Shiny new budget hotel in brilliant location

Aberdeen got a big new kid on the hotel block when Jurys opened late ‘09. The silver-clad building's an integral part of impressive new Union Square mall / rail station. Step off train, step into hotel! Weekend guests get lowest rates; midweek, rooms offer leading value in a market which needed more competition. All air-con bedrooms are fresh: pleasing modern décor, practical desk, internet access (wired, fee), good bathrooms; some have great views. 109 ‘twin’ rooms have double bed + single. Bar lounge a good space to relax: plush-covered seats, sofas in metallic shades; tall windows; free wi-fi, all-day dining, good whiskies. Restaurant: open plan, often busy; trained staff good. Food better than expected in budget hotel – tasty, generous, often homemade, lots of choice. Four attractive meetings / events rooms. Jury’s is an Irish company with growing Scottish presence and characteristics we applaud, recognised by awards. Friendly staff, good management, glowing green credentials. This one's a real boon for visitors to the Oil Capital.

E S S E N T I A L   I N F O
> Of the 203 bedrooms 109 are termed ‘twins’ but have double + single beds
> All rooms same rate; all have air-conditioning, flatscreen TV, hairdryer, toiletries, newspaper
> Quietest / best view rooms on the higher floors with the best on levels 5, 6 and 7
> Nab a corner room (nos. end -02 or -03) for a bit more space plus a double window
> We stayed in double room 719 which had, like many, a fine view of bustling harbour
> Particularly good selection of well-planned accessible rooms with choice of shower or bath
> Wi-fi free in public areas (level 0); in room £5hr / £10day (cable very short, bring own if poss)
> In-room dining simply done – ring down your order, pick up tray; no extra charge
> The restaurant offers a wide range of good meals incl. fish, curries, steaks, salads and more
> A set dinner menu (3 choices per course) is £15 for 2 c.; bar lounge has day-long light meals

R A T I N G
Reviewed & Recommended

L O C A T I O N   Map
The hotel is adjacent to the train and bus stations, right in the city centre by the harbour. Aberdeen airport is quite peripheral so expect a 20/30-minute drive or taxi trip to the city centre; taxi fare about £13/15. Airport buses pass close by. There is a choice of parking – ask hotel for latest details as a new park opens late 2009.

T I P S   &   H I N T S
Hotel is bang in centre of town so is handy for everything including the bound-to-be-a-hit new Union Square mall and adjacent multiplex cinema. Being shiny and new there’s much to like and, in truth, we could find very little to moan about. A few niggles are being dealt with. No electric shaver socket in bathrooms, oddly. Highest rooms best. Book early for keenest rates. In business? Sign up for loyalty plans.