Something of a last minute decision to overnight in Edinburgh – a quick tweet and the Radisson Blu, came up with the goods, with an added bonus of a room upgrade to the hotel’s Business Class suites.
Many years since I had been in the city centre Radisson, my return visit was reminiscent of the early Scandic Crown days and the expansive spaces, which I remember, have thankfully been retained, with some welcome changes and additions.
Driving up the Royal Mile, the Summer’s last throngs of tourists were still present, milling about in the early evening sunshine, listening to music, watching street artists and dipping in and out of the chic shops and traditionally Scottish bars. It felt comforting to be welcomed back with such warmth of familiarity.
The Radisson Blu building has always amazed me – the 16th century turreted façade, itself, inviting and indicative of a by-gone era, standing proud, a mere stone’s throw away from the great Edinburgh Castle; I was pleased to be here.
Check-in was simple and straightforward; welcoming yet unobtrusive with a relaxed ease and fetching black kilt, which although not uncommon, offered a pleasant surprise on this, most unordinary afternoon and was stored to memory!
The Business Class room – a fabulous bonus and located at the end of a corridor, was blissful in its tranquillity – calm and quiet above a sea of bustle, below. Views in all directions and as far as the Firth of Forth and Arthur’s Seat, were a beautiful reminder of my location for the night – the unmistakable Edinburgh skyline.
My expansive room had a 70s vibe about it; slight retro styling but reasonably minimalistic apart from a few modern gadgets and all the essentials, conducive to a comfortable stay in one of the most comfortable beds….ever!
A super hi-tech coffee machine not only made great morning coffee but added a certain artistry to the room, along with the black and white framed wall prints; also indicative of Edinburgh’s vintage shops in the heart of the Old Town.
No time for a visit to the spa nor breakfast, such was the nature of my flying visit but I aim to be back for a more leisurely stay, when I hope to find that nothing has changed and once again I can revisit the Radisson Blu, until then #tweetdreams!
www.radissonblu.co.uk/Edinburgh
