Aberdeen is somewhere I go often. Ever since I graduated from the University of Aberdeen many years ago (more than I care to remember!), I've found myself drawn back to the city for weekend trips!
Those trips have been even more frequent in the past four years while my daughter attended Gray's School of Art at Robert Gordon's Uni. Normally when I visit her, I've stayed at Jury's Inn because it's so conveniently located in the mall, just yards from the train station. However, for her graduation earlier this month and for my last visit to Aberdeen for a while, I thought I'd stay somewhere different. As it's located in a historic building formerly part of the RGU campus, it seemed apt to try out the Sandman Signature hotel in Aberdeen. Located near the theatre and the beautiful Union Terrace Gardens, it's positioned very centrally for everything Aberdeen has to offer.
On arrival, you can't help but be struck by the bright, high-ceilinged lobby and reception area.
The colourful umbrellas and 'raindrops' hanging from the ceiling are a warm and fun touch. This installation, accompanied by the yellow sofa areas and unique chairs, and even a 'library', with tables that feature wireless charging spots,combine to create a lobby that enourages you to take time out and relax. Not to mention, it's the perfect place to grab a shot or two for Instagram!
I'd booked quite far ahead of time and so managed to get a great deal on a suite. Furnished with a lounge area, a full kitchen as well as the usual bedroom and bathroom, this made the ideal 'base camp' for the weekend.
I was really impressed with the suite when I walked in, straight into the kitchen, which was well equipped with a full-size fridge and freezer compartment, hob, microwave, kettle, toaster, and all the cutlery and crockery you'd need. So, if you're in town for a while, or just don't want to eat out all the time, you can stock up from one of the nearby supermarkets, and sit at the four seat breakfast bar to enjoy a meal or snack (or a nicely chilled bottle of prosecco)!
The kitchen leads straight into the spacious lounge area, with a huge sofa to sprawl out on and watch the large tv. I also particularly liked the colourful cushions! It's also a sofabed, which would be useful for families. There is a great desk area here if you need to work on your laptop, with plenty of power sockets and USB charging options. A small part of the desk also lifts up to reveal a vanity with huge mirror and a hairdryer.
My only specific niggle with the lounge area is the lighting. It's very chic in an industrial sort of way, but it hits very awwardly making watching tv sometimes difficult as well as catching in my eyeline as I tried to work at the desk. The ceilings are so high that I couldn't attempt to reposition it, if it's even movable. Other than the main lighting track, there is only one lamp in the room, which isn't enough to light the room on its own. Some more mood lighting would definitely be a boost.
Again, the bedroom is very spacious. The bed was HUGE and very comfortable. There is a handy ottoman and a built in closet with lots of room, as well as another TV. The bathroom can be accessed both from the bedroom and from the main living area, which is very convenient. Again, no cramped bathroom here - lots of room to get ready, with a beautiful free standing bath and a luxuriously spacious shower cubicle.
One of the things I particularly appreciated about the room was the amount of storage - the kitchen cupboards, the ottoman drawers, the built in closet, and the recess coat closet near the kitchen.
The room servicing is a bit haphazard - despite putting the appropriate light on, my room was skipped on one day, but on ringing housekeeping, the team happily and quickly brought up clean towels - but no toiletries or biscuits ets. Just a small niggle, and I'm sure if I'd rung again, they would have brought extra toiletries. I just didn't want to put them out by calling again.
This was a great place to hang out for the weekend - stylish, spacious and with a touch of luxury, it made it a very special stay. Every staff member we spoke to was very friendly, especially the colleague who checked me in on arrival. The only drawback to this hotel was the heat! Due to the fact this is an historic building, there is no air con, and the rooms can get very stuffy, even with the windows open. However, the hotel does provide a fan, which helps a little. And of course, you can always get that chilled prosecco from the fridge to help cool down!
On the whole, I really enjoyed my stay here, and I'd thoroughly recommend it.
