideally, not getting lost in the Scottish mists. Did Voco deliver? Let's dive in, shall we? (And trust me, this is gonna be a bumpy ride).
Accessibility: Trying to navigate the modern world… it's a game, isn't it?
First things first, Accessibility. Because let's be real, navigating a city, a hotel… it shouldn't be an Olympic sport for anyone with mobility challenges. I wasn’t specifically looking for wheelchair accessible options, but I did notice a few things. The website talks about facilities for disabled guests, which is a good start, but digging into specifics is always a bit harder. (I hate the vague promises!) An elevator seemed like a pretty solid win, thankfully. Overall, it felt like they’re trying. Whether it truly delivers on that is a question for someone with more specific needs than mine.
Cleanliness and Safety: Is this place sterile or what?!
Now, in these weird times… Cleanliness and Safety are everything. And Voco – bless their hearts – are all in on this. They list off so many measures it almost feels like walking onto the set of a biohazard suit commercial. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, sanitized kitchen and tableware, the works. Honestly, it's a bit much. I mean, I appreciate it, but I also started wondering if I needed to wear a hazmat suit just to order a coffee! They've got hand sanitizer stations seemingly everywhere. There's talk of room sanitization opt-out, which is a thoughtful touch for those of us who maybe think obsessive cleaning is also a bit much. Staff trained in safety protocol, individually-wrapped food options – it's a sanitization bonanza. I’ll be honest, sometimes this level of precaution can feel bordering on sterile and cold. However, the peace of mind? Priceless, especially these days.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Edinburgh Adventures
Okay, let’s talk food! Because, hello, Edinburgh! I need to eat! Voco has a few options. A restaurant. A bar. A coffee shop. And the all-important room service [24-hour] (YES!). I always judge a hotel by its coffee. Let me tell you, that morning caffeine fix was my savior many a time. The coffee/tea in restaurant situation was also very good, if I remember correctly (and my memory is a bit fuzzy after all the sightseeing!) They touted international cuisine and Western cuisine, which sounds perfectly fine. Honestly, though, after a day of slogging around castles, I was mostly interested in carbs. The menu seemed decent, but not exactly a culinary revelation. I don't recall any stellar meals, but I also don't remember being disappointed. It's solid, dependable hotel food. Good, but not life-changing. I do remember a nice bottle of water in my room, which, hey, small comforts!
The Room: My Little Scottish Sanctuary (or not?)
Right, the heart of the matter: the room. They promise a dream. Did I get it? Well, let's see…
First, the good. The bed was indeed comfortable. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver after those late Edinburgh nights (and early morning adventures). The Wi-Fi [free] was rock solid. The desk was okay – perfectly functional for laptop work. The air conditioning was a welcome bonus in a city that can swing from freezing to sweltering in a heartbeat. Having complementary tea and a coffee/tea maker in the room was a godsend. They did a daily housekeeping, which was nice.
Now, the not-so-dreamy. The rooms, while clean, weren't exactly bursting with character. Functional? Yes. Memorable? Not really. It was a bit… beige. The bathroom was clean, with a shower, bathtub, and decent toiletries. I think I had a hair dryer. (My memory is a haze of Scottish air and castle walls).
And now for the really messy part… The Internet. They boast free Wi-Fi, great. But what about the more techy stuff? The website mentions Internet [LAN] and Internet access – wireless. Okay…but did it work? Like, the entire stay? Honestly, I don't remember having any issues, which probably means it wasn't anything special that stuck in my memory. And if it wasn't special, then it just became the expected, as is normal in the modern word.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (Sometimes)
Voco gets points for offering the usual suspects: concierge, laundry service, luggage storage, and daily housekeeping. They even have, get this, a convenience store! Perfect for those late-night cravings. I didn't need to use too much of these services. But that concierge? They were helpful. Really helpful. And that's a huge stress reliever! They also have cash withdrawal, and currency exchange – convenient for when you realize you're hopelessly unprepared for a trip to Scotland and it’s weird money!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: The Spa and Fitness Stuff
Okay, I'm going to be brutally honest. This is where I failed. I'm a terrible tourist. I get so caught up in exploring that I forget to chill. Voco Edinburgh Haymarket boasts the works. A fitness center with a gym/fitness. A spa with a sauna, steamroom and options for a body scrub and body wrap. A swimming pool! (And who knows, maybe even a pool with a view if you're lucky!). Did I get a massage? Nope. Did I even look at the pool? Nope. I was too busy running around Edinburgh, stuffing my face with Scotch eggs. My bad. But if you are into relaxation, this place has you covered. I can't tell you if the sauna is amazing. I can only tell you that I am now regretting all those missed opportunities.
