1. Arrival in Aberdeen: First Impressions of the Granite City
Touching down in Aberdeen felt like stepping into a stone-carved storybook. The city’s nickname, “The Granite City,” immediately made sense—grey stone facades stretched across the skyline like silent monuments to a bygone industrial age. Unlike the more tourist-saturated destinations in Scotland, Aberdeen carries itself with a certain understated dignity. It’s a city that isn’t trying too hard to impress but still manages to charm at every turn.
The air was brisk, even in Early Fall. Seagulls cried above Union Street, and the scent of salt and stone lingered faintly in the wind. I arrived at Aberdeen International Airport on a morning flight from London Heathrow. A short 20-minute taxi ride later, I found myself at the doorstep of my hotel—the Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel.
2. Choosing a Hotel: Why Sandman Signature Caught My Eye
I’m always particular when it comes to accommodation—cleanliness, location, and cost must find a harmonious balance. After sifting through countless listings on Booking.com, the Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel stood out. It’s not often that a hotel manages to maintain a consistent 8.7+ rating across thousands of reviews while still keeping rates relatively accessible.
Located at St. Andrew Street, AB25 1AD, the Sandman is within walking distance of Union Street, the city’s main artery. The price for a King Room was £89 per night, and I booked a 4-night stay for a total of £356. This included free Wi-Fi, a large king-sized bed, a modern en-suite bathroom, and access to a well-equipped gym. Breakfast, though not included, was available at an additional £12 per day—a detail I weighed carefully but ultimately decided against, choosing instead to explore local cafés.
3. Checking In: A Smooth Start
Check-in was swift and efficient. I arrived just after noon and was warmly greeted by the front desk staff, who offered to store my luggage until the 3:00 PM check-in time. However, to my delight, they informed me that my room was already ready. There’s something quietly luxurious about being told, “You can go up now,” when you’ve been bracing yourself for a wait.
The hotel lobby exudes an industrial-chic aesthetic—high ceilings, exposed brick, warm lighting, and plush seating areas. It felt inviting without being ostentatious. A subtle scent—woody with hints of citrus—hung in the air, a welcome contrast to the wind outside.
4. The Room: Quiet Comfort Meets Practical Design
Room 217 became my base for the next four days. Upon entering, the first thing I noticed was the bed—immense, dressed in crisp white linens with a firm mattress that promised proper rest. The room offered a clever blend of traditional and contemporary design: tartan-patterned cushions, leather-backed chairs, and sleek, dark wood furniture gave it a sense of both heritage and freshness.
There was a Nespresso machine on the side table (a detail I didn’t expect at this price point), along with complimentary pods replenished daily. The smart TV allowed for Netflix streaming, and the blackout curtains ensured uninterrupted sleep—much appreciated after long days of exploring.
The en-suite bathroom was spotless, with a walk-in rainfall shower, heated towel racks, and toiletries provided by Canadian brand Pharmacopia, known for its vegan, eco-conscious ingredients. A heated mirror ensured no fogging after a hot shower—a small but brilliant touch.
5. Location, Location, Location
One of the hotel’s most compelling features is its location. Sitting just off Union Street, it provided immediate access to most of the city’s key attractions. On foot, I was within minutes of:
- Marischal College (5-minute walk): A stunning example of neo-Gothic granite architecture, now home to the Aberdeen City Council.
- Aberdeen Art Gallery (7-minute walk): Recently refurbished and home to a thoughtfully curated mix of classical and contemporary art.
- The Kirk of St Nicholas (5-minute walk): A hauntingly beautiful, semi-ruined church with centuries of history etched into its gravestones.
- Union Square Shopping Centre (10-minute walk): Perfect for a quick snack, shopping, or catching a film.
- Aberdeen Maritime Museum (15-minute walk): A brilliant exhibit of the city’s nautical past.
Public transport was equally accessible. The central bus station and railway station were within a 10-minute walk, making day trips to Stonehaven and the dramatic Dunnottar Castle incredibly convenient.
