YOTEL, said the promotional blurb, offers guests a completely new hotel experience. The idea is to take essential elements of luxury hotels and turning them into a compact, but smart space.
Bosses also aim to deliver a sense of community with areas for co-working, social gatherings and exercise.
Edinburgh is the brand’s first city centre hotel in Europe and the 270-plus bed hotel is centrally located in Queen Street, rubbing shoulders with the Capital’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
YOTEL Glasgow is set to open and a third should be located in London Clerkenwell soon.
Well, what is it like? Check-in is automated by touch screen but there is a bod at Mission Control (reception) nearby if you get stuck.
Signs throughout are clear and your choice is from a Premium Queen Cabin (YOTEL speak for hotel room), perfect for two guests, to a VIP Suite for those extra special occasions.
Cabins all feature luxury bedding – believe me it is – rejuvenating rain showers, relaxing mood lights (you can switch to different colours), numerous charging points and a huge smart TV – great picture – that can easily be connected to guests’ own devices. Our cabin was compact and spotlessly clean.
The bed was one of the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in and you sink into the pillows. I enjoyed a great night’s sleep after lowering top of the bed by use of a conveniently-positioned button. The upwards direction aids TV watching.
There is ample hanger space and hair dryer and an iron are conveniently stored in that area. The ironing board is at the back of the open wardrobe.
The easy-to-work, overhead shower was augmented by a hand-held. There was no shower cap, a point mentioned by Mrs D, but the soft, white fluffy towels were a real bonus.
Soap, shampoo and conditioner were well-positioned at the shower and sink and the toilet cabin – separated from the shower by glass – was fine for me but I felt it could be cramped for a big guy.
Heating controls were beside the door and were no problem to work. The rooms didn’t have a huge amount of available space and they lacked a desk area if you were using it as a business base.
The hotel has, incidentally, two interconnecting meeting rooms that can be booked for groups of between six and 50 delegates, depending on set up.
The wi-fi worked and the room was ideal for our one-night requirement.
The social komyuniti – breakfast area – had bags of room. The offering – for an extra charge – was substantial and the menu included soya and almond milk, porridge (in a pot), cereal, pastries – even a mince pie, well it is Christmas, nice touch that – and a selection of cooked food.
The sausages were delicious and the bacon was lusciously smokey. Scrambled eggs, hash brown and beans were also there. Apricot jam and orange marmalade (Essex-based Wilkin and Sons, deliciously orange taste) plus crusty bread or sliced with pats of Anchor butter made this a most satisfying start to the day.
Drinks machines – tea and coffee – are touch screen and above your head are displayed scenes of Edinburgh. A giraffe did, however, walk across the screen at St Andrew Square, a talking point.
Guests who do not want a full breakfast can adjourn to the coffee bar where there are morning rolls with bacon or sausage available along with muffins, yoghurt and granola pot.
The hotel has a spacious bar with welcoming and obliging staff
and the coffee shop also sells Scottish steak pies, Moroccan-style tomato and chicpea pie, soup of the day, salad, snacks (wraps, Panini and sandwiches) plus beer and wine.
There is a spacious basement gym – well equipped with cycling and walking machines – plus weights. Parking is limited.
Our reaction? We’d have no hesitation in recommending YOTEL for a good night’s sleep. It was wonderfully quiet and the bed so comfy.
And the rates? December 16 price for one night including tax in a Queen was £74.20 (with breakfast £84.20).
A family room (same date, sleeps four) was £109.20 (with breakfast £119.20). There are also special rates for members or offers so see the website.
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