Set in
Edinburgh's attractive and upmarket New Town, walking
distance of the city center
Historic building
full of military memorabilia
Some rooms
overlook Edinburgh's rooftops
Cozy,
traditionally styled rooms with Molton Brown products
Breakfast with full Scottish option included in many rates or charged separately
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Dress code for
dining (pro for some)
Bit old-fashioned for some
tastes
The Royal Scots
Club is a private members club that opened its doors as a hotel to the public
whilst maintaining all of its traditional heritage. Location of this mid-range property is excellent, being
set in the quieter, upmarket New Town while being just about within walking
distance of the center. The 25 individually decorated rooms are cozy, and some have great views -- though
basement level can feel dingy. A dress code for dining, and old-fashioned interiors
won't appeal to all, though rates are good for a mid-range hotel in Edinburgh and there's certainly
nothing else quite like it about.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Private members club hotel steeped in military tradition and memorabilia
The Royal Scots
Club has a relatively unassuming presence, occupying part of a gray-stone
Georgian terrace typical of the area. It is a privately owned hotel, originally
set up after World War One as a private member's club for servicemen, as well as a place to stay for its members. Nowadays it is obviously open
to all, though much of its original club atmosphere remains, as does plenty of
military memorabilia and thoroughly traditional interiors. The inside of the
hotel is unexpectedly large, with a labyrinth of numerous hallways, stairwells,
lounges, and function rooms, most of which are adorned with an array of army-themed
mementos including hundred-year-old photos, old military drums, and period
etchings. While efforts are made to
maintain the ethos of a club -- jacket and tie must be worn while dining, and no
cell phones are allowed in the breakfast room or bar -- the mood is generally relaxed
and unstuffy, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in this formerly private,
and now largely bygone, world.
Location
Edinburgh's upmarket New Town within walking distance of the center
The hotel is set overlooking Queen Street
Gardens in a particularly attractive and well-heeled area in the middle of Edinburgh's
New Town. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes well within walking
distance, while the St. James Shopping mall is just half a mile away. Edinburgh's
main train station is about a 10-minute walk into town, with the city's famously
lively Royal Mile about 15 minutes or more on foot. It's also a brisk 15-minute stroll to
Edinburgh Castle and the city's historical center; alternatively, local buses from Abercromby Place depart every five to 10 minutes for the 10-minute ride. Edinburgh Airport is about a 20-minute drive from
the hotel, or about 40 minutes on the 100 bus. On-street parking is very
limited indeed.
Rooms
Homey rooms are slightly dingy or flooded with light, depending on the floor
The hotel has 25
rooms, each of which is slightly different, though all are simply styled with cozy textiles and traditional furnishings. Some have wallpaper in warm tones and tasteful prints, while others are painted in cool grays and beiges; bedding is white, with different colored throw blankets. In-room amenities include
tea/coffee facilities, flat-screen TVs (with Freeview channels rather than
cable), and free Wi-Fi. The
lower rooms, being in the basement, can feel a little dingy, while upper-floor
rooms have plenty of natural light, and some even have views over the Edinburgh
rooftops towards Fife. Traditional bathrooms are well-maintained, with shower/tub combos and Molton Brown toiletries. Some rooms have four-poster beds.
Features
Full Scottish or smoked kippers -- though no mobile phones
The hotel serves
a solid breakfast each morning with a choice of full Scottish or smoked kippers, along with fruit, cereals, and yogurt -- guests should be aware that cell phones are not allowed over breakfast. The restaurant
overlooks Queen Street Gardens, and is also open for high tea and dinner, though
lunch is exclusive to members and their guests. Many rates include breakfast, and some even include dinner on one night, though it should be noted that dinners are not served on Sundays. There are also two bars on-site
-- the Front Bar replete with fascinating military memorabilia, and the minimalist downstairs bar set in a cave-like stone space. Additionally, there are plenty of spaces available for meetings,
conferences, and events, including the Douglas Room with period fireplace.
