100 Princes Street

Hotel review

Created from what was a decaying old building on Edinburgh's main thoroughfare, 100 Princes Street is a triumphant re-imagining of what was once the HQ for the Overseas League. The owners, independent Red Carnation Hotels, have stayed true to the building's past whilst also ensuring a fabulous new five-star addition to the city's hotel scene.

There has been no expense spared and the interiors are simply stunning. Think bespoke hand-painted murals evoking the property's history, custom-made furnishings, rich and moody colour schemes and beautiful tartans which have been created especially for the hotel by top Scottish Designer, Araminta Campbell (many of which clad the walls too). Rooms and suites are all different, but the feel throughout is of elegant sophistication without being stuffy in any way. Bathrooms are equally decadent: all clad in marble with rain showers (some with deep soaking bath tubs or both) plus embossed towels and signature Red Carnation toiletries. Many rooms boast a fireplace for cosy evenings in, and there's even a Terrace Suite for your private outdoor space. But if you can, reserve a room at the front for those epic castle views!

The Wallace, a hybrid bar/lounge/restaurant, is the hotel hub. And with extraordinary views over Princes Street Gardens to Edinburgh Castle, it's a space (filled with tartan, leather and velvet-clad deep sofas and chairs, custom-made furnishings and nods to the building's heritage) that you can easily while away the day in if the weather's bad or you simply want to relax. The menu is filled with hearty traditional classics, a good mix of quick bites and more refined dishes. However, if you want a special meal, book the Ghillie's Pantry for a "Taste of Scotland" experience. You'll enjoy gourmet dishes created from the finest local and seasonal ingredients, in a room where you're surrounded by a seriously impressive whisky collection — definitely a space for the true connoisseur!

Last but not least, the staff are as impressive as the property — friendly, efficient, knowledgeable; they are an asset to the hotel.

100 Princes Street may be a new addition to Edinburgh's luxury hotel scene, but it has garnered plenty of high praise from the critics and it's not hard to see why. Put simply, if you're looking for an intimate luxury stay, with stunning interiors in a prime location, you've found it!

Sarah Empson