Just based on the name alone, this place sounds pretty extraordinary—tell us about your first impressions as you arrived.
Gothic romance and dramatic grandeur rise to enchanting, theatrical levels at The Witchery by the Castle—it's like The Phantom of the Opera in hotel form. Although the restaurant downstairs might be the main attraction, those looking for an intimate, lavish escape are hard-pressed to find anything more decadent than The Witchery's nine suites.
Wow. So is there a good story behind this place?
With bones dating back to the 16th century—the structure was first built as a merchant's home—The Witchery by the Castle is predominantly a restaurant (developed by James Thomson), though it's held in high esteem as one of Edinburgh's best hotels, too. Famous visitors include Emma Thompson, Audrey Tautou, Catherine Zeta-Jones and—perhaps unsurprisingly given his flair for the theatrical—Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Sounds promising. How about the rooms? Do they live up to the expectations set by the rest of the place?
If the price tag seems high, that's because all of the suites are spectacular and indulgent. Forget trendy Pinterest minimalism; imagine candlelit rooms, sumptuous velvet, oak paneling, and elaborate antique furniture—it's enough to feel like a castle. The lavish Library Suite has a bathroom with a tub for two hidden behind a bookcase; The Heriot Suite has a four-poster bed draped in gold velvet and a tucked-away bath in a chapel-like room. Still, though, the tech features remain top notch: Bose speakers, concealed TVs, and bathrooms outfitted with GHD straighteners. You're greeted with a bottle of Champagne, and you can choose from a full Scottish breakfast in the magnificent dining room downstairs or a breakfast hamper sent up to your room.
Speaking of breakfast—if we're getting a bit peckish after our arrival, are there good options on site or would we be better to venture out into the city?
The onsite restaurant is one of Edinburgh's best, offering seasonal Scottish ingredients reinterpreted with French panache. The three-course tasting menu is exceptional value at £40, but don't be afraid of splashing out here: Each and every bite is worth it, thanks to suppliers that truck in exceptional Scottish produce. Meals in the original dining room are served by candlelight, which has elaborate oak paneling, sumptuous red leather banquettes, and painted ceilings. Less well known is the secondary dining area—aptly named the Secret Garden—which, in good weather, offers a wonderful al fresco experience on the terrace. If dinner's not quite your thing, consider an afternoon tea service. Much like the hotel, though, this restaurant is very much for grownups: There's no kids' menu and no high chairs, and everyone younger than 8 need to be out by 8pm.
How's the service?
The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful—don't expect any pretense here, just genuine (and enjoyable) engagement. For day-to-day operations, they're practically invisible, though always attentive; rooms are freshly made while you're at breakfast, for example.
You mentioned a few of the celebrity guests—who else can we expect to see here?
Guests who stay here come for the experience; you'll see couples, groups of girlfriends, and anyone else charmed by all-out decadence.
How does the Witchery fit into the surrounding Edinburgh area?
The hotel is located in the medieval part of Edinburgh's city center, and if you weren't looking out for it on the street, you might not realize it's there. Although you'll have to essentially swim upstream to arrive at your door—most tourists opt to walk down the somewhat steep Royal Mile—you'll savor the respite from the bustle outside.
Any constructive criticism? What could the hotel afford to do better?
You might not love the lack of communal space or modern hotel amenities, like a gym or spa, and parking is located quite far away.
Got it. So if that isn't a deterrent, what else we should note before booking a stay?
The nine suites sell out far in advance, especially if there's a popular event in the city, so book well ahead if your heart is set on staying here. Another thing to note: the hotel is adults-only.
Bottom line: Worth it? Why?
This is a decadent hotel you'll remember for a lifetime.
352 Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NF
Scotland
https://www.thewitchery.com/
+44 (131) 2255613