Edinburgh is awash with tourists, theatre-goers, day-trippers and residents enjoying everything Scotland’s capital has to offer.
And the streets around the country’s largest theatre, The Playhouse, are always a hive of activity.
Yet just a stone’s throw away is The Glasshouse, a quiet gem of a hotel and one that provides guests with a stunning World Heritage Site backdrop.
In 2003, the 172-year-old Lady Glenorchy Church was converted into a now five-star boutique hotel in the heart of the city.
Disguised by the original entrance, guests are greeted by staff in the modern reception (complete with the hotel’s own tartan), where they can choose from the Signature, Autograph, Calton Hill or Terraced rooms or opt for a more luxurious stay in one of the suites.
Ashlie Mcanally checks into the Glasshouse hotel (pictured) – a ‘beautiful conversion of an old church, with thoughtful luxury throughout’
She says: ‘The suites have king-sized beds and a welcoming dram of whisky relating to the suite’s name’
The 77 rooms include Elemis toiletries that guests can use to pamper themselves, an added luxurious touch to any stay.
Calton Hill rooms and suites give guests direct access to the rooftop garden with a sitting area and spectacular views.
All rooms include wi-fi and smart TVs, as well as complimentary tea, Nespresso coffee and mini-bar, a digital newspaper and magazine app.
For added luxury, suites have king-sized beds and a dram of whisky relating to the suite’s name.
The garden is a popular spot for weddings, after which newlyweds can take advantage of a complimentary honeymoon stay in one of a number hotels owned by parent company YTL.
Ashlie says: ‘To maximise the adventure, guests can enjoy the hotel’s whisky experience with a flight of our national drink expertly selected from more than 200 bottles’
Ashlie writes: ‘Visit Edinburgh Castle and surrounding tourist attractions or take a refreshing walk up Arthur’s Seat.’ Nightly rates at The Glasshouse start from £200 a room
To maximise the adventure, guests can enjoy the hotel’s whisky experience with a flight of our national drink expertly selected from more than 200 bottles, and a food platter in the hotel’s Snug bar as part of the stay, as well as breakfast the following morning.
For those looking to learn more, the Johnnie Walker Experience is a short walk away on Princes Street, with a flavour tour and the chance to visit the 1820 rooftop bar for unbeatable views of Edinburgh Castle.
As well as whisky, The Glasshouse has partnered with The Botanist gin over the summer to create a relaxing rooftop bar, making the hotel a luxurious base to enjoy everything that Edinburgh has to offer, from cheap eats to Michelin-star restaurants, high end theatre shows and basement comedy clubs.
Visit Edinburgh Castle and surrounding tourist attractions or take a refreshing walk up Arthur’s Seat before returning to the tranquillity of The Glasshouse and its friendly staff.
