If you are looking for exceptional service, naturally welcoming and helpful staff and a gloriously central, 5 star boutique hotel; The Scotsman Hotel is possibly the place for you.
Edinburgh’s former Scotsman newspaper offices present a refreshing departure from more modern new city builds, with sympathetic additions but vitally, the transformation to hotel has been worked around the original build, evidence of which is pleasantly apparent throughout this amazing structure.
The building dates from the 1900s when work was carried out on North Bridge, joining the two distinct areas of the Old and the New Town. The 190 foot tower was erected and the, then radical, Scotsman newspaper settled in within it’s walls.
The multi level facets of the building suited the industry perfectly with direct access to both North Bridge for editorial staff and Market Street, which provided ideal access to the trains at Waverley Station, for Print and Distribution, which took up the entire basement level. The advantageous levels of the building are still in evidence today, providing access to slightly more leisurely interests of hotel bar, restaurant and Spa.
A welcome change to arrival on which I feel The Scotsman may have a unique advantage is the sit down check-in process. Relaxed and informal, the check-in at The Scotsman is a leisurely affair, during which I was invited to enjoy a mulled wine and very seasonal mince pie – bonus points already! The very naturally friendly reception staff could not have been more welcoming nor the concierge team more helpful – Jennifer and Barry deserve special recognition for the friendliest team I have encountered!
Rooms such as Editors and Directors and Publishers Suites give recognition and a nice tie-in to the hotel’s history, where often, two level suites, afford the luxury and space to be expected from a property of this standard.
No aspect of the hotel’s style or service is, however stereotypical, yet it is the unique ambience, created by an atmospheric, architecturally stunning building, which would, I imagine draw guests back time and again.
This hotel is Edinburgh through and through, from the history as home of Scotland’s National Newspaper to the quirky additions, such as the local Edinburgh Monopoly board game, The Scotsman Hotel takes an obvious pride in its heritage and place in the local history books.
With a different address, although located in the same building, the lower levels are now devoted to The Scotsman Hotel Spa, accessed from the hotel or via the Market Street entrance.
By vast contrast, Scotland’s first stainless steel swimming pool provides the centerpiece for the Spa, which also houses a fully equipped 60 station gym, dance studio, sauna, steam room, spa pool and tropicarium.
Seven treatment rooms and an experienced team of therapists are on hand to offer luxurious and therapeutic treatments using a range of scientifically proven Aveda face and body products.
A Juice Bar and Relaxation Room complete the experience – hard to believe it is all housed within what used to be a high pressured, buzzing hub of a newspaper.
One of the iconic Edinburgh landmarks of old is now one of the most emblematic city hotels and with turreted suites, majestic marble staircases and original wood paneling, you can almost still hear the sounds of the city receiving its daily Scotsman.
http://www.thescotsmanhotel.co.uk
