Edinburgh Hotels and favorite hidden gem

[highplanesdrifters]

Calling all CC Intelligentsia! 

Just booked a cruise leaving out of Leith.

Looking for hotel recommendations in Edinburgh. 

Any favorite hidden gem activities also appreciated.

Thanks!

[Easterncommand]

Hi

Not sure on your budget but if you are looking at something different try the Ocean Mist Hotel this is a floating hotel docked in Leith and not to far from the Royal Yacht Britannia. 

[Mr Luxury]

I like the Balmoral Hotel when in Edinburgh.

[Easterncommand]

10 minutes ago, Mr Luxury said:

I like the Balmoral Hotel when in Edinburgh.

Or the other end of Prince’s St the Waldorf ,Caledonian.

[pavementends]

On my last visit to Edinburgh (a looong time ago) I stayed at a hotel that had Arbroath smoked haddock on the breakfast menu. I forget the hotel but remember the smoked haddock vividly.

 

I recommend that you stay at a hotel that has smoked haddock on the breakfast menu, and that you order it.

[fruitmachine]

53 minutes ago, pavementends said:

On my last visit to Edinburgh (a looong time ago) I stayed at a hotel that had Arbroath smoked haddock on the breakfast menu. I forget the hotel but remember the smoked haddock vividly.

 

I recommend that you stay at a hotel that has smoked haddock on the breakfast menu, and that you order it.

Just to alert you that an Arbroath Smoke is a very different beast to "normal" smoked haddock.  https://www.arbroath-smokie.co.uk/arbroath-smokies/  Personally, I find smokies too much of a faff, due to all the bones which, in standard smoked haddock, have been removed haddock when it is filleted.

[highplanesdrifters]

4 hours ago, Mr Luxury said:

I like the Balmoral Hotel when in Edinburgh.

So, you stay at the Hotel, not the Castle?  Hmmmm.😄

[highplanesdrifters]

3 hours ago, Easterncommand said:

Or the other end of Prince’s St the Waldorf ,Caledonian.

Both Virtuoso properties,  always a positive.  Thanks much.

[Harters]

6 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Any favorite hidden gem activities also appreciated.

Just a few minutes stroll from the Royal Yacht, is this restaurant which I can thoroughly recommend for lunch or dinner . Last time we ate there, we were staying two hours drive south and made the trip just for lunch. It majors on seasonal Scottish produce. One of my favourite restaurants in the UK

 

https://thekitchin.com/

[Mr Luxury]

15 minutes ago, Harters said:

Just a few minutes stroll from the Royal Yacht, is this restaurant which I can thoroughly recommend for lunch or dinner . Last time we ate there, we were staying two hours drive south and made the trip just for lunch. It majors on seasonal Scottish produce. One of my favourite restaurants in the UK

 

https://thekitchin.com/

Tom is certainly a great Chef.

[Harters]

16 minutes ago, Mr Luxury said:

Tom is certainly a great Chef.

First time we went, he was in the bar area greeting customers. Nice bloke, as far as one can tell (although the recentish allegations about bullying, etc, have done nothing for his reputation).

[Mr Luxury]

9 hours ago, Harters said:

First time we went, he was in the bar area greeting customers. Nice bloke, as far as one can tell (although the recentish allegations about bullying, etc, have done nothing for his reputation).

All the great Chefs are ruthless in the kitchen and run a very strict regime.

Marco Pierre White,Tom Aitkins,Gordon Ramsay.

All have been tarred with the strict bullying brush.

They have also made some very good Chefs out of those that were on the end of their wrath.

Too many snowflakes around these days 😀

[fruitmachine]

1 hour ago, Mr Luxury said:

All the great Chefs are ruthless in the kitchen and run a very strict regime.

Marco Pierre White,Tom Aitkins,Gordon Ramsay.

All have been tarred with the strict bullying brush.

They have also made some very good Chefs out of those that were on the end of their wrath.

Too many snowflakes around these days 😀

I'm in walking distance of one of Tom Kitchen's restaurants and a short drive to several others; slap-bang in the middle of his target audience.  As tempting as good personal reports from friends and family are, I'm not prepared to give him my custom.  This was about a lot more than verbal bullying (which, in my view, is unacceptable in any workplace regardless of the owner or manager's success) or snowflake behaviour.

