Radisson Blu, Edinburgh
Style and substance
Opened in 2003 and fully refurbished in 2016, the Radisson Blu brings a taste of informal modern luxury to the historic Royal Mile. The friendly 4-star, 238-room hotel welcomes guests from around the globe and has a full range of facilities including supercool bar, two restaurants and conference suite. The intimate Melrose spa and swimming pool, meanwhile, is an oasis of calm in the bustle of Edinburgh's Old Town.
Sleeping Matters
Our junior suite was spacious, luxurious and well-equipped, with a separate lounge, two digital TVs and comfy super king size bed. The double-aspect windows provide spectacular views over the rooftops of Auld Reekie towards the Castle. The telescope, meanwhile, is a surprising and wonderful touch, allowing us to watch boats bob on the Firth of Forth beyond. The free mini-bar is well-stocked with an array of tasty Scottish treats and drinks.
Food for Thought
The stylish Itchycoo Bar and Kitchen serves tasty modern Scottish fare using predominantly local, seasonal ingredients such as Highland beef and Black Isle lamb. The downstairs restaurant, meanwhile, serves up a spectacular breakfast with just about everything you could wish for to start the day, from continental meats and cheeses and North African delicacies to the full Scottish. The Belgian waffles were a particular delight.
What to do
Edinburgh truly is your oyster from the Royal Mile, with a host of world-class attractions such as the Castle, National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish Parliament all just moments away. But if you’re looking to try something a bit different – and boozier – walk over to Dine on Cambridge Street, where the two-hour Martini Masterclass is a hoot.
About the area
It doesn’t get more touristy than the High Street cobbles, but the walk from the Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, in the footsteps of John Knox, Deacon Brodie, Burke and Hare and Adam Smith, via ancient closes, vaults and staircases, remains surely one of the great miles anywhere in the world.
A standard room at the Radisson Blu Edinburgh starts at £129 per room inclusive of bed and breakfast with a junior suite costing from £199. A massage at the Melrose Spa starts at £40 for 30 minutes. For more information or to book please visit https://www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-edinburgh
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