The finest places to stay
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is returning to the Capital City for its 72nd year in 2019, with a total of 3,841 shows in 323 venues across the city. No matter what shows you are in town to see, long gone are the days of roughing it at international festivals.
Radisson Collection, Royal Mile
The only five-star hotel on the historic Royal Mile, the location and facilities are in a word: impressive. Guests are literally in the centre of the action, with so many venues within a five-minute walk from the front door. If you are looking for the ideal base for a packed schedule of shows, no need to look anywhere else. Furthermore, their Epicurean Bar, with master mixologists, is open late for a nightcap if your shows go into the wee hours.
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa boasts contemporary design and a location so central, it is located right on Festival Square, across the street from Usher Hall and around the corner from the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. The guest’s wellbeing is definitely a priority here, as the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience™ beds provide guests with restful nights, while their spa is easily the best in town, with an infinity swimming pool, thermal suite, Espa treatments, gym, café, and rooftop hydro-pool.
Dunstane Houses Hotel
Slightly further out from the centre of Edinburgh is Dunstane Houses Hotel, in the West End. Spread over two Victorian townhouses across the road from each other, Dunstane House and Hampton House, guests can savour the tranquillity, while only being a 15-minute walk from Haymarket Station. If you upgrade to a suite you can unwind after the day’s “Festival Fever”, in your copper roll-top bath before taking in the sweeping views over the city and then sleeping soundly in your four-poster bed.
Fingal
Permanently docked in the historic Port of Leith, about 20 minutes from the City Centre, Fingal is the most unique accommodation option in Edinburgh, only just opened in 2019. It is ideal for Festival-goers who want five-star accommodation without any of the hassles that come with being in the thick of the action. The nautical theme resonates throughout and the sunsets by the shore are stunning while the service is nothing short of impeccable.
Greywalls
For a luxurious retreat outside of the city, but perfectly situated close enough for a day trip or two, Greywalls Hotel & Chez Roux is 35 minutes from the chaos of the Festival in the quaint seaside village of Gullane in East Lothian. With views over Muirfield Championship Golf Course and the Firth of Forth, Greywalls is a five-star charming, elegant country house with an exquisite Chez Roux restaurant. If you are worried about the roads being busy, our partner ExecAir has specialised in air charter for over 10 years, and Greywalls has a dedicated helipad.
The Capital comes alive during August with a bounty of entertainment from one side of the city to the other. If you want to visit, but don’t want to fall prey to overrated, inevitably overpriced tourist traps, try to arrange your stay with one of the Luxury Scotland members above, you won’t be disappointed.
First published 27 June 2019. Information correct at time of going to press.
Selected for you…
Edinburgh and beyond
