It’s all in the details: Worlds Away in Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the hilly Scottish capital known for its charming streets, majestic castle, and medieval Old Town, also boasts the very best in contemporary luxury
Recently everyone has been talking about going to Edinburgh, the hilly Scottish capital known for its charming streets, majestic castle, and for hosting the world-renowned Fringe Festival each summer. While May to August is typically peak tourism season, the city has seen a burst of visitors from around the globe, all who continue to fly in this year for the city’s unique hospitality and gastronomy, as well as its art, design – and of course – the whiskey. So we took a trip to handpick the city’s very best hotels and luxury apartments for you, and gathered tips from our local partners so that you can be Worlds Away in Edinburgh!
1. Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
Photo by Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel.
Comprised of 8 Georgian townhouses built in 1774, the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel opened in 2019 and has been very busy ever since. Facing a quiet private park, but a stone’s throw from the city’s bustling downtown area, the Kimpton aims to be your “home away from home experience,” says Kayleigh Moriarty, Cluster Sales Manager.
The hotel boasts 18 sumptuously decorated suites, all with fine leather detailing, high ceilings with the original Georgian decorative elements, and rich, dark colors throughout (not to mention a yoga mat in every room).
The hotel’s energy is vibrant, contemporary and fresh, with a glass-topped central courtyard uniting the townhouses and serving as the hub for guests to gather, drink and enjoy the space. “Art and culture is so important” to the hotel, says Moriarty, and it shows: They’ve created a residency to host 4 local artists each quarter, whose work is proudly on display throughout the hotel. Once per quarter, the Kimpton organizes a meet & greet for the artists and the guests.
Must do: Book ahead to get a place at BABA, whose Middle Eastern cuisine with Scottish influences is popular with hotel guests and locals alike. Book very much ahead for Swell, the UK’s first Sound Wellness Room, a unique immersive experience which harnesses the therapeutic nature of sound for the ultimate relaxation.
2. Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian
Photo by Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian.
Affectionately called “The Caley” by locals, the hotel first opened its doors in 1903 and has since become a beloved icon in the very heart of the city. Everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Barack Obama have stayed here, and Queen Elizabeth II even dined here in 1947. Yet, the hotel remains timeless.
The Caledonian has 231 rooms – the most castle-facing rooms out of any hotel in the city – but offers so much more, including the legendary reputation and service that come with the storied Waldorf Astoria brand. Staff are hired for passion, explains Fiona Hendry, Sales Manager, and the hotel will go to any extremes to delight guests. “‘No’ is not a word that we have here,” she says. They also offer a range of entertainment for families with children: wizarding kits, a scavenger hunt in the hotel and, thanks to a partnership with the Playhouse Theatre, even surprise appearances by Disney mascots for that extra touch of joy.
The suites are very spacious and refined, with modern and antique touches, warm colors, and nods to Scottish history in the details (the Bell Suite was Sean Connery’s favorite room). “People book the Waldorf Astoria, but stay at The Caledonian,” says Hendry. We couldn’t agree more.
Must do: Drop by The Caley Bar after 10pm on the weekends for the inviting ambiance and truly impressive selection of whiskies from around the world. Sip afternoon tea and eat biscuits at Peacock Alley. Sign up for the Johnnie Walker immersive experience at their flagship store, right across the street from the hotel.
3. Cheval Collection
Photo by Cheval Collection.
If you’re looking for privacy, elegance, ample room, and a full kitchen when you travel, then the luxury serviced apartments from the Cheval Collection are designed just for you (and your pets are welcome too). We stayed at The Edinburgh Grand, built in 1942 as a bank, and now fully restored to offer a range of apartment types, from studios to three-bedrooms.
“The apartments appeal to any taste,” says Ashley MacFarlane, Director of Sales, with everyone from A-list celebrities, to multi-generational families, to corporate executives choosing the apartments (or townhouses) as their home base in the city.
It’s important to note that the Cheval Collection is for those not seeking a traditional hotel, but aspects of the hotel experience: a lobby and reception area, a fully-equipped gym, breakfast served daily, and a daily cleaning service were all available at The Edinburgh Grand. There was even a DJ who played music on Friday and Saturday evenings on the fourth floor, near the cocktail bar.
Must do: Spend an afternoon at The Edinburgh Castle. Whiskey lovers need to walk over to The Devil’s Advocate, in the Old Town (book ahead). Those who want a night of dancing should head down to Lady Libertine after 9pm on the weekends.
4. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Photo by Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.
Located right in the Old Town on Victoria Street, the Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is your oasis of calm on what is probably the most photographed street in all of Scotland — this colorful, curved street is said to have been the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series.
But make no mistake, this is not a sleepy hotel: it’s bursting with fun. Immediately upon arrival, you’re served a glass of prosecco that sets the tone for your stay and two drink tokens for use at the Commons Club bar. The artwork has flair, the public spaces are definitely a vibe, and there’s cheeky nods to the Virgin brand throughout (even a local company recreating the Virgin scent).
The rooms come with a shiny Smeg fridge, a yoga mat, Scottish snacks and alcohols in the mini-bar, and Scottish-themed artwork adorning the walls. The gym is fully-equipped and open 24/7, and the terrace view looks out at the Edinburgh Castle.
The hotel is for the “young at heart,” says Emma Jackson, Regional Director of Sales, but “welcoming for everyone.” With 18 suites and almost 200 rooms in total, it offers luxury service in a relaxed environment, but most importantly: “Everyone leaves feeling better.”
Must do: Book your session at the Islander Handbag workshop, right down the street from the Virgin Hotel, to design your own tweed bag. Sign up to take the Mountebank Comedy Walk - the jokes are funny and you’ll learn some history, too. The cocktails at The Commons Club are divine.
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Let us take you away —
reach out to ask us anything about Edinburgh
or booking your next trip to Scotland!