REVIEWS


100 PRINCES STREET Edinburgh, UK


LOCATION: Overlooking the city’s illustrious castle, and just a short walk from the Old Town and a 30-minute drive from the airport, 100 Princes Street puts guests right in the heart of Edinburgh.


FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Although tucked among a row of shops, this property’s exterior is anything but unassuming. Once a Georgian townhouse, the hotel’s facade has been meticulously retained, with an original cartouche carved >LoÛi Ìhi wÀÃÌ-yooÀ Üin`oÜÃ >n` oÀn>Ìi «ill>ÀÃ Ìh>Ì y>nk the front door. Check-in takes place in plush dining lounge The Wallace and, as I sink into one of the leather armchairs with a welcome drink in hand, I know we’re in for a treat.


THE FACTS: Before being bought by Red Carnation Hotels in 2019 and becoming a 30-room luxury property, 100 Princes Street was formerly a home, a hotel and, most recently, a private members’ club owned by the Royal Overseas League, hoÃÌin}


ommonÜi>lÌh ovwVi>là voÀ moÀi Ìh>n 9ä Þi>Àð Ì


retains a sense of exclusivity and grandeur, and a hand-painted mÕÀ>l Ìh>Ì Õnvol`Ã voÀ wÛi ÃÌoÀiÞÃ >lon}Ãi`i Ìhi «>l>Ìi>l staircase pays homage to Scottish explorers. As a resident-only hotel with such few rooms, 100 Princes Street feels boutique and the service is personalised. We are always greeted by name, our dietary requirements catered for without us having to ask and nothing is too much trouble. Rooms range from cosy single options to the grand Archibald Signature Suite, and all meals are taken in The Wallace or the private Ghillie’s Pantry dining room, which also hosts intimate whisky tastings.


IDEAL FOR: Couples keen to explore the city. Groups are also well catered for, with the option for interconnecting rooms or to reserve the whole property.


EXPLORE: Everything clients will want to see in the Scottish capital is easily accessible. Edinburgh Castle, of which the hotel offers spectacular views, is an obvious starting point and from there it’s just a short walk to the Old Town. For the best


spot to look out across the city and towards the Firth of Forth, head to Calton Hill where, after a short climb, Scotland’s answer to Athens’ Acropolis is perched at the summit.


WOW: All the food is incredible, particularly the afternoon tea, where the star of the show is the perfectly soft and sweet carrot cake. We wash it down with a glass of champagne and a mug of the hotel’s signature 100 Princes Street tea blend while looking out towards the castle majestically silhouetted against a clear blue sky – perfection.


BOOK IT: One night’s B&B in an Executive Double Castle View Room starts from £745.


100PRINCES-STREET.COM Isobel Turner


aspiretravelclub.co.uk


JUNE 2025 ASPIRE


97


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