Tell us about this place: Where is it, and what does it look like? We want all the details.
Located on one of New Town's swishest blocks, this branch of the Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants brand elevates the best of midcentury style to grand potential—but there's enough 21st-century mixed in for it to be stylish and elegant, rather than a throwback. With the design-driven, luxury boutique feel a mile away from American corporate chains, Instagrammers will be in heaven—and that's before they find out it won both Brand Hotel of the Year and Style Hotel of the Year at 2018's Scottish Hotel Awards. (It was just reopened after renovations in late 2017.) However, you might miss if it you walked by it—signage is scarce, and the hotel is made up of seven interconnected Georgian townhouses.
Sounds swanky—and thanks for the heads-up. And how about the guest rooms?
The 199 rooms (including 18 suites) are both stylish and cozy, with hipster accents complementing traditional touches; for example, trendy hand-drawn prints featuring local wildlife hang above beds decked in tartan throws and pillows. The interior design tries to combine the midcentury glamour of travel with Scottish hospitality, and it's wildly successful. Despite the corporate background, there's not a lot of branding: a bright red, vintage-look telephone, knit tea cozy, and treat box are hallmarks of the Principal Hotels brand, but they're so charming that you can't argue with them. Standard rooms are just as stylish as the fancier rooms, but upgrade for perks like roll-top baths and record players, as well as decadent beds with handmade mattresses. Throughout, the thoroughly modern bathrooms have anti-fog mirrors and fluffy robes.
Oh, those are fun features. Now, give us the download on the F&B. What can we expect?
Guests won't be tucking into anything incredibly hearty here—dinner is best taken outside the hotel—but starting the morning with breakfast in conservatory-like The Garden is a treat (especially on sunny days). Enjoy eggs cooked to order, fry-ups, or lighter continental fare under a glass roof, hanging plants, and basket pendant lights. Later in the day, it's also an excellent place to come back for Twilight Tea or one of the inspired botanical cocktails. Those coming back from a late night will be pleased to find room service open 24/7.
Excellent—and, we'll be sure to take you up on that Garden suggestion. How did you find the service, start to finish?
Relaxed; everyone seems to enjoy their jobs. They tend to be on the young side, so guests looking for nightlife, live music, and pub spots won't be disappointed. However, a few finer points—leaving cleaning room doors open—stand to be improved.
Noted. What about the surroundings? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene?
Largely inconspicuous from the street, the hotel fits right into the neighborhood, as does the clientele, which tends to be just as well-heeled and stylish as the New Towners that roam the area. There's plenty of everything close at hand, with the main shopping streets, attractions, swank cocktail spots, and excellent restaurants a few minutes' walk away. The spa, with an entrance on Rose Street, had a £1.27 million (about $1.7 million) renovation that's resulted in a beautiful space Edinburghers flock to for a special treat.
Lovely. Is there anything you'd change?
BABA, the Middle Eastern restaurant, feels a little overworked on the aesthetics front, but the food is good.
Got it. Tell us what we missed!
The wellness center is truly exceptional; it was renovated along with the rest of the hotel and now boasts a full range of classes (spin, Muay Thai, yoga), a mood-lit pool, and sauna and steam room. There's also a charming library that's delightfully eccentric, complete with brass-fringed club chairs and wall of books you're welcome to peruse. Also on the lobby level, a corner shop sells downloadable newspapers and magazines, snacks, and classic Penguin paperbacks.
All very noteworthy features. So, bottom line: Worth it? Why?
Absolutely—this is a stylish but relaxed hotel designed for well-heeled guests keen to take full advantage of Edinburgh's culture and nightlife.
38 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4HQ
United Kingdom
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