Do Not Disturb: Haymarket Hub Hotel, Edinburgh

Few things are more annoying than forgetting your phone. No emails, social media or internet. It can be even more bothersome when abroad. But the introduction of Handy smartphones in hotels goes a long way to solving the problem. Handy phones provide guests access to a smartphone that's fully loaded with information on their location, with options to buy tickets to events and attractions.

The premise of the Haymarket Hub Hotel is budget retreat with a dose of style.

Scotland’s first Handy smartphone hotel, the Haymarket Hub, opened in Edinburgh this year and bills itself as convenient, contemporary and connected. Located across the road from Haymarket and with an affordable price and sleek décor that matches the tech-savvy selling point, it’s ideal for discerning travellers.

With free data and no-charge UK and international calls to ten countries, including Australia, China, India and America, visitors can keep in touch 24/7 inside and outside the hotel.

Budget or boutique?

The bedrooms have clean lines and a contemporary design with luxurious beds from Hypnos that guarantee a great sleep.

The entire premise of the hotel is that of budget retreat with a dose of style. With rooms coming in from £69 a night, it’d be hard to get a more reasonable alternative, especially given the central location. Anyone looking for five-star luxury over functionality (and bags of space) should probably look elsewhere.

Room service

The bedrooms have clean lines and a contemporary design with luxurious beds from Hypnos that guarantee a great night’s sleep. If you fancy settling in there’s in-room entertainment to catch up with the day’s news, films or sport, but if a night out is on the cards then the power showers and indulgent toiletries will revive and recharge you for the night ahead.

Rooms are compact and sleek, with a white and red colour palette (that matches the reception area, which at Haymarket, also has the outline of a piper). The large, cloud-like double bed dominates the room with storage space confined to the wall (hooks for coats and clothes and a small, pull down table). The bathroom is a simple, bright space with a power shower, sink and toilet.

The bedrooms have clean lines and a contemporary design with luxurious beds from Hypnos that guarantee a great sleep.

Wining and dining

The Haymarket Hub is right next door to Platform 5, which is where guests can enjoy a full cooked breakfast daily from 7am till noon or tuck into traditional pub grub such as fish and chips, burgers and pies.

If venturing further afield in the city the stylish Westroom café and bar is worth a stop. Located on Melville Street in the city’s West End, Westroom offers a mean breakfast menu that includes waffles with blueberries, eggy bread and a selection of filled rolls. The drink ranges from Eteaket tea and artisan coffee to spiced Bloody Marys and craft cocktails.

Worth getting out of bed for

Located opposite Haymarket station, the hotel is in the heart of the action. On the direct line from all over Scotland, London’s King’s Cross and the airport tram, you’re just minutes from the West End, the action at Murrayfield, the shops of Princes Street and George Street, the handsome New Town and historic Old Town. The hotel is ideally appointed for modern travellers regardless of whether they are in the city for work or pleasure.

Little extras

The mini White Company toiletries are a lovely addition and the 24 hour Illy Café that serves refreshments is a welcome addition for night owls.

Guestbook comments

Excellent location and budget-friendly with bags of style. The smartphones make life so much easier, even if you’re not a tourist. Princes Street and attractions are not too far away and the West End is within a five-minute walk – shopping and foodie paradise.

Double and twin rooms are available from £69 per night room only. Breakfast can be pre-ordered for £5.50 from reception or enjoyed in Platform 5. Haymarket Hub Hotel, 7 Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5DR

(0131-347 9700, www.haymarkethubhotel.com)