[Mr Luxury]

1 hour ago, fruitmachine said:

I'm in walking distance of one of Tom Kitchen's restaurants and a short drive to several others; slap-bang in the middle of his target audience.  As tempting as good personal reports from friends and family are, I'm not prepared to give him my custom.  This was about a lot more than verbal bullying (which, in my view, is unacceptable in any workplace regardless of the owner or manager's success) or snowflake behaviour.

Choice is good and I can understand yours.

[princeton123211]

21 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Calling all CC Intelligentsia! 

Just booked a cruise leaving out of Leith.

Looking for hotel recommendations in Edinburgh. 

Any favorite hidden gem activities also appreciated.

Caledonian and Balmoral as mentioned are great if you are going for the grand dame hotels.

 

If you are looking to stay at a hidden gem take a look at The Witchery by the Castle. Rooms are eccentric gothic and it has a great vibe. Restaurant, while not what it was 20 years ago, is still consistently very, very good. Also hard to beat the location just at the entrance to Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile. 

[edinburgher]

On 12/5/2023 at 3:11 PM, highplanesdrifters said:

Looking for hotel recommendations in Edinburgh. 

Any favorite hidden gem activities also appreciated.

Living in the city we have no need for a hotel so cannot recommend a specific one, but there are a huge number in all price brackets to choose from and hotel building has been undergoing a bit of a boom in recent years, with a number have opened only this year, others are due to open or are under construction, and there is planning permission in place for yet more.  You have been given a few recommendations already, but it is interesting to note that they are mostly in the high end/luxury price range. If you are happy with that, fine, any of these would be good, but if not, if you search hotel booking sites and read reviews, given the number of hotels here (and remember that there are also B and Bs in every price range) you are sure to find others in a variety of price ranges.

 

You didn't actually say whether this would be a first visit or if you have visited previously, nor the time of year your visit will take place, and the month is especially important as there are events here which see hotel prices rocket even more than usual. And if a first visit, why would you not take in the top sights, instead wanting "off the beaten path"?

 

As far as "off the beaten path" activities are concerned, Edinburgh is one of the most visited cities in the UK, particularly for short breaks and festivals  and some visitors have visited multiple times over the years exploring many of the more off the beaten path nooks and crannies of the city, in the same way that we residents do.

 

You didn't elaborate on the sort of "activities" of  interest to you,so can suggest nothing other than that you try googling something like "Hidden Edinburgh" or "Edinburgh off the beaten path" for suggestions.

[edinburgher]

On 12/5/2023 at 3:29 PM, Easterncommand said:

try the Ocean Mist Hotel this is a floating hotel docked in Leith and not to far from the Royal Yacht Britannia. 

There is another luxury floating hotel  which is higher rated, docked even closer to Royal Yacht Britannia, and actually owned by the same company as the  RYB. It has recently been awarded AA Hotel of the Year (Scotland) 2023/24 it is called Fingal.

 

On 12/5/2023 at 3:11 PM, highplanesdrifters said:

any favorite hidden gem activities also appreciated.

I think what I was trying to explain in my post #16 is that Edinburgh isn't likely to have much "off the beaten path" given the number of visitors and their varied  interests.  There won't be many spots that see few or no tourists as they will most likely have already been "discovered".😀

 

 

[Globaliser]

On 12/5/2023 at 3:11 PM, highplanesdrifters said:

Any favorite hidden gem activities also appreciated.

 

This will probably fall well into edinburgher's category of something that is neither hidden nor off the beaten path, and it's unlikely to win culinary awards - but we're fond of the Mussel Inn, as much as anything because of its location and convenience, and its friendliness (at least, all the times that we've been there).

[edinburgher]

16 hours ago, Globaliser said:

 

This will probably fall well into edinburgher's category of something that is neither hidden nor off the beaten path, and it's unlikely to win culinary awards - but we're fond of the Mussel Inn, as much as anything because of its location and convenience, and its friendliness (at least, all the times that we've been there).