Getting Around: Airport, Taxi, Car?
The location, folks. The Car park [on-site] option is great. They have airport transfer so you don't have to figure it out when you arrive!
For the Kids: Family Friendly?
Good news, parents! Voco claims to be family-friendly. They have babysitting service, a kids meal, and family/child friendly options. I didn’t see any kids, so I can't comment on the experience. But it sounds like you could bring the little ones.
The Overall Vibe: Worth it?
Okay, so the big question: would I recommend Voco Edinburgh Haymarket? Honestly… yes. It’s a solid, reliable hotel in a good location (near the train station, which is super handy) with all the essentials covered. It's clean, safe, and the staff is friendly. It's not exactly a destination hotel, if you are the sort that wants to stay in the hotel for the entire time.
However… If you're looking for a memorable, soul-stirring experience, maybe it is not the perfect choice.
My Quirky Takeaway:
I give Voco Edinburgh Haymarket a solid 7.5/10. It’s a safe bet for your Edinburgh adventure. It's practical, functional and offers everything you will need. It has the potential to deliver The Dream. But, just remember, the Dream is often what you make of it.
Voco Edinburgh Haymarket: Your Dream Edinburgh Stay Awaits! - Book Now and Get 15% Off!
Tired of boring hotels? Craving a safe, convenient, and comfortable base for your Edinburgh adventure? Look no further than Voco Edinburgh Haymarket!
Here’s why you should book NOW:
- Prime Location: Perfectly located near Edinburgh Haymarket station – easy access to everything!
- Clean & Safe: Relax knowing we've got your health and safety covered, with rigorous cleaning protocols and staff trained in safety protocol.
- Comfort & Convenience: Cozy, well-equipped rooms with free Wi-Fi. Plus, enjoy 24-hour room service, a gym, spa with sauna, and more!
- Foodie Delights: Choose from international and western cuisine options in our restaurant, grab a quick bite at the coffee shop, or unwind at the bar.
- Family Friendly: Kids welcome! We offer babysitting services and special kids dishes to keep your little ones happy.
Special Offer: Book now and get 15% off your
Escape the City: Stunning MK Studio 204 in Ho Chi Minh's Tech Hub!
Alright, buckle up, Buttercup, because this itinerary… well, it's less "smooth sailing" and more "slightly tipsy pirate ship navigating a bath bomb." We're talking voco Edinburgh - Haymarket, by IHG, a place that's probably lovely, or at least, could be, depending on how much sleep I get. And trust me, sleep is a luxury I'm not sure I'm worthy of.
Day 1: Arrival & Edinburgh-Panic
- 12:00 PM: Landed in Edinburgh. Apparently, the airport is… a bit further from the city than I anticipated. Note to self: Next time, factor in the damn tram! The taxi driver? Bless him, he looked as bewildered by my overly-excited (and slightly jet-lagged) babble about "cobblestone streets and fairy lights" as I was by the price of… everything.
- Anecdote: I swear, the Scottish air is thick with the scent of history and… maybe shortbread? I took a deep breath and immediately sneezed. Maybe it's just the pollen. Or the cat I swore I didn't see on the flight. Either way, off to a great start!
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated GLEE. Edinburgh! I’m actually HERE! OMG. (Cue the internal scream.)
- 1:30 PM: Arrived at voco Edinburgh - Haymarket. "Chic" they call it. Jury's still out. The lobby looks nice, but I'm on a mission. Find. Caffeine. Immediately. Checked in, or at least, I think I did. My brain is fighting off a sudden invasion of fuzziness.
- Imperfection: Lost my hotel key card. Already. Seriously?
- Quirky Observation: The receptionist gave me a slightly pitying look. I suspect my current state resembles a disheveled, slightly bewildered squirrel searching for a lost nut.
- 2:00 PM: Coffee. Found it. Praise the caffeine gods! Wandered the cobbled streets, desperately trying to remember which direction leads to… something interesting. Ah, the joys of solo travel!
- 3:00 PM: Okay, maybe I should have planned a bit more. Ended up in a very charming bookstore. Bought a book on Scottish history (mostly to appear cultured) and a very fluffy cat calendar (priorities, people).
