It’s often the unexpected, smaller things that happen during a mini-break that make you remember it long after your overnight bag has been packed away.
Such was the case when my daughter Catherine and I enjoyed a two night stay at the 64-bedroom Hotel Indigo Edinburgh – Princes Street, which opened last October and is completely different to its traditional predecessor, the Royal British Hotel.
During our stay we set out on foot to explore the city, a journey that took us to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Royal Yacht Britannia. Arriving at the palace, we were politely advised we’d have to wait a few minutes as a member of the Royal family was expected.
Waiting outside, another member of staff said: “You’ll need to haud on. Princess Anne is up the shops but due back in a minute.” I preferred this version…
And with that, the elegant lady strode purposefully into view before heading inside the palace. Bonus. It’s not every day you see a real-life princess.
The palace is around a 30-minute walk from the hotel, which couldn’t be easier to find as it is almost directly opposite the Princes Street stairs leading to Waverley Railway Station and about a 10-minute walk from the bus station.
Walking to the palace from our hotel via the Royal Mile, is rather like walking through a film set, such is the beauty of some of the buildings in this old part of the city. No wonder it’s known as the Athens of the North.
As always, there were plenty of distractions en route vying for our attention, ranging from shops and restaurants to the always superb Museum of Childhood.
The palace is well worth a visit.
Using hand-sets, visitors undertake a self-guided tour which offers an insight into some of the dark and bloody deeds which took place within its walls. There’s lots of art and memorabilia to look at and superb gardens to be explored, from where there are fantastic views of Arthur’s Seat to be enjoyed. Also on display at The Queen’s Gallery at the palace was a dazzling display dedicated to the work of intrepid German artist, Maria Sibylla Merian. It featured colourful illustrations that brought the wonders of South America to Europe in the early 18th century and were on display in Scotland for the first time.
After enjoying discovering the city on foot, we decided to experience the city on foot again the following day and planned to head for Ocean Terminal where the Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed.
But before then, there were cocktails and dinner in the hotel, followed by a night on the town to be experienced.
If you’re after a cool and funky boutique hotel, then Hotel Indigo Edinburgh – Princes Street, is it.
Sitting between Edinburgh’s mediaeval old town and its Georgian ‘new’ town, the decor has been selected to represent the city’s history and the many artists who lived here.
Walls in the hallway, for example, are tastefully decorated with golden-framed pictures of famous Scots and the place is awash with tweed, soft leather and cashmere fabrics. Oak bookcases are packed with leather-bound books, while the rooms have all been individually and very tastefully styled.
Our fourth floor room was dedicated to Robert Burns with paintings and poetry adorning the walls. Along with an enormous bed, we loved the quirky furniture which included a stylish vintage console table complete with Bakelite phone which tinkled nicely when it rang.
Along with a very modern en suite, nice touches included complimentary Scottish favourites including haggis-flavoured crisps, Edinburgh shortbread and Tunnocks teacakes.
Before dinner we sampled a drink in the hotel’s Juniper Cocktail bar – a deconstructed margarita for Catherine and a fabulous Bloody Mary for me – before being ushered into the adjacent Twenty Princes Street restaurant.
Like our bedroom, the cocktail bar and restaurant had huge windows offering sublime views across the city. To the left the iconic Balmoral Hotel. Straight ahead, views towards the Royal Mile. To the right, the Scott Monument and iconic castle. We really couldn’t have asked for a more favourable and dramatic view of the city, especially at night when so many of the buildings are lit up.
Along with dozens of interesting Scottish-themed artwork, posters and writings which adorn the restaurant wall, the stunning, ornate ceiling in here has to be admired. It’s worth getting a crick in your neck.
Our waiter was friendly and very attentive throughout, recommending dishes and wines which he thought might suit our tastebuds and budget.
Dinner for us included starters of west coast scallops, Scottish rope-grown mussels, two fillet steaks and a Heston Blumenthal-style banoffee baked Alaska, all of which made for a superb meal.
After a hearty breakfast, we set off on foot on our travels once more, this time heading for the Royal Yacht Britannia, which was around an hour’s walk away. I’ve visited this attraction several times and it’s never failed to impress. There’s always something new to experience.
This time it was giggles galore as we took part in a ‘find the hidden corgi hunt’, and modelled some of the crew caps and jackets provided for visitors to try on.
We also opted to have afternoon tea in the charming conservatory-style upper deck area and it was quite simply delicious as well as being a unique and memorable dining experience.
We’d sore feet by the time we walked back to the hotel, but that didn’t stop us dressing up and heading downstairs for another veritable feast before hitting a couple of the local bars for a nightcap or two.
Edinburgh has never disappointed me, she’s a city that constantly changes yet never lets go of her roots.
The same could be said of the building which houses this hotel. It’s a grand old building, steeped in history but it has been given a modern fresh look and style which will appeal to guests looking for a hotel right at the heart of the action, yet which remains loyal to its Scottish roots – and good Scottish hospitality.