No. 11 Brunswick Street

Steps lead up from the street to the grand, double front doors of this traditional Edinburgh townhouse, which open into a wide hallway. It has an original, colorful tiled floor, high ceilings, and decorative columns. The elegant feel continues into the lounge where there are comfortable velvet and tweed sofas by an attractive fireplace. The room is painted in a chic sage green and has a large window letting in lots of natural light. The dining room has oak floorboards, another open fireplace, and a crystal chandelier. Even the hallways and stairs are smart and elegant, with a striped carpet, and ornate banister. A huge skylight in the ceiling above the landing lets natural light flood down the staircase. This is a popular B&B, but despite the many people staying here, it feels like a calm and serene space. 

No. 11 Brunswick Street is located just on the edge of the city center. It’s walkable to most of the attractions, but away from the main streets, which can be lively and noisy at night. The immediate vicinity of the hotel is a quiet, residential area but there are a range of shops, bars, and restaurants within a few minutes’ walk. The property is ideal for guests wanting to take in a show during their stay, as the Edinburgh Playhouse is just a five-minute walk away. In 15 minutes, it’s possible to walk into the city center and visit attractions like the beautiful Princes Street Gardens. St Giles' Cathedral is a 20-minute walk away. It’s easy to travel further afield from here too, as it’s a 10-minute walk to Edinburgh bus station, and 15-minutes to Edinburgh train station. Note that there isn't any parking on-site. 

The smart and elegant feel of the public spaces continues into the guest rooms. Each one is individually designed, but they all have stylish decor, and tones such as soft gray and mink. The headboards, throw cushions, and drapes are perfectly coordinated to compliment each other. The Standard Rooms don't have a lot of floorspace but they are well-designed and have all the amenities guests would expect, such as a console table, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, Egyptian cotton bed linen, choice of firm or soft pillows, tea- and coffee-making facilities, a DVD player, and an iPod docking station. The marble bathrooms feel luxurious with heated floors, a heated towel rail, bathrobes, and luxury toiletries. There are modern fixtures like countertop basins, deep baths, and roomy walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. The hotel also offers suites which are much larger, and some have a four-poster bed, and freestanding bath. 

Something this boutique offers that many city center hotels don't, is outside space. There's a small paved and graveled garden for guests to use, set with benches and potted plants. The lounge is also provided as a space for guests to relax. The hotel’s brasserie is a real plus point, it’s popular with locals and tourists alike -- not just the hotel’s own guests. It offers breakfast, lunch, luxury afternoon teas, and fine dining evening meals. The cuisine is modern, international, and beautifully presented. It prides itself on sourcing and using the finest local ingredients, so the menu includes produce from local farms, dairies and smokeries. The hotel also bakes its own fresh bread and offers an extensive wine list. The food is fantastic and provides excellent value compared with some of the city center eateries. Wi-Fi is free and fast throughout the property.