6. Dining Options: Beyond Hotel Walls
Though the hotel houses the Chop Grill & Bar, which looked enticing enough with its dark wood interiors and steak-heavy menu, I opted for meals beyond the hotel to get a taste of Aberdeen’s culinary scene.
Across the street was Books and Beans, a cosy independent café offering hearty breakfasts and rich coffee—my go-to morning stop. Their smoked salmon bagel became a daily ritual. For dinner, I tried Moonfish Café, near the Green. Their seafood risotto—creamy, herbaceous, topped with grilled langoustines—was worth every forkful.
Aberdeen, perhaps unexpectedly, is a food lover’s city. From Indian street food to high-end whisky bars, it offers more variety than one might expect from a place often associated with oil rigs and grey skies.
7. Nights at Sandman: Quiet and Restful
Each night was undisturbed. The insulation was solid, and though the hotel was relatively full (a weekend rugby match had drawn a fair crowd), the atmosphere remained quiet. Housekeeping was prompt and polite, never intrusive. The room was refreshed daily with towels folded into crisp triangles and the bed made with military precision.
The mattress deserves particular praise—it struck that rare balance between firm support and soft cushioning. Pillows came in two densities, both of which were supportive without being stifling. I slept without the usual tossing and turning that plagues unfamiliar beds.
8. Gym Facilities: A Surprising Bonus
Though I hadn’t planned on working out during my stay, a peek into the gym changed that. Located on the first floor, it was larger than I expected. Equipped with treadmills, stationary bikes, a full weights section, and even a yoga area, it felt more like a boutique fitness studio than a typical hotel gym. Towels and bottled water were provided, and the ambient lighting created a calm, focused environment.
I ended up using it twice—once after a long day exploring the beach promenade and again before heading out to Dunnottar Castle. Both times, I had the place to myself, a rarity that I appreciated.
9. The Sandman Staff: Friendly Without the Fluff
The staff deserve their own mention. From the front desk to housekeeping and the bar staff downstairs, each interaction felt genuine. They answered questions about bus routes, printed a museum ticket for me, and even recommended lesser-known sights, like Fittie Village—a quaint seaside area with candy-colored cottages that felt like a different world altogether.
There’s a difference between hospitality that is polished and that which is heartfelt. At the Sandman, it felt like both. There was no over-the-top cheeriness, just consistent, grounded professionalism with an easy warmth.
10. A Hotel That Understands Travelers
Sometimes, what makes a stay memorable isn’t just about the thread count or whether the Wi-Fi password is complicated. It’s about whether the hotel anticipates what travelers actually need—places to hang coats, enough sockets for devices, soft lighting that doesn’t burn your retinas at midnight. Sandman Signature hit all those notes.
The small desk by the window became my evening perch, where I sipped hot tea and sorted through the day’s photos. There was a USB charger built into the lamp base—no scrambling behind beds for outlets. The minibar stayed cool but silent. Even the room’s color palette—warm greys, soft beiges, and calming blues—seemed designed to soothe rather than impress.
11. Little Extras That Make a Difference
On my second night, I noticed a discreet sign in the elevator offering pillow menu options. Intrigued, I called the front desk and requested a lavender-scented memory foam pillow. It arrived within 10 minutes. Small touches like this elevate a stay from good to genuinely enjoyable.
There was also a complimentary guest laundry room on the third floor—a rarity at hotels in this price range. With long stays or rainy adventures in Scotland, that’s a godsend. I used it once, and the machines were clean, fast, and simple to operate.
12. Departure: Leaving Without Regret
Checking out was as efficient as checking in. No queues, no confusion, just a friendly farewell and a quick glance at the final bill. There were no hidden charges, no surprises, just the original £356 as promised through Booking.com.
As I stepped back onto St. Andrew Street with my luggage, I paused and turned back toward the building. There was a quiet satisfaction in knowing I had found a place that didn’t just serve as a backdrop to my travels but became part of the story itself.
Aberdeen had welcomed me with open skies and open people. The granite might be cold, but the city’s soul is warm. And at the heart of it, the Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel offered the kind of comfort that doesn’t come with a luxury price tag, but feels every bit like luxury where it matters.
