“A sophisticated, elegant hotel on St Andrews Square. Beautifully conceived rooms channel the ethos of Gleneagles, in a smart townhouse style. Think moss green and dusky pink shades, lovely antique furnishings and velvet galore. A fabulous bolt hole in the centre of town.”
“A sophisticated, elegant hotel on St Andrews Square. Beautifully conceived rooms channel the ethos of Gleneagles, in a smart townhouse style. Think moss green and dusky pink shades, lovely antique furnishings and velvet galore. A fabulous bolt hole in the centre of town.”
Hotel Review
This urban outpost of the tried and tested Gleneagles brand is nothing short of spectacular. The owners have taken an iconic old bank building on the South Eastern corner of St Andrews Square and lovingly re-formed it into a luxury boutique hotel/members club that you’ll want to come back to time and again. The columned, dramatic entrance leads you up to the reception area where you’ll find plenty of original features — sweeping staircase, period floor tiles — juxtaposed with a changing collection of modern artworks, chosen to reflect the best of local contemporary artists. The elegant, classic styling can be seen throughout in both rooms and common areas. There’s a distinctly art-deco feel to some of the furnishings, but in general the vibe is of a comfortable, but sophisticated Georgian pad, with plenty of plush furnishings, antique pieces, amazingly comfy beds and lovely bathrooms with seriously good monsoon showers. For dining, there’s The Spence, a huge space with stunning ceiling and cupola (this was the main room of the old bank — indeed the open kitchen is now where the tellers used to be). Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available and the place has a lively buzz whatever time of day you decide to visit. The food is a revelation. The menu looks fine, if a little uninspiring, but the dishes were superb — very delicious and very well executed — and a credit to the chef and his team. For cocktails and views head up to Lamplighters (only available if you’re a hotel guest or club member). This 5th floor space has a regular calendar of events and there’s a fabulous terrace with views across town and over to the Forth. Downstairs in the old bank vaults (and with two jawdropping strong room doors to prove it) there’s the wellness space with gym, treatment rooms, fitness classes, infrared sauna and more. If you’re looking for a luxury stay in the heart of Edinburgh, with easy access to designer shopping (you’re right beside the St James Quarter and Mulberry Walk) and all the sights it’s a no-brainer. You get the Gleneagles style, friendly ethos and great service, all wrapped up in a seriously chic townhouse.
Written by Sarah Empson
Recommended For
- Local exploring
- With its super-central location all of Edinburgh's highlights can easily be reached on foot (or by tram or bus)
- 5* Luxury
- As the city off-shoot of the renowned Gleneagles, you can expect a five star luxury experience as standard
- City Style
- A beautiful combination of Georgian townhouse style and up-to-the-minute modern comforts
- Romantic Break
- This is a luxury option with a grown-up vibe and ideal for a romantic city getaway
- Designer Shopping
- Edinburgh has great labels both in the St James' Quarter and along George Street
- Sights nearby
- You can easily walk to the Royal Mile, and Princes Street is on the doorstep
- Short break
- Museums
- Views
- The best rooms come with lovely views over St Andrews Square. Lamplighters has views over to the Forth
- Roof terrace
- On the top floor Lamplighters Bar has a fabulous terrace overlooking St Andrews Square
- Restaurant
- The Spence offers relaxed and delicious all day dining
- Gym
- State of the art gym and a full range of classes
- Downtown
- Full of character
- Lively area
- Luxury
- Traditional
- Child friendly
- Pet friendly
- Chic
- Historic
- Boutique
- Spa
Facilities
- Views
- The best rooms come with lovely views over St Andrews Square. Lamplighters has views over to the Forth
- Roof terrace
- On the top floor Lamplighters Bar has a fabulous terrace overlooking St Andrews Square
- Bar
- The Spence or Lamplighters (for hotel guests and members only)
- Restaurant
- The Spence offers relaxed and delicious all day dining
- Gym
- State of the art gym and a full range of classes
- Safe
- In room music system
- Walking distance restaurants
- Meeting Room
- Private dining room
- Lift
- Satellite / Cable TV
- Room service
- Child friendly
- Pet friendly
- Spa
Activities
- Designer Shopping
- Edinburgh has great labels both in the St James' Quarter and along George Street
- Sights nearby
- You can easily walk to the Royal Mile, and Princes Street is on the doorstep
- Museums
Map & Location