Globaliser, I think I misunderstood the request for "hidden gem activities" as likely relating to  things to see, do or explore within the city, so I didn't think to include any restaurant recommendations.  The city has literally hundreds of eating places to choose from offering food from around the world, and personal  preference and budgets will play a big part in selecting which to choose.  These include Michelin "Bib Gourmand" and Michelin starred restaurants although there are of course less pricey options. .Ask 100 residents to name a  favourite and there could be 100 different answers such is the selection to choose from.

 

On 12/5/2023 at 3:11 PM, highplanesdrifters said:

Any favorite hidden gem activities also appreciated.

highplainsdrifter, it would be a helpful start if you could elaborate on any of the type of "hidden gem activities" you would be interested in?

 

Not exactly  "hidden gems" but some activities on offer would be the dry ski slope for skiing and snowboarding,   beaches within and outside of (although nearby) the city, a watersports centre for  learning sailing, sea kayaking, powerboating and canoeing, and  an indoor climbing centre with  climbing walls, a bouldering  room and a gym. or would following one of the hiking or walking trails appeal more? Again, these are neither "hidden" nor "off the beaten track" as they can be popular.

 

Edited December 7, 2023 by edinburgher

[highplanesdrifters]

Thank you to everyone for your excellent suggestions. 

@edinburgher & @Globaliser thanks for digging deeper and great advice.

Mussel Inn, sounds perfect. A good pub is always on the agenda. Local favorites always top our list. 

We usually lean toward the safe 4 or 5 star properties unless we find that Hidden gem.  Recently @TLCOhio suggested Ava Hotel in Athens. It was a hotel, and our room was a 1 bedroom apartment with balcony overlooking the Acropolis. We stayed there last month and loved it.  Perfect Hidden gem.

 

I've been to many of the travel sites and asked Google the usual Hidden Gem questions. It always nice to hear from those who have experienced things first hand. Is it Meh, dont bother or a wow I didn't expect that?

We will tend towards activities specific to Edinburgh. Our cruise is an expedition so will save the kayaking and hiking till then. 

We are there May 23-26.

 

Some that peak our interests other than the top attractions:

Anything historical

Closes of the Royal Mile

Gin tasting

Ghille Dhu 

Jupiter Artland 

Museum on the mound 

 

The Spirit of Scotland dinner show? Is it fun touristy thing, or a seriously who would spend money on that?  These things can go either way.

 

Thanks again! We welcome any comments about our potential activities.

[edinburgher]

38 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Some that peak our interests other than the top attractions:

Anything historical

Closes of the Royal Mile

Gin tasting

Ghille Dhu 

Jupiter Artland 

Museum on the mound 

Thank you for some suggestions.

 

Anything historical The entire OLD and NEW Towns are historical, wander whichever streets you choose and history will be all around you. there should be suggested walks around both if you search online as both are of architectural interest and different in style.

Closes off the Royal Mile   Plenty of the those all along the "Mile" going off in both directions.  Some are more interesting or attractive than others and some will be busier than others as they are through routes for pedestrians.  Again, try googling "Royal Mile Closes" or similar for locations and descriptions.One of the slightly different ones is Dunbar's Close which isn't really a close.  You walk through a "pend" and find yourself in a recreation of a period garden. It has some seating and if you are tired at that point, a good enough place to take a few minutes rest.  Have never seen it busy, there might only be a handful of others in there, but depending on the month, the street outside can be rammed and only a few steps away is this calm oasis.Going downhill towards Holyrood Palace, it is on the left side just past Canongate Kirk.

Gin tasting  Lots of opportunities for that and some distil on site too.  Has become more popular in recent years and there are now  a few locations to choose from. Locations and reviews once again can be found by googling.

Ghillie Dhu  I believe quite touristy and popular with tour groups and the likes of office parties.  Read reviews to help you decide, but I think you could do better (depending on why you chose it of course.)

Museum on the Mound   A bit different from other museums, focusing as it does on all things money related.  Operated by the Bank of Scotland whose grounds it sits in.  There are some quite fun and different souvenirs to be found in the gift shop and although there can be a few folks inside, have never seen it even remotely busy..

