[badgerbrock72]

Hi all,

After some advice please - SWMBO has a 'big birthday' looming for which I want to treat her to a short city break.

Done London to death, Paris a non stater and recently been to Rome. Somewhere we haven't been is Edinburgh.

Can anyone recommend a decent 4*/5* hotel well located preferably with parking (secure) as I'd be looking to make a mini Road trip out of the break too.

Ideally a gym/spa/pool too if im being super fussy!

Realise I can research Expedia /Kayak etc but looking for some actual real recommendations

Cheers all 👍

[E60MKF]

You can't go wrong with Apex Hotels in Edinburgh, they have a few in the city and all are great but I wouldn't stay at the Haymarket Hotel

[nickcuprar]

Recently stayed at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Festival Square. I was there for a work conference and the rooms were really nice. It had a big gym, not sure about spa or pool though but the staff and service were fantastic!


Edit http://www.sheratonedinburgh.co.uk/en/gallery

Just googled it and yes definitely has a spa

[isleaiw1]

I used to stay at the Norton House Hotel when I was up there with work, it is a bit out of the city which might count against it but it is a beautiful country house hotel with parking and great food and facilities.

Also visited the Dakota out Leith way I think as it had just won some award - would give you a run down on that but it was Christmas and I cant really remember!

[TheFifthElement]

I second the Sheraton, it's got everything you wanted in the list above. Great location (minutes from Princess Street) - highly recommend it.

There's not many central hotels have parking onsite (usually they have an offsite or it's at Waverly station/NCP).

I think the Scotsman (also 4/5* but at the other end of Princess Street) has access to a spa/gym but no onsite parking.

[badgerbrock72]

Thanks for all the recommendations so far.. Gives me something to be pricing up. Keep em' coming👍

[Nobby Clark]

Depends what you want from the visit. Norton house is excellent. Plenty of country house style /spa hotels in the area and they all have easy access to park and rides or direct routes to the city centre. But just as important, they are well sited for access to fresh air and mountains if you want to head in the opposite direction.

You mentioned secure parking. Edinburgh is not Brum and BMWs are 2 a penny. Keep in mind, Edinburgh Council positively hates the motorist so it's a 20mph speed limit, limited parking and you'll pay for it.

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by Nobby Clark

Depends what you want from the visit. Norton house is excellent. Plenty of country house style /spa hotels in the area and they all have easy access to park and rides or direct routes to the city centre. But just as important, they are well sited for access to fresh air and mountains if you want to head in the opposite direction.

You mentioned secure parking. Edinburgh is not Brum and BMWs are 2 a penny. Keep in mind, Edinburgh Council positively hates the motorist so it's a 20mph speed limit, limited parking and you'll pay for it.

And this is one of the reasons we used to stay at Norton House - easy to drive to and easy links into the city when we wanted to go in - and that was before the tram!

I was also working at Broxburn and Livingston so right side of the city...

[badgerbrock72]

Thanks guys will look at Norton House and also the Sheraton. So just to confirm the Norton House is well connected to city centre via public transport?

Cheers all 👍

[Edinburra]

Originally Posted by badgerbrock72

Thanks guys will look at Norton House and also the Sheraton. So just to confirm the Norton House is well connected to city centre via public transport?

Cheers all ��

Not really, the Sheraton is your best bet. Within walking distance of all the sights, amenities and bars you could wish to visit. Complete with covered car parking, as said before beware of new 20 mph in city centre, not really enforced but can be.
Edinburgh, the Old Town and the New Town are best walked.

Be sure when in that area to go and see the Forth 'Bridges" at South Queensferry. About 13 miles north west of the city centre, on the river.

[1966-TR4]

I would go a bit left field - The Malmaison in Leith. Leith is down at the shoreline, has a chilled atmosphere and a tremendous selection of restaurants (several are Michelin starred). Britannia is also parked down there if that's your thing. The Sheraton is nice but perhaps lacking in character.

It is only 2 miles to Edinburgh Castle from Leith. Lots of parking, much of which is on street and free.

