Hotel du Vin
When looking for a hotel in a new city, my favorite tip is to always search for unique boutique hotels. That’s exactly what I found in Hotel du Vin Edinburgh! In a city as historical as Edinburgh, I knew I wanted to vacation close to the hustle and bustle of the Old Town. Staying at Hotel du Vin, I was able to walk to all the most significant attractions I wanted to see. Furthermore, this hotel had an extremely comfy and quaint character, with each of its 47 distinctive rooms decorated to make you feel like you’re right at home. I highly recommend staying at the Hotel du Vin, whether this is your first or fiftieth time in Scotland. It’s the perfect getaway for you and your significant other–after all, Edinburgh is one of the most romantic places in the U.K.!
When you enter the hotel, you’ll immediately understand why Scotland is often voted one of the friendliest countries in the world. Even before checking in, the staff provided me with great recommendations on how to pass the afternoon. You’ll notice that the decor is Scottish as it could be, with adorable tartan patterns embellishing the rooms. In line with the hotel being “du vin”, each room is named after a different type of wine. Mine was called the “Veuve Cliquot“! If all of this talk of wine has you wanting a glass (or two), make sure to check out the Hotel du Vin Bar. With wine being a particular passion of this establishment, the staff are incredibly knowledgeable on the subject and will help you to find your perfect wine or cocktail.
The rooms
I couldn’t believe how spacious my suite at the Hotel du Vin was. Especially after just having been in London, I was super impressed by the layout. We had plenty of room for all of our suitcases and souvenirs, plus even a bathtub with a view! Each luxury accommodation at this hotel includes a sleigh bed, Egyptian cotton bed linens, and a monsoon shower. One thing you may want to keep in mind when visiting the Hotel du Vin is that the rooms on the upper floors involve lots of stairs. For this reason, you’ll want to request that your luggage be brought up to your room. If you have a problem with stairs, mention this before your stay. I’m sure the Hotel du Vin would do everything they could to put you in the most suitable room.
I loved being able to explore nearby sites such as the University of Edinburgh or the National Museum of Scotland. For my first time in the city, I don’t think the location could’ve been better. Being able to stay in and get a feel for the Old Town was truly spectacular. I mean, come on, look at the view of Edinburgh from the bathtub! Sometimes the architecture surrounding Hotel du Vin made me feel like I was in a different world.
Dining
Is there anything better than staying at a hotel with a gorgeous breakfast? In particular, I find that this meal can make or break my day when traveling. Thanks to Hotel du Vin, each of my mornings in Edinburgh were filled with coffee and yummy pastries. When you walk down to the breakfast area, there’s a buffet area with yogurt, cereal, and various spreads. Furthermore, you’ll be able to order a main dish from the menu. I couldn’t resist the poached egg and avocado toast.
Although I personally only experienced breakfast at the bistro, I’ve heard great reviews of the lunch and dinner options there as well. The Hotel du Vin also offers afternoon tea, which I think would be fun to try. If you’re treating yourself, you can also try the spa and afternoon tea package. I guess I’ll have to keep this in mind for the next time I visit!
For a lovely evening experience, the hotel also offers al fresco dining. A glass of wine and enjoying a meal in the warmer weather sounds like the perfect romantic date for me!
A vow to return
When I booked my trip to Edinburgh, I didn’t have high expectations just because I didn’t know much about the city. After spending four days there, it has quickly become one of my favorite places I’ve ever been to. I think Hotel du Vin Edinburgh played a considerable part in this, making sure that I had the most comfortable stay possible. Thank you, Hotel du Vin, for the beautiful introduction to Scotland. I will be back soon!
Ready to book your room at the Hotel du Vin Edinburgh? Click here.
The Hotel du Vin Edinburgh hosted me for two nights in exchange for this review (one night complimentary, one night at a media rate). As always, all opinions are my own.