Jupiter Artland.  Sort of surprised to see this listed as it is located quite far out of the city and a vehicle is needed to get there. When we visited around a year after it opened, we discovered that there is a huge amount of walking to do as the overall site is massive and there was less art on view than we had expected to see.  Between getting there, returning to the city and walking for at least 2 hours, perhaps more, I think the majority of your day would be used at this one location, but it is your day (s) and your decision. Should you change your mind, there are other art galleries in the centre  town much more easily accessed. the National Galleries and the  Portrait Gallery are the most obvious.

 

Will this be a first visit?

and

Which month of the year will it be?

and

How many actual days will you have here? you said May23 to 26, but will that be full days or part days?

Edited December 7, 2023 by edinburgher

[highplanesdrifters]

@edinburgher

Most excellent suggestions, thanks.

First visit. Arrive morning May 23, ship leaves May 26, 5PM out of Leith.

IN

Museum on the Mound 

Gin tasting

OUT

Jupiter Artland

Gillie Dhu

 

I grew up with Celtic music, any venue suggestions?

 

Depending on where the ship docks, I think we'll drop our bags and head over to the Royal Yacht.

[fruitmachine]

23 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

I grew up with Celtic music, any venue suggestions?

Sandy Bells (https://sandybells.com/)

 

1 hour ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Anything historical

I frequently recommend both The Georgian House (https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/georgian-house) and Gladstone's Land (https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/gladstones-land).  If you think you might be up for visiting other National Trust for Scotland locations, then sign-up for a membership.  NTS membership also gets you into National Trust (the England, Wales & Northern Ireland equivalent) for free.  See https://www.nts.org.uk/membership/explore-the-world-with-membership for all reciprocals and US membership.

 

If limited for time, try Holyrood Palace in preference to the Castle

 

On 12/5/2023 at 3:11 PM, highplanesdrifters said:

Any favorite hidden gem activities also appreciated.

If you're near, drop into Dundas House, the Royal Bank of Scotland's fanciest

branch, and look up at the ceiling. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/hY1r13tFVL7zc5Pn6)

 

Try the Cafe Royal for lunch (round the corner from Dundas House): https://www.caferoyaledinburgh.com/

 

Have a wander in Old Calton Burial Ground (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Calton_Burial_Ground)

 

On 12/5/2023 at 3:11 PM, highplanesdrifters said:

Looking for hotel recommendations in Edinburgh. 

As edinburgher said, there are a huge range of hotels in every price bracket.  But if you come back with a shortlist of a few potential ones, I'm sure we could comment on location and any known issues. 

 

Don't necessarily limit yourself to the immediate city centre.  The bus service in Edinburgh (https://www.lothianbuses.com/using-the-bus/visitor-guide/) is cheap, clean, (pretty) reliable & frequent, and easy to use.  There's also the tram (https://edinburghtrams.com/) - a single line running from the Airport to Newhaven, and which passes the Cruise Terminal in Leith.  DAYtickets work across both the tram and buses. 

[highplanesdrifters]

3 hours ago, fruitmachine said:

Sandy Bells (https://sandybells.com/)

 

I frequently recommend both The Georgian House (https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/georgian-house) and Gladstone's Land (https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/gladstones-land).  If you think you might be up for visiting other National Trust for Scotland locations, then sign-up for a membership.  NTS membership also gets you into National Trust (the England, Wales & Northern Ireland equivalent) for free.  See https://www.nts.org.uk/membership/explore-the-world-with-membership for all reciprocals and US membership.

 

If limited for time, try Holyrood Palace in preference to the Castle

 

If you're near, drop into Dundas House, the Royal Bank of Scotland's fanciest

branch, and look up at the ceiling. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/hY1r13tFVL7zc5Pn6)

 

Try the Cafe Royal for lunch (round the corner from Dundas House): https://www.caferoyaledinburgh.com/

 

Have a wander in Old Calton Burial Ground (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Calton_Burial_Ground)

 

As edinburgher said, there are a huge range of hotels in every price bracket.  But if you come back with a shortlist of a few potential ones, I'm sure we could comment on location and any known issues. 

