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5 luxurious places to stay in Edinburgh with historic links

Edinburgh is a city packed full of history and heritage. With buildings dating back to the 12th century, Old Town charm and Georgian splendour, you do not have to walk far to spot an architectural gem. Edinburgh is also a city which takes its luxury seriously and there is a wide choice of superb accommodation. Not surprisingly, some of the best places to stay in Edinburgh combine both comfort and heritage. The Scotsman Hotel Built in 1905, The Scotsman Hotel is a luxury hotel in Edinburgh with views of Edinburgh Castle, the Firth of Forth, Leith, Princes Street and Calton Hill. Previously the Scotsman Newspaper building, the property was converted into The Scotsman Hotel while carefully preserving the intricate structural details, including the Italian marble staircase, stunning oak panelling, imposing marble pillars, and ornate ceilings. The hotel also does a superb afternoon tea featuring its signature crockery. The Balmoral With its prestigious address of 1 Princes Street, The Balmoral is an Edinburgh landmark and makes an imposing backdrop to the city centre. Formerly the North British grand railway hotel, the Balmoral retains its sense of luxurious travel and old fashioned charm which has been brought right up to date with stunning interior design. The hotel originally opened on 15 October 1902 and since then its famous and very visible clock has run three minutes fast to ensure no one misses their train at Waverley Station. Balmoral in Edinburgh Old Town Chambers For five star comfort, but with the privacy of your own apartment and a state of the art kitchen, Old Town Chambers‘ serviced apartments are the ideal accommodation alternative. Set in a quirky and fascinating medieval close off the Royal Mile, these high-end serviced apartments contain modern styling which blends in harmoniously with the historical surroundings. Apartments in the Advocate’s Close side of the building feature exposed stone dating back to the 15th Century and other apartments have stunning views across Edinburgh to Fife. Lateral City Apartments in Edinburgh Prestonfield House On the edge of the city, Prestonfield House has a long and distinguished heritage as a historic home at the centre of Scotland‘s social, political, business and artistic life. Built in 1687 in the grand baroque style, this glamorous hideaway was once home to the Lord Provosts of Edinburgh. The building has stellar historic credentials alongside an unusual claim to fame: resident Alexander Dick introduced rhubarb to Scotland – hence the name of the hotel’s restaurant and its prominence on the menu. Channings Hotel Also slightly away from Edinburgh city centre, Channings is a wonderfully quirky property which feels like a Scottish country house, full of charming Victorian paintings, prints, books, furniture and memorabilia. Most notably, one of the Channings townhouses, 14 South Learmonth Gardens, was home to Sir Ernest Shackleton, the Antarctic explorer, while he was secretary of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society between 1904 and 1910. Whether it is art, history or heritage which attracts you to Edinburgh, there is luxury accommodation to appeal to every visitor. Douglas Walker is Chair of Unique Venues of Edinburgh. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Douglas Walker

Douglas Walker is Chair of Unique Venues of Edinburgh, which provides a ‘one stop shop’ for booking a unique event venue in Scotland’s beautiful capital.

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3 Comments

  1. You’re very welcome Maggie, sharing our ‘insider knowledge’ is why we’re here!

    I do hope your travels bring you to Edinburgh soon.

  2. Great guide! I’m off up to Edinburgh for Bank Holiday weekend. Not quite on a Scotsman budget just yet, but these have been added to my ‘Must Stay’ destinations for the future!

    Thanks :)

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