Scotland’s city of love
Edinburgh’s best getaways for loved-up couples…
A recent survey featured Scotland’s capital in the top 10 most romantic cities in the world alongside the likes of New York, Venice and Prague. No huge surprise when you consider how many love poets and authors have been inspired by the city’s stunning architecture, winding cobbled streets, castle, palace, oh and that huge extinct volcano monopolising the skyline. But a romantic Valentine’s break needs a beautiful hotel too, right? Here is Hood’s pick of 10 of the best, guaranteed to get your heart racing!
The Witchery by The Castle
With nine lavishly opulent suites each with unique features, The Witchery offers a budget-busting night to remember. It’s Gothic inspired with large oak beds and 4-posters, velvet-lined walls and flamboyant red and gold décor, walk-in dressing rooms, free-standing baths, and – aptly – love seats.
Fingal
Let the curves and contours at Fingal nautical features create an air of romance at sea. Arrive to a bouquet in your cabin alongside a selection of decadent chocolates, created by the in-house Executive Pastry Chef. Dine under the shimmering ceiling in The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar while raising a glass to your love match. Then after a nightcap, retire to that exquisite cabin and make your own waves.
Gleneagles Townhouse
Timeless charm blends with luxury in Gleneagles Townhouse’s boutique hotel bedrooms. Deeply comfortable, they’re sanctuaries of downtime as the city sleeps. Dine à deux in the stunning Spence restaurant and cuddle up in the rooftop bar while you take in classic cocktails and vast views of the city.
Market Street Hotel
Located in the heart of the city, where the Old Town and New Town meet, Auld Reekie character meets contemporary ‘Scandi-Scottish’ design to create an urban escape and Scotland’s first member of Design Hotels™. Enjoy added sparkle with a bottle of Champagne in the hotel’s Champagne Lounge, the Nor’ Loft. Plus, bedrooms are filled with little luxuries such as a complimentary indulgence cabinet, and rainfall showers.
House of Gods
A maximalist’s dream come true, the opulent design of this hotel knows no bounds. Velvet, patterns, dark nooks – everything begs to be touched. The cocktails are superb and, if you fancy it, the Casablanca Club is a place to see and be seen. For those seeking privacy in their Orient Express-inspired room there is a gadget by the door with three buttons: one for your butler, one for milk and cookies, one for prosecco. Now that’s love!
Native
Situated on Queen Street, Native is a perfect outpost when you really want to see the city. It has a home from home vibe, so take advantage of the equipped kitchen to make your loved one breakfast in bed. The apart-hotel plays host for everything from neo-soul jazz nights to spoken word poetry evenings with speak-easy vibes and cocktails galore.
Virgin Hotel
A relatively new addition to the city, the Virgin Hotel sits discreetly on one of Instagram’s favourite spots, Victoria Street. Much of the 19th-century charm of the original India Buildings, as it was once known, has been lovingly preserved but the overall vibe is fresh, fun and perfect for romance. Each of the eight Grand Chamber suites has a unique feature including one where the mezzanine is decorated in the style of a Bedouin tent, no less.
Kimpton Charlotte Square
A favourite with team Hood, the Kimpton Charlotte Square is made up of seven interconnected Georgian townhouses with 199 rooms, including 18 suites. The entire hotel is stylish, elegant and cosy, with enough hipster mid-century accents to make it a design classic. Nothing says romance more than sharing plates, so be sure to book a table at the hotel’s Middle Eastern restaurant, BABA, which is gloriously aesthetic and the food, delicious.
The Balmoral
No list of Edinburgh hotels would be complete without the Grand Dame of Number One Princes Street. It recently celebrated its 120th anniversary, and a night at The Balmoral is more of an experience than a hotel stay. Visit the spa, enjoy afternoon tea in Palm Court or partake in a dram or two together in the whisky bar.
The Scotsman
Was your first date a classic trip to the flicks? Revisit the romance of those early days with a stay at The Scotsman Hotel and include a visit to the stunning adults-only Picture House. The bedrooms are light, bright, fresh and stylish in shades of cream and pale grey.