89 The Merchants by The House of Danu

89 The Merchants by The House of Danu Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to 89 The Merchants by The House of Danu on Constitution Street, you immediately get the sense this isn’t your typical chain hotel. The building has that solid Edinburgh character — you know, the kind of stone facade that’s been watching over Leith for decades. What struck me first was how they’ve managed to keep the historic charm while clearly putting serious thought into the modern touches. It’s a four-star property that doesn’t try too hard to impress, which honestly makes it more impressive.

Location & Neighborhood

Constitution Street sits right in the heart of Leith, and I mean that in the best possible way. You’re about a 15-minute walk from Edinburgh’s Old Town, but here’s the thing — you actually want to stay in this neighborhood. The area has transformed into this brilliant mix of independent cafes, proper pubs, and some genuinely excellent restaurants. The fact that couples rate the location 9.0 makes total sense when you realize you can stroll down to the waterfront, grab dinner at one of Leith’s fantastic eateries, and still feel like you’re experiencing the real Edinburgh rather than just the tourist bits.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in had this perfect balance of contemporary comfort and subtle nods to the building’s heritage. The space felt thoughtfully designed — not cramped like some city center hotels, but not unnecessarily sprawling either. What I appreciated most was the attention to practical details: proper lighting for reading, enough outlets where you actually need them, and a bathroom that clearly had input from people who travel frequently. The beds are genuinely comfortable, and the windows offer nice glimpses of the neighborhood’s daily rhythm.

Practical Perks

Here’s something that’ll save you both money and hassle — they offer free parking, which in Edinburgh is basically like finding gold. I mean, anyone who’s tried to park in the city center knows what a game-changer this is. The staff genuinely seem to know the area well, so they’re actually helpful when you ask about local recommendations rather than just pointing you toward the obvious tourist spots. The whole operation feels well-run without being overly formal — there’s a relaxed professionalism that makes you feel welcome rather than managed.

Why Guests Love It

What keeps people coming back is how this place gets the fundamentals right while offering something a bit special. You’re staying somewhere with real character in a neighborhood that locals actually enjoy, but you’re not sacrificing comfort or convenience. The 8.4 rating reflects exactly what you’d expect — solid quality across the board with those little extras that make a difference. Whether you’re here for a romantic weekend (hence those high couple ratings) or just want a proper base for exploring Edinburgh, this feels like a place that understands what travelers actually want rather than what hotels think they should want.

Facilities