Thing to remember with Edinburgh is that it is small and easy to find your way around as you can generally see a landmark - castle, Arthurs Seat, etc - to get your bearings. Most of it is best enjoyed on foot. Day to day I don't feel the 20mph limit has much impact as main roads are still at 30 or 40.

I would concur that a visit to S Queensferry is worth doing, and is a nice drive to get there with lots of little B roads if you want to seek them out.

Leith. Malmaison is just out of shot to the left:

[Edinburra]

Two of the bridges that cross the Forth st South Queensferry

[Tengocity]

If you're looking for a more luxury or romantic experience then I'd suggest looking at:

Prestonfield House

The Glasshouse

Bonhams

Slightly more boutique experiences than the Sheraton. Prestonfield definitely has good parking, and I think the glasshouse has an arrangement nearby with a multi story.

None have spa facilities that I can think of. Not sure edinburgh has a good city centre option with both on site parking, plus spa facilities, except the Sheraton as already mentioned, but the last time I stayed there it was needing a refurb, but that was a few years ago now.

A weekend in Edinburgh doesn't need a spa option though, the city itself is the attraction!

If you want a great Scottish spa experience or hotel itself as the "destination" then perhaps look at Gleneagles or Cameron House, which has a lovely spot on Loch Lomond.

[f1swk]

when the missus does the christmas shopping trip its the tigerlily she books,
http://www.tigerlilyedinburgh.co.uk/
right in the center but can be a bit lively

[Goneinsixtyseconds]

A few years ago we stayed as a New Year treat at the Balmoral in the centre of Edinburgh.

5 star in a perfect location next to the railway station on Princes Street overlooking the park and castle. You really couldn't get a better location. You can walk to all the main tourist locations, shopping and restaurants.

I loved the hotel, felt a bit old school luxurious like Claridges or the Ritz. Plus, there's a spa with pool in the basement.

They don't have a car park, but they will valet park for you on arrival and park in a local car park they use. Didn't worry me, a fancy hotel isn't going to take many chances with your car and it came back in one piece. Didn't need the car once during the time we were there.

https://www.grandluxuryhotels.com/ho...FQ4R0wod57kEFA

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by Alex440

They don't have a car park, but they will valet park for you on arrival and park in a local car park they use. Didn't worry me, a fancy hotel isn't going to take many chances with your car and it came back in one piece. Didn't need the car once during the time we were there.

I work for a hotel company, with London based hotels. We valet park at one hotel. Complete pain in the backside for the person responsible for insurance - especially when someone wanted a Veyron valet parking. Outside of our insurance cover due to value but there was a bit of a scrum amongst the staff to park it!

[Wills2]

The Balmoral is lovely if a little expensive, on arrival they put us in the Scone and Crombie suite, the porter took us up to the suite I walked into the room (s) and panicked and told the porter I couldn't afford it as I'd only booked a double room (he said it's on us have a nice stay!)

1000 sq/ft of pure luxury:

https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hot...scone-crombie/

The one starred restaurant is good as well, what I liked about the hotel was the warm and friendly service that you don't often get when staying in hotels like this in London.

[Eddieo]

This might not be your thing,
But we were in Edinburgh for a weekend recently,
Parking is Extortionate in Edinburgh.
Our Solution was parking at the NCP Airport (4 days £21.95)
Then we Got the Tram in Just across the road from the Car Park
Tram is a Good way to See Edinburgh if you haven't Been before
Goes Right Down Princess Street past many nice Hotels

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by Wills2

what I liked about the hotel was the warm and friendly service that you don't often get when staying in hotels like this in London.

Try the Amba Charing Cross for warm and friendly service - yes it is one of ours, and yes I do believe it is one of the best in London in terms of decent quality, great service, fair price....

[Daftasabrush]

We had a great stay at Channings: http://www.channings.co.uk/ It's really close to the botanical gardens which are lovely and the city centre is within walking distance. Not hugely expensive but a nice location.