The Meininger Hotel, a review of a hybrid hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland
With the cost of travelling rising but the thirst for exploration not abating have Meininger found the answer with their hybrid hostel/hotels?
I stayed at the newly opened Meininger Edinburgh and was impressed by what I found. It occupies a converted office block in the Haymarket district of Edinburgh. The clean lines of this building are a marked contrast to the historic mansion across the road, and the reception inside is spacious and contemporary.
In fact, so conveniently situated in Edinburgh’s Haymarket district, this hotel is within easy walking distance of some of the city’s most famous sights, including Princes Street, where you’ll find spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle.
The Meininger brand specialises in hybrid hotels. It takes the flexibility of hostel accommodation, the ability to book bed only, and combines it with hotel features such as en suite bathrooms, towels and toiletries. Location is also an important factor in the choice of sites in relation to exploring a city and also arriving in that city. I travelled to Edinburgh on the Caledonian Sleeper and arrived at Waverley Station. But my ticket included a free transfer to Haymarket Station, and from this station it was a few minutes’ walk to the Meininger Hotel. It is also on the Airport Link route with regular buses to Edinburgh Airport.
Who for
Meininger Hotel is suitable for all travellers from backpackers to business people. It is popular with families and also specialises in accommodating educational groups.
Accommodation
A total of 157 rooms (549 beds) comprises twin rooms (suitable for single occupation), 4-bed rooms of which there are 78 in total, 6-bed rooms and one 5-bed room ( a quirk of the architecture). The most popular rooms are those with four beds, bunks and twins. These are ideal for families and can be booked either as a room or just a bed. Once a bed has been booked in a room, that room is taken out of the system as a room booking, but the remaining beds are still available to book.
Those booking a bed can choose between a mixed bedroom or a women’s-only bedroom. In these rooms, there is a lockable locker available for each guest; the beds have a letter attached, for example the client in bed A will use locker A. The rooms with 6 beds can also be sold as dormitories. All the rooms have ensuite facilities and towels and toiletries are provided.
The large window of my twin bedroom looked out on a lovely view of this building in extensive grounds. It made me feel I was in the heart of an historic city.
Food & Drink
There is no restaurant at the Meininger Hotel, but the large public space around reception incorporates a bar which also sells snacks, a hot drinks station (available 24 hours) and a self-catering breakfast area.
Breakfast is available every day but at an extra cost. A kitchen is available for guests to cook their own food, and there is a fridge in the kitchen to store food. Tags are available to label items, and the fridge is regularly checked to ensure no food is about to go off. Both are available 24/7. There is a Tesco a short distance from the hotel to buy supplies and plenty of eateries nearby.
Facilities
There is a large seating area around reception ideal for working and socialising. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the building. The hotel also has a laundry for the use of guests – charges apply, and bookings have to be made online as the hotel operates a cash-free system throughout. There is also a luggage store (charges apply), and guests going on island trips can leave luggage here for several days. Charges also apply for the secure, inside cycle storage facility for guests.
How much
From £16 for one bed for one night in a dorm or from £85 for a double room for one night – breakfast not included.
What’s nearby
The Modern, Edinburgh’s National Art Gallery is a short walk through uncrowded streets from the Meininger Hotel and is well worth a visit. It consists of two buildings, Modern One and Modern Two, set in a beautiful sculpture park.
In Modern One (entrance free), visitors can marvel at an outstanding collection of contemporary and modern art. Modern Two (entrance fees apply) features a programme of temporary exhibitions and permanent installations. These galleries are very close to each other, and both are surrounded by parkland featuring installations from renowned sculptors.
For those who prefer the bustle of an internationally famous capital city, some highlights of Edinburgh are within walking distance of the hotel. Stroll along Princes Street, dip into the Princes Street Gardens to view the Ross Fountain and the Floral Clock, all overshadowed by the majestic Edinburgh Castle above. Maybe indulge in some retail therapy, and art lovers will no doubt be drawn to the Scottish National Gallery, also on Princes Street.
VERDICT: A good option for a city break, reasonably priced, clean and comfy accommodation in an ideal location.
Getting There:
Hotel Meininger is easily accessible by road, rail and air. The Caledonian Sleeper offers overnight travel to the city, and forty different airlines fly into Edinburgh International Airport, with regular public transport into the city centre.
For more information about Edinburgh, click here.
