Romantic Getaway Hotels in Edinburgh

Romantic Getaways in Edinburgh:

                          The Big and the Boutique

                             By Pete Martin

            Looking for a romantic getaway in Edinburgh you’ll never forget? Well, wasn’t that lucky, we know just the place… 7 of them, in fact!

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            There is no other city in the UK that caters for a romantic getaway quite like Edinburgh. The history. The culture. The sights. The ambience. And, of course, that world-famous hospitality.

            Their choice of hotels comes with just as much character.

            As far as capital cities go, Edinburgh is a nicely-compact one. All the hotels on our shortlist here are within reachable distance of its wide array of sights and delights, so whether you are in the honeymoon period, treating yourselves to a well-earned break or looking to put a bit of sparkle back, it (and we) have got you covered.

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1.      21212

Well, this is one time you won’t forget your hotel name in the taxi home! Despite the modern (slightly bizarre) name, the hotel itself is all about old school elegance and grandeur, but with a contemporary twist. Beautiful, spacious rooms- adorned with spectacular views of Calton Hill, and easy walking distance to the Old Town and the city centre.

Pro’s:

-          Size and décor of rooms will make your getaway feel extra-special

-          Fantastic location: both sights and central

-          Continental breakfast to help you soak up those mojitos from the night before…

Con’s

-          A coffee machine in the room would have been a nice touch

-          The only parking is metered and time-restricted

2.      The Glasshouse

The Glasshouse isn’t far from “21212”, so shares the stunning location and proximity to the city centre. Although its room lack some of the previous hotel’s grandeur, they do make more of a feature from those jaw-dropping views; the floor-to-ceiling windows in every room that give the hotel its name, and several rooms have balcony or private seating in the roof garden.

Oh, they come with a Nespresso machine if you need that little jump-start before you leave the room…

Pro’s

-          Superb location (five mins to Old Town and tram to the airport)

-          Rooms really make a feature of that landscape

-          Stunning 2-acre roof garden with views over Calton Hill!

Con’s

-          The bar for residents doesn’t stay open late

-          Some of the rooms are longgg way from the lobby

3.      House Of Gods

If you are a fan of unashamedly eclectic styles, and hotels that dare to be bold, then House Of Gods is just the place for you. And it’s not all about the looks. What really sets it apart is the service- they have bells and a butler service, nothing is too much trouble as they look to provide an ‘experience’ beyond mere hospitality.

Pro’s

-Decorated like nowhere you will  have ever been

-Service that will make you and your partner feel like VIP’s!

-Sound-proof bedroom’s so you don’t have to hear other rooms. And they don’t have to hear you…

Con’s

-The rooms are smaller than many on the list

-The quirkiness and novelty appeal may be suited to shorter stays

4.      Tigerlily

Tigerlily is an boutique hotel slap-bang in the middle of New Town, boasting not only a restaurant and nightclub, but also an award-winning cocktail bar. What better way to unwind after a days sight-seeing and shopping?

The location is not just ideal for you shopaholics, it’s also only a ten-minute walk to Waverley train station and a picturesque 15-minute stroll through Prince’s Street Gardens to get to Edinburgh Castle.

Pro’s

-Modern, yet stylish décor

-Prime location

-Restaurant, cocktail bar and night-club in the building

Con’s

-Some reviewers have said their rooms were starting to look a bit ‘tired’

-The bar and restaurant can get very busy

5.      Nira Caledonia

The Nira Caldonia is ideally positioned for the bars and restaurants of Stockbridge, and the shopping at Georges and Prince’s Street. And after you are all shopped-out, several of the rooms do a “romance package” include a hot tub and let you have breakfast in your room. Why not get cosy?

Pro’s

-Location is great for shopping and local bars/restaurants

-The hot-tubs add a lovely touch to any romantic getaway

-Their food is fantastic

Con’s

-No lifts, only stairs

-Some of the rooms are a little small

6.      The Dunstane Houses

The Dunstane is actually two Victorian townhouses, on opposite sides of the road. Built in 1852 it has maintained a good bit of the old-world elegance, with those grand open fireplaces, extravagant four-poster beds and free-standing copper roll-top baths. The gin and whiskey tasting in their bar is also a fantastic (potentially dangerous…) way to spend the afternoon and get acquainted with some of the local ‘culture’.

Pro’s

-The décor is stunning

-The beds are so big you could get lost in them!

-The gin and whiskey tasting, from the comfort of their bar, is a neat touch for couples

-Haymarket railway station is only 500 yards away

Con’s

-Further out from centre than previous recommendations (but still only 15 minute walk)

-Breakfast not included in price (and is quite expensive)

7.      Black Ivy

If you like a funky aesthetic and don’t mind being that little bit further out of the city centre, then Black Ivy is a great option. The design and the ambience are quite unlike anything else on the list. It’s not slap-bang in the city centre but the 30 minute walk won’t put too many people off.

Pro’s

-The design and décor is amazing

-Lively bar

-Next to a huge park

Con’s

-Some will be put off by that extra distance from the city centre (30 min walk, 7 min cab)

-That lively bar can get loud at night…