Old Town, United States
Tastefully decorated rooms with flat-screen TVs, minibars, coffeemakers, and large bathrooms
A five-minute walk to New Town, Old Town, and Princes Street
Cozy reception area with fireplace
Some rooms have views of Calton Hill
Guest discount for a car park around the corner
Drinks served in the reception area by the fire
Free in-room Wi-Fi
Fee for breakfast
No on-site bar
The 53-room three-pearl Parliament House Hotel is a historic property that dates to the 1760s. It's conveniently located at the foot of Calton Hill along Waterloo Place, mere yards from Princes Street, and is within a 15-minute walk of Waverly Station. Despite its central location, it's tucked away on a quiet, cobbled street, away from the city's hubbub and traffic. Public spaces are traditional, homey, and cozy -- think roaring log fires and high ceilings with ornate moldings -- but the rooms, which range from Singles to Suites, are modern and colorful with big bay windows. They include free Wi-Fi, minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and flat-screen TVs. The hotel delivers good value for travelers who want a central yet quiet location in Edinburgh.
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Scene
Traditional decor with a beautiful caged lift, complete with an old-fashioned telephone and leather-topped seat inside.
The lobby is warm and welcoming, with a roaring fire and traditional decor consisting of dark-wood paneling, oversize armchairs, and high ceilings with ornate moldings and draped curtains. A caged lift with a retro dial-up telephone and leather seat takes guests back in time but no longer to their rooms. Quirky design touches include the Scottish thistle wallpaper in the lobby and a dramatic wooden carved easel. The restaurant and bar, MP's Bistro, has more contemporary decor but still retains some original features, such as a handsome cast-iron cooking range. The hotel is most popular with couples, but its low-key, laid-back style draws families too.
Location
Located in a quiet alley at the foot of Calton Hill, within a 10-minute walk to Princes Street
The hotel is a brisk 10-minute walk to Princes Street, which has bars, restaurants, and shops galore. It's in a handy location for the Edinburgh Playhouse, which is about 10 minutes away on foot. Calton Hill, also within walking distance, has picturesque views that are often the subject of photographs and paintings of the city. Waverly station is within a five-minute walk, has regular service to the airport. The Scottish National Gallery, which houses Edinburgh's grandest collection of classical and contemporary art, is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and Arthur's Seat, a picturesque extinct volcano popular for hikes and cycling, is within a 15-minute drive.
Rooms
Red, yellow, and taupe accents in large, smart rooms with huge bay windows that let in plenty of natural light.
Rooms are smart and bright, with large bay windows, but the walls have little adornment and the furnishings are plain, especially when compared with the more ornate furnishings in the lobby. Beds are plush with bolster cushions and soft throws, and some rooms have two huge windows and views of Calton Hill. They have minibars, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, though the connection can be shaky at times. Bathrooms are beautiful, bright, and immaculately clean with marbled tile, and shower/tub combos. Branded toiletries come from The Tub.
Features
A pretty patio garden and a restaurant that serves locally sourced Scottish fare
The hotel serves a free hot and cold breakfast every morning in the bright breakfast room. In warm weather, the hotel opens a garden patio where guests can take in the sun. The hotel's lounge is large and cozy, with a fireplace. MP's Bistro is pleasant, and serves good quality, locally sourced food, but there are many other restaurants in the town center to try. The Cabinet Room is a meeting room that can accommodate up to 40 people.
