You’re standing on the Royal Mile. It’s raining—because it’s Scotland—and you’re lugging a suitcase over cobblestones that have been there since the 1500s. Most people book a generic hotel near the train station and regret it the moment they realize they have to hike uphill for every single meal. If you’ve been looking at Fraser Suites Edinburgh, you’re likely trying to avoid that specific brand of travel misery.
Honestly, finding a place to stay in the Old Town is a nightmare of "charming" rooms that are actually the size of a closet. Fraser Suites is different. It’s tucked into a 19th-century baronial building that used to be a newspaper office. It feels heavy. It feels permanent. It’s the kind of place where the walls are thick enough that you won’t hear your neighbor’s 6 AM alarm, which is a rare luxury in a city built on medieval foundations.
The Reality of Staying on St Giles Street
Location is everything. People say that a lot, but in Edinburgh, it's literal. If you stay too far down the hill in Grassmarket, you’re looking at a vertical climb to get anywhere. If you’re in New Town, you’re surrounded by H&M and Zara. Fraser Suites Edinburgh sits on St Giles Street. You are essentially leaning against St Giles' Cathedral.
You step out the front door and you’re thirty seconds from the High Street. But here’s the trick: because it’s on a side street, you escape that specific, frantic energy of the tour groups and the guy playing bagpipes for eight hours straight. It’s a pocket of relative quiet in the middle of a tourist hurricane.
The building itself is a Category B listed beauty. Think high ceilings and big windows. You aren't staying in a cookie-cutter box. You’re staying in a piece of the city’s Victorian heritage that’s been gutted and filled with mid-century modern furniture. It’s a weird contrast that somehow works.
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What Kind of Room Should You Actually Get?
Don't just click the cheapest option. That’s a rookie move.
The "Studio" rooms are fine if you’re just crashing, but the "Bespoke" suites are where the actual value lies. Some of them have views that look straight out over the Princes Street Gardens and toward the Scott Monument. Seeing the city lights flicker on over the New Town while you’re sitting in a warm room with a scotch in hand? That’s the reason you come to Scotland.
Every room has a kitchenette. It’s basic—microwave, fridge, some hobs—but it’s a lifesaver. Edinburgh’s food scene is incredible, but eating out for every single meal in the Old Town will drain your bank account faster than a hole in a bucket. Being able to buy some local smoked salmon and oatcakes from a shop and eat them in your pajamas is a massive win.
Small details that matter:
- The water pressure is surprisingly good for an old building.
- The WiFi doesn't die when the hotel is full.
- There’s an actual gym, though honestly, walking up the Royal Mile three times a day is all the cardio anyone needs.
The Stuff Nobody Tells You About the Old Town
Staying at Fraser Suites Edinburgh puts you in the heart of the "Close" system. These are the tiny, narrow alleys that branch off the main street. They’re creepy, beautiful, and steep.
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One thing people get wrong: they think they can drive here. Don't. Just don't. The streets are narrow, parking is non-existent, and the one-way systems are designed to make you cry. If you’re arriving by train at Waverley Station, it’s a five-minute walk. Well, a five-minute upwards walk. If you have heavy bags, take a cab for the three-block journey. Your knees will thank you.
Also, the wind. Because the hotel sits high up on the ridge, the wind can howl through those stone canyons. It adds to the atmosphere, sure, but bring a coat with a hood. Umbrellas are useless in Edinburgh; the wind just turns them into expensive modern art.
The Breakfast and Dining Situation
They have an on-site bistro called Stocks. It’s elegant. It’s nice. But you’re in the middle of one of the best food hubs in Europe.
Walk two minutes to The Devil’s Advocate in Advocates Close for dinner. It’s an old pump house turned into a bar and kitchen. Or, if you want something fast, Oink on Victoria Street does hog roast rolls that are legendary for a reason.
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The hotel breakfast is solid, but honestly? Go to a local bakery. Get a morning roll with square sausage. It’s more authentic and costs about four pounds.
Is it worth the price tag?
Edinburgh isn't cheap. It just isn't. You can find "budget" hotels out by the airport or in Leith, but you’ll spend your whole trip on a bus. Fraser Suites Edinburgh hits that middle ground. It’s luxury, but it’s functional luxury. You aren't paying for a doorman in a top hat to tip his cap at you; you’re paying for the ability to walk to Edinburgh Castle in four minutes.
The service is low-key. It’s not the kind of place where staff hover over you. If you’re the type of traveler who likes to be left alone but wants a clean, high-end base of operations, this is it.
Why some people hate it
Let's be real. If you want a massive swimming pool and a sprawling resort feel, you’ll be disappointed. This is urban living. The elevators can be a bit slow because, again, old building. If you struggle with stairs, make sure you mention that when booking, as some levels have a few steps between the lift and the room.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
If you’re ready to book, do these three things to make sure you don't end up frustrated:
- Request a High Floor: The street noise isn't terrible, but the higher you go, the better the view of the skyline. The "City View" rooms are worth the extra twenty quid.
- Download the 'Lothian Buses' App: Even though you’re central, you’ll want to head down to Leith for the seafood. The bus system is world-class, but you need the app to navigate the routes.
- Book Direct (Sometimes): Check the Fraser Hospitality website before using a booking engine. They often have "member" rates that shave 10% off if you just sign up with an email.
- Skip the Rental Car: If you're planning on doing day trips to the Highlands, rent a car for just those days from a city center hub. Keeping a car at the hotel is a logistical headache you don't need.
Staying at Fraser Suites Edinburgh isn't about staying in a hotel; it's about pretending, for a few days, that you actually live in the 1800s, just with better heating and a Nespresso machine. It’s the easiest way to experience the Old Town without the typical sacrifices of staying in a drafty, ancient apartment. Get your walking shoes ready. The hills are no joke.