 

Don't necessarily limit yourself to the immediate city centre.  The bus service in Edinburgh (https://www.lothianbuses.com/using-the-bus/visitor-guide/) is cheap, clean, (pretty) reliable & frequent, and easy to use.  There's also the tram (https://edinburghtrams.com/) - a single line running from the Airport to Newhaven, and which passes the Cruise Terminal in Leith.  DAYtickets work across both the tram and buses. 

Seriously excellent info.  Thanks much.  Will dig into all of this.

[edinburgher]

On 12/7/2023 at 9:40 PM, highplanesdrifters said:

Seriously excellent info.  Thanks much.  Will dig into all of this.

fruitmachine has given you some good recommendations.  The dome in the main banking hall of the RBS (Dundas House)in St Andrew Square is pretty and worth a quck look but as a place of business it is only open during banking hours and you can check these online.This is actually what I would term "a hidden gem". Tthe former Bank of Scotland next door to the right had a rather lovely freize around the main banking hall.  Architectural groups used to visit both buildings. No longer a bank it is now Gleneagles Townhouse, a private club.

 

Not a 2 minute walk from there is The Great Hall of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery on Queen St and that really is worth more than a few minutes as it is quite beautiful with a stunning freize running around it. From the entrance door, go up the staircase for best views. From there you can also walk around it. We have often taken guests to view it. With free entry, you have no need to explore the rest of the building should you have no interest in art, but do try to look in just for the glorious freize.

 

And a max 3 minute walk from both buildings on St Andrew Square, find West Register St, tucked behind a tiny section of Princess St opposite the Balmoral Hotel..  There you will find the Cafe Royal (fruitmachine already mentioned it)and the Guildford Arms, both bar/dining venues with wonderful interiors conveniently next door to each other.  These are not at all "hidden" as they featuture in many guides and are popular.

 

If you find yourself up on the Royal Mile beside St Giles Cathedral on Parliament Square, do enter #11, Parliament Hall/House to view the magnificent stained glass window. (The Great Window) Again, not "hidden" but as it is within a working courthouse, not too many visitors know it is open to the public with free entry but only during court hours, so you can check these online.There will be much about it online if you google The Great Window Parliament House Edinburgh. We have visited a few times with guests and it was not at all busy.

 

Now a word of warning.  Your dates actually coincide with the main UK Spring Bank Holiday weekend.  A couple of the above recommendations will be closed on Monday 27th which may mean viewing them on the Friday you arrive. (I do not know if the courthouse will be open or closed but the RBS certainly will be.)  and as Edinburgh is hugely popular for weekend and short breaks, a holiday weekend will usually bring more visitors than usual so town will be even busier than it usually is..  And hotel prices could well be higher too.

 

On a first visit you probably won't have time for an out of town sight, but again it very much depends on your interests.  Rosslyn Chapel.  (google it) You can catch a local bus from the centre  to within a couple of minutes walk of it. Some folks travel from other countries specially to visit it so no way is it even remotely "hidden".

 

The Old Calton Burial Ground mentioned by fruitmachine, has a memorial to the American Civil War featuring Abe Lincoln, I think the only one outside of the USA.  When you reach the top of the staircase walk directly forward and you will come to it as it has a prominent position.  That graveyard is only one of several historic graveyards in Edinburgh, there are even books published whitch describe them and explain where within them  to find either the most interesting/unusual gravestones or those of the most famous people.  We found a few there but quite difficult to describe locations.  At the top of the entrance staircase, turn sharp left and walk back in the direction of Waterloo Place to the corner almost above the entrance.  Look at some of the ones placed there..Again, "graveyard exploring" is not "hidden" but depending on your interests......But that could be for a future visit when you have more time to explore.

 

And if you are a "Potter", Greyfriars Kirk graveyard is where JK got most of her inspiration for the names of charchters in her books.

 

We are actually fans of graveyard exploring as the stones can be a fascinating insight to the fashions and superstitions of the times. LOL we actually have one of those "Graveyards of Edinburgh guide books". Not sure what that says about us.😀

Edited December 9, 2023 by edinburgher