STYLE AND SUBSTANCE
This well turned out small luxury hotel perches on a hill just 17 miles from Edinburgh and the wraparound views of the East Lothian countryside need to be seen to be believed. The intimate family-run establishment boasts eight sumptuous rooms to ensure that every guest is afforded the very-VIP treatment. It’s obvious that owners Angela and David Cockerton give their all to award-winning Garleton Lodge, with Angela greeting guests straight from the kitchen where she’s preparing the night’s feast. Tastefully decorated with accents of their own house tartan and Scottish-themed art and bric-a-brac, the hotel and restaurant is styled with comfort in mind.
SLEEPING MATTERS
A springy super-king with a mattress topper of downy dreams lies in wait in the large bedrooms - but be warned, you won’t want to leave. Each room is equipped with a top-of-the-range coffee machine, tea-making facilities and a small fridge. The ground-floor double rooms open out onto a patio that skirts the building and from where it is actively encouraged to enjoy an aperitif, or kick back in the armchairs made for lounging as you partake of the homemade chocolate truffles and appreciate a dram of the whisky each room is named after.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Before dinner, guests relax in the lounge with their favourite tipple and a selection of canapes. Whisky fans are spoiled for choice, while every other taste is well catered for with their vast drinks menu – the thyme infused G & Ts went down a treat. With floor to ceiling windows, the dinner setting is spectacular. Freshly-made dishes make the most of locally sourced ingredients and the venison stew was a particular hit. The cheeseboard and decadent brownie chased by a dessert wine and more handcrafted chocolates meant that no tummy was left rumbling come bedtime.
NICE TOUCH
Guests can book in for an expert massage at the hands of Hazel on arrival. But don’t miss watching the sun going down over the Queensferry Crossing from the outdoor hot tub, glass of prosecco in hand.
ABOUT THE AREA
East Lothian is famed for its golf courses, beaches and walks. Nearby Haddington is worth a trip for Falko, a world-renowned German bakery. North Berwick’s art galleries and shops are only a short drive away.
Rooms at Garleton Lodge start at £165 for a double including a full breakfast. For more information go to www.garlteonlodge.co.uk
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