- Emotional Reaction: Instant calm. The smell of old books is my happy place. Actually, scratch that. The whole thing is my happy place. Edinburgh is… magical? I think?
- 5:00 PM: Checked in to the room, finally. It's… adequate. Small, but the bed looks inviting. Debating the merits of a nap versus… you know… actually seeing some sights.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a pub near Haymarket. "Authentic Scottish grub," they promised. It was… fine. The haggis was… let's just say, an experience. The beer was excellent, though. And the pub was slightly quieter.
- 8:00 PM: Attempted (and miserably failed) to navigate the Royal Mile. Too many people, too much information, too much… everything. Retreat!
- Anecdote: I saw a bagpiper. He played a hauntingly beautiful tune. Then a drunk guy starting shouting at him about the price of whisky. Ah, Edinburgh. You're a rollercoaster.
- 9:00 PM: Collapsed in the hotel bed, defeated but… undeniably happy.
Day 2: Castle Clambering & Whisky Woes
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. (Maybe) A surprisingly good night's sleep, considering. Coffee, stat! Decided to tackle Edinburgh Castle. Again, should've planned.
- 10:00 AM: Edinburgh Castle. The views are incredible. The crowds? Less so. Spent approximately three hours jostling with other tourists and trying not to drop my phone off a battlement.
- Emotional Reaction: Awe. And mild panic. The castle is stunning. But also… vast.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch - fish and chips, because, well, when in Rome (or Edinburgh, I guess). The seagulls were very interested.
- 2:00 PM: A very educational (and slightly tipsy) whisky tasting. My brain is swimming in peat smoke and obscure Scottish words. Learned about Single Malt, Blended Malt, and how much money I don't have.
- Anecdote: I may or may not have tried to haggle with the whisky expert. He politely, but firmly, declined. Oops.
- Quirky Observation: Turns out, I have a very sophisticated palate for… something. I don't know what, but something.
- 4:00 PM: The National Museum, or, as I call it, "The Place I Didn't Have Enough Time For." Got lost. Saw some cool stuff. Felt profoundly under-cultured.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a cozy little restaurant. Finally managed to order something that wasn't deep-fried. Felt like a successful human being!
- 8:00 PM: Decided to take a walk. Ended up wandering near the hotel where I saw a few pubs, took a seat.
- 10:00PM: Back to the hotel. Going to sleep.
Day 3: Farewell, Fair City (Or At Least, Until the Tram Back to the Airport)
- 9:00 AM: Woke up feeling surprisingly… functional. Maybe all that whisky killed off the travel germs.
- 10:00 AM: Some last-minute souvenir shopping. Because, you know, I need a miniature Nessie. And a tartan scarf. And maybe a sporran.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a cafe near the hotel. Tried to order some delicious dish, with haggis, but there was none. Settled for a sandwich.
- 1:00 PM: Packing – a truly traumatic experience. How did I accumulate so much stuff in just three days?!
- 2:00 PM: Checked out of voco Edinburgh - Haymarket. Saying goodbye feels bittersweet. I will definitely be back to the Scottish air, the history, and the… well, everything.
- 3:00 PM: The tram to the airport. It's smooth, efficient, and… actually quite lovely. A perfect end to a perfectly imperfect trip.
- Emotional Reaction: A mix of sadness, nostalgia, and the overwhelming urge to start planning my next adventure.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
- Edinburgh is incredible. Truly.
- I need to learn to plan.
- Whisky is dangerous. (But delicious.)
- I'm going to sleep for a week. (Maybe.)
- Would I recommend voco Edinburgh - Haymarket? Yeah, probably. Location is fine, the coffee is vital, and the bed was comfy. Not the most memorable hotel, but it was a great launching pad for a trip that was… everything. And, who am I kidding? I'll be back.
This itinerary is a mess. Just like me. But it's my mess. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Luxury Montenegro Escape: Apartment Lazar & Marco Awaits!
Okay, so, Voco Edinburgh Haymarket... Is it actually any good? The TL;DR, please!
Alright, alright, let's cut the fluff. Honestly? Mostly, yeah. It's… *solid*. Like, a good, dependable friend. Not necessarily the flashiest, but reliable. Clean, comfortable, well-located. Think of it as your dependable wingman for an Edinburgh adventure. Plus, those bathrobes… *chef's kiss*. I'm not gonna lie, I considered stuffing one in my suitcase. #sorrynotsorry
Seriously though, the location? Everyone raves about location. Is it *that* good?
