Channings Hotel

The Channings Hotel was once home to Sir Ernest Shackleton, an Antarctic explorer, when he was secretary of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society between 1904 and 1910. The hotel named their top-floor suites after Shackleton and his fellow adventurers; in the rooms, nods to the explorers include black-and-white photographs that were taken on the expeditions. The lobby is covered in polished wood paneling and a cheeky brass monkey guards the bell at the front desk. The lobby and lounge area feels like the inside of an expensive private club set with masculine furnishings such as stiff leather armchairs and dark colored carpets. Vases of fresh flowers lighten up the ambience and a real fire adds a cozy touch. Overall the atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and polished. 

The Channings Hotel is situated in a quiet residential area in Stockbridge, near Dean Village, and is a leisurely walk or bus journey from Edinburgh's city center. Most tourist hotspots are a bus ride away. A 10-minute bus ride will take guests to Princes Street, a buzzing street that's brimming with shops, bars, and restaurants. The Scottish National Gallery is also about 10 minutes away by bus, and has a full range of Western art and sculpture from the Renaissance to the present day, with particularly impressive collections of Old Masters. The Caves -- an exciting music venue and bar -- is a little further, a 20-minute bus ride away, but is housed in the legendary Edinburgh Vaults -- a distinct series of chambers formed in the 19 arches of the South Bridge. It's a fantastic place for having a drink and listening to the latest bands. Nature lovers will be drawn to Arthur's Seat -- a 15-minute drive away -- which is popular with cyclists and joggers who are attracted to the extinct volcano's hikes amongst nature. Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh, is a 10-minute drive from the lobby door. The Royal Mile is 20-minutes away on the bus and is full of quirky architecture, shops, restaurants, and traditional whisky shops.

The 46 bedrooms have rich fabrics such as silk, velvet, and suede, with plush and comfortable mattresses, fluffy towels and bathrobes, and Internet access via the TV. The top-floor bedrooms are smallish and cozy and the views are spectacular. The rooms on the first floor are more spacious. It's worth upgrading to a Superior Room -- as some have beautiful four-poster beds and black and white-tiled bathrooms with Victorian roll-top baths. One of the suites has a double whirlpool tub. The Shackleton Suite is particularly exquisite, with a free standing bath that sits in front of a feature wall that has a painting of the famous explorer's boat. Rooms are quiet and peaceful and the ones at the front have sweeping views to the Forth and the spires of Fettes College. Rooms facing the back overlook a private patio garden. Free toiletries are The White Company branded and all rooms have a safe, an ironing board, and 24-hour room service.

The on-site restaurant and bar -- Shackleton's Bar and Brasserie -- serves up decent food in a cozy environment with a fireplace and red leather banquettes. Expect to pay for breakfast. The patio has several sets of outdoor wooden furniture and an outdoor heater to keep guests cozy in the chillier months. There is no fitness center on-site but there is one meeting room. Wi-Fi is free throughout.