You are on Accommodation Overview (Scholar Hotel). Skip to the next section.

Accommodation Overview (Scholar Hotel)

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• About View
  • The Scholar Hotel is located within the Pollock Halls of Residence complex, which is located to the south of Edinburgh city centre, in the St Leonard's area of the city.
  • This is a hotel which is part of the University of Edinburgh Hospitality Collection. It is spread over 4 floors, however the upper floors contain only bedrooms, with all main services and several rooms being situated on the ground floor.
  • There are 72 rooms in total within the hotel.
  • There is 1 room with adaptations within the hotel.
  • The room with adaptations is room G01, which is located to the right and then to the left along the corridor as you enter the hotel through the north entrance.
  • The room with adaptations has an adjoining room.
  • The room with adaptations has an ensuite with a wheel-in shower.
  • Standard accommodation has ensuites with stepped shower cubicles.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • There is a campus car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
  • There is a drop-off point.
  • The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
  • View information on getting here (opens new tab) .

You are on Getting Inside. Skip to the next section.

Getting Inside

• The approach to the building from the drop-off point is step-free and level.
• There are steep slopes and uneven surfaces on the approaches from the Blue Badge and EV charging bays, as well as The Scholar and The Scott car park.
• The Scholar Hotel has two entrances, both of which provide step-free access (via slight ramps) to the ground floor.
  There are single manual doors at both entrances.
• The entrances are not differentiated by name for this building; but are both signed as "The Scholar Hotel - The University of Edinburgh".
• The north entrance provides step-free access (via a slight ramp) to the ground floor of the hotel.
• The south entrance is located on the opposite side of the hotel, leading in from The Scholar and The Scott car park, and also provides step-free access (via a slight ramp) to the ground floor of the hotel.

You are on Getting Around. Skip to the next section.

Getting Around

• There is step-free level access throughout the building on all floors, via very slight ramps.
  There is step-free level access once inside the building to all floors, via lift.
  This lift was in the process of being replaced when the hotel was surveyed in February 2025.
• Floor surfaces along circulation routes are a mixture of shiny and patterned vinyl/laminate and low pile carpet.
• There are resting areas in some circulation and lobby areas with a mixture of seating.
• Wall-mounted wayfinding signage is provided throughout the building.
• There are manual doors within the building to access all room corridors, but not the reception or eating/drinking facilities on the ground floor.

You are on Emergency Egress for Building. Skip to the next section.

Emergency Egress for Building

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• General Building Information View
  • Please note the fire evacuation strategy from the upper floors of this building relies on the ability to self-transfer in to an evacuation chair.

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
  • The toilet with adaptations is located to the left as you enter the hotel through the north entrance, opposite The Brasserie At The Scholar Restaurant.
  • The toilet with adaptations has a right hand transfer space.
  • The female step-free toilet facilities are located to the left as you enter the hotel through the north entrance, and then along the corridor to the right as you face The Brasserie At The Scholar Restaurant.
  • The male step-free toilet facilities are located to the left as you enter the hotel through the north entrance, and then along the corridor to the left as you face The Brasserie At The Scholar Restaurant.
• Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilet with adaptations.

You are on Parking (The Scholar and The Scott Car Park). Skip to the next section.

Parking (The Scholar and The Scott Car Park)

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located to the southwest of the hotel, to the left as you enter the Pollock Halls site from Dalkeith Road.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • There are no designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • This car park is for staff, visitors and Blue Badge holders only.
  • Parking is free for all users.
  • Clearly presented parking signs are not available.
  • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).

You are on Parking (Blue Badge and EV Charging). Skip to the next section.

Parking (Blue Badge and EV Charging)

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located to the north of the hotel, between St Leonard's Hall and John Burnett House on the main roadway running through the Pollock Halls site.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • There are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 252cm (width) x 487cm (depth).
  • The hatched/marked zones vary between bays.
  • The width of the marked zone is 130cm.
  • The nearest designated bay is 152m from the north entrance of The Scholar Hotel.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight ramps or slopes, a steep ramp or slope, uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
  • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • This car park is for visitors and Blue Badge holders only.
  • Parking is free for all users.
  • Clearly presented parking signs are not available.
  • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
  • Parking here is for hotel guests with an electric vehicle or Blue Badge only.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
  • There are 8 electric vehicle charging points.
  • The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 240cm (width) x 480cm (depth).
  • The controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The nozzle holster is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The charging points require tap and pay (contactless payment).
  • There are no electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is a designated drop-off point available.
  • The designated drop-off point is located directly in front of The Scholar Hotel north entrance.
  • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the drop-off point.

