The Edinburgh luxury hotels come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and whilst some prefer a concierge who knows every guest’s name, others prefer a larger hotel with a choice of facilities on site, but that still doesn’t make it easy to choose, so we’ve brought you our top picks of the Edinburgh luxury city centre hotels.
The Balmoral
A landmark in itself, the five star Balmoral Hotel is renowned for its warm welcome, personalised service and attention to guests’ needs.
The rooms at the Balmoral are spacious with a traditional feel being complemented with contemporary fabrics and colours giving an air of relaxed grandeur.
Dining at the Balmoral is at one of Edinburgh’s 4 Michelin Star restaurants, Number One, or Hadrian’s Brasserie. The Palm Court serves an award winning afternoon tea, and alcohol is served in the Balmoral Bar, Scotch or the Gallery, which also serves a range of teas and coffees.
With a nickname as grand as The Old Lady of Princes Street, you’d expect to be able to be pampered and you won’t be disappointed by the range of spa treatments and fitness facilities available, along with a 15m swimming pool.
Contact Details
Address: 1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ
Telephone: +44 (0)131 556 2414
Website: The Balmoral Hotel
G&V Royal Mile Hotel
Situated a stone’s throw from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, the G&V hotel has its own modern Scottish identity, with suites designed by the likes of Judy R Clarke, Hatti Pattison and Timorous Beasties.
The decor in the rooms uses soft modern hues with pops of colour and each has a Nespresso machine for the all important caffeine hit before stepping into a rainwater shower.
The restaurant, La Cucina, features well cooked basic Italian cuisine using freshly made pasta, and drinks can be taken into the often lively bar or, if you prefer something a little quieter, the small deck with wonderful views of the hotch potch Old Town. Afternoon tea at G&V is an eclectic mix served in the Epicuran Bar, which sees liquorice panna cotta served alongside gin and negroni jelly.
Contact Details
Address: 1 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh,EH1 1AD
Telephone: +44 (0)131 220 6666
Website: G&V Hotel Edinburgh
Waldorf Astoria
Once a railway hotel, the Waldorf Astoria, is very much a traditional grand hotel with top hatted doormen greeting guests on arrival.
The rooms at the Waldorf can be a little on the small size so it’s well worth paying the extra for a superior room, some of which feature stunning views to Edinburgh Castle.
Collaboration with the Galvin Brothers has put the Waldorf on the Edinburgh culinary map, with the Pompadour by Galvin being a feather in its cap. The brasserie, which features well cooked steaks and burgers from the grill, crustacea, fish and pasta, can lack atmosphere when it’s not bustling with diners, but this can be a plus if you’re trying to escape the thronging crowds.
The gym is well equipped and the hotel has a reasonably sized swimming pool. For those who like indulgence, the Guerlain spa is a must!
Contact Details
Address: Princes St, Edinburgh, EH1 2AB
Telephone: 0131 222 8888
Website: Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh
The Glasshouse
The Glasshouse isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, but it’s certainly ours. If you’re the kind of person who likes to sit in a hotel lounge or use the in-house spa facilities this isn’t for you. If, however, you want to explore the city and come back to a great nights sleep then the Glasshouse ticks a lot of boxes.
The decor has more than a hint of the 70s and the restaurant is only open five days a week, but the room service is excellent and can be taken either in room, in the Snug or in the roof top garden.
Now comes the impressive bit – the rooms. Minimalist decor combined with vast windows create a light and airy atmosphere and the immense beds are heavenly. Many of the rooms have their own balconies or terraces and there are even mini decanters of Scotch malt to lull you off to sleep.
The staff at the Glasshouse are incredibly friendly and attentive and accommodation includes complimentary access to the Virgin Active centre next door to the hotel.
Contact Details
Address: 2 Greenside Lane, Edinburgh EH1 3AA
Telephone: 0131 525 8200
Website: The Glasshouse Edinburgh
