The Scottish capital is well-known for its tourist offering. There aren’t many cities in the world so jam-packed with history and culture. It’s also a city The Luxury Editor knows well and it holds a special place in our hearts. Who better than us then to be in the know about the best luxury experiences, hotels and bars Edinburgh has to offer? Eat, Do and Sleep in style with The Luxury Editor quick destination guide to Auld Reekie.
Eat
Breakfast or brunch at Dishoom
We would recommend starting the day with breakfast or brunch in Dishoom on St Andrew Square. Inspired by the Irani cafes prevalent in imperial-era Bombay, Dishoom Edinburgh is the first outlet outside of London of this popular eatery. Bentwood chairs, fading vintage mirrors, sepia pictures on the wall, and the scent of incense will transport you back to 1920s India. We would recommend the ‘Kerjiwal’, two fried eggs on chilli cheese toast, or one of their freshly baked breakfast naans, all washed down with (unlimited) Chai Latte of course.
Lunch at The Pompadour by Galvin
The Pompadour by Galvin is the Caledonian Hotels prize culinary offering and is without a doubt a beautiful place to lunch. Created by the two Galvin brothers, Chris and Jeff, The Pompadour offers world-class food, inspired by the brothers’ French cuisine background, using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Whilst this might be a buzzing dining room in the evenings, lunch here is a much more sedate affair, but the food is no less amazing. On top of incredible culinary delights, expect crisp white linen tablecloths, polished silver cutlery, and smart staff who were attentive but not obtrusive. If you can, get a table at the window to enjoy stunning views of the castle.
Dinner at The Printing Press
Located in the former house of renowned regency-era Scottish novelist Susan Ferrier, The Printing Press pays homage to its literary heritage in not only its name, but also as the inspiration behind much of its food and drink offerings. The restaurant itself is relaxed but still with a sophistication reminiscent of the art deco period and so centrally located it’s super convenient. The menu is based upon the amazing larder than is Scotland and it changes with the seasons to reflect the best and freshest ingredients.
Do
Spa day at One Spa at The Sheraton
As the ‘finest urban spa in Europe’ One Spa at the Sheraton in Edinburgh offers re-energising and relaxation of the mind and body at the heart of the city. Simple because this spa is located in the midst of the city’s bustling business district is not to say it isn’t the ideal place to let off some steam. With unrivalled facilities including fully equipped fitness suites, a high-quality spa, plus their amazing outdoor heated pool set amongst the rooftops, One Spa is one of the best in the capital.
Shopping on Multrees Walk
Multrees Walk is the definition of luxury retail and home to Scotland’s only Harvey Nichols luxury department store and Louis Vuitton boutique. From directional fashion brands such as Reiss and Kurt Geiger, to more established luxury brand such as Burberry and Coach, Multrees Walk is the best place in the city to satisfy any shopping cravings. It’s central location and clean, open space makes it a really pleasant place to promenade whilst partaking in some luxury retail therapy.
Private Whisky Tasting at The Scotch Whisky Experience
For a true taste of Scotland book a bespoke whisky tasting at the Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile for you and your party. With decades of experience in the industry and one of the largest collections of Scotch, this really is the only place for a bespoke tasting. For something extra special, book their ‘Outlander’ tasting experience and descend down to the stunning Whisky Experience vaults to try out four rare and aged whiskies from Scotland’s now non-existent ‘ghost distilleries’. A truly exceptional dip into the national drink.
Sleep
The Edinburgh Grand
New to the city, the much anticipated The Edinburgh Grand boasts over 50 luxury serviced apartments that offer all the benefits of a hotel with the added freedom of having your own space. Don’t believe that because these are apartments as opposed to traditional rooms that any luxury extra has been forgotten. The stunning spaces offer a whole host of mod cons plus incredible original features renovated from the building’s former life as a bank. The location on St Andrew Square really is second to none and the three-bedroom penthouse offers unrivalled 360 panoramas. The in-house reservations only bar and restaurant, The Register Club is also the perfect place to end an evening sipping on a cocktail in incredible art deco-esque surroundings.
Nira Caledonia
Looking to live more like a local? Nira Caledonia is a 4 star boutique hotel with just 28 rooms located in the beautiful neighbourhood of Stockbridge. This area is not only pretty but has a real village feeling transporting you away from the bustling city, despite being only a ten minute walk to George Street and Princes Street. The hotel itself is created from 3 stunning Georgian townhouses on a quaint cobbled street and combines the glamour of the era with the best in 21st century comforts. All the rooms are uniquely styled with modern amenities mixed with stylish antique furnishings. The on-site restaurant, Blackwood’s Bar & Grill has an ever-changing menu featuring the best in fresh Scottish produce and has been awarded a ‘Taste our Best’ accreditation for using the best local ingredients.
The Glasshouse
Part of The Autograph Collection, The Glasshouse hotel is ideally located right beside The Playhouse theatre and the vibrant Leith Walk whilst only being a five minute stroll to Princes Street. The frontage of the hotel is the C-Listed 160 year old Glenorchy Church which was converted in 2003 to be incorporated into the 77 bedroom luxury hotel. The decor is contemporary and sophisticated but also cosy and warm and most rooms boast floor to ceiling windows offering great views of either the cityscape or the leafy Calton Hill. The hotel has its own modern two-acre rooftop garden too, perfect for escaping the busy city streets. We love the way the old church frontage contrasts with the rest of the modern glass-heavy hotel, very symbolic of the city itself, where old combines with new.
For more luxury hotels in Edinburgh, read our luxury hotel guide.
