The Howard

The Howard is an exclusive boutique hotel located on a quiet residential street in Edinburgh’s New Town. The hotel comprises three Georgian houses that blend seamlessly into the surroundings, with only a discreet brass plaque marking the entrance. The Howard provides an experience of near Downton Abbey-level luxury, with a team of butlers on hand to assist with packing and unpacking, room service, personal shopping, almost anything -- though some services, such as packing, must be requested in advance. The environment evokes an elegant bygone era (with all the expected modern conveniences), with stunning period decor worthy of a stately home. The plaster and woodwork are ornate; the wallpaper is striking; the textiles -- velvets, plaids, and tweeds -- are rich. Soothing music plays in the common areas, and there is a lovely delicate scent to the property and guest rooms. Walls are hung with original oil paintings and antique prints; there is a set of vintage golf clubs leaning jauntily in a corner. The drawing room is an elegant spot for cocktails and conversation, and the restaurant, Atholl, is so exclusive, it's limited to 14 seats in what feels like a private dining room. Stepping into the Howard is stepping into another world, a romantic, privileged one.

The Howard is located on a quiet residential street in Edinburgh’s New Town, between the Leith and Stockbridge districts, with nothing to do in the surrounding blocks. Within two minutes’ walk, however, guests will find plenty of restaurants and shops, and posh George Street with its hip clubs and boutiques is a five- to 10-minute walk from the hotel. Waverley train station is a 15-minute walk away, or five minutes via taxi, and Haymarket station is a 15-minutes taxi ride.

Rooms at The Howard are romantic with an elegant antique vibe. No two are the same, but all are on a grand scale; some even have canopy beds with heavy satin drapes. There are plenty of exquisite details: paper-lined drawers, silver tissue dispensers, and illuminated wardrobes. Despite their antique look, rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, safes, hairdryers, and free Wi-Fi. There are no minibars or self-serve tea or coffee, because a call to the butler will quickly take care of those needs. Note that some butler services, such as packing and unpacking, must be requested in advance. Bathrooms are huge and beautiful, with magnifying mirrors, bidets, bathrobes and slippers, heated towel racks, Penhaligon's toiletries, separate tub and shower stalls (in some), and, in one room, a double jetted tub. Frequent guests may store essentials with the staff for use upon their return. 

The Howard has a tiny, fine dining restaurant with just 14 seats in what feels like a drawing room from days gone by. In addition to serving modern Scottish cuisine for lunch and dinner, The Atholl serves a tasting menu, as well as an afternoon tea that is popular with tourists and locals alike -- book ahead. Bespoke butlers attend to guests’ needs, including personal shopping, shoe shines, room service, packing, and drawing baths for tired guests. Private whisky tastings and personal shopping appointments at local stores can be arranged by the staff. The bar serves afternoon cocktails and nightcaps in a beautiful drawing room with barrel-shaped walls. Wi-Fi is free, and the hotel has four meeting rooms.