Having researched many hotels prior to coming to the Edinburgh festival, I decided on The Grassmarket Hotel as it sounded perfect for what I wanted travelling on business, and with my teenage son; contemporary design, lively atmosphere, great central location. Unfortunately when I arrived the girls on reception, although lovely, seemed to have been dropped in at the deep-end and were confused over which guest was staying where. They allocated me room 201 and gave me guide directions (the hotel is like a rabbit warren... lots of corridors, stairways, turns and more corridors... which makes it fun in a way!) and a key they 'hoped' would work! We found the room and the key worked, however it was a small, single bedroom contaning a single bed. We found our way back to reception and explained to the confused receptionists who began phoning people to find a solution. They very kindly offered us a complimentary drink from Biddy Mulligan's Irish Bar next door (fabulous lively venue) whilst they resolved the problem.
30 minutes later I went back to reception only to be told there were no other rooms available.
Obviously I was upset as I had booked my Twin room well in advance and was travelling with my teenage son so a single room just wasn't an option. I was greeted by the Manager who told me he had arranged for a second single bed to be put in the single room. This wasn't ideal as the room was so tiny and the 2nd single bed was just a small 'put up' bed with an insubstanial mattress, but the manager offered us a 50% discount as compensation, which was honoured immediately. In addition I was given a reference number and told that if I choose to come back to the hotel I should quote this reference and I would be given a superior twin room at a good rate.
Positives about the hotel: Well equipped bedrooms including decent hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner, showergel, lovely coffee and delicious chocolate marshmellows :) VERY friendly and helpful staff, nothing is too much trouble for them and they assisted with giving directions and printing off maps. Lovely atmosphere and central location.
Negatives: Our bedroom was too small to appreciate anything in there; it was very hot and cramped, the window opened but wouldn't stay open (we propped it open half an inch using the Dandy annual!), the bathroom was tiny. We were in the 'old' part of the hotel so we didn't have any of the mod-cons the other rooms boasted.
Overall, although a mistake was made on my booking and we spent 2 nights cramped in a cupboard-sized room (see my photo of Room 201), the Customer Service was second to none and my experience wouldn't put me off staying there again (providing I get a decent-sized twin room as requested the first time... please!).

We stayed here for our trip to the comedy festival! The room was really funky- one wall was a magnetic map of Edinburgh. There was an iPod dock and you could have the music playing in the bedroom or the bathroom or both.There wasn't a view from our window but we didn't care. The hotel's location is perfect. Walking distance to all of the fringe venues, the castle and lots of bars, restaurants, pubs etc. One annoying thing is that we got there at 11:30, told we couldn't check in til 2 (fair enough) but when we came back they were checking in a massive group so had to go to the pub next door til about 3.

I was really looking forward to staying at the Grassmarket Hotel, having read about the new room renovation with its funky design and iPod docks that can be amplified in the bathroom. However, it seems as if not all of the rooms have been renovated yet!

I was given room 301, so I took the lift up to the third floor. Turns out this was a mistake, and I had to take the lift to the first floor, walk along a corridor, take two flights of stairs, walk along another corridor, and I'd find the room. Eventually I did (unfortunately, the receptionist had given me the 'key card' and this room doesn't accept the key cards. I had to walk back the way I came - again - to collect the correct key). Still, what's a bit of extra time, eh? Not when you have funky design and iPod docks to look forward to....

Oh. This area of the hotel feels 'tacked on' to the rest of the place. The rooms here, including mine, are very staid and old-fashioned. Having been a bit nosey and peeked through the open doors of one of the rooms on the other side of the hotel while the cleaners were cleaning, I could tell they were totally different. So, a bit disappointing. It's especially frustrating when there's hotel literature in the room (slightly reminiscent of the Innocent marketing blurb, so you know - either cute and funny or slightly annoying depending on your viewpoint) boasting of the kooky design, of the iPod docks and telling you that "singing in the shower is compulsory". Frankly, being able to turn around in the shower would have been acceptable for me.

The room itself was pretty small, there was no reading light in the room, there was no wi-fi, and, most annoyingly, there was no coffee/tea with the kettle, just a collection of 'fruity' teas. I think this latter may have been an oversight though as the next day there was some coffee there. A bit annoying though, especially after a long train ride to your destination. I appreciate that these are minor quibbles, but they are touches that can lift an average hotel into a great one.

Also, if you get a room on this side of the hotel, be aware that you're likely to be right above the pub next door. And, during the Fringe, pubs are open very late, and this pub in particular likes their loud music and singing. Oh boy, do they like their loud singing. At 1am on the first night, I was treated to a raucous rendition of Rebel Yell. Irritating, especially as I've always preferred Billy Idol's other hit song White Wedding.

On the plus side (I genuinely hate to moan on here but I have to be honest), the staff are pleasant (and the girl on reception was very apologetic when she realised she'd given me the wrong key), the hotel is spotlessly clean, and the position is brilliant - right in the centre of everything, 5 minutes walk from the station and if you're there for the Fringe Festival (as I was), within easy walking distance of most major venues.

I know I sound a bit negative here, and I don't mean to - I did enjoy my stay at the Grassmarket, and I would recommend it with caution. Just ring beforehand and check whether you're getting one of the new redeveloped rooms would be my advice.