Okay, the location. THIS is where Voco *shines*. Seriously. I mean, I’m a total directionally challenged disaster – I get lost in my own kitchen – and even *I* could navigate from Haymarket Station (practically at the doorstep) to the castle. The trams are RIGHT THERE. Plus, you can practically roll out of the hotel and into decent pubs. I may or may not have stumbled back at 2 am after a *particularly* enthusiastic pub crawl. (The hotel staff saw nothing… I mean, I saw nothing. Never mind.) So yeah, the location is a huge win. A HUGE win. Saved my sanity, it did.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they properly "luxury" or just… *fine*?
Alright, luxury? Let's manage expectations, shall we? It's not *over-the-top* luxury. It's not a Ritz-Carlton. Think more… well-appointed. The rooms are clean, the beds comfy (which is *essential* after a day of exploring, trust me!), and the bathrooms are perfectly decent. My room had a view… of, erm, another building. But hey, I wasn't planning on staring out the window all day, was I? (Okay, maybe for a *little* while… that Scottish light is just gorgeous.) The coffee maker was a lifesaver, I will say. Seriously needed that caffeine.
Breakfast? Must-have for me. Good or just… there?
Okay, breakfast. This is where things get a little… *subjective*. They have a buffet. The full Scottish? Yes. The croissants? Yes. The coffee? …Adequate. (I'm a coffee snob, I admit it.) It's perfectly acceptable, but it isn't *mind-blowing*. Think of it as fuel for your day, not a culinary experience. But look, I'm a creature of habit. I piled my plate with sausages and bacon every morning. And honestly? I was happy as a clam. It did the job. And the staff were *lovely*. ALWAYS smiling. Honestly, that goes a long way. Makes you forgive a multitude of breakfast sins.
The bar. I need to know *everything* about the bar. Atmosphere? Cocktails? Judging eyes from the staff?
The bar. Ah, the bar. This is where I spent a considerable amount of quality time. The atmosphere is… chill. Relaxed. Not pretentious. Good for a pre-dinner drink, a nightcap, or (as I may have discovered) a solo session after a slightly emotionally draining day of sightseeing (I blame Greyfriars Kirkyard!). The cocktails? Pretty good! Not cheap, but hey, it's Edinburgh. The staff? Absolutely lovely. Friendly, chatty, and they didn’t bat an eye at me ordering a particularly strong whisky at 10 am after THAT walk through the Kirkyard. Bless them. And the snacks are pretty decent too. They serve a great espresso martini, too. I can personally recommend it. I may have had two. Maybe three. Okay, fine, four. I wasn't judging myself, why should you? #whiskywanderer
Is there anything… *bad* about the hotel? Come on, spill the tea!
Okay, okay, let's get real. The gym? I didn't even *look* at it. I was too busy eating haggis and climbing hills. (I’m not judging *you* if you want to work out, though!) Also, the elevators could get a bit… crowded at peak times. And look, sometimes you can hear the trams from your room (it's near a station, remember?). It's not deafening, but if you're a super light sleeper, bring earplugs. Oh, and one tiny, tiny thing? The pillows weren't my absolute favourite. But hey, I'm fussy about pillows. (Don’t judge! We all have our quirks!). And the price can be a bit… eye-watering, especially during peak season. But that’s Edinburgh for you, isn't it? Worth it, though? Yes, probably.
I'M GOING TO EDINBURGH ALONE! Is this hotel… a good choice? I get anxious…
Oh, *honey*! Going solo can be amazing, but I get it. That anxiety? The internal monologue? It’s real. And yes, Voco Haymarket is actually a really good choice for a solo traveler. The location is perfect - you're basically in the centre of things, so you can duck back to the hotel easily if you need a break.. The staff are friendly, so you can have a chat if you want. And the atmosphere in the bar is chill and welcoming. I spent a very happy evening there, reading my book and sipping cocktails, feeling totally at ease. And you know what? The peace and quiet after a day of Edinburgh's busyness was SO welcome. Seriously, embrace the solo adventure! You’ll love it. And the hotel will be a great base for you.
Okay, *would you* go back? The ultimate question!
Would I go back? Hmm… Let me think… YES! Absolutely, without a doubt. Despite the minor quibbles, the location, the friendly staff, the comfy beds, and the convenient bar, it's a solid winner. It made my Edinburgh trip easier. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need. Plus, I still have a burning desire to steal one of those bathrobes. (Shhh!) So yeah, definitely. Definitely a thumbs up from me. Book it! (And tell me about it when you get back!)
