Hotels
Our choice of Edinburgh's best character hotels.
The
Balmoral *****
Princes Street, Edinburgh
One
of the very best hotels in Scotland, the Balmoral combines a fantastic
location, high levels of service and a wide range of facilities,
including excellent restaurants and health club, to winning effect...
(more)
The
Scotsman *****
Lothian, Edinburgh
Located
on Edinburgh's historical North Bridge, just a minute's stroll from
both Princes Street and the Royal Mile, The Scotsman is one of the
most stylish hotels in the city. The hotel brings together the efficiency
of the 21st century with careful design, attention to the comfort
of guests and the very best in Scottish hospitality... (more)
The
Greens Hotel ***
Georgian West End, Edinburgh
Greens
is an elegant town house situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s
Georgian West End. The hotel garden, situated to the rear, provides
a tranquil retreat from the city during the summer months. Greens
is close to Princes Street and has easy access to all the major
attractions Scotland’s Capital City has to offer... (more)
Edinburgh
Hotels
- Instant Booking
A selection of Edinburgh hotels, with instant online booking.
Great for last minute availability.
Plus:
For hotels in Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland, click
here
Essential
Edinburgh
Quick
guide to Scotland's capital.
Introduction
Often referred to as the 'Festival City', Edinburgh is well known
for holding the world-famous international festival in late summer,
not to mention its Hogmanay festivities, which see a quarter of
a million people flock to the city for the New Years bash. It's
no wonder, then, that Edinburgh is the second most-visited city
in the UK after London.
Top
Sights
1. Edinburgh
Castle - The historic centre of Scotland offers panoramic views
of the whole city. The oldest part of the Castle, St Margaret's
Chapel, dates back to the 11th century.
2. The Royal Mile - As its name suggests, a mile-long cobbled
stretch that is occupied by many medieval buildings including Lady
Stair's House which features exhibits on literary Scots including
Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. Best of all, it's free
to get in.
3. Holyrood Palace - Founded in 1128, this is the official
Scottish residence of the Queen. Don't miss the ruins of the Holyrood
Abbey, formerly a Norman church.
4. National Gallery Of Scotland - Vast collection of Scottish
art and international greats including Raphael, Rembrandt, Monet
and Van Gogh.
5. Royal Botanical Gardens - A visual treat, these stunning
gardens are almost fairy-tale like. Horticulturists might be interested
to know that it's home to one of the largest collection of rhododendrons
in the world.
6. Scottish National Gallery Of Modern Art - A credit to
modern architecture, this houses varied works by modern British,
Continental and Russian artists.
7. Arthur's Seat - Towering volcanic hill with views that
rival that of Edinburgh Castle, if you don't mind the forty-five
minute walk from Holyrood Palace .
8. Calton Hill - At the peak of this hill stand several monuments
including Nelson's Monument, built to remind the natives of Edinburgh
that they are to die for their country if duty requires it, (Braveheart
anyone?). Meanwhile, the views are spectacular - apparently Robert
Louis Stevenson used to climb the hill for inspiration.
9.Scottish National Portrait Gallery - Unsurprisingly, lots
of portraits of Scottish greats. The Museum Of Antiquities, inside
the same building, houses Scottish and Viking regalia
Shopping
1.
Byzantium - Inside this converted church lie a cluster of antique
shops to suit all sorts of collectors.
2. Jenners - Scotland's version of Harrods.
That's
Entertainment
1.
Last Drop - Aptly named cosy pub located where public executions
were held for many years.
2. Malt Shovel - Beer connoisseurs will be falling over themselves
to try out the selection of local beers on tap as well as 100 different
malts whiskeys.
3. The Venue - Triple-floored club featuring big-league artists
and a variety of club nights.
Hotels
Hotel accommodation is high in demand and booking ahead is compulsory.
Most are centrally located and steeped in either Victorian or Edwardian
décor. The Balmoral, one of the best
in town, is particularly noteworthy for its history as well as its
facilities and restaurant.
Essential
Info
Currency
- The pound sterling. There are three dollars, and nearly three
euros, to the pound.
Weather - Not exactly known for having
the best of climates, Scotland's capital has weathered many a storm
in the winter, and summer months are often changeable, so it's advisable
to take a brolley. Temperatures average around 20C in peak months
and 5C in winter.
Airports
Glasgow airport features regular, quick rail connections to Edinburgh
centre. A train from London Kings Cross takes 4 hours.
|