You are on Entrance (North Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (North Entrance)

• This entrance is located to the north of the hotel, leading in from the car park and drop off point.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
• The ramp has a slight gradient.
• The ramp is over 150cm wide with no handrails.
• There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 120cm.
• There is an intercom at a height of 146cm.
• The intercom is for out of hours use only.
• There is a single manual door at this entrance.
• The door opens towards you.
• The width of the opening is 96cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The door has a medium visual contrast.
• There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 113cm.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

• The reception is located to the left and left again as you enter the hotel through the north entrance.
• The distance from the north entrance is 13m.
• The most accessible route to reception has doors permanently held open.
• There is step-free access via a very easy ramp or slope to reception.
• The height of the reception desk is 123cm.
• There is not a lowered section at the desk.
• The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is background noise in this area.
• The flooring is shiny and patterned.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
• Seating available in this area includes: armchairs.
• Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.

You are on Eating and Drinking (The Brasserie At The Scholar). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (The Brasserie At The Scholar)

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• Location and Access View
  • The Brasserie At The Scholar restaurant is located to the left and straight ahead as you enter the hotel through the north entrance.
  • The most accessible route has a very easy slope and doors permanently held open.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • The width of the opening is 83cm.
  • There are no doors into The Brasserie At The Scholar restaurant, but there is a narrow open gap to access with a minimum width of 83cm.
• Service View
  • This area has buffet counters, staff who can provide assistance with ordering and numerous seating options.
  • Full table service is available.
  • Menus are handheld, wall-mounted, available on a board, online and displayed on the counter.
  • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
  • The following are available: drinking straws.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Order and Payment View
  • The buffet counter was surveyed.
  • The counter is located to the far left as you enter the restaurant.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 75cm.
• Seating Area View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • The buffet counter is used for breakfast only - table service is available on request only at this time.
    For lunch and dinner, the restaurant has full table service.
    There is further seating outside.
    This is accessed via double manual doors with an opening width of 152cm, followed by a single step, 15cm in height. The outdoor seating consists of picnic tables with fixed seating.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Bar). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Bar)

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• Location and Access View
  • The bar is located diagonally to the left as you enter the hotel through the north entrance.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 156cm.
• Service View
  • This area has a bar where food and drink can be ordered and staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
  • Full table service is available on request only.
  • Menus are handheld, available on a board, online and displayed on the counter.
  • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
  • The following are available: drinking straws.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Order and Payment View
  • The bar was surveyed.
  • The counter is located immediately to the left as you enter the bar area.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 110cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
• Seating Area View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, sofas and high stools.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and coffee tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

You are on Bedroom with Adaptations (Room with Adaptations G01). Skip to the next section.

Bedroom with Adaptations (Room with Adaptations G01)

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• Location and Access View
  • The bedroom surveyed is located on the ground floor, to the right and then to the left along the corridor as you enter the hotel through the north entrance.
  • The distance from the north entrance is 14m.
  • The most accessible route to the bedroom has step-free level access, manual doors and narrow walkways .
  • There is step-free level access into the bedroom.
  • There is tactile and written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 112cm.
  • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 75cm.
• Bedroom Features View
  • The bedroom has a double bed.
  • The top of the mattress is 64cm from the floor.
  • The space under the bed is 4cm from the floor.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre next to the bed (150cm x 150cm).
  • The following is available in this bedroom: a mixture of chairs with and without armrests, bedside plug sockets, a coffee table, a desk, a TV with subtitles and a flashing fire alarm.
  • There is no emergency alarm.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • This bedroom has an adjoining room.

You are on Ensuite with Adaptations (Room with Adaptations G01). Skip to the next section.

Ensuite with Adaptations (Room with Adaptations G01)

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• Access View
  • There is step-free level access into the ensuite.
  • The ensuite door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening to the ensuite is 85cm.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is not a grab rail on the internal door .
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the ensuite are 372cm (width) x 148cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet, however the left side is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space on the left is 101cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • The lateral transfer space on the right is 148cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a push button flush in the centre of the cistern.
  • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the left as you face the toilet.
  • The vertical grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the left as you face the toilet.
  • The dropdown rail has a medium visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 42cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 51cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a soap dispenser, however it is not wall mounted.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The ensuite has a pedal bin.
  • There is one coat hook.
  • The coat hook is 141cm from the floor.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
  • The ensuite has a wheel-in shower.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
  • The shower controls are twist turn mixer.
  • There is a flip-down shower seat.
  • The shower seat is 42cm from the floor.
  • There are grab rails for the shower.
  • The shower grab rails have a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is an additional standard sink without grab rails at a height of 93cm, which has a twist/turn mixer tap.
    There is also a fixed height overhead shower head in addition to the height-adjustable and detachable one.

You are on Stairs. Skip to the next section.

Stairs

• The stairs surveyed are located to the right as you enter the hotel through the north entrance.
• The ground floor, first floor, second floor and third floor can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 15 steps between floors.
• The steps have low visual contrast markings and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - The Brasserie At The Scholar - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - The Brasserie At The Scholar - Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located to the left as you enter the hotel through the north entrance, opposite The Brasserie At The Scholar restaurant.
  • The distance from the north entrance is 11m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has a very easy ramp slope and doors permanently held open.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 74cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 145cm (width) x 178cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 62cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 97cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 105cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
  • The towel dispenser is 104cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm but it was tied up at the time of the survey.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 99cm.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.