Recommendations for accommodation (family of 5) Glasgow / Edinburgh

[mandy214]

We are going up to Aviemore at the end of August (from Manchester) but probably looking to visit Edinburgh Zoo (DD is panda obsessed and would love to see the giant pandas even though there is a chance it might be closed) so looking for somewhere to stay. There are quite a few hotels, but ideally looking for a recommendation. Not bothered about whether its city centre (although we will be in a car so am guessing parking is an issue) or whether we stay in a lovely place somewhere in the surrounding area and drive in.

Any recommendations gratefully received.

As the news has broken re pregnant panda I don't think you'll get to see them but Ed Zoo is terrific anyway. We have stayed at the Holiday Inn which is immediately next door to the Zoo, has car parking and is also on a direct bus route into town (not far) for other city centre activities. The hotel is perfectly ok, typical of big chains so if you fancy something other then don't choose it. Otherwise happy to recommend!

Thank you. The Zoo hasnt closed the panda viewing yet I dont think but agree its a bit unlikely!! Worth a try tho for DD.

We've stayed at the Holiday Inn Express at the zoo, which was a perfectly clean & standard holiday inn. Hotel parking was free & available (we arrived on a Friday at 10:30). As bekind said it's on a main route into a edinburgh so easy to get a bus straight to the centre.

I've also stayed with the kids at Novotel Edinburgh Park, which was nicer than HIE Zoo & cheaper & again free parking. But is at Hermiston Gate/ a retail business park off the bypass. Have to get a 5min train to centre, then a bus to the zoo (or now a tram then bus)

If just 1 night in edinburgh I'd choose the HIE