Overview

The DoubleTree by Hilton was easy to find and is well located for getting around town. The bar and restaurant provide for everything you need without having to venture further afield if you don’t want to.

Transport & Parking

For me arrival was straightforward as a taxi can take you to the main entrance. Beware the odd pavements as it’s up two steps in places and is not all that obvious; certainly not to me as a visually impaired person. I understand there are buses running along nearby Lothian Road (approximately 100 metres) that go to all parts of the city. If coming by car there are car parks nearby and the hotel has discount arrangements. The railway stations at Haymarket and Waverley are only a ten-minute taxi journey.

Access

Access in and around the building: I did have a little bit of trouble working out what was the entrance door and what was the glass walling to the building. Some conveniently “planted” bushes did provide a bit of a clue. Once inside it was bright and light in the reception area and staff were quick in coming forward and offering assistance. Access in the accessible bedrooms and bathrooms: My route to the accessible bedroom was via the lift. There are two of these and they were easy to find and the buttons large and clear. Once in the bedroom corridor I did find it quite dark and this may be difficult for some guests; I was lucky as I was accompanied. Staff will show you to your room if you need assistance. The room itself was bright and light. It had recently been upgraded to a better level of lighting than some of the other rooms and this was evident. There were lots of spotlight style lights in the ceiling and they illuminated the room well. The bathroom, which was a wet room, was bright and had sufficient contrast to make finding things easier. Access in the dining area: The dining area, restaurant, is off the reception area and a short distance from the lifts. The main route through the dining room is a straight pathway which makes navigation easier. Staff are happy to read the menu and explain anything which you want to know. Handily, there are also toilets off the dining area. Access to other facilities: The hotel also has a bar and lounge area. It has a variety of seating styles in different areas and the lighting differs between the areas. It was easy to find a spot by the window where it was bright and light where we could sit.

Toilets

There were accessible toilets off the dining area and off the reception. These were bright, light and spacious.

Staff

The staff were extremely helpful in helping me find my way around. Happy to answer questions and to “go the extra mile” if I needed any assistance.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

All in all, a great hotel with a very positive approach to welcoming disabled guests. I visited in the company of a friend who uses a powerchair.

Photos